My new 1987 Firebird GTA

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Hello everyone I just bought a 1987 Firebird GTA and wanted to get on a forum so I could get ideas and help on the car! The car needs some love and a little work before i can drive it. It needs a new torque converter, battery, front tires, and a cat (plus whatever else is broken that I haven't found yet). Here are some pictures (I'll get better pictures later today)
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[popo8]

Welcome to the site! In the past few years I have also added the TPI engine to one of my favs (after the LTX of course, lol). But my vette (1985 TPI) has proven itself as a MULE, that wont give up (Im sure I just jinxed myself).

LOVE THE 3rd Gens as well, and look forward to seeing more from you.

Is the car a 305, or 350.....? TELL US MORE, and again.... WELCOME!

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Thank you! And it has a 5.7L V8 (350). It has quite a bit of power!! I'm already in love with the car and I've only had it for a week!! It has an aftermarket exhaust that is a bit obnoxious and the interior needs some love! But in a couple paychecks it should be a good looking, drivable car!

[Fastbird]

Good looking car man! Unfortunately, I don't believe it's a GTA. The GTA's didn't get the fender vents and had nose and fender badging denoting such, and a WS6 badge on the rear bumper. You've got what looks like a standard T/A. Nothing to be snubbed though, just a different trim package. Like I said, car looks great and the torque of those TPI motors makes them a LOT of fun.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Darn really? I should have known. The guys I got it from seemed pretty shady. Oh well, I traded my Fiero for it which was in way worse condition. I'd say I got the better end of the deal.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/12/a3ymy3un.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/12/a2emusy9.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/12/6y6e3eve.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/12/a8uhezer.jpg

[1987FirebirdGTA]

The guys I bought it from said it had a cat, and that everything was mechanically sound. Next day I look for the cat and I see a hole where one use to be. And then I try to drive it and the torque converter is bad. I don't know why I believed them! Stupid

[JCzNova]

:welcome_ltxtech:

What makes you say the torque converter is bad?

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I tried pulling it into the garage the day after I got it and it won't disengage from any of the gears. It felt like I was driving a manuel without a clutch. I had to throw it in neutral to keep it from stalling and dying.

[firebird_1995]

Welcome! Great looking car, GTA or not!
Also, are you making love to that fiero in that first pic?

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Haha that's actually my friend who is the closest thing I have to a car model. That is his seductive model pose

[firebird_1995]

Well he did a hell of a job!

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I'll have to bring him back for a firebird shoot (;

[popo8]

Haha that's actually my friend who is the closest thing I have to a car model. That is his seductive model pose

lol.... we need to introduce u to some chicks.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[popo8]

he must be fun to hang with tho!

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Haha I'll get my girlfriend to do the next shoot. I'm sure she would love that! Not

[ZOHAN]

Good looking car man, I have an 87 thats the same factory paint color, mine looks horrible right now and is waiting for the current project to get done before anything happens with it.

Making you silky smooth...

[Fastbird]

I love that body style Fiero. Always wanted one for a V8 swap.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Mine had a V8 swap. Cadillac 4.9L V8. The thing was quick because it was completely stripped! It weighed nothing!

[BaddAss93TA]

good looking car man! welcome!

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Here are some new pictures. Freshly waxed!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/12/veny9azu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/12/saby5e2u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/12/ema8y4a9.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/12/tehynaju.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/12/5edy5u6e.jpg

[popo8]

Man that looks great... personally I would find some stock basket wheels (the 16" ones) and call it a day (with some interior love of course).

Ive always loved the look of the baskets.

[popo8]

Mine had a V8 swap. Cadillac 4.9L V8. The thing was quick because it was completely stripped! It weighed nothing!

Thats awesome... wanted to build an LT1 fiero for the site racecar before.... but to many liabilities.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Man that looks great... personally I would find some stock basket wheels (the 16" ones) and call it a day (with some interior love of course).

Ive always loved the look of the baskets.

I would love to get some stock rims. Unfortunately the car needs so much that the rims are going to have to wait ):

[popo8]

I would love to get some stock rims. Unfortunately the car needs so much that the rims are going to have to wait ):

I just saw some for sale on CL also..... Make it so man...its your project, just post up pics of progress....

[jaysz2893]

Welcome I too have an 87 trans am. It is all apart now and getting a vette l98 put in place of the 305. I have a set of rear black basket 16 rims I'm not going to use. Anyway good luck with the car!

peepin in yo windowz

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I get a paycheck on Friday and hope to get a torque converter from o'reillys and install it over the weekend. And if I have leftover money I want to register it.

[popo8]

I get a paycheck on Friday and hope to get a torque converter from o'reillys and install it over the weekend. And if I have leftover money I want to register it.

Are u just gonna get a stock verter or a stall...

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I was planning on just getting stock. Thoughts?

[popo8]

I was planning on just getting stock. Thoughts?

You may wanna start a thread about this in the drive train section to get the gurus looking.

But Ive always felt that when something breaks...I need to make it better.... not replace it with the same.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[1987FirebirdGTA]

You may wanna start a thread about this in the drive train section to get the gurus looking.

But Ive always felt that when something breaks...I need to make it better.... not replace it with the same.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

Thank you for your help! I'll start a thread later tonight!

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Can everyone see the photos that I posted today? The new ones?

[popo8]

No...they can not. I will approve them in a moment. Sorry, I did not notice.

[popo8]

should be ok now.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Thank you!

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I decoded the vin number on my car and it turns out that it is in fact a GTA!

[Fastbird]

Sorry but the Vin won't tell you if its a GTA. The GTA was merely a submodel of the Firebird line so it got no special Vin coding. Look for the RPO list sheet, probably in the center console lid or a rear hatch plastic lid....possibly door jamb. Anyway, find the RPO sheet and see if "Y84" is present. If it is, then its a legit GTA.

Posted from my Rooted and ICS'd Rezound

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Sorry but the Vin won't tell you if its a GTA. The GTA was merely a submodel of the Firebird line so it got no special Vin coding. Look for the RPO list sheet, probably in the center console lid or a rear hatch plastic lid....possibly door jamb. Anyway, find the RPO sheet and see if "Y84" is present. If it is, then its a legit GTA.

Posted from my Rooted and ICS'd Rezound

Although it doesn't list that it is a GTA, it does list that it has a 350 in it. In 1987, the only firebird with a 350 in it was the GTA

[firebird_1995]

That's great news man. Congrats!!

[1987FirebirdGTA]

That's great news man. Congrats!!

Thank you!!

[93z28de]

very cool i always wanted a feiro tho lol. Them rims you cleaned them up well man not my kinda rims but there fitting and you know what thats the first time i have ever seen a firebird dash pad be cracked good luck clean car

[Fastbird]

Although it doesn't list that it is a GTA, it does list that it has a 350 in it. In 1987, the only firebird with a 350 in it was the GTA

I'm sorry man, not trying to be a dick. Just trying to make sure you've got good info. The L98 350 did indeed come in the standard TA as well as the Formula models too in 1987. The only true verification is the Y84 RPO code.

Look at the obvious signs. Car has the wrong wheels, wrong front fenders, and wrong color scheme. All GTA's were monotone, not two tone like yours. I've been a big fan of the GTA birds since the early mid 90's when I owned one. I learned a LOT about them.

Posted from my Rooted and ICS'd Rezound

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I'm sorry man, not trying to be a dick. Just trying to make sure you've got good info. The L98 350 did indeed come in the standard TA as well as the Formula models too in 1987. The only true verification is the Y84 RPO code.

Look at the obvious signs. Car has the wrong wheels, wrong front fenders, and wrong color scheme. All GTA's were monotone, not two tone like yours. I've been a big fan of the GTA birds since the early mid 90's when I owned one. I learned a LOT about them.

Posted from my Rooted and ICS'd Rezound

it's not the base model. The vin does tell wether it's a base model or trans am/formula. And it says that it's a trans am/formula. So do you think it is a formula?

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Without the RPO is there any defining characteristics of a base model vs formula vs trans am?

[popo8]

a formula would have a different nose...hood...no gfx, rear bumper...and tail lights...all of which can be swapped tho.

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[93z28de]

that's a trans am buy the look of it the should be a rpo list in the glove box or the rear store box were the lock and key go

[Fastbird]

I don't think it's a Formula. I think you've got a standard Trans Am, and a very clean one at that. Popo hit the nail on the head, the Formula would have the same nose, tail lights, lack of ground effects, spoiler, etc. as a base V6 Firebird.

This is a Legit GTA below. Notice the lack of brake vents behind the front wheels, and the GTA badging above the split line on the fender. ALso note how it's all the same color, ground effects too.

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Now this is your typical 87-90 standard Trans Am. Notice the two tone paint job, the lack of badging, the vents behind the front tires. The body, ground effects, and wraparound spoiler are the same for the Trans Am and GTA with exception to the fender vents.

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Now here's a Formula/Firebird. Note the differences in the nose and the partial cowl hood. These are the dead giveaways as to what the car is.

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[93z28de]

256492565025651this is were your rpo code would be.....hope this helps some

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Getting cleaned out!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/u6umuza8.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/namaryny.jpg

[1987FirebirdGTA]

And I can officially say that it is a trans am! I found a label! Thank you all for the help!

[Fastbird]

Awesome. Curiosity question: How high does your speedometer go? 120 or 140?

[1987FirebirdGTA]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/19/gene3adu.jpg
140 mph

[popo8]

Ahhhh, I miss the red glow of the guages from my old 92.

My vette glows red.. I think all dash lights should be red... so relaxing and evil.

[93z28de]

wonder if the 90-92 camaro 145mph speedo would look good glowing red? and nice trans am dude glad we all could help shes a sexy beast

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Does anyone know what the car should be drawing from the battery when it's off? Mine is drawing .15

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Never mind I found out that the car draws 1.5 when the battery is first connected then drops back down to 0

[popo8]

Did u do up ur TC yet?

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Did u do up ur TC yet?

LTXtech.com is my drug.

Nope, not yet. Need money first. But I get paid next week and I have a list of what I need to get the car running. Hopefully my paycheck will cover all of it!! Here is my list so far:
Torque converter
Smog pump
Battery
Cat
Front tires
Registration
Fix an oil leak (hopefully free)
Make a spare set of keys

I got estimates on all this and it should come out to be around $700. I'll keep you guys updated on parts ordered and when I install them!

[popo8]

Having a plan def helps. Btw..we have some sponsore on the site that may be able to offer u better prices...in case u want to check with them. Do u have emissions where u live?

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Having a plan def helps. Btw..we have some sponsore on the site that may be able to offer u better prices...in case u want to check with them. Do u have emissions where u live?

LTXtech.com is my drug.

I'm all about saving money! And yes I do have emissions here.

[popo8]

PM sent.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Santa came a little early this year (:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/28/yvu6ypez.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/28/5esu8e4y.jpg
I got a medium stall converter and a new battery! Just a couple more parts until it is road ready!

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I'm going to start on the torque converter tomorrow and hopefully be done Friday. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly!

[popo8]

I'm going to start on the torque converter tomorrow and hopefully be done Friday. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly!

Good luck man... guess we know your THanksgiving plans. lol

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Good luck man... guess we know your THanksgiving plans. lol

Haha well I usually wake up a good couple hours before everyone else in my household, and I stay up until at least 3 every night! Figure I might as well use the time to work on the car!

[1987FirebirdGTA]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/29/gedutyqu.jpg
It's up on stands and the converter is about half way out!

[1987FirebirdGTA]

So i disconnected the torque converter from the flywheel. But the torque converter is able to rotate in every gear. Also, when I spin the torque converter it does not spin the drive shaft spindle on the back of the transmission.

Does this mean the torque converter is not seized?
Is this how the torque converter should act? Or is this a new problem?

[93M6Formula]

So i disconnected the torque converter from the flywheel. But the torque converter is able to rotate in every gear. Also, when I spin the torque converter it does not spin the drive shaft spindle on the back of the transmission.

Does this mean the torque converter is not seized?
Is this how the torque converter should act? Or is this a new problem?

That is what it is supposed to do. It will spin no matter what. Can you explain what the trans does again? I'm really hoping the whole thing isn't toast.

Really clean car btw, I had an identical '87 T/A in highschool but mine was a carbed 305. Bought it wrecked and painted it solid maroon.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

So what could be the problem? Something in the transmission?
I'm throwing the tranny back in today but I'm going to leave the cellinoide unplugged to see if that fixes the problem.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

That is what it is supposed to do. It will spin no matter what. Can you explain what the trans does again? I'm really hoping the whole thing isn't toast.

Really clean car btw, I had an identical '87 T/A in highschool but mine was a carbed 305. Bought it wrecked and painted it solid maroon.

I unbolted the torque converter from the engine and it spun freely in every gear. But I thought that if I spun the torque converter by hand that the drive shaft output would spin, but it doesn't. I think that there is something within the transmission that is bad.
If the torque converter test today fails I'm going to assume it's the tranny

[93M6Formula]

I guess I don't fullly understand what the car was doing to warrant a TC problem. Does it act like it's in gear all the time or what?

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I guess I don't fullly understand what the car was doing to warrant a TC problem. Does it act like it's in gear all the time or what?

Ya, the car was driving through the brakes and then dying unless I put it in neutral. Basically felt like I was driving a stick shift without a clutch

[93M6Formula]

Ah I see, that could be TC related then. I was hoping it wasn't the same as the trans in my truck where the forward clutches welded together and it was always in gear and and even started in gear. Park and Neutral didn't exist lol.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Should I swap it out? I can still return the tc I have now since it hasn't been used. Once I put it in I can't take it back. Should I do it?

[93M6Formula]

Should I swap it out? I can still return the tc I have now since it hasn't been used. Once I put it in I can't take it back. Should I do it?

If it were me, I'd take back the that TC, get a higher stall convertor and get the trans rebuilt. Since you're just cruising with the car, i'd get just get a mild stall like a 2500, but you could keep that one you have if you want. TC's don't really go "bad" that often but it can happen. Common practice is to replace the TC when you rebuild a trans so that whatever is left in the old TC doesn't go through the new trans. Since it doesn't sound like the guy you got it from was very truthful, idk that i'd trust the trans.

Kind of up to you I guess, you could put this TC in and see how it acts but then you can't return it. I just have a feeling the trans is toast. FYI, when putting the new TC in, be sure to turn it till it is completely seated on the pump, should feel it pop into place.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I have a new revised plan. I took off the transmission pan and replacing the gasket and oil filter, then while it's open I'm testing the tcc to see if it opens and closes. If it's not the tcc then I'm going to have to start working more shifts to cover the costs of this car!

[popo8]

Hows it goin?

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I thought it was the tcc so today I replaced it and put the car back together. But the car is still trying to drive through the brakes so I'm going to wait until it gets warmer tomorrow and the new transmission oil sets in the pan. I really hope it works! If not I'm going back to the idea of a new torque converter

[popo8]

Keep us posted.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[fullforce]

Can you post a video of what its doing? It might be helpful to help some of the people on here help you diagnose it.

Maybe the brake booster is leaking Vacuum causing a high idle when you push the brake and also taking away the power brakes at the same time? Just a thought it may not even be a transmission issue.
I remember my 88GTA I had (god I miss that car) would want to pull itself just by putting it in gear because the stall speed was so low on the factory converter.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Can you post a video of what its doing? It might be helpful to help some of the people on here help you diagnose it.

Maybe the brake booster is leaking Vacuum causing a high idle when you push the brake and also taking away the power brakes at the same time? Just a thought it may not even be a transmission issue.
I remember my 88GTA I had (god I miss that car) would want to pull itself just by putting it in gear because the stall speed was so low on the factory converter.

Ya I'll post a video tomorrow. Just a few quick facts on what it is doing so maybe you guys can help me
-It will not idle, I have to constantly give it gas to keep it alive (the car has not actually been driven since I got it about a month ago so it is not warmed up)
-I just replaced the tcc because the old one was broke. Tomorrow I'm going to unplug thee tcc completely and see how the car reacts.
-I also replaced the oil filter and pan gasket and put new tranny fluid in
-the service engine soon light comes on
-I'm going to run a couple more tests tomorrow to troubleshoot the problem (anyone know of any troubleshooting tests for a torque converter or transmission?)
-the torque converter seems to act right but I'm no mechanic so that's just a guess (it's a stock converter)

I'll post a video tomorrow but for now does anyone have an idea if what's going on? Thank you for the help!

[fullforce]

Start with the simple things, if the check engine light is on then you should obviously see what the code is. I can't remember witch 2 terminals you jump on the obd connector but I'm sure someone can help you with that or google it. Once you flash the code/codes out then go from there. I'd get it to idle first before doing anything else.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Start with the simple things, if the check engine light is on then you should obviously see what the code is. I can't remember witch 2 terminals you jump on the obd connector but I'm sure someone can help you with that or google it. Once you flash the code/codes out then go from there. I'd get it to idle first before doing anything else.

Does the firebird have a service engine soon and a check engine light?
And I do know how to check the code. I just have to drive it around first because it's a new battery and the codes were cleared when I took the old one out.
Any suggestions on what the problem is while it idles?

[popo8]

i believe the light is one in the same. and i had a chiltons when i had my 92...that told me the count...or blinks the light did on key on to decipher the trouble code.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I have a chiltons as well. Tonight or tomorrow I'm going to put the back up on stands and "drive" the car so that the check engine light comes back on. Then I'll try the codes

[fullforce]

Could be the IAC, timing, fuel pressure regulator, map sensor....just to name a few

[popo8]

If u didn't in do the battery...the code should still be in there. key on it and see if it blinks. BEEN a while since I had a pretty 93...

Just an LTXtech addict

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I replaced the battery so the codes are gone.

[popo8]

I replaced the battery so the codes are gone.

Gotcha

Just an LTXtech addict

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Ya and my dad won't let me drive it around because it's not insured. So we are going to put a couple jack stands under the back and "drive" it in the garage

[popo8]

be careful.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I'll let you know how it goes. I'll videotape it as well so you guys can hear it and maybe have abetted idea about the idle

[popo8]

I'll let you know how it goes. I'll videotape it as well so you guys can hear it and maybe have abetted idea about the idle

Sounds like a great idea,

Just an LTXtech addict

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I worked late and the car is too dang loud to start this late. The video will be up tomorrow!

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I'm looking for a couple parts:
-New face plate for the heater/ radio
-Lifts for the hood and trunk (I'm not sure what the technical term is)
-E brake cables
-I'm missing the box that the headlight motors plugged into that sits at the back right of the engine bay. I'm not sure what it's called though

I found all these parts in stores but they weren't very cheap! I just wanted to see if anyone had some that they would be willing to sell for cheaper on here

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Also the hood is bent up a little at the front so it doesn't sit flush with the headlights:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/14/yvene2yd.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/14/tujaqy5e.jpg

Any ideas on how to fix it?

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Sorry I'm posting so much, I want to get as much done this weekend as I can so I can start driving it!

[firebird_1995]

Sorry I'm posting so much, I want to get as much done this weekend as I can so I can start driving it!

No problem man, its your thread. I would post the parts you're looking for in the sales area in the WTB section. I've always had people hit me up with parts when I've been looking.

[popo8]

the hood is easy, but easy to f up as well. take a wood block, ste it on the rad support in the area closest to where the hood is bent, and slowly and progressivly, put pressure on the end, bending the hood back down. close, check, repeat....

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Went over to my friends house the other night and we found a Trans Am on Forza! Made a pretty accurate version of my car!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/17/yru6aguv.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/17/5a6urusy.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/17/u3yryqas.jpg

I thought it was pretty cool!

[popo8]

that is def cool. Awesome getting to beat on ur car without beatig on ur car. lol

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

I'm trying to figure out my idling problem and wanted to run a couple things by you guys.

I think that the problem may be the fuel pressure which I will check tomorrow.
I got the error codes from the car today by grounding the A and B terminal and got error 54 (Fuel pump circuit fault or Mixture Control (M/C) solenoid fault or Electronic Control Module (ECM) fault/EGR solenoid #2 failure). I think the problem is a fuel pump circuit fault which is why im testing the pressure. Do you agree with this or should I start with something else?

Also today i tried resetting the idle. One of the steps is to unplug the IAC, and when I did it started rattling (the car is not on at this time). Is this normal or is this something that needs to be fixed? Perhaps adding to the idling problem?

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Hey everyone, my car now has a new problem, I took it in to the shop to have a complete inspection so they could give me a list of what's wrong. They seemed to have fixed the torque converter problem but now the engine is making a terrible noise. A loud clunking noise that goes along with the rocker arms. I took the valve covers off last night to make sure everything was tight. And when I turn the car on the rockers all work perfectly. I'm not sure what to do next. Any suggestions?

[popo8]

Any chance you can get us a video to see/hear what you are seeing/hearing?

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Ya I can upload that tonight!

[popo8]

Cool. then we can check it out. If its that noisy get us vid from top and bottom of the engine... drivers and passenger sides... and if you think you know where the sound is coming from....hit that. You can do it all as the same vid, as in a walk around... dont feel like you need to make multiple vids

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Alright, I'll have to make it quick because I really hate running it when it's making thy noise!

[popo8]

Do what u can.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[popo8]

Btw... What did ur mechanic say about the noise

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

He was no help at all. He didn't know what it was and I didn't want to pay him more to look at it

[1987FirebirdGTA]

Sorry it took a little bit longer than expected but here is the clicking noise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llFmKeJIqfQ&feature=youtu.be

[MeanTA]

Sorry it took a little bit longer than expected but here is the clicking noise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llFmKeJIqfQ&feature=youtu.be

Have you checked your rockers to see if one is loose? im on my phone but it kinda sounds like a lifter tick.

[1987FirebirdGTA]

All the rockers are tight, an I called the shop back and they said it was the flex plate making the noise. Does that make sense?