BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

I have been using the search function on this and other web sites and not really finding what I am looking for...

Does anyone have some accurate production numbers (by year) for Formula 350's? I have read lots of opinions, but not finding much factual information. I found a site that lists production numbers by year for Formulas in general but no specific numbers for the 350 cars.

Looking for some input from one of the Formula 350 experts. There must be someone on here that can shed some light on this.

Thanks!

Drew

iTrader: (58)

What you're looking for is a combination of options. The numbers that were kept and published generally will only cover individual options. So you can find how many Formulas were built in a specific year, but not how many Formulas with the L98 engine were built.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Understood, thanks for the reply.

I'm in the process of picking up a 1990 Formula 350 with under 9500 miles from the 2nd owner.
What would you consider to be rare options on this car? The original window sticker and sales invoice are included so it's easy to see the way the car is optioned.

Also, is it true all 1990's were built in 1989?

Thanks for the info.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

Formula 350s are not a "rare" car. Maybe uncommon, but not rare. No individual options really matter aside from Formula 350. Some had power mirrors, some didn't, etc, but none of those little options matter too much.

Now that it is a under 10k mile example is fantastic. I'd be curious as to what you're paying; if it's under 15k you're doing great.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the reply!
Once I get it home, I will post up some pics.
It's been extremely well cared for, showroom new.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

Please post up pics of everything. Take a TON of engine bay pics. 1) for showing off 2) for people like me with 150k mile cars to look at to try to piece ours back together stock. We really appreciate pictures like that.

I'm going to be in the hunt for a low mileage Formula 305TPI/5SP or 350 next month. Just waiting for cash in the bank and it's on.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Yes, please post up some pictures!!

Drew

iTrader: (58)

The term "rare" gets thrown around too often. Everyone thinks their car is rare because of some minor detail. When you get right down to it, these cars could practically be ordered à la carte. There are so many insignificant options, that you can find something interesting about nearly any thirdgen.

A 90 Formula 350 with low miles has a lot going for it, because it's a well equipped car for performance, and hasn't been beaten to death. That's worth a premium, but nothing that is worthy of "this is one of three ever built" like you'd read in some magazine.

Probably damn close. My 91 Formula was built in May 1990. 1990 production was only a half year because GM was scrambling to get the redesigned 91s in the showrooms. Combined with the low mileage, and performance options, a 1990 Formula 350 is a good choice.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

Some neat notes for 1990: first year for MAP, also first year of the rounder steering wheel.

bjpotter

Nice find. Not many low mile Formula 350's show up for sale. Can't wait to see photo's.

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

838 Formula 350's out of a total of 4,834 Formulas built in 1990.

Yes, all 1990 F-Bodies were built in 1989. Production of the 1991 model F-Bodies started in January of 1990.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

A oddity I have seen, a late 1989 formula with a MAF and a airbag.
That may explain the 1989 copywrite date on the sunvisor airbag decal

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Thanks a bunch!
This is exactly what I have been looking for!

So I gotta ask....where did you come up with this information?

That is a lot lower number than I would have guessed. You don't happen to have a break down of the 838 number, such as color or other options do you??

Once again, thank you!

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Guys, here are a couple pics of the Formula 350.
I will post some better shots once I have the car in my garage in a couple weeks. Looking forward to getting here to Florida soon.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

That is super nice!!!!

1988 Iroc 5.7

iTrader: (3)

Nice find! Great looking Formula!

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

Astounding looking car.

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

That is a nice car!

I got it from Compnine - they have a full data set for 1990 vehicles. Send me your VIN & I can give you a breakdown by color.

kymmee

Nice looking car! Congrats on the purchase.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Just wondering how many cars had the cooling system engine oil option - as shown on the window sticker? Anyone know about this?

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Standard on All 350 auto and all 305 tpi 5spd with g92/r6p option.
Part of the performance enhancement group.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Not on my car - it was a $110 "OPTION".
See the window sticker I posted.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

It's a mandatory option with the 350 and 305 tpi 5speed.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

They always list the price next to the option. The option being there (and the price tag assoicated with it) was required on 350 and 305tpi 5sp cars.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

That's a negative ghost ryder.... The 1990 Pontiac dealer book states it as "optional equipment". If it was standard with a 350 it would not have cost an extra $110 on the window sticker for my car.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

Notice how limited slip is listed, too? It was also included on all Formula models. You couldn't go "I want to save $100, don't put it on there."

You're reading into it incorrectly, sadly.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

It may have been optional on other motors but it was mandatory on 350 auto and 305tpi 5spd cars w/g92 or r6p.

John will be along to give you better info

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

So, if it was included with ALL Formula 305 5 speed cars, (as stated above) it would have been listed on the upper left side of the window sticker where "standard equipment" is listed.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

No, that is not correct.

Honestly, you just don't know how to read window stickers. It's fine, but we're telling you how it is; it isn't up for interpretation.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

I worked in a GM dealer in the late 80's. I ordered these cars when they were brand new. Don't recall it working that way.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Not quite how it works. The base formula has a list of standard options, certain other options (like upgraded motor or rear gears) require other mandatory options or option packages to support it. GM makes things overly complex

N10 dual cats and auto trans are also mandatory options when the 350 tpi was chosen

I'd like to see your rpo code decal in the console or rear locking compartment

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

The absolute base Formula was a 305 TBI. It did not require it.

So it is technically an "optional" component in the Formula line, but it was factory-required to be added when the 305 TPI 5sp, or 350 TPI option were chosen.

Make sense?

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Yes, makes sense and is a much better way of stating it.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Here you go.....






As requested...

Big&BadGTA

iTrader: (1)

Did the airbag actually exist, or did someone add an airbag wheel to an 89?
I've never seen something like that, and to be factory equipment, it would need to be run through FMVSS process. But could have been an engineering prototype, too. Wonder the whole story...

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Very cool, Odd that G92 or R6P isn't listed in there but I don't think it always is. Maybe John will have some insight to this.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Yes, had all the factory wiring and brackets (on the core support) for it to function plus the 1990-92 dash. If you look at the airbag decal on the sunvisor, they have a 1989 date on them. Always wondered why

JT

iTrader: (1)

If you have an order sheet for 1990, take a look at that as well. I have First Print and it shows the oil cooler is required under the B2L (L98) package. The G80 limited slip, which also shows a cost on your window sticker, was also listed as required with the B2L package.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the info, much appreciated!

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

Surprisingly, there were 234 Formula 350's built in 1990 in 81U Bright Red or 28% of all Formula 350 Production.

Pretty popular color for that model.

Also:

All of the 234 were built with the KC4 Engine Oil Cooler, G80 Posi, J65 Rear Disc Brakes and N10 Duel Exhaust as noted above.

auto_god

Is this something that comes with the subscription to Compnine? I bought the $5 Compnine report and none of the vehicle rarity was included. I bought it under the assumption that would be included as it used to be back when Compnine was free. My whole intent was to find out how many Artic White 1991 Formula 350 were made.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Thanks! That is a pretty low number. Even lower than I would have guessed.
Is it safe to say the car is 1 of 234 Bright Red Formula 350's made for 1990?
Where did you get the data? Compnine?

kymmee

I find it interesting that we have basically the same car, but mine is 89 w ttops, and the gas mileage ratings for 89 are 17/25 and for the 90 are 16/24. Also when comparing total vehicle price, (before destination charge) your car was $1205 dollars more.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

wow, very interesting, I agree!

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

kymmee - FYI - I'd much rather have a white one!!! I almost passed on buying the car because it was red. I'm just not a fan of red cars....lol

kymmee

I do like the white, not a fan of red either. There were not that many color choices to begin with. lol

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

maybe we should work a trade....HA!

kymmee

Well yours does have the super low mileage. Mine is at 66k.

BizJetTech

iTrader: (3)

Sent you a PM

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

In the Ford world, Kevin Marti will break down car production to the most finite option to produce low 2 digit or single digit production numbers. Lets face it, every one wants to say their car is 1 of X produced. That said, most production numbers are limited to model, body style and drive line with some caveats to major option like Judge, SS or Z28.

1 of 838 would be the traditional production - but you can refer to it any way you want.