Difference between trans am and formula - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

mach158 · 10-25-2006, 07:27 PM

How can i tell the difference between a formula and trans am? The VIN just narrows it down a either one how else can i narrow it down?

I tried and search and didnt yield any results but if i missed something let me know.

Edit: car is an 88 and this is part of the VIN 1G2FW21E7JL

//<86TA>\\ · 10-25-2006, 10:32 PM

i believe all formula cars had ws6 suspension so you could check for that. also trans am cars had a body kit formula cars did not. if you run the vin # it should tell you specifically if it is a formula or a trans am.

mach158 · 10-25-2006, 10:35 PM

i find a VIN decoder on google and for the letter it says formula/trans am

I assume if i look at the RPO codes i may be able to tear it apart and help determine what it may be?

89formula350b2l · 10-25-2006, 10:38 PM

if the tail lights look more like blackouts, then its a trans am. Also the formula's had a slight (and i mean slight) cowl hood.

latrobefbody · 10-26-2006, 11:34 AM

WS4 is Trans Am conversion

WS6 is Formula suspension but there are T/A's with WS6 suspension.

Julie Bergman · 10-26-2006, 01:36 PM

Formulas were more bare bones performance-oriented, no body flares and a minimum of power options inside. That's why I like 'em!

mach158 · 10-26-2006, 04:30 PM

well here is a side shot and the only shot i have of the tail lights maybe that can dicifer something? I'm going to check out car saturday and if i knew it would help in negotiations.

89formula350b2l · 10-26-2006, 08:37 PM

looks like a TA to me.....

Ironmahn · 10-26-2006, 08:52 PM

Is that possibly a clone T/A, where is the air vent in the rear of the fender by the door? I would check RPO's and VIN, I don't know if all the RPO's have the VIN on them but mine does. Although that could be changed out from a donor car. I would do some more homework before purchasing if you are paying a large sum of $$$$ for it,

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mach158 · 10-26-2006, 08:54 PM

well going to buy it for $1,200, sound fair?

Will check the RPO's tho, i'm betting its only a formula but its either one so i figure for the price i cant really complain.

89formula350b2l · 10-26-2006, 10:12 PM

well what is the milage on car? engine? tranny? any mods?

The body looks like formula but tail lights like trans am.....could have bought TA rear lights....not sure ab this one..

mach158 · 10-26-2006, 10:14 PM

engine is not original, supposed to have 350 in it now, has a 5 speed, no mods i know of besides adding hood, and mileage unknown

MilehighBird · 10-26-2006, 10:50 PM

Formulas all came with a power bulge(offset) hood, 16 inch wheels and a wrap around style rear spoiler. You didn't mention what year that car is but it looks like it might be a firebird thats a TA clone.

mach158 · 10-26-2006, 11:03 PM

whoops sorry thought i had that in the first post, its a 88, VIN makes it as either a formula or trans am.

Edited fist post with year and partial VIN

Julie Bergman · 10-27-2006, 12:17 AM

Formulas do not come with the body molding trim pictured.

matt_p · 10-27-2006, 12:20 AM

What does the seller says it is. If he says it a TA and it turns out to be a TA clone, then the 350 is likely a 305.

Seems kinda shaddy to me

Firebat · 10-27-2006, 03:18 AM

Just by looking at it(no vin/rpo checking). Any chance of it being a Trans Am GTA with the GTA emblems removed? I dont see fender vents and if there aren't any, then the front fender isn't from a trans am. The spoiler isn't original for that hatch, notice the clips on the glass left from a wrap-around spoiler.

The dash pocket should say trans am or gta also if its a trans am or trans am gta.

edit:according to the engine code shown in the vin, its not a gta

1991CamaroRslow · 10-27-2006, 05:45 AM

At that price, a test drive's going to be the only real way to tell if you want it. It looks to have been repainted, those rims aren't stock of course, and the hood's been swapped. The car looks good, just needs a decent set of wheels and it'de be a head turner. At 1200 if it runs and drives nice I wouldn't pass it up for a driver car. It doesn't have alot of value as a collectors item seeing as how alot of parts have been swapped etc.

mach158 · 10-28-2006, 07:32 PM

the car is a trans am, engine is infact a 350, decoded the casting on mortec, drives good and hauls, only problemn is being cold blooded tbi

89formula350b2l · 10-29-2006, 12:35 PM

tbi huh? yeck! I say get mini ram or HSR or some other type of aftermarket manifold and get that thing. he wants 1200? id tell him a grand take it or leave it

rik89gta · 11-07-2006, 01:28 PM

Thats gotta be a Formula! The original engine code is E. As far as I know of... A Trans Am never came with TBI. TA's only came with 305 or 350 TPI motors. Which are vin codes 8 or F.

Firebat · 11-07-2006, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rik89gta

Thats gotta be a Formula! The original engine code is E. As far as I know of... A Trans Am never came with TBI. TA's only came with 305 or 350 TPI motors. Which are vin codes 8 or F.

Some Trans Am's had TBI. Now, the Trans Am GTA came only with TPI, except the 89 TTA.

Mkos1980 · 11-17-2006, 08:24 PM

Its a base firebird. Look at the spoiler. Trans Am's and Formulas had wrap arounds.

birdsgonnafly · 12-19-2006, 04:56 PM

My trans am came with the vin H and the gfx dont match the color they seem to be just stuck on there

thepoz89 · 12-20-2006, 03:21 AM

look for vin#s on the bumpers/hatch. no formulas came with that rear spoiler.
POZ

allenfre · 11-25-2008, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julie Bergman

Formulas were more bare bones performance-oriented, no body flares and a minimum of power options inside. That's why I like 'em!

and please take note that T/A weighs more. Though they got the same HP, so I'd probably get a formula than a Trans.