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Formula to Trans Am... how hard can it be?

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Old Aug 14, 2001 | 11:33 PM
  #1  
Dark_Boba's Avatar
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From: Xenia, Ohio U.S.A.
Formula to Trans Am... how hard can it be?

I have a 88 formula 350, I love the speed, but hate the appearence. How hard would it be to change it to the TA Appearence?

anyone ever done it, is it worth the hassle? Thanks,
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Old Aug 15, 2001 | 12:28 AM
  #2  
deadbird's Avatar
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23




Mostly simple bolting/aligning of things. Hopefully you realize the fenders in my case, were kind of needed . Otherwise, just the hood, bumpers & gfx are needed to make a fauz t/a

------------------
The mind is like a parachute, it only works when its open

[This message has been edited by deadbird (edited August 14, 2001).]
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Old Aug 15, 2001 | 12:45 AM
  #3  
fiream's Avatar
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 6
From: Orange, CT, USA
Car: 1983 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 400HP 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
I'd say if you going to make it a T/A leave the formula hood on it, it will look nicer. I have pics if you want to see.

Rob

------------------
Chevy 2.8L 60° V6
Mods:
•K&N Filter Lid
•87 Formula Hood
•Bosch Platinum +4
•Hi-Flo CatCo CAT
•Flowmaster 80 Series Muffler
•83 Trans Am 15x7 Turbo Fin Wheels
•B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A 225/60-15
•Chevy 2.8L Heddman Headers (Going on soon)


http://www.geocities.com/fiream/RobsCarArtPa.html?994187591828
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Old Aug 15, 2001 | 07:18 AM
  #4  
RCR's Avatar
RCR
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 851
Likes: 1
From: Shelby Twp., Mi., USA
Car: '84 Fiero ('01 GA interior)
Engine: '96 4.0 Aurora
Transmission: '96 4T80E
A&A Specialties GFX for a similar, but different look than the TA





------------------
Bob '89 Ram Air Formula 350
And until that time when death won't wait, let each man rage against his fate. (O'neill)
My car's homepage
Rider's Ride
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Old Aug 15, 2001 | 05:07 PM
  #5  
Jims83TA's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Long Island, NY U.S.
Yea...leave the formula hood on the car if you do the conversion. I have an '83 TA which came with the functional powerbulge hood...which is the same as on your formula. The previous owner swapped the '83 front end with one from an '87. It looks great with the newer TA front end and that powerbulge hood. My car is the only one that I have seen with it in NY so far. It took me so long to figure out why my '83 looked so wierd..then I realized they swapped everything from an '87 ...besides the side ground effects. So if anybody is selling...or knows where to get the side gfx for a good price let me know. I need the parts both on and underneath the doors.
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Old Aug 15, 2001 | 08:18 PM
  #6  
deadbird's Avatar
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,775
Likes: 28
From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
TPI bulge hoods were non functional
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Old Aug 15, 2001 | 09:46 PM
  #7  
Jims83TA's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Long Island, NY U.S.
Yeah, but the powerbulge hood on the '82-'84 TA's were functional...or at least mine is. My original engine was an LG4...but a 350 was dropped in.
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Old Aug 16, 2001 | 12:14 AM
  #8  
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,025
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From: Evansville,IN,USA
Car: 89' T/A, 00' Firehawk
Engine: 406 Roller
Transmission: TH700R4 w/2800 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi
i have a V6 base model 89 bird that i am putting a 400 in and putting T/A ground effects on it. I also got the functional power bulge hood. i thought it would look cool with the gfx and that hood, i have never seen one before. there very few really nice 3rd gens around here, and none of them are fast. i hope to change that when i get my project done. i got all the ground effects, T/A fenders, tail lights and hood from a u pull it yard down the road. it did take a little time to find everything. i think i payed 150 or so for all the ground effects, front and rear bumbers, and the tail lights. and got the fenders off a 84 T/A for 25 bucks a piece, and got the functional hood for 25 bucks too. parts for these things in the yards around here are cheap cause there is no intrest in the cars. i am now putting everything together. the only thing bad is that the mounting tabs for the gfx(my buddy took them off and ripped them off, now i dont have them)i hope the local paint supply store can get me some. I also have to go back and get the mounting hardware brace that goes under the doors for the gfx to bolt to. IMO i dont think this conversiion is that bad, however, even with all the posts on here, i still cant figure out how to wire my damn T/A lights into my car. i am noooo electrician. sorry this was so long, just wanted to tell my story. lol

------------------
Wide Open Till You See God...Then Brake

[This message has been edited by LilJayV10 (edited August 15, 2001).]
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Old Aug 16, 2001 | 12:45 AM
  #9  
deadbird's Avatar
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,775
Likes: 28
From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Some failry quick 3rd gens may be closer than you think LilJay....



(running, at times,, but under construction)

[This message has been edited by deadbird (edited August 15, 2001).]
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