I have a 1989 formula, and I was wondering how to tell the difference between the two L-98 options, and how to tell if mine is the 230 HP-330 Ft/lbs, or 240 HP -and 345 ft/lbs. is there a serial number that can tell that? thanks, randy

 

You have the 240 HP version. ALL Formula 350s got the better Dual Cat setup in 1989. Possibly from 90-92 as well but thats not verified.

The Trans AM and GTA it was a Mid year option with the Dual Cats.

John

 

The N10 dual cats didn't come on the early production 89 Formula 350s either even though all of Pontiac's marketing brochures said it did. A friend bought one an early production 89 Formula 350 in October or November of 88 from a dealer in Tuscon, Arizona. It's a single cat car from the factory. He showed me the window sticker and I checked the SPID in the center console. When I was looking for my car, Gay Pontiac in Dickinson TX has about 5 Formula 350s on the lot, none of which had N10. When I came back in late March, they had 10 cars, all of which had N10. I bought one.

Pontiac rated the single cat at 225 HP and dual cat at 235 HP with the 350 B2L option in 1989. Power was up slightly in 90-92.

 

So the B2L = L98 with dual cats?

 

only in 89, I did not remember about the early Formulas, however I remember something about it...

The Formula was suposed to get it standard, the GTA and T/A it became an option. B2L is the option code for the 350 package. The N10 was another code besides that one on the RPO sheet.

John

 

B2L is just the 5.7 RPO. B2L is the cast headed L98 (as apposed to the aluminum headed Corvette L98).

 

L98 is the engine code, B2L is the whole package that ordering the 5.7 came with.

 

exactly, and I believe the B2L included the L98, Oil cooler, and one other thing.

 

Dual fans?

 

nope both of my 87 305 TPI cars have dual fans, my 87 LG4 did not.

John