I was just wondering which car was the top of the line, and performed better.

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Later,
Vomex
'89 GTA 5.7L TPI

 

The GTA was the top of the line.

Depending on which drivetrain option you have the cars will perform differently.
A 350 Formula being faster than a 305 GTA for example.

The Formula was available w/ TBI 305 and TPI (305 and 350)
The GTA had the 350 standard and the 305 TPI optional.

Hope that helps.

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1983 TransAm
1984 TransAm
1994 TransAm GT
1994 25th TransAm GT
1990 T-Bird SC
1971 Boss 351

Four TransAm's are not enough. Firebirds for all.

 

GTA
Was top of the line but the Formula is
lighter and was avaible with the GTA
5.7 /a4 combo, It all boils down to personal
pref , GTA......

 

I would have to concur; the GTA was basically fully loaded with very few options other than leather and CD. In 1991, you could either have L98 as a coupe or the LB9 with T-tops for basically the same price.

The Formulas, as mentioned above, could get the same power train as the GTA. Because the Formulas could be available as a "stripper", they could be 100 lbs lighter than a fully loaded GTA. A 1991 magazine article (I think it was Motor Trend or Car & Driver) did a "shoot out" with 5 different Firebirds. L98 GTA, L98 Formula "stripper", LB9 5-Speed Formula, LB9 Auto Convertible and another variation (Trans-Am LB9 IIRC).

The fastest was the Formula @ 14.45, the GTA L98 was 14.52 and the Formula LB9 5-speed was 14.6x or 14.7x (can't remember). The convertible was the slowest in the 15s.

Based on the magazine test article, the Formula is about .1 quicker than the GTA (both L98s) if the Formula is a "stripper". If it is fully loaded, it will be close to the GTAs times. With either, a few simple mods can make it very low 14s or even high 13s.

[This message has been edited by Glenn91L98GTA (edited September 29, 2001).]

 

It's all in what you want. The GTA is the "Cadillac" The formula is a little lighter, and therefore probably a little faster. I prefer a hair bit slower, and more options so I went with the GTA.
later
Mike

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Check out My Car Pics http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/Albu...667&a=13599419

Gran Turismo Americano "The Ultimate Firebird"
Smokin 1989 GTA- Bone stock except for exhaust. (no catalytic-stainless pipe into Flowmaster 2 chamber) & AC Delco Rapid Fire Plugs

 

I myself prefer the clean lines of the Formula. It was also about five thousand dollars cheaper than a GTA.

 

Personally, I think EVERYONE should own an example of each, including the Z28 and/or IROC. Maybe a B4C RS also.

 

I'm getting there, only a 91 Z28 and a 91 Trans Am away.

The Formula didn't really drag me in till the test drive then it was sold as soon as I left the dealership parking lot sideways.

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Drew
predatorman@hotmail.com
83 Camaro 5.0L *1995-98*
87 Iroc 5.7L
91 Formula 5.7L 14.3@98mph
91 RS Convertible 5.0L
91 Firebird 3.1L 17.00@82mph *Gtech*
92 S10 2.8L For Sale!
98 Grand Am GT 3.1L

 

Yes Drew you certainly are getting quite a collection. BTW, on those times for the Formula, is that "bone stock" or with any minor mods? Also is that uncorrected or corrected for your elevation.

Definitely good times for a "bone stock or basically stock", especially at your elevation (around 2,500 feet IIRC).

 

Thats bone stock with the aircleaner filter canister removed and an Accel cap/rotor/coil with the stock 7mm plug wires and Delco Rapidfires. The 14.3 was the exact number on the clock at the track in Bowling Green, KY.

Of course the car has some other odds and ends on it that I don't really consider as mods or anything that would effect the 1/4 time, such as SFC's, Wonderbar, Poly tranny mount, Bosch O2 sensor, BFG V rated tires, clogged cats and a failing tranny. Almost forgot the elusive K&N airfilter.

I really need to get new cats and tires, and rebuild the tranny but then again when thats done the performance will be quite a bit better than the stock numbers.