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ConvertiblesDiscussed here are problems and solutions to convertible specific questions, including difficult to find part numbers and other convertible tech help.
2 1989 TTA
4 1987 IROC-Z 350
43 1989 Formula 350's
143 1989 GTA/Trans Am 350
I own an 89 5.7 ttop & an 89 305 vert both IROCs. Been on this site now for 5 years and this was the first time I've heard 4 IROC 350 verts "made". Are these ASC #s & if so why hasn't one ever shown up?
I know you are mostly Bird guys & after owning a Bird recently I now see why the Bird's are actually nice cars with more creature comforts.
From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Formula 350 Vert in the JUNKYARD IL
There was an IROC-Z 350 Vert that showed up a few years back, it was for sale IIRC... I stand behind the 4 IROC-Z number because I have an inside to the ASC facility where he actually has/Had the build sheet that they would remove in some cases from the car. So 1) He worked for ASC, and 2) the BUild sheet came from a car that was being converted.
In all honesty, there may be more than just 4... It is just what he had.
There was an IROC-Z 350 Vert that showed up a few years back, it was for sale IIRC... I stand behind the 4 IROC-Z number because I have an inside to the ASC facility where he actually has/Had the build sheet that they would remove in some cases from the car. So 1) He worked for ASC, and 2) the BUild sheet came from a car that was being converted.
In all honesty, there may be more than just 4... It is just what he had.
Pretty sure they existed.
Please don't take what I said as questioning your information. You are so active on the site & provide so much helpful insight & information that I believe you would know.
My question was where are they? I thought everytime one has popped up it was determined to be an "F" code car, no ACS markings & or no SPID. I understand that none were 6th digit "3" code cars but would really love to see an actual 8th digit "8" documented ASC vert in the IROC line.
From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Formula 350 Vert in the JUNKYARD IL
I was not offended, nor did I think you were questioning it. I was just explaining where the information came from (I admit I lack Tact). I have a vague recollection of the 87 IROC-Z 350 Convertible, I remember it was a red color is all, I do not remember if it had the VIN listed or not, it was for sale by either a small auction house or a Dealership, I do not remember that even... It has been at least 5 years... Heck this year is the 10 anniversary of owning my 89 Formula 350 Conv, how time flies when you are having fun eh?
Not to hi-jack the thread, but I purchased a new L98 350ci 1989 Formula convertible. It was black with black top and gray cloth interior. I bought it from Community Motors, in IL. It was a fun and unique car.
I know of 2 black 89 formula 350 verts. 1 Bruce H has modified to beat the band and then another one that showed up at a Pontiac show. (guy had noooo clue how "rare" it is).
From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Formula 350 Vert in the JUNKYARD IL
Originally Posted by NicKey
Not to hi-jack the thread, but I purchased a new L98 350ci 1989 Formula convertible. It was black with black top and gray cloth interior. I bought it from Community Motors, in IL. It was a fun and unique car.
It would be fun to have another one.
Community Motors only got 2 Firebird convertibles in 1989, I have a record of one being Red with a Gray Interior, that would mean that yours (being the other one) would have been number 21 of 43, the last 5 of the VIN should have been 45291
This is very Kool that you have that info. I don't think I have the VIN anywhere unless State Farm insurance goes back that far. I sold it to a younger guy who lived in West Chicago, Illinois many years ago. I wonder if that car still exists today?
I do remember that it had the dual catalytic converters. Was that std with all 350ci?
I was having a tough time deciding, between a used IROC, a new '89 Turbo TA and the Black 350 Formula.
From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Formula 350 Vert in the JUNKYARD IL
Congrats!!! Welcome to the club... I have some interesting notes on that car, it had a custom leather interior at one point... IT always looked like a nice clean car in the pictures.
pm me with your email address and I will send you a package. It is number 58 of the known 144
Thanks John, I appeciate your help. Since it was local, I had my wife go with me to get it, Same as we did approx 30 years ago when we bought the 350 Formula from Community Motors.
From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Formula 350 Vert in the JUNKYARD IL
Admittedly it is self serving... Historically I have noticed that cars that there is no paper trail, or proof of manufacture really never seem to get the value of those with some sort of documentation. I just happened to get in contact with a guy that had the list, he sent it to me and I took it from there.
Will it ever be a Yenko Camaro? Probably not, but it is a step in the right direction...
I have delt with authentic Yenkos : ) so I have some familiarity there. I knew I was buying something special even back in '89 and when it came to factory offerings there weren't too many faster or cooler cars. I had an '87 GN matching color combo as the 350 Formula at the same time as well as a big block RS SS Camaro. The guys at Community motors had some idea it was low production as even back then they had touted it was one of very few. Not until recently did I find out that the production numbers existed.
Thought I'd never see another 89 TA 350 Vert. Seen plenty of Formula's and GTA's. Looks like the only RPO differences are the radio and steering wheels. I didn't want to dig out my ASC build sheets, but what color is your top, tan? How many miles?
Found another vert in the same yard. This time a 84 z28. Still can't believe I found that 350 vert. Should have pulled more off it.
Originally Posted by 89raggtopp
Thought I'd never see another 89 TA 350 Vert. Seen plenty of Formula's and GTA's. Looks like the only RPO differences are the radio and steering wheels. I didn't want to dig out my ASC build sheets, but what color is your top, tan? How many miles?
Thanks,
Ed
very nice car. I have seen s few Trans Ams but not surely not as common as the GTA. I would love to see a breakdown of GTA/TA 350 numbers. Said to be 144 but that is combined. I'm sure that number is lower now. I looked for 4 years before buying mine (GTA) and looked at quite a few. There sure are some rough ones out there
Technically the Front fenders are actually the same as the coupe, but they cut off the bottom and attached a bracket.
Correct. That's what makes them different but look the same except that bracket. Ground effects are the same too for the rockers but cut & attached differently.
Just messing with you Okfoz....