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Formula vin question

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Old May 9, 2017 | 12:12 PM
  #1  
92hawk's Avatar
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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
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Old May 9, 2017 | 12:21 PM
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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.
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Old May 9, 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?
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Old May 9, 2017 | 02:14 PM
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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.
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Old May 9, 2017 | 03:02 PM
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From: Temecula, CA
Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 3.27 Posi
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.
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Old May 13, 2017 | 01:17 AM
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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.
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Old May 22, 2017 | 07:23 PM
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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!
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Old May 22, 2017 | 07:49 PM
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Car: 1988 Iroc
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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.
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Old May 22, 2017 | 07:51 PM
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From: Alberta Canada
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 5.0 TBI
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Re: Formula vin question

Awesome . Thanks very much!
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