hey guys, im mike. i thought my 87 firebird was a base model, but my dad is saying it is a formula. its a v8 305 5.0 carb. he says bc it has the performance suspension that it is a formula need help thank you

 

it could be....need to check your RPO codes

 

how would i check my rpo codes? what does that even mean?

 

Look inside the center console there should be a sticker with a bunch of 3 digit codes those are rpo codes each code is an option your car came with. Look for w66 and ws6 also make sure your car's vin matches the vin on the sticker.

 

 

Check the codes, but it should say on the title for the car...?

 

Are the wheels on it original? If they are what do they look like? Or you can do what everyone else says and check the codes haha.

 

i dont know if they did that between the firebird base and formula. i know they did for the trans am, i guess it depends on the state you live in but the title for my camaro says camaro z28 and convertable for body type

 

The Formula will not show on the title. The base model and the Formula were the same model, unlike the Trans Am.

Indicators of a Formula:
Power Bulge hood
16" wheels
wrap around rear spoiler
V-8 of some level (LG4, LB9, L98 for 87)
WS6 suspension (36mm front sway bar, 24mm rear is the easiest way to tell)
No ground effects (no base model had ground effects in 87, though, unlike 89-92)

 

if it has ground effects its not a formula, if it dosnt well then it is

 

That isn't true. You could get a LO3 or LG4 Firebird w/o Ground Effects that wasn't a Formula.

 

i was gonna say that lol.....there is a difference between the base model and the formula model even though they both have no ground effects

 

I'm curious what the verdict was here... did u check the RPOs?

 

aaaargh.

1) Check the SPID sheet in the center console (1987-1991) or the rear storage area on LH side (1991-1992) Look for WS6 or W66 (Formula)
2) If no SPID, look at the drivers door tire information, if it states 245-50R16 then its a Formula.
3) Look at the front sway bar, if it is 36mm thick then there is a chance its a Formula (can be easily changed)
4) If you have ground effects it is NOT a Formula, However some Base Firebirds in 1991 and 1992 had them...
5) Since you have a 1987, then NO Base firebird or Formula had Ground effects, it was not an option until 1988, when there was a Z20 option which was more of a throwback to 2nd gen wheel spats, in 1989 The base firebird had an option to have Trans Am ground effects, but kept the base hood and spoiler... this trend was kept until 1992 as an option.
6) ALL Formulas got the Aero Spoiler, Bulge hood, 16" Wheels, V8, WS6
7) Base Firebirds from 1987-1992 had either a V6 or Base V8

 

Post pics of you car...

 

^My title doesn't even say my car is a camaro, just says its a chevy coupe,lol.
As for the Ops ?s I would just decode the VIN plate personally, parts can be changed or added, but the VIN will stay the same.