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Is this a Formula or a GTA?

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Old Apr 10, 2001 | 04:19 PM
  #1  
Zio's Avatar
Zio
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From: Alsip, IL
Is this a Formula or a GTA?

Hey guys, i am looking at buying a 91 GTA (or at least I thought) After looking at the car I realized that it might be a formula. The reason that I thought this is because the nose comes toa sharp point like most firebirds. I thought that GTA's had a little more of a "square" nose like a camaro. Is there away to tell for sure? because the owner thinks it is a GTA
Thanks
Tom
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Old Apr 10, 2001 | 04:47 PM
  #2  
SlowCamaro88SC's Avatar
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It'll have GTA badges all over. the 91-92 firebirds look alot alike each other so it's hard to tell... taillights, wheels, hood, and the aforementioned GTA badges would be the easiest signs of what it is.

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1988 Camaro Sport Coupe
2.8 V6, TCI 3200 Stall TC, B&M Transkit, 80 Series Flowmaster w/ Catback, '85 Firebird SE 3.73 Rear (soon)
'83 CFI Z/28 Hood, '87 16" IROC Wheels on Kumho Ecsta Supra 712's, '92 Z/28 Bowtie Grille
IROC Gauges, IROC Taillights, IROC Foglamps w/ retrofitted 9005 hi-beam headlight bulbs

1985 Firebird SE
2.5 I4, T-5, 3.73 rear (going to the sport coupe)
Beat to a pulp.
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Old Apr 10, 2001 | 07:11 PM
  #3  
Raymond 5.7 89 Formula's Avatar
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From: eastbay,cal.
In 91 they changed the nose and spoiler on the firebirds.

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SLP 1 5/8 Headers,ATR catback exhaust,SLP cold air box,Crane 1:6 roller rockers,Bosch plugs and MSD wires,MSD Coil,Fastchip,Borg Warner 9 bolt 3:27,Corvette Servo,ROH ZS 17X9.5 Goodyear GSC,s 275/40/17
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Old Apr 10, 2001 | 07:50 PM
  #4  
Apone's Avatar
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From: Worcester, MA
Car: 1991 GTA
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
The guy who is selling the car must be a complete idiot. You may want to be wary about this car.

I own a 91 GTA so I can tell you a bit about the differences.

Sure, the GTA will have the badging, but anyone can buy the badges and apply them to a car. Also, in 91, all the Firebird models have the same nose, whether it is a Firebird, Formula, Trans Am or GTA.

You need to check the code sheet. It will most likely be in the center console box, or the rear hatch stow lock area. Just look for the code that reads "Y84". This is the GTA RPO code. If the car has this listed, then most likely it is a GTA....although I guess he could have transferred the sticker from an actual GTA, but that is pretty unlikely.

Also, the wheels should be the cross lace style, and they should be gold.

Here is a link to my GTA car pics.
http://geocities.com/sanercars/temp/temp.html

Notice the wheels...those same wheels should be on this supposed GTA. The base model Firebirds had a "Sport Appearance Package" which featured 15" look alike GTA wheels so be wary. Also the hood should look like my my hood with the two vents near the front. A Formula will have a "power bulge" hood.

You should also check out www.gtasourcepage.com. There is a whole GTA authentication section on there that Frankie Rider has put together. It is very valuable in identifying a GTA. His site clicks ?ss !

Good Luck!

[This message has been edited by Apone (edited April 10, 2001).]
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Old Apr 10, 2001 | 08:13 PM
  #5  
theformula's Avatar
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in 91 and 92 they switched the nose/bumpers and gfx. So all 91/92 birds have a pointed nose. THe T/a,GTA,and sport appearance packages have gfx. The formula does not. Check the things apone told you to check. I believe the gtas also have a gta emblem inside as well.
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Old Apr 10, 2001 | 08:29 PM
  #6  
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From: Mendenhall,MS, USA
also, look on the side of the car. You will notice that GTA's, firebirds, and Trans am's have the little aero wings on the bottom of the door. Formulas do not. check out my site if you don't know what im talking about.

www.angelfire.com/indie/jeff

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http://www.angelfire.com/indie/jeff

1992Pontiac Firebird.
305 TBI
Metallic green/grey
T-tops
Still researching to find kick *** 350 for it.
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Old Apr 10, 2001 | 08:37 PM
  #7  
Zio's Avatar
Zio
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From: Alsip, IL
ok guys it is a GTA then. I does have the Badges, but i thought the nose was wrong. just goes to show ya that you learn something new everyday. thanks guys.

P.S. APONE your car looks exactly like the one i am going to buy. except i think your interior is a little darker.
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Old Apr 11, 2001 | 08:29 AM
  #8  
Apone's Avatar
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From: Worcester, MA
Car: 1991 GTA
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Well welcome o the club Zio!

The color of my interior is tan....otherwise known as "beechwood". I think the pictures make it look a little darker than it really is. I have always liked the green on tan combo.

Just remember that if the GTA has t-tops like mine, then it came from the factory with a 305 in it, unless someone swapped the engine at some point. In 91-92 if you wanted a 350, you had to get a hard top.

Have fun with your new car and post some pictures when you get a chance.
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Old Apr 11, 2001 | 12:36 PM
  #9  
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Zio
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From: Alsip, IL
APONE, i haven't bought the car yet, but if the car checks out ok when i bring it to my mechanic thursday or fiday it should be mine by the weekend. Then it will be time for some crusing (if it is nice out)
Thanks
Tom
P.S. If i buy it, I will post soem pics as soon as possible.
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