Ok, so im a little stupid about the difference bewtween the 90 and 91 firebird bodies? I just bought a 1991 firebird formula project, first pontiac. Ive always owned chevy novas. I need to find body parts like the rear hatch/spoiler to start, and i was hoping someone could "school me" on what body parts are inter-changeable? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Maybe a little help on good spots to find used and new body parts. I live in northeast ohio. Thanks in advance!!!

 

82-92 are interchangable, not sure when but some years had third brake light in the rear hatch, hard to come by i think

 

for sites check thirdgenranch or hawks. lots of new and used parts

 

3rd gen birds have 3 different styles, 82-84, 85-90, and 91-92. If you are looking for the proper rear hatch for a 91, you need to get a 91-92 only hatch, since they are the only years to have that specific spoiler. any other year, 82-92 hatch will fit, but some have 3rd brake lights under the glass, on the glass, or not at all.

they physical body is the same, but the ground effects setups changed over the years, so the holes in the fenders are a bit different from style to style, the bumper covers are different ove the years, and the headlights have at least 3 different styles, all very close, but different in small ways.

It would be best to get parts from a 91-92 car, to eliminate some of the headache

any pics of the new project?

as for your engine confusion. the 8th digit of the vin will tell you what engine the car came with. "8" is the 350 tpi, "f" is the 305 tpi, "e" is the 305 tbi.

 

ebay can be your friend for this project. That rear spoiler (wing) can be really hard to find. I've been searching for one for 3 years and havent found a good one yet (Price, condition, shipping, etc.) Good luck!

 

Thanks for all the help! The 8th vin engine code is "E" so i do know it came with the 305, just not sure if it's the original engine yet, or not? I do know that the 350, did not come in cars with t-tops, just need to pull the engine out to see what it is. The rear hatch that came with the car has the third brake light on top in the glass with the wrong spoiler, so i guess ill be hunting that down, yeah. As far as pics, not yet, just bought. I personnally always leave the body work for next to last, starting with the engine, tranny,frt end,rearend/suspension, body, then finally interior. Maybe ill put up some pics soon of the "before". This car did come with 4 black GTA wheels w/all the center caps and are in 95% shape that i will be looking to sell, just need to see what they're worth. Thanks again, its nice to know there is a place to go where i can get some answers!

 

Pull the engine out to see what it is? Just check the stamping on block, and see if matches the last 8 digit of the VIN. Stamping is located on the head gasket surface, passenger side, at the front, facing up.

 

Let me re-phrase, im pulling the engine anyhow, but thank you for the help, i appreciate it!

 

I cant find it, and the motor is on a stand? I'm feeling pretty stupid right now! I dont see a "8" "F" or an "E"??? The vin is "E" which i know is the 305TBI, i just want to know if the motor that came out of it is a 350TBI or a 305TBI. Thanks

 

Are you talking about where the water pump bolts to the block?

 

those numbers and letters are in your vin which is bottom right side of ur windshield

 

if you have the engine out, then look on the pad behind the driver side head, on the flange the trans bolts too. there with be a number there and possibly even a GM5.0L.