Hello. I was hoping you guys might be able to give me some advice...

I had a 90 Formula 350 a while back and I really miss that thing. I started looking for a decent one cheap and found one but wanted to research the problems it has before I buy it. First of all it is a real 1989 formula 350 but the prev owner converted it to a carb from tpi. I am fine with that and the engine sounds perfect. The 700r4 only has 1st and 2nd gears. Ok no big deal I can swap trannys.

I mainly am wondering about the following issues:

No tach or speedo-I don't even know if it is still computer controlled? Any other issues that could arise if this is true?

Rear latch won't latch, it has the stupid power pull down thing. How costly would it be to replace with a manual assy?

I didn't try it but he said the fan for the hvac doesn't work? How costly could that be?

The owner has no door/hatch keys. I have to be able to lock the car. What is the cheapest and easiest route for that?

I know you guys can't tell me exact prices I just want to get some rough idea...

The body is in excellent shape but the interior needs a little work. He wants $1k for it. Cluster shows 149k but the speedo doesn't work so who knows...what do you guys think about the deal?

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong section, feel free to move it! Thanks for any help!

 

I paid $1200 for a car that didn't have 1/3 of the problems that has. They are all over the place cheap you can find a nicer one out there

 

Yeah I am sure I might be able to find one eventually but I might make him an offer if I can get some rough estimates...I emailed a local locksmith about the locks. Any other info guys?

 

The body alone should be worth a grand if it's clean. I paid a grand for my sport coupe with a blown engine but the rest of the car was clean and I bought for a motor/transmission swap anyway. If its worth it to you then buy it. Good luck.

Mark.

 

tach isnt computer controlled, its run straight off the ditributor. most likely not hooked up right after the carb swap. (make sure its got an hei distributor since its a carb swap). speedo just may not be hooked up. i think the tpis speedo was computer controlled and youd need a buffer box from a tbi car to run the stock speedo. not 100% on that one.

common issue, could be costly if you have to replace the whole assembly. but "converting" to a slam hatch just requires a few tach welds

if its just the secondary fan that kicks on with the ac, if could be a bad fan or fan switch or relay, all simple fixes.

new locks maybe $50 you can take one lock to a locksmith and have them make a key for it, about the same but theres no guaruntees all the locks are the same...


1k for a car with a running engine, decent body and decent interior is about right, if its not a rust bucket. id do a thorough rust inspection before commiting.

 

Thanks for the reply Travis!

I should have clarified the fan for the radiator is on a switch and is working. The Ac condenser has been removed. The fan that I meant is the blower motor that pushes air out of the vent. Sorry for the mixup.

Also, I haven't really seen many Formulas for sale. I look on c-list, e bay, autotrader and usually the only ones for sale are either rust buckets or $5k+. I don't mind the other thirdgens but Formulas are my favorite.

 

blower motor could have just gone out. does it blow at all?