How do I know if I actually have a formula or if someone put the stickers on?

 

Let's start here: What year? '92? Does the car have ground effects? Does the car have the proper wraparound spoiler?

I am not sure if there is a way to check by referencing an ID number anywhere on the chassis, so let's just start with the simple visual cues mentioned above.

 

Yes it is a 92. The car has ground effects and the wrap around spoiler.

 

Can't you just check the RPO codes?

 

Well stock 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formulas didn't have ground effects, just the wrap around spoiler. Its in the RPO but I don't know what the code for it is.

What engine does she have? What kind of taillights? Its very possible someone just put Formula on a base model Firebird with ground effects as well as the spoiler. Its also possible that you have a Trans Am that someone marked as a Formula. Any pictures?

 

considering both 1992 formulas and trans ams are not common..I'd guess it is a plain old firebird...I have seen a few birds with either trans am or formula decals..but they were neither

 

Check the RPO's for W66, if it's not there, it's not a Formula. Further, if WS6 isn't there it's not a Formula.

All Formula's had the offset bulge hood, 16x8" wheels (convex in 87, concave 88-up, except some 91-92 cars that had crosslace GTA-style wheels), wrap around aero spoiler, WS6 package, etc.

 

1) Formulas never had Ground effects from the factory 87-92
2) Firebirds may be had WITHOUT ground effects in 91 & 92, although unusual
3) Both the Fiebird & Formula could be had with the LO3 (TBI 5.0)
4) ONLY Formulas had the "Power Buldge Hood" 87-92
5) The BASE firebird was the ONLY car to get the "Wing" non-wrap around style. 87-92
6) The Formula and GTA were the ONLY cars to get WS6 STANDARD 87-92

John

 

Ill post some pics soon, I've been busy with school and football.

 

 

The car has the correct wheels, hood, and spoiler. You said it had ground effects, but I can see from the last pic that it does not...which is good, since Formulas don't have them.

Check the RPO code mentioned above for definitive proof, but it looks to be a Formula.

What engine?

 

It has a 5.0 tpi and from my research formulas have the LB9 so im guessing it has a LB9 in it. The RPO codes would be on the door right?

 

Yes, LB9 is the 305 TPI engine. Looks to me you got a formula. The camaros have the RPO codes in the center console, so maybe the firebirds are there too. Have you check this out: https://www.thirdgen.org/1992-pontiac-firebird
Does anyone have a link that he could break down every RPO code that his car came with?

-Nick.

 

The rpo codes are in the glovebox up until 91.5 when they moved to the rear locking storage compartment. The rpo sheet or SPID (service parts identification decal) will have a VIN number printed on it. If the VIN on the SPID doesn't match the one visible through the windshield, then you're pretty much SOL. You can also try taking your VIN number (from under the windshield) to the parts counter at your local GM dealership and they may be able to print you a list of the RPO's. You can find the definitions online at various places, the RPO decoder here somehow got lost in the move.

If the car has an F or an 8 as the 8th digit of the VIN number, you can bank on the car being a Formula, Trans Am, or GTA, since the base model Firebird was never available with TPI. Further, all T/A and GTA's received ground effect moldings that would be difficult to miss.

Judging from the pictures, I'd say the car is an authentic Formula.

 

I want to thank all of you for your help

 

HANDS DOWN FROM THE PICTURES IT IS A TRUE FORMULA