SpeedyGeek

iTrader: (2)

I have two cars I have been doing a swap with. Both are Formulas, one 87 and one 90. I have taken just about everything from the 90 and put it into the 87. Now before I got the 87 Formula, the previous owner had added TA effects to the car, while leaving the Formula hood. So, it's still a Formula with the power bulge hood plus the TA bumper covers and effects along the bottom as well as the fenders with the vents in them.

I keep going back and forth on this and can't make up my mind, keep it as it is or take off all the TA stuff and go back to the true Formula look. I added some pics here of the two cars.

I do care what people think, that's why I'm posting this. I don't want people looking at it saying "what is that?", "how stupid putting a TA kit on a Formula, just buy a TA", or something like that. Anyway, do you guys think it's fine doing something like that? Just mainly looking for opinions. Oh and if I keep it like this, should it say Formula on the doors? Trans Am? Or how about Transformula? jk.


The silver one is the 90, all Formula. The black on is the Formula with added effects. And either way I go on the black one, it will have the wrap around spoiler the Formulas have and a solid different color, either blue or silver. Oh and one more note, I hate, absolutely HATE the black bars on the Formula bumpers. I like a smoother flat look, like the TA has. But to get that you have the TA ground effects on a Formula.

Tmic87TPI

iTrader: (3)

well, I put Camaro ground effects on my Trans Am, I would say thats worse then putting T/A gfx on a Formula!

also I may be wrong but I seem to think theres a different bumper cover out there that works on formula's and doesn't have the black things.

edit: here's MNformula350's car, he put 1984 firebird bumpers on it http://home.comcast.net/~mnformula350/exterior.htm

SpeedyGeek

iTrader: (2)

Yeah I saw that, if that was your car I saw. Is it black? Anyway there is the cover that went on the 84, I could use the aero inserts on it, it would look better. That is the best way to go so far if I stick with the formula design. There is a guy on here that already did that but he left the 84 ground effects off. It does look different.

Another thing I was thinking of is this. Normally, pre 85, cars would have a plain rear bumper cover, or bumper depending on the year. Then the front would have some type of grill. Well it seems to me that when the 85's came around they took the grill out and replaced it with the black inserts, fine, it makes sense to keep a Pontiac split grill affect by replacing a grill with the bumper cover inserts (ugly black bars). But then why did they go and put them on the rear bumper too?

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

Build YOUR car how YOU like it. Don't worry about others views. Tell them to build THEIR car the way THEY want.

That's what I'm doing to my "first year GTA". I build MY GTA to how I'LL like it.

I like the black/red & the Powerbulge hood...Whether it is a GTA.....TA....or "just" a Formula. They are all 'birds & each has their ow attraction.

SpeedyGeek

iTrader: (2)

Haha, you're awesome dude. Actually that's what I've been doing with the whole project. What I want. But I'm just torn on the ground effects. I see some where it looks great, others it doesn't. Maybe it's the color choices, I don't know.

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

Thanks!

That's why I have a 4th gen rear wing...4th gen front seats (I'm keeping my split rear. And actually, didn't even have the bottom cushions in for the last 2 years, until last week. I only put the bottoms in because of the 100lb Rottie I just got. She needs a big place to ride.

I even put 4th gen mirrors on my car. GASP! "He's hacking a 'precious' first year GTA!!!!" Like it is something special.....

92RS(real slow)

I agree build it how you want, but I love the way formulas look so I would stay with no ground effects if it was my car

N3M3S1S357

My god. That silver car is gorgeous. Why hack her up? I do agree, build it to how YOU see fit. Some are going to hate it regardless, so you might as well go with some instinct on the ground effects. Or hell, roll with them on for a while and just see how you like it, and likewise without. That way you can also get some public opinion on it, if you so value. I personally say they can all have a picnic infront of a semi-truck rather than tell me how to make my car. =)

1989karr

What about the banshee nose on the 91-92 birds or Formulas? Most people seem to love those, but I imagine it would take a bit more work what with the headlight/turn signals and what not. I personally like the look of the smooth 91 - 92 rear bumper but it "drops down" a bit right under the taillights. Not a fan of that.

I agree and do what you want! Its your car!

But if you're planning on ditching those bumpers with the inserts let me know. i happen to personally love that design!

SpeedyGeek

iTrader: (2)

The reasons why I ditched the silver car. It needed the 700R4 rebuilt, it needed the rear end rebuilt, it needed carpet bad, it needs a paint job, trust me the paint is flaking everywhere and it had no power locks or windows. Everything else was perfect. I knew I wanted to restore everything but my problem was this. If I'm going to restore a bird I want it to have t-tops and run on a carb, not TBI. I could have bought one and fixed it up but that would have cost more and I'd have to start all over on the engine. But my silver engine and suspension and brakes were already in excellent condition, and I trust everything to keep working well. So I swapped. It has been a lot more work than I thought it would be but the car is coming along great. It's a lot quicker than the silver one was.

As for the body of the 87, I am swapping the fenders so I am getting rid of the fender vent look. One thing I hate is useless vents and scoops just for looks. I opened the power bulge vent a while back and notice a pretty big difference in cooling. But those fender vents are retarded so I'll use the silver Formula fenders. I will be keeping the TA ground effects on the car. I will be using a wrap around spoiler but not sure where to get it, I think the one I want is an after market 4th gen spoiler for a 3rd gen. As for the fog lights, I'll either install those and change the dash switch panel, again, or build duct work to bring air up to the open air cleaner... possibly with some kind of fans to suck the air up, we'll see. I saw that done on tv once, the air flow was amazing.

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

Save yourself $300+ dollars & get a LT1 bodied 4th gen OEM wing.

While the LT1 & LS1 bodied wings LOOK the same, the way the pedastals sit is different. You can easily get them for $100 or less, all day long.

91z 2 8

i think the black one looks sexy with the gfx on it

SpeedyGeek

iTrader: (2)

What is the one in this pic?



And basically this is what I am going for. Like this white car, but either blue or black (or both somehow), with the Formula hood and verticle doors. I will want it to say Formula along the doors but definitely not the stock lettering. I haven't decided how I want it to look but I was thinking airbrushed.

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

You asking about the rear wing? If so, that's the stock one.

An OEM 4th gen wing sticks out a little farther back, depending on WHERE you mount it. I set mine to be in direct verticalalignment with the rear bumper edge.

Photobucket

The red car has the LT1 wing & sits flat. The white car (my GTA) has the LS1 wing, & you'll see how the feet sit crooked. Some day I'll go buy me a LT1 wing & swap them out.

ezysk

My opinions:

The TA ground effects with the power bulge hood and a wrap around spoiler won’t looks so bad, in fact I think it would look pretty nice. I believe it will give you a unique look and yet still be a nice looking car. Now note, there are lots of 3rd gen purists out there that would hate it, but for me one of the fun things about owning a third gen is the ability to modify it without regrets.

Things about the black car that I currently would change:
A two tone isn’t bad, but the particular color choices do not look right in my eyes, not sure exactly what, but the colors don’t seem to go well together.

From what I can see in the picture, the car seat covers have to go. If you are going with seat covers, shoot for something single color that matches the interior.

Everything else I notice are just the obvious things that I am sure you are already working on, such as missing center caps and stuff.

Oh yea, one last thing, while Transformula might seem pretty neat initially, I am betting over time, it would start to annoy you, and may get a few laughs as well. Honestly I would not put Formula or Trans-Am on it, and keep the people guessing.

Just my 2 cents.

SpeedyGeek

iTrader: (2)

Actually those pictures are from the day after I bought it back in November. The entire interior was replaced with good interior from the silver car. The wheels are the anniversary wheels from the silver car, all with new caps. I hate the black and red, I agree it doesn't look right.

Transformula? I was kidding, there is no way I would do that :-) I may make it just say Formula, but you're right, keep them guessing.

deadbird

It's actually the after market 4thgen wing for a 3rdgen. The brake light being the most notable difference visually.

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

You can see the 3rd brake light in that pic? Where? How?

deadbird

The white car posted is my car Stephen. I should hope I can see the brake light in the wing.

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

CHEATER! Seeing thing WE can't see.....

deadbird

Well, I do suppose that is somewhat true,.

The aftermarket 4thgen for 3rd has a generic led brakelight in it. I've seen it in a number of aftermarket and a few oem honda spoilers/wings.

So I'm not cheating though......

83Firebird420

my opinion. personally id keep the true formula(silver one) the black one doesnt seem like its a true formula. only thing that makes it formulaish is the hood. but i agree with whoever said not to put formula or trans am on the side...it takes away from the ground effects or adds too much (looks too busy on the side). i dont even like the door protecter strip that runs along the door on these cars though.

u said u didnt want the silver one cause of the lack of power windows, locks, a/c etc.... thats what made the formula awsome. no options at all makes it light yet still get the ws6, tpi 5.0 or 5.7. good base to make it faster and already lighter from factory. plus the power bulge hood, wrap around spoiler, formula on the door and lack of GFX make it beautiful.

Brennan

dude we all know that no matter what is said in this thread its only your opinion that matters so whatever you like but to be 100% honest i think it looks good with the ta fx

avro206

for one--that 90 Formula is gray...not silver

The black one may be a Formula but looks like a Trans Am--with the power buldge hood.

Far more interesting the stock flat T/A hood (85-92)

So whats the problem? If I had bought GTA/TA I would have added the power buldge hood--adds so much to the looks.

Just get rid of the block off plate

83Firebird420

pfff grey, silver same **** haha

deadbird

The formula could be had with every option there was. It was a GTA w/o gfx.
Mine has every option except power mirrors and seats.

The weight of power options is a moot point unless, you are a hardcore drag racer where, every gram of weight matters.

My car is a formula as well. Which means nothing in the grand scheme of things.Unless you are some **** retentive neurotic car freak.

The general public barely remembers these cars even existed. Much less, would be doing a Rainman about weather the car was a formula or not. Yea, defintaly not a trans am, yea.

Don't get me wrong, I like that cars plenty, I have two. I don't believe they (the two generically common models) should be sat on an ivory pedestal and worshiped though.

It's a fun car, build it to enjoy yourself. Not to get praise from others about how great your car is (ego booster).

That's what makes it a hobby. Fun for you, the owner.

/stupid opinions off/

SpeedyGeek

iTrader: (2)

Wow, I really didn't think I'd get this much input from this thread. I'll say a few things here in reply to a few of the last posts.

Formulas came with power options too. I have had another Formula and it had power windows and doors.

I like the look of the Trans Am but never liked the flat hood. I liked the earlier 3rd gen TA better than the latter, it had the bulge. But I hate the bumper covers of a Formula, always have. So I have definitely decided to keep the TA effects and use the Formula hood. The car, originally is a Formula. But the TA effects were added later.

If I use a lettering on the side of the car it will say Formula. I agree that having it say that on the door with the same size lettering will seem too cluttered. Trans Am was small and above the vent, not the legth of the door. Probably because Pontiac thought it looked too cluttered with the gfx. I don't like the fender vents, they are useless and they too make it too cluttered. I hate the door molding and the pinstripes, again, too cluttered. So if I do lettering (Formula) I am wondering how it would look just on the gfx of the doors. Just the piece attached to the door. It would be shorter of course but maybe longer to fill 80% of the length of the door. I'll photoshop something together and post it here, we'll all see how it looks.

Spoiler, so far I like the one on the white car above the most. I like the angle it sits at and how far it sits off the back of the car. I just don't know about how rounded the corners are, the 3rd gens have a square back end, 4th have rounded back ends.

Power bulge block off plate, already gone. I removed it the day I bought the silver car a couple years back.

Silver or gray. On the title it says silver. The paint has light metallic flakes. Silver? Yes, just a darker silver than most people are used to seeing these days I guess.

Now I'm going to come off sounding like an ***. Sorry. But it's a Power Bulge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_bulge), not Power Buldge. I just though that looked funny when people spelled it that way.


It's amazing. You would think I would already know what I want. And for the most part I do. But it's comments and opinions like these that help me come to a decision and to come up with new ideas.

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

I don't know if the 4th gen styled aftermarket spoilers have squared off edges to match a 3rd gen or not. deadbird can fill you in on that.

But I do know, the $350 price of them, plus shipping, + tax if your local,,,,,vs the $100 or less for an OEM 4th gen LT1 wing.....That was the deciding factor for me.

Yes, the rounded vs square was a concern for me too. But after a week, I no longer noticed nor even thought about it. I think the LT1 wings are more square-ish (I'll try to get a pic tonight, if FYRCHCKN, red 91, comes to the meeting tonight). The LT1 wings definately sit flatter on the posts & side wing bottom edges & better.




More pics HERE

92 Camaro

iTrader: (1)

God, all this talk aout 4th gen wings...they really don't go with the 3rd gen body!

jp2005

ta ground effects and ta front bumper looks the best in my opinion

also, since you have an extra car; if you happen to have a few extra parts, i woudlnt mind taking them...i need the pieces to the left and right of where the top of the door handle connects to the door, can someone tell me what these pieces are called(there are just blank, and it looks like just for stardriver screws hold them in?

80schild

iTrader: (5)

They're jacked up too high.

We're the fenders replaced on it too? Formulas didn't come with fender vents. All Formulas also came with a wrap-around spoiler, not the base model one in that picture.

SpeedyGeek

iTrader: (2)

Right the Formula came with plain fenders and an aero spoiler. The guy that owned the car before me put the fenders, bumper covers and ground effects on it from a junked GTA he got. The spoiler? I have no idea why he put that one on.

SpeedyGeek

iTrader: (2)

Over the last two weekends I did some body work. I decided on the original Formula look. I swapped the rear hatch with the aero spoiler, doors, fenders, bumper covers and all the crap underneath that goes along with it (air dam, etc...) from the 90. After I got the front clip off I noticed the bumper was missing a piece of the absorber, and the bumper had a pretty good dent in it. So I reused the 90 bumper as well. Here's just a couple pics of the job half way done. I'll post more soon when I get some more pictures taken.







You guys should have seen the aweful wiring for the headlights. When I got the car it had a toggle switch on the dash. When you turn on the headlights at the regular switch the lights came on, but then to raise them you had to hold the toggle switch in one direction until they're up. Then to lower them you had to press the switch in the other direction until they were down. I removed the switch and all the wiring to the fuse block and the headlights back when I did the dash swap. Now when I got the front clip swapped I got into the headlight wiring and notice this... The headlight motors that were in the 87 (the frankenbird) had 2 wires from them (green and gray) and they went to a relay attached to the motors. Then a black wire from the relay was screwed into the frame and two red wires twisted together went to a yellow wire going to the switch. Well I put in my 90 headlight assembley (complete with motors) and noticed that the motors do not have relays attached to them. Also they just have the gray and green wires with a clip coming off them. Then on the 90 and the 87 both there is a clip coming off the harness running across the front of the car next to each headlight. So, I attached the clips where they are all supposed to go. After I did this I was actually able to turn the headlights on and they raised up, but they would not lower when I turned them off. Then after raising them a few times it stopped working altogether. At this point I believe I need a new headlight control module. The one from the 90 didn't work on the 87, I have read that the one I need to use on the 87 can come from an 87, 88 and 89.

So, does anyone have a working headlight control module from an 87-89 Firebird they wanna sell?