I recently made a down payment on a 1989 Firebird Formula 350. However the door only says Formula. Not Formula 350. I have yet to see other Birds that have are 350 that DONT say 350. Is this car salesman trying to trick me into paying more than I should? I know dumb question ha. But seriously has ANYONE ever heard of such a thing? A Firebird Formula 350 with only Formula on the driver side door? Is there anyway I can check the engine for differences Im no mechanic but if I know what to look for... any help will do as I need to know asap im paying full tmrw... well its 1am so today

 

Check for the SPID sticker inside the console. It should have L98 listed there as an RPO code if the car is legit.

 

Good or bad let us know.

 

All the 89 Formula 350's I have seen always said 350 on the door. I think the 305 say 5.0 on the hood as well, but I could be wrong. Like was said the sticker should say L98 if it's a 350, if it says LB9 then you have a 305 TPI.

 

If the 8th digit of the VIN is 8, you have an L98. If it's an F, the car has an LB9.

 

You guys are awesome thanks for the fast responses! Life savers! The 8th digit is most definitely a F! How did you know if its an F its 305 or 8 a 350? Thats the kind of knowledge I need lol. Today I will check engine sticker, if it too indicates 305 tbi I will call out this salesman show him the VIN evidence as well and hopefully get my down payment refunded ha.

 

Damn - what a thief. Don't even bother with him any more. Get your money back and run away as fast as possible.

 

The 8th digit of the VIN is the engine "code". Each engine that came in a Thirdgen has a unique number/letter.

For 87-92:

S = 173 ci V6 LB8 (1987-1989)
T = 191 ci V6 LH0 (1990-1992)
F = 305 ci V8 LB9 (1987-1992)
H = 305 ci V8 LG4 (1987)
E = 305 ci V8 L03 (1988-1992)
8 = 350 ci V8 B2L/L98 (1987-1992)
7 = 231 ci V6 SFI Turbo (1989

 

I have had called on a few cars that advertised "original" 350 only to find out it was a 305 car. This was discovered by the VIN or the RPO code in the console.
Sometimes it felt like someone just assumed but others made me think they were trying to be sly. Like original 350 five speed in a 88 trans am. LOL. RPO said LB9 Vin had F. He acted like I didn't know what I was talking about.
I think most just don't know but before you buy "research!"
I've learned most of what I know about these cars by researching what is advertised about a car for sale to make sure its legit or false.
TGO is a great source!

 

According to John, who is a moderator here and is very knowledgeable on the Formula:

Source:
http://www.3rdgenformula.com/87/87_history.htm

 

Yup, then in 91-92 the formula got a 5.7 decal (if its a 350 and 5.0 if 305)on each side of the hood scoop and just formula on the door no matter which engine.

 

Look, pop the hood and get a flashlight and shine it down the space under the wiper on the driver's side, you should see a 5.0L or a 5.7L stamped on the block behind the driver's side head!

 

On all my cars I can't see that stamp on a single one of them.

 

It is there. It is right behind the driver's side head,on the top between the engine and transmission. I saw mine at night with a flashlight. You may have to lean in the engine compartment to see it.

 

I know they are there, that wasn't my point. My point is that it is REALLY hard to see and on most Thirdgens it is coated in grease and dirt making it impossible to read. There is also a wiring harness that runs right next to it.

 

I assume this car you looked at is an automatic right?

 

I think there is also a plate with numbers stamped on them on the front of the passenger's side head , behind the alternator? I dont remember for sure. I would definately get some numbers off of the block itself ,if it were me.

 

That is a machined surface from the factory.
If the motor has ever had 2 have its head decks surfaced the numbers wont be there. Also if the motor is a replacement or not orginal it wont matter 2much what it is.
Just check the rear dr side behind the head for a 5.0 or 5.7. If its a older motor (pre 86ish) that won't be there.

 

I was able to read mine just fine...after pulling the engine out of course. Good luck reading it while it's in the car. Only way I could see doing that would be removing the hood, main engine harness, and a lot of other stuff.

 

Could you get a mirror and flashlight wedge back in there'

 

The 350 isn't necessary for the car to be a true Formula. As such, unless you have it in writing that the deposit was "Formula 350" rather than just "Formula", you won't be getting your deposit back. A Formula with the LB9 / T5 combo is nothing to refuse anyway. The LB9 to be dis-satisfied with is the lesser version bolted to the automatic, but still better than any LO3.

 

When I bought my IROC a few years back it was badged 5.7,but VIN said it was a 5.0.
I was disappointed but it now has a 350.

 

I ended up buying the car, it is a 305 but it still is a beaut'. Does anyone have any tips as to how to boost a 305 engine? I know I should get new exhaust, headers, tires and suspension. But I dont know if theres something in particular that the 305 benefits from most and I am sure there is some expert on here dying to share his (or her ha) wisdom :P

 

Do a quick search, you'll get more answers.

It's probably one of the most common questions on this site being that most 3rd gens came with 305s.

 

Engine swap?

Congratulations on your new car. And yes, search the forum for more info.

Oh, and post some pics!

 

I have the LB9 in my car. It's slow, but sounds good and it still fun to drive, well the car over all is fun. Cograts on the new ride.

 

Oooops ? There is lots you can do. Search around.