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Formula vin question

Old 05-09-2017, 12:12 PM
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Formula vin question

Hello all I have what I believe to be a original 1987 Formula 305. 5 speed car
Also I have just acquired another 1987 Formula 305 auto
I have used the vin decoder and for the type number both cars are listed as firebird. Not Formula/trans am Can anyone help with this question?? Thanks
Old 05-09-2017, 12:21 PM
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Re: Formula vin question

Firebird and Formula use the same VIN prefix.
Trans Am and GTA use the same VIN prefix.
Old 05-09-2017, 12:42 PM
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Re: Formula vin question

Oh ok on that decoder it had a placement for this letter I believe I'm referring to the S which is firebird and another letter meant Formula or trans am according to that chart?
Old 05-09-2017, 02:14 PM
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Re: Formula vin question

You cannot determine if a car is a Formula or GTA strictly from the VIN. You need the RPO codes the be certain.
Old 05-09-2017, 03:02 PM
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Re: Formula vin question

Originally Posted by 92hawk
Oh ok on that decoder it had a placement for this letter I believe I'm referring to the S which is firebird and another letter meant Formula or trans am according to that chart?
As others have stated, Formula did not get it's own letter in the VIN. It's shared with the base Firebird letter.

You have to go by the RPO codes.
Old 05-13-2017, 01:17 AM
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Car: 1987 Formula (original owner)
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Re: Formula vin question

Yes, there is a way to determine if a Firebird is a Formula just by using the VIN, alone, and that's with the engine code. If the engine code, its 8th digit, is an F or an 8, then it is a Formula, as base Firebirds could not have either TPI engine. However, if the engine code is H in 1987(E for 1988+), then you will have to dig into the RPOs.

And to summarize the other posts, a Formula begins as a Firebird, both have S in the VIN, and a GTA begins as a Trans Am, both have W in the VIN. There is no Formula/Trans Am.
Old 05-22-2017, 07:23 PM
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Re: Formula vin question

Anyone Happen to know a accurate as possible source to decode the PRO's on my 1991 Firebird?

Any help would be great!
Old 05-22-2017, 07:49 PM
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Re: Formula vin question

http://www.austinthirdgen.org/index.php?pid=30

Might be of some assistance. There are probably some other sources as well. You might have already, but give this site search a try. Might lead to more of the information you seek.
Old 05-22-2017, 07:51 PM
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Re: Formula vin question

Awesome . Thanks very much!


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