I have a 91 Formula, seems to be one of the few 91-92 cars w/o the ground effects body kit (the sleek lines on the bottom sides and rear bumper). I think that cars with this look really cool, but I have no idea what (time/money/special tools) it would take to get me there.

Anyone ever changed their 91-92 like this? Are there any aftermarket body panels? How hard is the install?

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Joel Geerling
Red 91 Formula, 305 TBI
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*
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Well,
from what I've read about the swap... You could go to a 'yard and get the front and rear bumpers from either a base model 'bird or TA. None of the Formulas had GFX....(it made them lighter)
You would also need to grab the side moldings for the doors and such.

To attach them to your car, you would need to measure out the mounting points and drill the holes yourself... then BAM! You have GFX! (aka the "aero package")

Hope I've shed some light!

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I think the 91-92 Formula is the best looking Firebird ever made. I love the simple, uncluttered look. I also think that the 91-92 cars with the ground effects are among the worst looking. I really hated those ground effects, especially on a car that looked so damned good without them.

But, you didn't ask my opinion.

If the 91-92 ground effects are anything like the earlier ones, then it's a pain in the *** . You'll need the front and rear bumper, all of the ground effects pieces, and the biggest problem is that the cars come with a brace welded to the rocker panel that you'll have to either go without (not smart) or weld on to your car.

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I am currently collecting all the various ground effect pieces from the junk yard(s). The only differnece is i am getting the 85-90 style ground effets to make my car look like a GTA. But the body is the same. In fact, you could make an 82 firebird look like a 92 or vice versa with the right pieces. You have to change the front and back bumpers and i think the plastic supports behind them. you also need the quarter panel skirts, door skirts, and rocker skirts, as well as the metal strips with that they mount to. I suppose you could use double sided tape to stick them to the car, but I dont know if it would hold good. the best way to do it is just like factory where you drill holes in the feders and rockers. But the bumpers are a direct bolt on. Overall, the hardest part whould be painting the darn things... :P

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Hmmm... I guess I'll not be doing that for a while. I scoured the 'yards around town a few months ago and the only thirdgens I found were early 80s (they were gutted anyway). I guess I was kinda hoping there was some ~easy kit. I know I'd have to end up painting anyway. I've painted two previous cars and I don't ever want to do it again something about seeing paint on the surface of my eyes....

Jim, I hear you - I certainly don't think y car looks bad... just that I've wanted the 91-92 Trans Am look ever since I first saw one as a kid. Don't worry about my opinion tho, I don't know anybody else who agrees with my taste in cars.