I was just wondering what the difference would be between an 89 GTA 5.7 WS6, and an 89 Formula 5.7 WS6. I am looking at both right now on AutoTrader and I'm really confused. Which one is supposed to be the superior car. All I can "see" is that the rims and the spoilers are sometimes different. The formulas with similar mileage, motor etc seem cheaper for some reason. Any help is appreciated, because I'm thinkin' of ditching the 6.

the main differences that i know are that the GTA has the bodykit like the trans ams and that in most cases the GTA has more "interior" options like a digital speedo display and stereo controls on the steering wheel. The formula never came (to my knowledge) with those options. So if you want a fast car with "luxurious" options then you go with the GTA.

I think the Formulas, with no ground effects, are the superior looking 3rd gen. Just clean and sharp

All three cars, GTA, TA and Formula could get the same performance options. However, the GTA was a luxury upgraded Trans Am, but the Formula was built from a base Firebird.

So the GTA would be considered the "flagship," while the Formula would be considered the "stripped-down" performance car.

I like how the formy's are supposed to be performance cars with no options but the ones with no options have ****ty engines and the ones with good engines (stock) have all power options. eh.

My dream car would be an 89-90 gta, withOUT the gold rims... for some reason I like the stock rims more... the gold rims seem kinda like "bling bling" to me... and I horrible despise that ground fx kit that curls up and looks like the 91-92... eck

I like the way the nose is on my car, with the fogs on the bottom, not as pointy and slanty as the others...

So basically there is no difference in the car besides interior luxeries? Is the "WS6" suspension the same? I didn't see the numbers for the GTA but I guess it has what, around 230hp? I assume GM slapped in the same EXACT engine setup with computer and whatnot?

Thanks

No not besides the Interior amenities and the body kit. The WS6 is all the same for all of the cars its all left up to the RPO codes. 230hp is for the 350, im assuming that your guessing that motor considering ive never heard of a GTA having the 305/t-5 setup. They are about 230hp i forget the exact years that they were that hp but i know that with TPI they were around that area whether or not it was in a Formula, TA, or GTA. So probably like 86 or 87 and up. (when TPI came out for the F-body's)

GTA's came standard with the 350 TPI with the 700R4... However, you could opt for the 305/T5 combo. As much as I like my GTA, I think if I had the choice between the _those_ two, I'd pick the Formula.

Even though I recently (1.5 years ago) bought a GTA, and it has all the luxo options like power seats and lumbar, and leather, and WS6, and whatever, I still like the looks of a 91/92 WHITE formula (not red, blue, or green, possibly black) better, and I think you can get those with WS6 stuff too, and buy some 1LE brakes when you get it. I don't like the front bumper of earlier formulas (black plastic bars look pooty), and why get a trans am when you can get a GTA, and never get a 305 GTA, and for that matter, save up for a 350 TPI if you can't get it right now, unless you're one of those guys that likes to dream about being able to build the engine the way you like it (without the proper experience) and then pull the car apart and have a ton of troubles trying to get it to run right, and then selling your project (not preaching, just trying to sway you towards 350 TPI). Oh, and white will hide dents and small imperfections easily, which is a plus.

Formy's are a bit lighter too. GTA's are quite heavy.

Happy Shopping.

I agree!

I'm partial towards the 91'-92' Formula's myself and thats why I waited to find one.

It took awhile though, especially with the 305 TPI/T-5/T-Top combo but I've had it for about 10 years and, even though it's running like crap now, I'm still happy that I have it.

If you are looking to ditch the six, it's all a matter of likes and dislikes and a bit of knowledge.

Engine-Tranny HP/TORQUE combos by year

The reason why the 305 TPI (LB9) w/auto has less HP than the T-5 setup is because of cam specs. The 305/T-5 uses the same cam the 350 does.

I would advise against the Formula's with engine code "E".
Those are the 305 TBI engines.

Happy hunting!

I think all of the third gens are pretty. Then again im a little partial over my TA.

well is it a pain if I were to build the motor up to around 300-350hp? Computer-wise? I have never had to deal with any sensors, computers or anything like that. The only car I've worked on is my brothers '74 nova, with the standard chevy 350.


So basically there are no difference besides looks/interior? As well as the option of 350/t-5? That really does not bother me, because soon enough I would get a shift kit.

I have just liked the look of the formula, and less weight is always nice bonus in a performance car. Formulas are cheaper(for the most part) too. Formys can have all the power options too, just not overdone

This is what I got for $2500 + $1000 for paint

I definitely like the nose on that better than the ones with the fogs and turns stuck in that slanty opening.

but back to the computer... how far can you go with stock ECM and sensors and junk?

Thanks

If your doing bolt-ons, MAF(through 89) cars arnt as picky as MAP(90+) cars with the computer. Im assuming your asking how far you can go on a stock tune also. Search for " MAF Speed density" and youll be able to read for hours and hours litteraly.

Here is why I bought the 1989 model specifically. I liked the front end a little better, There are not a huge amoung of visible differences between the V6/Formula/Formula 350 to the untrained eye, . Also GTA weigh a few hundred pounds more, and I just wasnt a huge fan of the ground effects.

1989 was also the last year before air bags and MAP(Speed Density) instead of MAF. It also got better brakes in 1989, w/ PBR aluminum calipers in the rear

Didn't know that. Are they on the 90 - 92 as well?

Scott

This Formula is just so clean and tidy, simply beautiful and purposefull looking (without looking overcooked like the TAs and GTAs with all those scoops and snorkles hanging off everywhere)

GTA's were standard with the 5.7, but the Formula was an option with the 5.7. WS6 is the same, 5.7 is the same, the GTA interior is nicer (seats, door panels, etc). The weight difference is not huge, depending on the options on the Formula.

The Formula 5.7 is much rarer (provided it is an original 5.7. Make sure and check codes). The GTA is the "top of the line" car. Performance wise, they are pretty equal. Pick the one in better shape. They will both be guided missles (especially with some mods) compared to your v6. You will be a happy boy.

Troy
So Cal

This is my 88 Formula WS6 with the G92 package and with the GTA wheels on it. I think it looks very sharp.

did those rims used to be the gold gta-looking rims?

I wonder if you can sand those gta rims and make them silver instead of gold...?

also, can you REALLY tell that your car has WS6? Or is it just an image thing... "Wow I have WS6 look at me!"

If you have access to the RPO codes, located in the center console, inside.....There will be a.....you guessed it, WS6 code!

no, what I mean, can you physically tell that you have the WS6 suspension on your ride? How much does it affect your cornering etc? It is the same as just putting in the lowered springs or what?

Thanks

WS6 comes with larger sway bars and different springs. All Formulas (to my knowledge) have the WS6 suspension on them.

This is my stock center cap,


This is a stripped GTA wheel,


and ya, those wheels used to be gold, I just repainted them black to match the car better.

nice, I think I like them silver/black better than gold...

and that's interesting, I didn't know that most of the formulas were ws6...

Also on your dash you will have a "Performance suspension" badge

i love the formulas, my friends cuzin has just bought one, i love it! i want to buy it off him, it o nly has 70k orgmiles i like the firehawks even more tho (i kno not related) :hail:

what is so special about the firehawks other than the rareness of them?

more power. Do a search on google for 1992 firehawk

what is so special about the firehawks other than the rareness of them?





well first off yeah there rare.... they came over 300 hp stock and atleast 345 lbs of tq, a 6 speed manual! and there sexxy lookin, why whould u ask a question like that??

Trans Am = Mu||et and a Jean Jacket

GTA= Mu||et , white sport blazer, loafers without socks, tank top, and gold chains

Formula= Clean cut, athletic, timelessly sporty


unfortunately my car looks exactly like an 85-86 T/a.. that will change eventually.

If I knew then what I know now, I would of picked up the formula instead

As owner of a GTA, I can lament that it weighs a ton. It is the high-end of the Firebird. Power this. Power that. Digital gages. Comfortable leather seats. That neat-o Information Center that beeps at you when your windshield washer reservoir is getting low. Being able to toggle between kilometers and miles with the touch of a button. However, it is the heaviest car. During the Ford vs. GM wars of the late eighties, Ford introduced the Mustang LX. It kicked butt and took names. Simple concept - take the base-model car and throw the top-end drivetrain and suspension into it. Job done. While the Trans Am and especially the GTA were trying ot look and act like the Corvette and gaining weight every year with even more options, Pontiac brought back the Formula, as solutin to the Mustang LX problem. What did Chevrolet do? The RS. NO Formula had the V6 in it as even a credit option. It was fuel-injected V8 all the way. Strip away all the fat, the usless options, and add mothing but muscle into the car. The GTA is a nice car, and I value it a lot, but it has a whole lot of fat on it. It needs the 350 in it in order to overcome the fat it has and still remain powerful enough to tangle with other cars. The Formula is a street fighter, pure and simple. Notice that the GTA didn't make the cut into the 4th Gen cars...

If I could own another car, it would be a Formula. I'd still keep the GTA, though...

I like the looks, and the appeal of the GTA. There is a reason it brings more price than the comparable Formula. My GTA runs pretty good for me.

That's weird, because when I looked online, it showed 3341 as the weight for the GTA... my v6 weighs 3250, so they seem comparable... What, does the Formula come without seats or something? Don't know how much lighter you can get these cars to.

did you actually weigh your car or are you going by whats printed in the door jamb?

If I remember correctly that's on the doorjamb, but I have read that somewhere else... oh consumer guide shows it being 3121 base model with no t-top.. I don't see much difference really. Considering a lot of people put in speakers and stuff 100 pounds seems trivial. Does anyone know what the formula weighs in comparison to the gta/base bird?

You should go weigh your car.

My car has no labels on the door jambs or anywhere else on the car, and my city registration lists it as 3100 lbs.

I weighed it at a truck station at 3175 with 2/3~3/4 tank of gas, w/o me and w/o the spare.

It's a '91 base firebird, hardtop, auto, 15x7's, with a 350 in place of the six, all iron except for the intake manifold, no emissions and no a/c. 3175 ain't bad.

How accurate are all those ratings?

My friend's '88 LX 302 seemed pretty heavy to me, but it might have been his old, stock suspension and his poorly cared-for, high-mileage engine. Or maybe it's the fact that he had 120+ lbs of stereo and heavy steel wheels and an aod, and a hatchback and....

Laters,
Scott

I don't think that the mustangs are THAT much lighter, are they? I thought they weighed like 100 or so pounds less.

my Formula 350 is 3400lbs w/o me in it. The only thing not stock is the SFCs. Id bet GTAs are 3600lbs by themselves

That sure is hell is a big difference than what is on the door sticker... sheesh! I think I'll go down and weigh it at the steel place.

Although, it really doesn't matter, because I put so much stereo equipment in my car that I just need to make sure I get a big engine whatever it is. I wonder if 200lbs in the hatch area can help handling and/or traction for drag racing?

there both nice cars but I'm with the Formula fans on this one.

My Formula weighed in at 3400lbs with the Aluminum spare, jack, small amp and rack and stock wheels.

I put a small Kenwood powered sub, the GTA wheels, removed the spare, and it weghed in at 3440.
Both times had about 1/4 tank of gas.

man, my buick park avenue from 1984 weighed less... how do these things weigh as much as a tank?

on the door jam of my T/A it says that it weighs 4226 lbs. I'm guessing that the ttops and the bodykit helps with the weight. As for why the do weigh that much ive wondered that myself considering our cars have unibodys isnt that supposed to make them lighter?

my brothers 74 nova is a unibody, and it weighs 3400 lbs... that car is longer, wider, taller, thicker, faster... what the hell... I think there is a led weight for balancing or something... because handling is about all my car can do better...

I absolutely love my GTA, and it's a GTA, thats a rare thing over here, there are firebirds and T/A's but a GTA... thats rare.
No digital dash for me though.

I'm kinda a GTA fanatic, given cars in similar shape I'd always get the GTA, heck if I won millions in the lottery I wouldn't buy another car, I'd just get my GTA all the best stuff I could buy, but thats me
Well maybe I'd get a 1968 Corvette too.

I think I would fix up a 90 gta with the best stuff, then go buy a 2002 trans am ws6 and supe that up a bit... if I won the lottery... I like the way all firebirds look except the 93-98? with the strange nose and gfx...

I assume you mean the 4th gen cars, never liked those myself.
I also liked the new banshee nose on the two last thirdgen models from pontiac, got one myself, but damn it's a bitch changing the bulbs