Members Firebirds Post pictures and information about your Third Gen Base, SE, Formula, Trans Am, and GTA Firebirds!

my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-06-2011, 05:32 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
jaygt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: toronto canada
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 80,81,85, trans am
Engine: 4.9,301turbo,350
Transmission: all auto
Axle/Gears: 308,342,308
my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

well i picked up a 89 formula this winter. not much around up here in ontario canada but found it online. was listed as "firebird for sale".
when i clicked the add it was a 89 formula 350 with 20 000 original miles.

it has the dual cat option and 3:27 9 bolt with pbr disk brakes. everything original right down to the 21 year old tires from the factory. had not been plated since 1996. strange to have this kind of car and just let it sit for 15 years. its one of only 66 formula 350 cars made for canada in 89.

these three pictures are from the add. not very nice pics but milage was too good to be true.
Name:  2873iim_20.jpg
Views: 1312
Size:  97.8 KB
Name:  81041ad_20.jpg
Views: 1199
Size:  102.0 KB
Name:  705246b_20.jpg
Views: 766
Size:  58.4 KB

the original owner said around 93 some spots of clear coat went white so gm repainted in. they put the door decals in wrong spot. i have picked up a complete new set.

1996 was last year this car was driven
Name:  001-2.jpg
Views: 786
Size:  77.1 KB

picture when i went to look at car for the first time
Name:  028-1.jpg
Views: 760
Size:  114.7 KB

original 21 year old rear tires about half tread so not a hard life
Name:  006.jpg
Views: 776
Size:  76.2 KB

Last edited by jaygt; 04-06-2011 at 05:45 PM.
Old 04-06-2011, 05:43 PM
  #2  
Supreme Member

 
TransAm12sec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans Am
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 200C
Axle/Gears: 3:73
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

Nice find.

What are you going to do with it?
Old 04-06-2011, 05:58 PM
  #3  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
jaygt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: toronto canada
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 80,81,85, trans am
Engine: 4.9,301turbo,350
Transmission: all auto
Axle/Gears: 308,342,308
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

well im not going to make the same mistake as the original owner. he bought a brand new car from pontiac and let it sit for 15 years just so someone else can have it at a huge loss.
i dont have a lot of money but i plan to drive and enjoy it. we are only on this planet for a short time and im sure no one in my family will care about it when im gone.
im going to keep it basically original. not going to change anything that cant be but back to stock in a couple hours.

the day i picked it up i got a shot of original owner with the car.
Name:  004-4.jpg
Views: 734
Size:  129.5 KB

i changed the rear lights because someone vandalized one at some point.
Name:  015-2.jpg
Views: 733
Size:  99.1 KB

underside is spotless. never winter driven.
Name:  011-1.jpg
Views: 747
Size:  108.0 KB

milage is in kilometers because we are in canada. works out to around
20 000 miles
Name:  018-3.jpg
Views: 766
Size:  87.4 KB

original radio and still works im suprised
Name:  021-1.jpg
Views: 777
Size:  96.3 KB

Name:  023.jpg
Views: 747
Size:  86.9 KB
Old 04-06-2011, 06:02 PM
  #4  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
jaygt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: toronto canada
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 80,81,85, trans am
Engine: 4.9,301turbo,350
Transmission: all auto
Axle/Gears: 308,342,308
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

10 minutes after i buy it a snow storm hits while i wait for the tow truck.
Name:  photo4.jpg
Views: 742
Size:  70.5 KB

was happy to have it home in one piece. i changed the wheels because of the age cracking on the original tires. had to hit the brakes with oil too so break them free before tow truck arrived.
Name:  photo2.jpg
Views: 781
Size:  69.3 KB
Name:  photo3.jpg
Views: 748
Size:  58.0 KB
Old 04-06-2011, 06:06 PM
  #5  
Member

 
M G Brewer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Nicholasville, Ky
Posts: 344
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

im looking forward to seeing what u do with it.
Old 04-11-2011, 11:57 AM
  #6  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
jaygt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: toronto canada
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 80,81,85, trans am
Engine: 4.9,301turbo,350
Transmission: all auto
Axle/Gears: 308,342,308
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

Name:  IMG_0544.jpg
Views: 756
Size:  82.2 KB

the car has not been waxed in 10-15 years so im hoping to get to that soon.
Name:  IMG_0522.jpg
Views: 782
Size:  124.8 KB

i installed eibach sportlines. wheels are 2001 corvette magnesium wheels 18rear 17 front.
Name:  IMG_0534.jpg
Views: 752
Size:  135.7 KB

installed rear 2001 camaro rear end with 3:42 gears torsen posi and big brakes. allows vette wheels to bolt up, better gear and posi system. also founders lower control arms and adj panhard bar.
Name:  IMG_0543.jpg
Views: 721
Size:  84.1 KB

Last edited by jaygt; 04-11-2011 at 12:24 PM.
Old 04-11-2011, 12:34 PM
  #7  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
jaygt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: toronto canada
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 80,81,85, trans am
Engine: 4.9,301turbo,350
Transmission: all auto
Axle/Gears: 308,342,308
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

waxed half the hood and drivers fender. put real recaro in. the factory base firebird seats are a joke compared to the recaro. it was like sitting on a couch.
Name:  IMG_0575.jpg
Views: 768
Size:  104.8 KB
Name:  IMG_0580.jpg
Views: 749
Size:  90.4 KB

Name:  IMG_0583.jpg
Views: 705
Size:  94.9 KB
Name:  IMG_0587.jpg
Views: 2228
Size:  120.3 KB
Name:  IMG_0578.jpg
Views: 792
Size:  109.3 KB
Old 04-11-2011, 12:38 PM
  #8  
Supreme Member

 
TransAm12sec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans Am
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 200C
Axle/Gears: 3:73
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

I'll care about it when you're gone.

Where did you find the tail lights? Those do sleeker without the red PONTIAC between them.
Old 04-11-2011, 12:43 PM
  #9  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
jaygt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: toronto canada
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 80,81,85, trans am
Engine: 4.9,301turbo,350
Transmission: all auto
Axle/Gears: 308,342,308
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

i bought a 91 trans am this winter as well. it was in ok shape but the tail lights where like new. i took them off and sold the car a month ago.
one of the firebird tail lights was vandalized so i put on the 91 trans am ones.
Old 04-11-2011, 01:49 PM
  #10  
Member

iTrader: (1)
 
GTA1990's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: London, UK
Posts: 402
Received 19 Likes on 14 Posts
Car: 1991 Trans Am
Engine: L31, LT4 hot cam
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3:43 LSD
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

that looks amazing

tasteful wheel selection and being magnesium great in keeping with the function of the Formula (trim and purposeful)

the drop also really sets it off.

On the fence about the seats (aesthetics) - but do look much more supportive than the originals - unsure where you're going with the rest of the interior but maybe re-trim in the same shade of grey as the original seats? I think recaros where available in the firehawk in grey so a tribute to that

All in a great find and really like where this is going - keep it up!
Old 04-11-2011, 05:36 PM
  #11  
Member

 
maroman88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oradell, bergen county, new jersey
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 88 Camaro Coupe - 99 Corvette
Engine: 305TPI - LS1
Transmission: A4 - A4
Axle/Gears: 3:73 - 3:15
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

looks like an awesome find and great wheel choice... IMO race seats belong in race cars, find some nice 4th gen TA black leather seats... those are awesome
Old 04-12-2011, 03:34 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
86T/A_Ram_Air's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Brick, NJ
Posts: 870
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI
Transmission: Built T-5
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

subscribed....i love a formula 350
Old 05-03-2011, 04:29 PM
  #13  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
jaygt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: toronto canada
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 80,81,85, trans am
Engine: 4.9,301turbo,350
Transmission: all auto
Axle/Gears: 308,342,308
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

i replaced the cap rotor plugs and wires. its probably a good idea to change this stuff more than once every 20 years lol.

is my distributer ok? not sure if i should replace it

Name:  IMG_0607.jpg
Views: 720
Size:  140.6 KB
Name:  IMG_0593.jpg
Views: 701
Size:  98.3 KB
Name:  IMG_0594.jpg
Views: 729
Size:  104.7 KB
Old 05-03-2011, 04:32 PM
  #14  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
jaygt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: toronto canada
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 80,81,85, trans am
Engine: 4.9,301turbo,350
Transmission: all auto
Axle/Gears: 308,342,308
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

started up my 91 green trans am. hasnt been washed in over a year. i think it needs fuel injectors. after about 15 minutes it gets ruff then wont run. then wont start. next day starte fine all over again. i put new distributer in and didnt fix problem.

Name:  DSC04921.jpg
Views: 732
Size:  111.6 KB
Name:  DSC04922.jpg
Views: 727
Size:  140.2 KB
Name:  IMG_0616.jpg
Views: 724
Size:  165.8 KB
Old 05-03-2011, 04:37 PM
  #15  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
jaygt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: toronto canada
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 80,81,85, trans am
Engine: 4.9,301turbo,350
Transmission: all auto
Axle/Gears: 308,342,308
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

decided to do some work on my 85 trans am as well. i parked it in 93 to save gas money and hasnt been on road since. this was the first time i washed it in over 10 years. hood has some wear but overall not too bad after 18 years sitting.

Name:  DSC04891.jpg
Views: 703
Size:  152.5 KB
Name:  DSC04894.jpg
Views: 731
Size:  226.7 KB
Name:  DSC04907.jpg
Views: 809
Size:  154.6 KB
Old 05-03-2011, 04:54 PM
  #16  
Member
 
SpeedDemon91's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 210
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: '18 Jeep Wrangler, '19 Honda Accord
Engine: 2.0T in both
Transmission: 8 speed auto, 10 speed auto.
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

Originally Posted by jaygt
What a beauty!!
Old 05-03-2011, 07:16 PM
  #17  
Member

 
maroman88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oradell, bergen county, new jersey
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 88 Camaro Coupe - 99 Corvette
Engine: 305TPI - LS1
Transmission: A4 - A4
Axle/Gears: 3:73 - 3:15
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

now thats a nice collection! i like the magnesium C5 rims with the green paint
Old 05-05-2011, 12:25 AM
  #18  
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
karl's-92'-z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Paradise, Hawaii
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: Too many cars
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

Nice flock of birds you got their......
Old 05-04-2017, 06:50 PM
  #19  
Junior Member
 
rs90083's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1989 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: 342
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built







Hey, I found this old post of my car before I owned it. Thought I would post what it looks like now. Cheers Rick.
Old 05-05-2017, 06:34 AM
  #20  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (11)
 
DynoDave43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: MICHIGAN
Posts: 4,642
Received 754 Likes on 580 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

Welcome aboard Rick.

It's a great looking car. Congratulations!
Old 05-05-2017, 06:44 AM
  #21  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (8)
 
TTOP350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,715
Received 766 Likes on 517 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: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

What a change, wish I could have found it with the low miles on it!
Old 05-05-2017, 01:33 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Javier87z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 753
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1987 Camaro Z28, 1989 TTA #922
Engine: lb9, 3.8L turbo
Transmission: 700r4, 2004R
Re: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built

Nice find!!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
xkingcodex
Engine Swap
14
02-12-2020 07:43 PM
okfoz
History / Originality
195
03-09-2017 02:35 PM
theshackle
Tech / General Engine
4
03-05-2017 06:37 PM
bellez77
Body
14
09-05-2015 08:39 PM



Quick Reply: my 1989 FIREBIRD FORMULA 350 project full story-pics as its built



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:41 AM.