Is this car a Firebird Formula?
#1
Is this car a Firebird Formula?
I just got this car. Traded a Mustang LX 5.0 for it. The old owner claims its a Formula. I looked at some of the pictures and it does not have the right hood. Also has 15 rims and a Lo3 TBI engine. 5speed though! Just wondered. I dont know if you can see back the ground effect on the door has a chunk out of it. Who/where should I try to find a replacement part?
Thanks a lot!
Thanks a lot!
#5
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Car: 1984 Camaro 'Vert
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
It looks almost exactly like my car originally did. It looks like it had one of the appearance packages that caused some people to mistakenly think it was a Formula. I forget the name of the package... but it wasn't anything too special.
Really nice looking ride though! Repair that door and it should look great.
Really nice looking ride though! Repair that door and it should look great.
#6
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
1) The formula never had the appearance package. W63???
All third Gen formulas had the following:
- "Power" Bulge hood
- 16" Wheels
- Aero Spoiler (Wrap around type)
I have been in some heated debates about this...
2) The Formula was NOT available with
- 15" Wheels
- Ground FX
John
All third Gen formulas had the following:
- "Power" Bulge hood
- 16" Wheels
- Aero Spoiler (Wrap around type)
I have been in some heated debates about this...
2) The Formula was NOT available with
- 15" Wheels
- Ground FX
John
#7
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Car: 91' bird(WS6>>305TBI), 82'Regal
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
1) The formula never had the appearance package. W63???
All third Gen formulas had the following:
- "Power" Bulge hood
- 16" Wheels
- Aero Spoiler (Wrap around type)
I have been in some heated debates about this...
2) The Formula was NOT available with
- 15" Wheels
- Ground FX
John
All third Gen formulas had the following:
- "Power" Bulge hood
- 16" Wheels
- Aero Spoiler (Wrap around type)
I have been in some heated debates about this...
2) The Formula was NOT available with
- 15" Wheels
- Ground FX
John
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#8
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Car: 1984 Camaro 'Vert
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
1) The formula never had the appearance package. W63???
All third Gen formulas had the following:
- "Power" Bulge hood
- 16" Wheels
- Aero Spoiler (Wrap around type)
I have been in some heated debates about this...
2) The Formula was NOT available with
- 15" Wheels
- Ground FX
John
All third Gen formulas had the following:
- "Power" Bulge hood
- 16" Wheels
- Aero Spoiler (Wrap around type)
I have been in some heated debates about this...
2) The Formula was NOT available with
- 15" Wheels
- Ground FX
John
#10
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Car: 1988 SC Convertible
Engine: LT-1
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi w/PBR's
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
Nope, not a Formula. It's just a base model W68 like mine used to be.
#11
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Car: 91 Trans Am
Engine: LSA
Transmission: T56 AWD
Axle/Gears: 8.8 4.10
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
Base model
Insurance and resale companies labeled and base with the LO3 a Formula even when they were not. Top engine for the base was the LO3, base engine for the Formula was the LO3. I made the same mistake when i first got my bird
Insurance and resale companies labeled and base with the LO3 a Formula even when they were not. Top engine for the base was the LO3, base engine for the Formula was the LO3. I made the same mistake when i first got my bird
#13
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Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
1987 - 1989
ENGINES
Firebird
S - V6 2.8L
O - 5.0L TBI LO3 (4BBL LG4 1987)
FORMULA & Trans Am
S - 5.0L TBI LO3 (4BBL LG4 1987)
O - 5.0L TPI LB9
O - 5.7L TPI L98
GTA
S - 5.7L TPI L98
O - 5.0L TPI LB9
1990 - 1992
ENGINES
Firebird
S - V6 3.1L
O - 5.0L TBI LO3
FORMULA & Trans Am
S - 5.0L TBI LO3
O - 5.0L TPI LB9
O - 5.7L TPI L98
Trans Am
O - 5.0L TBI LO3 (EXPORTED MODELS ONLY)
S - 5.0L TPI LB9
O - 5.7L TPI L98
GTA
S - 5.7L TPI L98
O - 5.0L TPI LB9
John
ENGINES
Firebird
S - V6 2.8L
O - 5.0L TBI LO3 (4BBL LG4 1987)
FORMULA & Trans Am
S - 5.0L TBI LO3 (4BBL LG4 1987)
O - 5.0L TPI LB9
O - 5.7L TPI L98
GTA
S - 5.7L TPI L98
O - 5.0L TPI LB9
1990 - 1992
ENGINES
Firebird
S - V6 3.1L
O - 5.0L TBI LO3
FORMULA & Trans Am
S - 5.0L TBI LO3
O - 5.0L TPI LB9
O - 5.7L TPI L98
Trans Am
O - 5.0L TBI LO3 (EXPORTED MODELS ONLY)
S - 5.0L TPI LB9
O - 5.7L TPI L98
GTA
S - 5.7L TPI L98
O - 5.0L TPI LB9
John
#14
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Car: 91' bird(WS6>>305TBI), 82'Regal
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
>>>>>>>>> Is the TRUE answer on the chassis? <<<<<<<<<<<
Last edited by bitchin_buick; 07-21-2009 at 04:38 PM.
#15
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
Your car may actually be a Formula with ground effects that were added by another owner. you would have to look at your RPO sheet to make sure... The nose is a Formula, as is the hood and spoiler... look for WS6 or W66 (Formula pkg)
John
John
#16
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Car: 91' bird(WS6>>305TBI), 82'Regal
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
Did not find the RPO/Build sheet. However, under the Map Holder (where the glove box would be) There is a banner that says "PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION".<<< Never noticed that before. John, thank you for your help...
#17
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Car: 1991 Formula Firebird
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Auto
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
On my 91 Formula the RPO sticker is attached to the bottom of the locking lid of that glovebox like compartment on the driverside rear of the car.
#18
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Car: 2002 Formula
Engine: 5.7 LS1
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
If it is a spoiler guy spent some money trying to diguse it. Hood, wheels, rear spoiler, ground effects. Trans am maybe? Maybe the rear hatch has been changed. What does the title say, and make sure the vin numbers match.
#19
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Car: 91' bird(WS6>>305TBI), 82'Regal
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
>> Bingo<< I checked in that compartment before, but not on the lid of it! Thank you very much! Confirmed WS6 & W66 on factory sticker. Got pics of your bird to post up Lee?
#20
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Car: 84 Trans Am
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.73 factory
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
for the rpo number i here alot of locations correct me if im wrong. Inside the glove box. on the door. or on the back driverside compartment (the compartment were u get to ur rear markerlights)?
#22
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Car: 84 Trans Am
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.73 factory
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
hum well the rear was stripped dont know what glove box that was or is???
and the center counsle is not original so i take it the rpo is lost??? if so how can i tell what this car is for sure ALL body, interior ,and engine have been replaced the vin tells me its a base model "fs" i think, but is it a base model or formula? it did come with gold honeycomb rims dont know if that matters. so is there any way to find the history of my bird?
and the center counsle is not original so i take it the rpo is lost??? if so how can i tell what this car is for sure ALL body, interior ,and engine have been replaced the vin tells me its a base model "fs" i think, but is it a base model or formula? it did come with gold honeycomb rims dont know if that matters. so is there any way to find the history of my bird?
#23
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,242
Received 170 Likes
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125 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
You can measure the front sway bars. if it is 36mm then it has the WS6 suspension, it can be added to any car... No Base firebird had the WS6, only the Formula and GTA had WS6 standard, and the TA, WS6 was an option.
#24
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,242
Received 170 Likes
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125 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
I guess I should let you know that the "FS" on 87 & after cars would indicate either a Formula or a Firebird. The Formula was an option for the base firebird. Likewise "FW" would indicate a Trans Am, and the GTA, where the GTA was an option on the TA.
john
john
#25
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Car: 84 Trans Am
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.73 factory
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
i did another method a carfax was done on my car and found the first owner. Contacted him and found out it was a formula special ordered wit wrap around spoiler ground effects and power hood so wo ho!
#27
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Car: Recaro Option T/A
Engine: 305 Tuned Port Injection
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3:27 Borg Warner
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
The sailbird emblem (instead of decal) intrigues me a bit.
#28
Member
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
As far as i know the 3rd gen Formula was never offered wit the GFX and 15 inch wheels.
They came with wrap around spoiler
Bulge hood
And 16 inch wheels but did come in either an LO3, LB9 or L98
They came with wrap around spoiler
Bulge hood
And 16 inch wheels but did come in either an LO3, LB9 or L98
#29
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Car: 1978 Chevrolet impala
Engine: 350ci 300hp/356tq pace crate
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Yukon posi
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
I'd prefer the 15" rims to be honest, tires are prolly cheaper.
#33
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Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 5.0L V8
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
I knew some things were missing lol. But the only real way to tell is the build sheet right? because base and formula both have S as trans am and GTA have the W. Correct?
#34
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Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
The SPID will tell you if it was a Formula.
But, if the VIN is 1G2FS and the 8th digit is F or 8, then it is a Formula because the base Firebird wasn't offered with either TPI motor. If the 8th is S or T it is for sure not a Formula because the Formy wasn't offered with a V-6. If the 8th is E or H, then you have to look elsewhere as the LG4 and L03 were the base engine for the Formula and the upgrade motor for the base.
But, if the VIN is 1G2FS and the 8th digit is F or 8, then it is a Formula because the base Firebird wasn't offered with either TPI motor. If the 8th is S or T it is for sure not a Formula because the Formy wasn't offered with a V-6. If the 8th is E or H, then you have to look elsewhere as the LG4 and L03 were the base engine for the Formula and the upgrade motor for the base.
#37
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Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 5.0L V8
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
#40
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,242
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125 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
From the pix, it appears (appears) to be a formula, the hood is a Formula hood and the hatch was a Formula or trans Am Hatch... It is missing the spoiler...
Honestly, the car is rough... Being a 305 4BBL, it is priced about right... Not too much there to work with, you will need a new dash pad, spoiler, door window wipes are shot (common) missing radio pod bezel, style #86 wheels are not doing it for me, Although they are True directional wheels. The front left fender is damaged, looks like an incident with a ditch, rust on rear wheel wells, and the clear coat is either pealing off, or someone sprayed it with flat black to hide something.
The nice thing is is you get a 5 speed (fun to drive) the 4bbl I think is LESS problematic than the TPI, BUT I still prefer TPI. The car has the "Custom" interior, with the molded style door panels...
John
Honestly, the car is rough... Being a 305 4BBL, it is priced about right... Not too much there to work with, you will need a new dash pad, spoiler, door window wipes are shot (common) missing radio pod bezel, style #86 wheels are not doing it for me, Although they are True directional wheels. The front left fender is damaged, looks like an incident with a ditch, rust on rear wheel wells, and the clear coat is either pealing off, or someone sprayed it with flat black to hide something.
The nice thing is is you get a 5 speed (fun to drive) the 4bbl I think is LESS problematic than the TPI, BUT I still prefer TPI. The car has the "Custom" interior, with the molded style door panels...
John
#41
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Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 5.0L V8
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
From the pix, it appears (appears) to be a formula, the hood is a Formula hood and the hatch was a Formula or trans Am Hatch... It is missing the spoiler...
Honestly, the car is rough... Being a 305 4BBL, it is priced about right... Not too much there to work with, you will need a new dash pad, spoiler, door window wipes are shot (common) missing radio pod bezel, style #86 wheels are not doing it for me, Although they are True directional wheels. The front left fender is damaged, looks like an incident with a ditch, rust on rear wheel wells, and the clear coat is either pealing off, or someone sprayed it with flat black to hide something.
The nice thing is is you get a 5 speed (fun to drive) the 4bbl I think is LESS problematic than the TPI, BUT I still prefer TPI. The car has the "Custom" interior, with the molded style door panels...
John
Honestly, the car is rough... Being a 305 4BBL, it is priced about right... Not too much there to work with, you will need a new dash pad, spoiler, door window wipes are shot (common) missing radio pod bezel, style #86 wheels are not doing it for me, Although they are True directional wheels. The front left fender is damaged, looks like an incident with a ditch, rust on rear wheel wells, and the clear coat is either pealing off, or someone sprayed it with flat black to hide something.
The nice thing is is you get a 5 speed (fun to drive) the 4bbl I think is LESS problematic than the TPI, BUT I still prefer TPI. The car has the "Custom" interior, with the molded style door panels...
John
#42
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
1) The formula never had the appearance package. W63???
All third Gen formulas had the following:
- "Power" Bulge hood
- 16" Wheels
- Aero Spoiler (Wrap around type)
I have been in some heated debates about this...
2) The Formula was NOT available with
- 15" Wheels
- Ground FX
John
All third Gen formulas had the following:
- "Power" Bulge hood
- 16" Wheels
- Aero Spoiler (Wrap around type)
I have been in some heated debates about this...
2) The Formula was NOT available with
- 15" Wheels
- Ground FX
John
#44
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,242
Received 170 Likes
on
125 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
(The exception is the 1988-1989 Notchback GTA got the standard spoiler.
John
#50
Re: Is this car a Firebird Formula?
You just need to open the center console lid, which is hinged, and on the inside wall of the console is the SPID sticker that is black and white. If it's not there, it may have been removed. An alternative location is on the backside of the locking storage compartment in the driver's rear but it shouldn't be there if the car is a 1989.