Al Mc

I am about to buy what is billed as an 88 Formula. As I researched the VIN the it shows an S for Firebird, not W for Formula. Can someone help me with which is correct. My email is amcgough@centurytel.net.

thanks Al

ND4SPD86

iTrader: (1)

I think S was for Firebirds and Formulas and W was for Trans Ams. Wait a few minuts and some that knows for sure will be along.

82taluver

Im no expert but im pretty sure the vin number cannot iidentify a base bird from a formula. The S is for firebirds and the W is for Trans-am. You must find the RPO sheet usually found in the center console or rear storage compartment lid. I used to have an 88 formula. I can tell you a formula should have a power buldge hood, 16 in concave rims, ws6 suspension w/the plaque on the pass. lower dash. Also a wrap around aero wing and for 1988 i believe also diff color lower body trim . Dont be surprised to find rear drum brakes either as mine had them. good luck you will be happy with it.

okfoz

Both the Formula and the Firebird used the "S"... IE 1G2FS... was the beginning of all formulas and Firebirds from 1987 - 1992

The 8th Digit however can tell you a little, If the engine code is an S (87-89) or a T (90-92) then it was a V6 and it is NOT a Formula. If the engine code is an H (1987 LG4) or E (1988 - 1992 LO3) then you cannot tell what it was originally as both the firebird (optional) and Formula (Standard) used the engine. BUT if you have a F (LB9) or an 8 (L98) then it IS definately a Formula as these engines were only available on the Formula and NA on the Firebird.

The Formula was a Base firebird with the WS6 suspension, 16" Wheels, quick ratio steering box, Large 36mm Front and 24mm rear Sway Bars, Aero Spoiler and "Power Buldge hood".

The neat thing is they are lighter than the Trans Am & GTA, and they tend to handle slightly better because of it. Its probably minor however.

John

Al Mc

Thanks for all the helq! It is an 8 Code, so is definately a Formula

okfoz

Make sure the 8 is not the check digit Thats the 9th digit.

So..
1 = USA
G = GM
2 = Pontiac
F = (F-body)
S = Firebird or Formula
2 = 2 Door Hatchback 3 = Convertible
1 = Manual seat Belts, 3 = Airbag
8 = L98 (350), F = LB9 (TPI 305), H = Lg4, E=LO3, S=LB8 etc...
X = Check digit,
H = 1987, J = 1988, K=1989, L=1990, M=1991, N=1992
N = Norwood, L = Van Nuys
2 = Pontiac
12345 = Sequence number

Wow and I did that from memory... I wonder if I missed anything.

John

Lampropeltis

What exactly is the "check digit" and what can it tell you?

okfoz

THe check digit is a character which is calculated from the rest of the VIN. Each Letter is assigned a value, A=1 B=2 etc and once the numbers are added up they are divided by IIRC 11, and then you take the remainder from your answer and calculate the Check Digit. Its a PITA to do by hand.

JOhn

RPM WOT L 98

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, the check digit is a fun idea. What was the purpose for it? Some sort of authenticity?

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

Yeah, it makes it so you can't just change a single number in the VIN and still have a valid VIN. I know when I was trying to get quotes from my insurance company their computer would tell me the VIN was invalid when I would try the different engines.

okfoz

Exactly, as the name would imply its a check to make sure that the rest of the VIN is correct. It was probably intended as a check for DMV, Insurance companies, etc. to make sure that the VIN was not written down incorrectly. I really do not see any other purpose, espeically since anyone can use a $1 calculator and figure it out, granted there are so many numbers that getting it wrong is not hard as even thru my program figuring out where I went wrong is really easy.

What is really interesting is if you go to CARFAX and get the CORRECT Check digit with the correct sequence number they will ask "Did you mean..." As when I was doing some research on Norwood cars I accidently figured the check digit for a Van Nuys car and it asked me the question. BUT if you get the check digit wrong it comes back as invalid, no options.