I found another '89 Formula 350 identical to one I sold 6 years ago recently (Thank God!). My old one had everything the SLP package had except the headers were Edelbrock.
My question is, externally, the new one is bone stock but it seems way stronger than the old one. The 1-2 shift, with the auto in regular drive and not overdrive, is more than happy to give a solid chirp in the rear at substantially less than full throttle. Was this how my old one SHOULD have felt?
Highway rpms are still around 2000 at 65-70 mph. The previous owner didn't know of any work done to it, but didn't own it for more than about a year.
I'm certainly not complaining, but was curious. Thanks!

 

try a 1/2 throttle punch and see if the 1-2 shift is hard...
it shouldnt spin the tires but if you feel a solid quick shift from 1st to 2nd at 1/2 throttle its got a shift kit in it.

 

I guess it's definitely got a shift kit. I notice especially when it's cold the 1-2 shift is like I've been rear-ended. One less thing I have to install. Thanks for the tip!!

 

That hard shift doesn't necessarily mean you have a shift kit. A lot of times, it's just how the TV cable is adjusted. My 700r4 is bone stock, and it kicks like a mule shifting from 1st to 2nd, especially when it's cold. About 6 months ago, I installed one of those TV correction springs on the end of my cable, and it shifts even harder now. 2-3 is snappy too, but 1-2 with the spring is literally neck-snapping. In fact, I might take the spring back off for winter just so I can keep the car on the road when it snows! Point is, the f-body 700r4's are well known for having a really stout 1-2 shift. The TV cable geometry affects the firmness of the shifts probably more than anything else. The cable on your old car could've been stretched or slightly out of adjustment, which would make it shift a lot softer.

 

mine was close too dead when i got it so maybe thats why i didnt feel it but the only time it ever had a hard 1-2 shift stock was when i had the tv pulled to tight... and at that point it made a loud clunk going into 3rd as well