http://adcache.collectorcartraderonl.../9/1309739.htm

I dunno if that link will work, but its from collector car trader online.

I didn't know any Formula was a convertable.
It's hard to tell from those pictures if it simply has T-tops and the seller considers that to be convertable.

I know the 92 Formula 350/t-top car is among the rarest of the rare, but this is unique. Could be an aftermarket conversion.

 

Possible, yes. Factory, uhhh no. Could be an ASC conversion though anyway, but its for sure not factory authorized.

 

First of all it says it's a 1991, second, by the looks of the first pic it is a convertible and the VIN they provide is that of a hatchback but all of that really means nothing because there was never a Formula convertible. BTW, there a quite a few 92 L98/CC1 Formulas around if you look........

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I hope you meant there was never a factory Formula convertible, because there is such a thing as a Formula convertible that was converted by ASC. It would be like the one in the link above, the VIN wouldnt say its a convertible but that doesnt prevent it from happening (just like the numerous 87-90's convertibles).

 

I assumed that factory convertibles were what the topic was about so yes I was referring to "factory" 'verts.....

 

Oops, I did get the year wrong.

I wonder what the conversion does to the strudtural integrity of the car with a 350.

From what I've read, the few models available over the years with both the 5.7 and t-tops always ended up with twisted frames or something. A convertable would be even worse, it seems.

 

Man, let me tell you. The L98 motor was NOT strong enough to physically twist a t-top or convertible car apart. Come on people, how many ft/lb of torque did the L98 put out? Yes, I've seen some small cracks on one hardtop L98 car on the b-pillar but I had a 13.81 second L98 in my 89 RS convt and the 89 convertible still seems pretty straight to me. Did it cause additional stress to the car, sure. Did it twist the car out of shape, NO.
Was GM and Chevy worried about the smallest warranty claim on a L98 T-Top/convt car, yes. They didn't even put a/c in the first 350 cars cause GM was worried about the cooling capacity of the stock 305 components (radiator, hoses, fans etc). Guess they were wrong about that too. How many people are sucessfully running T-5 trannies and stock 350's? It's all blown way out of proportion folks.

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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI Edelbrock Intake
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suspension, alum shaft. Numerous mods.
92Z28convt5spd (stock)
71Impala convt 402BB
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I know the guy who owns that car.
It was converted by Merrolis Chevrolet in East Detroit, MI
I compared that one to my 91 TA convert side by side to see the differences for starters It is not an ASC convertible, it has the standard formula rear spoiler, they just cut the interior to fit and rigged the seatbelts, the top snaps in place and it has a vinyl tonneau cover.
The nose was repainted this summer because the paint was cracked.
The guy thinks it's worth a fortune becasue he considers it a 1of1 but it does not hold a candle to a real 91 or 92 Trans AM in fit or finish.
Nice car overall but it's not 'real'

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81 TTA NASCAR

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On the subject of structural rigidity and torque, in my experiance ttop cars are the worst as far as strength of the chassis. Almost every ttop car I've driven flexed when going over speed bumps or pulling in driveways. My convertible on the other hand seems stiff as a board. My hardtops have always seemed ok, but they've all had their share of rattles.

The cracks in the roof generally are due to body flexing, but its not a result of engine torque or horsepower. These cars are HEAVY, and the frame isn't sufficient to support them. With time and use they work their way to sagging.