Formula Spotting Help
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 84 Camaro 2.8L, 85 T/A 305 LG4
Formula Spotting Help
Friend of a friend is selling an '89 Firebird'; I haven't seen the car in person and I am trying to determine whether it's a proper Formula or just a Firebird...
Here's what I know:
Hardtop
Base interior; manual windows, locks, seats.
No A/C
5.0 TBI
5-speed manual
Power Bulge Hood
Aero Wing
Formula Wheels
On the outside it definitely looks like a Formula (no decals though) but the the fact that the interior is so base and it has no AC is throwing me off. For some reason I thought all Formula's had AC in 89?
Here's what I know:
Hardtop
Base interior; manual windows, locks, seats.
No A/C
5.0 TBI
5-speed manual
Power Bulge Hood
Aero Wing
Formula Wheels
On the outside it definitely looks like a Formula (no decals though) but the the fact that the interior is so base and it has no AC is throwing me off. For some reason I thought all Formula's had AC in 89?
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (58)
Re: Formula Spotting Help
Well the VIN won't tell you anything, since the TBI was available on the base Firebird or the Formula. Go to the decal in the driver's side door jamb and look for 245/50ZR16 as the spec'd tire size. Look in the glovebox for the SPID, look for WS6, and W66.
Generally speaking, if it's got the hood, spoiler, and wheels, I'd probably assume it's a Formula. Most people aren't going to go to the trouble to do all three. The codes will tell you for sure.
Generally speaking, if it's got the hood, spoiler, and wheels, I'd probably assume it's a Formula. Most people aren't going to go to the trouble to do all three. The codes will tell you for sure.
#3
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 163 Likes
on
118 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: Formula Spotting Help
W66 = Formula
I do not think I have ever seen an LO3, 5 Speed with absolutely no options... Kind of neat, nothing remarkable in performance tho. No AC? THat is a pretty rare car indeed... Been really neat if they would have opted for the LB9 tho... That would be a fun stripper...
I do not think I have ever seen an LO3, 5 Speed with absolutely no options... Kind of neat, nothing remarkable in performance tho. No AC? THat is a pretty rare car indeed... Been really neat if they would have opted for the LB9 tho... That would be a fun stripper...
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 84 Camaro 2.8L, 85 T/A 305 LG4
Re: Formula Spotting Help
Thanks guys; it likely is a Canadian export - it's in Canada. It's about an hour away, but I am going to try and get out to look at it this weekend. Will post some pics if/when I get them.
Trending Topics
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 84 Camaro 2.8L, 85 T/A 305 LG4
Re: Formula Spotting Help
Thanks guys, I don't have a VIN yet. I did get two photos sent to me; see attached. Nothing of the exterior, but it looks like a typical black Formula on the outside....
#11
On Probation
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Dallas
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans Am KITT Replica
Engine: LU5 305 CROSSFIRE
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3:23
Re: Formula Spotting Help
VERY interesting car never seen a Formula optioned like that !!! But non A/C cars are VERY common in Canada
But I agree with John, If it was a LB9/5spd then that would be a NICE SCORE !!!
Still a cool car, I loveeeee my black third gens
Dave
But I agree with John, If it was a LB9/5spd then that would be a NICE SCORE !!!
Still a cool car, I loveeeee my black third gens
Dave
#12
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,694
Received 747 Likes
on
506 Posts
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 Spotting Help
Nifty car, grab it up!
#13
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 84 Camaro 2.8L, 85 T/A 305 LG4
Re: Formula Spotting Help
Checked it out in person the other day...Driver's side floorboard disappeared a long time ago and was crudely replaced with sheet metal. It was also repainted at some point, poor prep work so the paint is peeling off in a bunch of places. Ran and drove pretty good though....Car could be had pretty cheap, but it's more work than I need right now with a child on the way, so I passed on it.
#15
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,694
Received 747 Likes
on
506 Posts
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 Spotting Help
I have a pair of those block off plates in that gray color.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post