Ok, I feel very geeky and noobish asking, but...

What exactly is a Firebird Formula? What makes it differ from regular Firebirds and Trans Ams?

 

Moved to correct board.

 

I just have to ask>>> Do you own an L? Take a look at the bottom of my sig....

Now, back to the topic at hand....

 

www.goingfaster.com/spo/formhist.html this should anwser all your questions-Eric

 

No, I don't have an L. And thanks for the info.

 

Formulas are in short a Firebird with a Trans Am engine. Its not as Flashy as a T/A, and equiped with the same engine and options are FASTER than a Trans am because they do not have the extra weight of the ground effects.

one neat thing about the Formula is they all have the WS6 suspension (from 87-92) So they handle better than their counterparts T/A, GTA and cousins IROC or Z28 for that matter.

From 87-92 NO Formula came with Ground effects (even tho some people put "Formula" decals on their V8 Firebirds.) Formulas also came with a special hood that was also used from 82-84 on the Trans AM. They also would get the same aero spoiler used on the trans Am & GTA.

Hope that helps.

John


BTW, I think they look better than the other F-body models of the same years...

 

 

I was unaware all Formulas those years were WS6 suspended, I thought most were, but I could have sworn I have seen some without it. Did they (WS6 cars) all get 4-wheel disk brakes too?

 

The Formula's WS6 suspension and slightly better weight distribution gave the it a lighter and more compliant feel, but they never handled as sharply or as tight as IROC-Z's, or as rough for that matter. (which usually got around .9 G's on the skidpad and a high of .92) It's also a misconception that Formluas are lighter than IROC's, both being unoptioned. GFX are light, they don't make a significant difference in weight, but Firebird headlight equiptment and big spoilers are examples of things that helped in adding weight. (Camaros obviously have no headlight motors and their spoilers are also really light)

Unoptioned IROC-Z LB9 5-Speed: 3,250lbs and 58/42% Weight Distribution.

Unoptioned Formula LB9 5-Speed: 3,383lbs and 56/44% Weight Distribution.

The 2% difference in weight distribution that the Firebird has is about a 120lb difference from front to back.

 

No, rear disc brakes were not part of the Formula's WS-6 package. Rear disc brakes were optional on the Formula. I think that in the early 80's rear discs were part of the WS6 package.

And it is my opinion that the aero wing was part of the Formula package for the sole purpose of weight distribution. That's a steel core inside all of that urethane!

 

Actually one difference between the Chevy and pontiac cars is the way the set up the suspension. Where chevy opted for stiffer springs, Pontiac would put softer springs BUT they would use larger sway-bars to make up the difference. Pontiac was a little more concerned with a better ride.

BTY... Aurtomobile stated that the Formula was the most fun to drive in their Family Feud article

John