When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
I’m looking at buying this 87 Formula 350 this weekend…. From what I’ve seen between pics, RPOs, VIN it all appears to check out.. BUT would love to get some opinions from those of you with more knowledgeable than I.
I’m headed out Saturday to get my eyes on it, with check/cash in hand
Owned by older couple… being sold by “family friend” … owners are Pontiac enthusiasts… they also have a 79 TA and a 02 Firehawk… garage kept and they have all the paperwork….
too good to be true? Which is probably why I’m a bit nervous.
Noticed the 16" wheels, is it a WS6 car, or a wheel swap at some point? I don't see that option on the sticker, but maybe its combined with another option on the formula? I am not sure, I know on the GTA its listed separately, However, I personally think both the WS6 wheels & the regular 15" formula wheels are fantastic looking & to find a 350, is very cool. Could always look at the tire size sticker if its still on the door. Price seems very fair if looks this good in person, so not sure that option moves the value needle at all
Chaz has an 87 formula, I am sure he knows the details on the packages listed. Maybe he will chime in.
WS6 is part of Formula package. No such thing as 15-inch third gen Formula wheel. 1987 (first year of Formula revival) used the 16-inch convex wheel, as seen on this car. 1988 changed to the concave 16-inch wheel that continued through 1992.
Looks like a great car in the pictures, hope they aren't old pictures. The 87 has new roller cam, V-belts, bad rear disc design and those heavy wheels. 88 got better with the serp belt, a bit lighter wheel but still bad rear disc. 89 pulled it all together, serp belt, great pbr rear disc design with last year for 9bolt, strut/shock updated, trans upgrades, lighter wheels than 87.
Looks like a great car in the pictures, hope they are old pictures. The 87 has new roller cam, V-belts, bad rear disc design and those heavy wheels. 88 got better with the serp belt, a bit lighter wheel but still bad rear disc. 89 pulled it all together, serp belt, great pbr rear disc design with last year for 9bolt, strut/shock updated, trans upgrades, lighter wheels than 87.
screen shot pics, so quality is low. Time of pictures is unknown.
When looking at things I’d want to change the wheels are first on my list, but then again I feel guilty(?) about modding an original car…
thanks for the added info. I’ll have to look into those.
also, there is a Brown with Gold 87 GTA for sale near me… only 47k miles. Looks perfect but they want $16,500. Just Too much for me to spend right now. I wish I could combine the two cars. Or buy both Haha.
Looks OK from what's posted but need undercar pics to make further judgment. As mentioned above, date of posted pics is in question.
All that aside, an in person inspection by someone with extensive mechanical experience is always required, especially for a 37-year-old car. You'll also need to see maintenance records.
In addition to under body rust, have a look at the front suspension - idler arm, center link and strut mounts. Look for factory parts. That will tell you if the car has been messed with. at 76K and if it has not been touched in years, those parts may be original and give you a greater sense if you are getting an unmolested car. Idler arm has screw type, multi piece design. center link will have no cotter pins, the bolts are stamped on the sides, struct mounts will have no gaps where mounted, those appear factory in photos. You can also look closer at hood and hatch struts, they will say GM on them if original, and if so, rear hatch probably wont stay up. Carpet mats also have little square plastic sewn on, with GM on them. Not sure what the black box to the front pass side of engine is, not familiar with 87. Factory strut covers are black in 1990, not sure about 1987. you should find some factory checked paint markings here and there, one easy one to spot is on the torque arm, may have to wipe off some grease to see it. all these things you can find searching around this forum. if rear spoiler factory, probably find some rust in the rear.
09-18-2024, 10:56 AM
