I have a few questions about the firebird formula. My Z28 is in bad shape right now and I might be looking for a new car soon. About the formulas are they the exact same as a z28 or trans am? Do they have all the same motor parts, suspension parts, tranny parts, ect. I think they do but just want to be sure. I also heard they are slower then the trans ams and z28's is this true? If I get one it would be a major sleeper car. Except to the enthousist. Thanks for the help.

 

I believe a formula is pretty much a T/A without the body stuff(GFX, ect.)

 

I would say that all LS1 F-Bodies are 95% the same under the skin.

The Formula is a nice car because the performance is the same as any other F-Body, and it costs a little less. It has a nice clean look to it that will pass for a sleeper and it's not as fancy/showy as a Trans Am which is good for theft-deterrent purposes.

They're somewhat rare cars too.

 

Oh I am talking about the lt1's, sorry I didn't clarifiy that.

 

Doesn't matter...

The Formula is the "Performance" version of the Firebird w/o all the goodies that come with the T/A. Actually being technical, equiped identically except the T/A Body, the Formula will be faster due to being ~100#s lighter.

They are the exact same car and you can get the same options as the T/A, except the following:

Front Bumper
Rear Bumper
Hatch/Wing
GFX

Another Note about Formula cars;
Back when the Firehawk originally came out, they were all built from Formula WS6 cars, not T/A cars.

 

A) You heard wrong. B) Not sure who would think of it as a "sleeper".... there are definite differences that distinguish them from the base V6 models.

I did have a few people look at the "Formula V8" rear bumper decal on my car when it was new, and ask why I bought a V6.... apparently they didn't look close enough.

http://cjcfo.fbody.com/members/injun.../DCP03650a.jpg

 

well, to the average joe (or the tool's at my work) the formula is considered a V6 lol, there are the little differences like the wider tires and dual exhaust, but you can pass it off as a 6 banger to most people. I like the formula (4th gen)more than the T/A, the G/FX and boy-racer spoiler kinda turn me off.

 

I'm glad Pontiac was smart and dropped the "V8" for '95.

Fred

 

The Formula is great because all those not in the know think it's a 6.

If you do get one you'll notice that those in the know will be squinting at the side of your car a lot.

I think they make great sleepers. At least as much as any f-body can be, anyway.

 

My opinion formulas are the best looking f-body, they look better than the T/A eventhough I have a T/A. They can be hard to find but its worth the wait, Good luck.

 

Thanks for everyones input. I will definitly be looking at Formulas. I used to have a V6 Firebird and I love how they look. Oh and I live in a little town so not that many people know much about cars. Thanks everyone.

 

Mine's a little harder to pass as a V6 :P

With the Red badge on the rear bumper, and the large openings on the buldging hood.

 

I get alot of flack from people I talk to: "Oh it's just a Formula... Too bad you didn't get a T/A. You're car couldn't touch one of those..." I used to try to convince them that there are only visual differences. Now I just laugh and walk away...

 

I really like the subtle differences between the Formula and the Trans Am body styles. I have just always like the Formulas better. It took me about 4 months to find my Formula ( I really wanted a manual trans) When it comes to performance, they are the same IMO.

 

LT1 Formulas have the same engine, tranny and suspension options as the TA. What they don't get standard are all the ground effects, leather, power options, etc. It is possible to find an LT1 Formula that has manual windows, locks, cloth interior and no AC. However, most of the Formulas came with AC and the option package that included power windows, locks, antenna and also included rear defroster and 10 speaker/Monsoon stereo. One other thing to note, LT1 Formulas did not come standard with t-tops and had to be ordered, therefore it's a lot easier to find a hardtop Formula.