Formula vin question
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
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
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,219
Likes: 1,141
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Formula vin question
Firebird and Formula use the same VIN prefix.
Trans Am and GTA use the same VIN prefix.
Trans Am and GTA use the same VIN prefix.
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?
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 195
From: Moorpark, CA
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
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.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 89
From: Temecula, CA
Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
Re: Formula vin question
You have to go by the RPO codes.
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,947
Likes: 368
From: Las Vegas
Car: 1987 Formula (original owner)
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt/3.45
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.
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.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Alberta Canada
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 5.0 TBI
Transmission: T5
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!
Any help would be great!

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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 195
Likes: 77
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt 2.77 Posi
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.
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.









