I am looking at buying a 1988 Firebird and was wanting to see if anyone could decode this vin for me...


1G2FS2181JL229036

TIA

 

1=USA
G=GM
2=Pontiac
F=F-Body
S=Firebird
2=HatchBack
1=Manual Belts
8=350ci B2l/L98
1=Check Digit
J=1988
L=Van Nuys
229036 Production Sequence.

 

thanks!

 

BTW, Thats not JUST any ole Firebird, its a Formula 350, From the factory it will have the following:
- The wrap around Aero Spoiler,
- Power-Buldge Hood,
- WS6 Suspension,
- 3.27 Borg & Warner 9 Bolt Rear Axel.
- 16"x 8" Rims with 245/50R16 Tires

Its ALL performance BABY!

John

 

ya I am just now finding this out LOL

I test drove it today and it died...alternator went out. I offered them 1K for it as it sits. Hopefully I will have an answer tomorrow. I will post pics if I get it

 

Are you sure that all 1988 Formula 350's came with 3.27's. I thought it was just the g92 cars.

Let me know, Later, Garrett

 

Yup,
According to the informaion I have, from 87-92, the Formula 350 and the GTA's equiped with a 350 "Should" have the 3.27 or 3.23 gear. Although some may have fallen through the cracks due to Assy plant shortages or errors within the assy process, With the excption of the Trans Am's and Formulas that were 1LE equiped, I do not believe that G92 was widely used within the Firebird line.

On a similar note, All Formulas & GTAS with the LB9/M5 combination "should" have the 3.45 or 3.42 Gears Although it seems that again some may have gotten out of the factory not so equiped the vast majority (around 95%) do have the performance gears.

The A4/LB9, LO3 and LG4 cars usually got the Lesser 2.73 or 3.08 gears however...

In some respects its the difference between Firebirds and Camaros, some things were standard on a Firebird that was an option on the Camaro. I think it may be due to the philosophy behind the marketing of each division.

Garrett,
To answer your question, I have yet to find a Formula 350 with 2.70 or 2.73 gears from the factory. They might exist, but they would be Very unusual.

 

OKFOZ

I actually have an '89 Formula 350 with the stock single cat exhaust. And the car is kind of a dog for performance (compared to the other 350TPI cars I have had). The car has about 62,000 miles on it, but no RPO sticker (not under armrest not in truck). but I am pretty sure that the rear gears are the junk 2.77's and this car is an original formula 350.

If you want some pic's I can get them for you but with out a RPO sheet it probably won't help.

Later, Garrett

 

I know the dual cats were a Mid-year intorduction in 1989...

Without the RPO sheet, the information is limited.

The 1988 and 1989 350 engines were basically the same if memory serves, Obviously the dual cats made a big improvement in 1989 performance tho.

John

 

So was the Borg Warner 9 bolt limited slip(that I have)an upgrade from the 10 bolt with posi? I always thought I had posi. I lay down 2 stripes when I peel out. What h.p. are they rated to handle? Just curious. Are the 3.27 gears kinda weak? I think I might switch to 3.73's when I go Manual trans and 12 bolt. Maybe I don't need a new rear with the 9 bolt though.

 

Yes the B&W would be considered an "Upgrade". For the most part yes the B&W was Ltd slip, Although I am not sure if non ltd slip B&W according to most literature they exist..

I would think that the B&W should be good to about 400 hp. Keep in mind that the 10 bolt axel was used in 4th gens... The difference being that the length of the axel tubes... And the B&W were suposed to be above that.

THe 3.27 gear is common on the 350 Cars, THere not Bullit proof, but they are a good rear. If you want more than 400 hp I would look for a Ford 9" to use back there.
THe ratio you will end up with is 3.70, as there are no 3.73 B&W axels. It has to do with the pitch of the gears and how it calculates out. About 5 years ago all of the parts were still available throubh SLP, you could even get the Speedo gears for $30 back then... I am unaware of any other source for 3.70 gears for the 9 Bolt. As far as strength, you will find someone to tell you that every axel is junk. If you have the money to replace it, then run the old axel until it breaks... then replace it, otherwise it might be just fine and your wasting your money.

 

Thanks again for the detailed reply. I'm quite a ways away from new power train. But it's good to hear the rear will handle the hp I'm looking to build when I'm done!

 

Daniel,
This topic came up in another thread, apparently the B&W axel is only rated at 295 HP. They will probably handle more, as the 10 bolts are suposedly not as strong and they used those until 2002.

I still say if it blows then go for something else

John