ChillPhatCat

The inspiration of this post:

I was at the junk yard on Tuesday and came across a "new" victim. It was an 87-90 Firebird Formula. I am already planning to take out the front sway bar. Somebody tried to take the guage cluster but was discouraged by the non-cable driven interface as was I (it was a 125 MPH :{ ). Anyway so this raises some questions.

What was the rear sway bar size that came stock on the Formula? I can't tell what suspension package it had because some dip**** took the RPO sheet off. How would I tell if it has the WS6 package? I guess I'll have to measure for myself.

Another question that arises is what models of F-body got the aluminum driveshaft? There are plenty of camaros out there and only 3 firebirds currently. Would I be able to tell if it was an alum. drive shaft just by looking? I am going to assume that all the RPO codes are missing.

I hope you can see why I posted this in the History and Restoration board.

Thanks in advance!

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1984 Firebird - Daily driver, 305 LG4, 3.23 rear, T5 - Hurst short shifter, Edelbrock 600 CFM 1406 carb, Performer intake - Edelbrock Pro-Flow air filter, gutted cat, IROC 16x8 5 Spoke Wheels, AIWA bargain basement (from Sears of course) CD player, Eight-ball shift ****
Check out my ride here

"IT'S SNOWING! TO THE HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT!" - The Mustang and Firebird face off in the dead of winter.

Snuffit

if it really is a formula then its got ws6...i couldnt tell you how big the sway bar is for that but its what all them got for suspention...just so you know
Snuffit

ChillPhatCat

Nobody touches suspension pieces in this yard, I'm gonna get me both of those suckers on Saturday.

The car wasn't in a crash or anything, just that the body rusted away... poor thing.

I'll have to run the VIN through the decoder, but it looks pretty convincing as a Formula.

It seems to have a stock alarm system, was this a factory option in Formulas?

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Sway bar diameter 34mm and most importantly hollow. Lighter weight and better performance. How often do you get that? If the driveshaft isn't rusted that's a clue. You could also take a magnet with you in the tool box.

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Guest

The rear bar is a 24mm if its a Formula.

AFAIK no thirdgens came with any anti-theft system besides the VATS, which only requires the key.

ChillPhatCat

I don't know what the VATS is, but I saw a little LED in the panel to the left of the steering wheel under the cluster.. it was a clean installation as if it came from the factory that way.

Edit... just realized vehicle anti theft system... how is that different from a regular alarm??

[This message has been edited by ChillPhatCat (edited November 15, 2001).]

91z4me

Vats is a small resistor within the key. The computer measures the amount of voltage in and the amount out. If that amount equals the amount the computer is told to respond to then the car will start. This way you can't just rip the dash open rub two wires together and drive off with a car.

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91 z-28 305 700R4
3.73 gears out back
T-Tops and Black all over.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

All Formula's are WS6 cars. If the driveshaft is aluminum (extremely unlikely) it'll be silver opposed to rusty.
If you're still running your stock springs, the Formula pieces would be worthwhile replacements.