1987-1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula - Best Bargain Performance Car Of Its Era

When the Pontiac Firebird Formula returned for the 1987 model year after a long hiatus, it returned as the ultimate bargain performance car. It had attractive sleek European looks along with great performance and handling. The 1987-1992 Formula forged a permanent reputation as one of the true performance cars of its era. Never again would such a complete package of performance and looks be available at such a low price.

[@rightlanehog3151]

A coworker bought a blue Firebird Formula in the fall of '87. It was the first car I had ever seen with massive SIXTEEN inch wheels.

[@Boblib1970]

Lol. yep 16 inch wheels were HUGE. And then the Vette upped the ante to 17s lol.

[@BK-sb6ro]

Back in 1988, I ordered a 305 TPI Formula, 5 speed, light blue metallic with 2-tone delete and a subwoofer. Sticker was just above 16k. Best looking car and I regret selling it!

[@michaelp_42]

Thanks for posting this video. I took delivery of my black 1989 Formula 350 in November of '88. Everyone in my area had Mustang GT/LX 5.0's, Iroc-Z's and Trans-Am/GTA's back then. I wanted something fast and affordable but different than the plain LX 5.0. Thankfully I still have the car today.

[@adamspitfire]

Iroc looks cooler but formula is faster

[@poolboyinla]

We love these cars because they are fun in cool looking, not because they are the fasted cars made. I have a 80's Trans Am in excellent condition and I get so many looks and questions when I drive it. So many people don't even know what it is and since it is in great condition, they don't realize it's an old car. A lot of people think it's an expensive, exotic foreign car. If you have one of these cars in good condition, you will have a lot of fun.

[@TamasKalman]

in which country? we had the same experience in europe, but i'd assume in the US these cars are largely invisible.

[@philllsxga.7737]

Some day I would like to get a 79. I have a 2001 ws6, I thoroughly enjoy it!! They do look cool!!

[@philllsxga.7737]

William Schwartz nice! The GTAs look so tough! Maybe some day I'll have one or a iroc z.

[@philllsxga.7737]

William Schwartz nice! I have a 2001 ws6 6 speed now. You should LS yours!!

[@philllsxga.7737]

William Schwartz thanks I really enjoy it. I really like the GTA also. KZbin Chevy Camaro from Detroit speed.

[@sergiocantu1000]

I am repairing one. A 1989 firebird formula got it for 400 dollars.

[@thebrownswordsman]

Awesome I got an 88 for 575

[@raptuous]

What? In my area these things are like late 60's mopar was in the early 2000's. Anything I could certify for the road and still has an interior I'm looking at at least $5000. Many that are good condition but high mileage are well over $10k

[@mvd4436]

see if it has a borg warner 9 bolt diff

[@waltschannel7465]

Woah! Congrats!

[@mitchsalawine5420]

Whatever you got. It was a STEAL. For that price. KEEP her running!

[@xKmotx]

I have owned my 1989 Formula 350 for twenty five years. This was a fantastic history you prepared. Thanks for the great video. I have downloaded and saved this for my archives.

[@jonathanhudson4623]

You arent from SC are you?

[@jonathanhudson4623]

@Rabbi Schlomo I'll pass on that. I cant drink anyway (chronic pancreatitis). I just was wondering if you were a guy around here in the hartsville area that has an 89 factoty black GTA that is a show car and I've raced him a few times when I still had the 305 in it. W7 nord of my build spread around real quick and he want about to go that mjvj to his GTA so he bought a square body s10 blazer with s very similar build. Honestly I think the only differences were his world products heads vs my dart iron eagles.

[@aaronjackson9603]

xKmotx awesome! My dad just got his 89 formula a few years back, completely rust free and 1 owner, he plans on keeping it for good.

[@chrisa7832]

I also have a red 1989 350 with 43k miles I've owned it for over 20 years I'll never get rid of it...

[@justsumguy2u]

People forget that in the 80's/90's, 0-60 in 8 seconds was considered quick, and anything under 7 seconds was considered a real screamer. Nowadays there are pickup trucks and even Tauruses that will hit 0-60 in around 6 seconds. In it's day, the Formula was highly respected.

[@davefinfrock3324]

Keep in mind these cars were about torque. They only had around 240hp, but they were very lively and good light to light. I had a '91 Formula 350 1LE and it was pretty quick, but we're talking very low 14s here around 96mph. It also was about 150lbs lighter than a regular Formula. A Cobalt SS could beat that more than a few years ago. Nevertheless, for its time it was fast, got good mileage, and was fun to drive.

[@maximusareilius2262]

the 2018 toyota camry xse-v6 model. 29/41mpg 0-60 in 5.8 sec. 301 HP. 136mph top speed. tested by CAR AND DRIVER.

[@Lucille69caddy]

Maximus Areilius So?

[@gozinta82]

@@davefinfrock3324 240 HP out of a small block v8 was right below a corvette back then, which was amazing in the 80's. You're comparing a 40 year old/20th car to a 21st century car. Of course it's going to get better performance. I have a v6 camaro that pushes over 300 hp, which would smoke most of the v8 f-bodies of the time, but FAST nowadays is in the 600+ HP range.

[@davefinfrock3324]

@@gozinta82 The L98 for much of its tenure was rated 245hp for the coupe and 240 for the convertible. The L98 topped out at 255, I think in its last year. All of them were around 330ft/lbs torque.Then the LT1 came out in '92 and things escalated quickly.

[@STB-jh7od]

I remember the 80s Mustang 5.0 LX was actually faster than the GT due to it being lighter.

[@patientmental875]

It was

[@johntore6108]

Yes, Slightly Faster, a Tenth or 2 Tenths .1 or .2sec in the Quarter Mile due to weight. Same Power Train tho.

[@jjs777fzr]

I bought a new ‘90 GT in 1989 (automatic). Beautiful car. Sold it 6 months later for a new ‘90 LX 5.0L notchback manual. A few years later, with some mods, running 11.7et @124mph (emissions legal, daily driven, A/C). That car went like a raped ape. In stock form the GT auto vs the LX 5.0L M5 was night and day, the 5.0L was a super fun car. The Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 of this period was drop dead gorgeous and not slow. But the LX 5.0L’s were always on top, if stick.

[@Davido50]

Not by much if at all. I had an 89 Stang GT 5.0

[@Davido50]

@@jjs777fzr well said an true. The Formulas were awesome bk then indeed. Had an 89 Stang GT 5.0 auto (saleen parts & chipped) cause my parents wouldnt let me get the manual. Lol. I raced that GT 5.0 every wknd in NJ. I still only buy /drive Fords to this day cause of how incredible that car was. I have an 04 Stang SVT Cobra an daily drive an '18 F150 Platinum FX4 EcoBoost. Blue Oval.

[@sakumisan]

My Formula 350 has pretty much ruined me on newer cars. It's everything I need!

[@JAWZMUZIK1]

I agree

[@mitchsalawine5420]

Don't blame you one bit my friend! You know something good when you see it. Congratulations on your common sense.

[@billywilliams3204]

I have an 89 formula 350. 93000 original miles and 100% rust free never crashed or restored in any way. The only bad is that the clearcoat is starting to peel across the t bar roof. I don't care for anything newer either.

[@jjs777fzr]

Ruining it? Thats called living the dream. The Formula 350 was always my favorite! Always got girls looking whenever I swapped cars for the wknd with my buddy Chris in NH during the early 90’s with my LX 5.0L. No comparison in looks. The Formula was probably the best handling car for that period next to the Corvette.

[@branon6565]

I'm a hater of anything GM, but gotta admit those Firebird Formulas were quick, had more torque than you'd think, and they were good lookin rigs, much better lookin than any camaro that's for sure....

[@JAWZMUZIK1]

You are correct my dear sir

[@JAWZMUZIK1]

Youre correct my dear sir!

[@1flynlow]

those blindly loyal to one manufacturer can miss out on a lot of cool cars. glad to see you can keep one eye open.

[@adamspitfire]

Nope the Camaro looks wayyyyyyyy better especially from the front

[@tonyrodriguez2566]

Had one of these in college. Great memories. My daughter used it in her high school years. In her yearbook everyone mentions her cool car. She and her friends still thank me to this day.

[@ryansarwidyanto3881]

You're such an amazing daddy 🤟🔥

[@mcqueenfanman]

I didn't watch the video, but as a GM guy the LX 5.0 is the best bargain of the 80s.

[@sbf_fox2434]

I agree. 8.8 rear end with no torque arm. Lots of Ford Motorsport and aftermarket support for the 5.0 HO. I can see how the Formula may possibly be a better all around car with better suspension and brakes, but for straight line acceleration LX 5.0 FTW.

[@carrsllccarrillo6507]

@@sbf_fox2434 I agree with you on the straight line. The mustang was designed better for straight line duties. I believe it's due to the shorter wheel base and body length. Plus the location of the engine was probably more closer to the firewall to help distribute weight. The formula was originally to combat the mustang at the strip while the trans am was the road course expert. What made the 3rd gen bird (and 'maro) line interesting was that the strut towers were adjustable for camber setups. Making the f body car a natural selection for racing either at the strip or at the road courses.

[@salesposito2290]

Thanks so much for highlighting this model. I owned an all black 1990 Formula (short model year run) for 10 years and wish I still had it. Mine was the 5.0 TPI 5 speed model which made it even more rare. The great thing about the TPI/5 speed option was that it included the N10 dual cat exhaust, GU6/G80 3.42 limited slip rear, KC4 engine oil cooler, and J65 4 wheel disk brakes. And of course it had the awesome WS6 handling package like all Formulas. These cars were capable of high 14 quarter mile times right out of the box. Mine had a lot of popular bolt ons at the time and ran a 14 flat at almost 100 mph. It was truly an LX 5.0 fighter and a great looking car.

[@MPerry-ox9qb]

I remember my 1984 TA had a 5 speed and I believe 190hp 305. Its amazing to think the 2018 Camry v6 has 300 hp & gets 24 mpg city and 30 plus on the hwy.

[@mojo3008]

But it's still a Camry

[@briancenti5423]

i owned two of these, a '87 formula 350 & a '91 formula 350. i absolutely loved them both.

[@1MaxxRPM]

Credit was hard to come by back then. In 88, I was 23 and didn't have bad credit, but I had NO credit. Despite being on my job a couple years, no one would touch me (even with a couple grand down). I tried to buy an LX5.0 coupe and get turned down. The way they throw credit around now days, they would have sold the sheit out of cars like these.

[@steerwheelholder6060]

Yeah but the way theyre giving ppl credit nowdays is the reason the global economic collapse happened back in 08. So in perspective its good they didnt give ypu credit back them cus if they would they would of given it to much less applicable ppl

[@1MaxxRPM]

Well, your post really don't apply to people like me because I have always paid my bills but I think I know what you were trying to say.

[@Bartonovich52]

Yep. I remember them advertising 9.9% and 8.9% financing like it was the most amazing thing ever.

[@badguy7252]

@@1MaxxRPM well i have always paid my bills on time too even paid my bills instead of buying food and guess what. Its done absolutely nothing to help me build credit. Nothing at all. You have to have money to get credit. Plain and simple.

[@danr5105]

@@steerwheelholder6060 No, easy credit was not the main issue, It was the unregulated selling of credit default swaps and the bundling and selling of high risk home loans with low risk home loans that caused the problem. There are a huge number of videos here on KZbin explaining the problem, PBS and Frontline have a god number of videos. Two good ones are "The Big E" and "The Smartest Men in the Room". Both are about Enron, not exactly about the 2008 problem.

[@bboge762]

I HAD A 1988 FORMULA 350 AND MAN IT WOULD SCREAM! I LOVED THAT CAR!!!!!!!!

[@DUNEATV]

I drove all this cars when I worked for Van Chevrolet back in the early 90’s used car lot. These cars were NOT slow! They had an unreal amount of low end torque and had traction issues with the hard Goodyear tires. Believe me they were raw and they were fast/fun!

[@masaallen1009]

I have an 87 Trans Am with the 350 TPI in it and if you put that thing down to the floor you're going to take off in a hurry and nine times out of 10 you're not going to be straight while you do it. It's very impressive for a 30 year old chunk of iron.

[@1967davethewave]

I bought an '87 Formula 350 brand new. I went from a '79 10th Anniversary T/A with a 400/4 speed to the Formula. My other car was a '69 GTO with a '70 455 that was built. I still have the GTO. I guess it's all about perspective but I was truly disappointed with the 350 TPI. I got beat by every 5.0 Mustang and Buick GN I came up against. I even raced my buddy with his '87 IROC 305 and we stayed neck and neck from 20 to about 80. The engine looked really impressive and I guess for a small block maybe it was torquey, but I always wanted more out of it than I got. It did handle and brake excellently and for a 19 year old kid it was a really great car. A drunk driver rear ended it in December of 1989 and totaled it. It had 21k miles and was in perfect condition. I would even wash the undercarriage at the carwash every week and kept it immaculate. I wish I had it back pre-wreck but I wish even more I had the 10th Anniversary T/A back.

[@1967davethewave]

Actually the original Formula in 1970 was marketed as the straight line performance version of the Firebird. It had all of the Trans Am engines available and a fiberglass hood to reduce front end weight and a softer standard suspension. It was marketed that way all throughout the 2nd generation. The '87 up Formulas had the WS6 suspension standard and we all know it was the king of the twisty turnies. I think you are right that it was more marketed as cheaper Trans Am and not a drag Firebird. I would buy another '87 Formula today in a heartbeat if I found a really nice one. I don't care about being the fastest car on the road anymore and they were performance cars and fun to drive anyway.

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

@CC Ryder same here! :-)

[@mvd4436]

I had one and LOVED it. Formula's also had the Borg Warner 9 bolt diff with rear disk. Mine did anyway. It always went faster than any of my friends expected it to.

[@NuclearGrizzly]

My dad had a '89 Formula with the 305 HO with all of the SLP upgrades and a 5 speed. Ah the memories. Such a fun car.

[@iwaswithyourmom9410]

cool story....

[@jrg7951]

Ford also had the SVO mustangs from 84-86. Mercury had Capris with 5 liters too.

[@GT5DAN]

Why do idiots like you always make irrelevant comments?

[@mysteriesoftherealm]

@@GT5DAN But, the SVO is wicked!

[@5kwattz]

My first car since I was 14 years old...it's still in my back yard🤠💪🤠🤜👊🤛🤟😀😁

[@dsldrvr69]

My Dad bought mom a white 1988 white Formula 305 HO. Fully loaded. Never forget that smell as soon as it rolled out of Red Mcombs Pontiac San Antonio. Foever engrained in my mind.

[@willpowers4762]

I had a white '89 Formula 350, I loved the car. I ran it down the quarter mile many times and in all stock form I ran a best time of 14:40 at 96 mph.

[@brianallen0826]

My 87 Iroc-Z 5.7 went 14.6 all stock, except for the air filter boxes were gutted

[@Fmandan77]

Yeah, that's about where I was with mine. I had a few! Great performance for those days!

[@texan176]

$50K was a lot for the Firehawk. The Japanese were getting serious about performance then and both the twin turbo Z and 3000GT/Dodge Stealth were way cheaper. The Mitsubishi built turbo cars had AWD as well. Firehawk was a bargain compared to the ZR1 of the time.

[@seththomas9105]

I remember the Firehawk in the press at the time. A true Legend car. Are they all accounted for almost 30 years later? I would assume Leno has one.

[@kmas8229]

One of the owners of Hawks Motorsports has one.

[@canabox7112]

I rode in a SLP Firehawk. It was fast but I had no idea, it was 1 of 25!I wonder if the guy still has it?

[@Freesavh1776]

And the best looking. God I miss mine. A 16 yr old kid with a formula 350. Good times!

[@richki.24]

1991 Firehawk was way underrated in the HP department ..

[@91TransAmKid]

Ive seen dyno numbers around 370-372 range. The HP was always underrated on them. Never seen dyno numbers for the 366 rodock engines though in the last 4 Firehawks but slp rated it 375 HP which is probably low as well.

[@richki.24]

@@91TransAmKid , yeah I read a few articles on the 1991 Firehawk saying HP @ the crank was more in the 450hp range and some of the articles are from quite a few years ago. I haven't seen a Firehawk in a long time.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I remember the Pontiac Firebird Formula. It's probably the best looking Firebird I'd seen of this generation.

[@johncollins7423]

Agreed.

[@JAWZMUZIK1]

Agreed

[@CaptainFALKEN]

Disagreed. 80s suck

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@CaptainFALKEN I disagree. I thought 80s cars were awesome! I would've loved to have owned either a Ford Mustang GT, a C4 Corvette, or a Pontiac Firebird Formula. I was in elementary school during that time, and way too young to drive one. I couldn't afford the money If I wanted to anyway.

[@andrewchristianson2086]

I had a 1991 firebird with a 305ci v8 that looked pretty sweet & a 1999 v6 firebird, both red. Have always loved the firebird look.. both inside & out 😎👍

[@vontegethoff]

I had a 91 5.7 Formula, it was a wonderful car. My new wife and I drove it from New Jersey to Los Angeles towing a trailer with all our belongings in it. It was flawless. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@5kwattz]

So what happened to it??

[@vontegethoff]

Marco Lopez sold it to a friend in California

[@darrin2053]

Blows my mind, now I have a 727HP Mustang in my garage that can be daily driven. Man power has come a long way

[@backyardbuck6362]

Makes me want to find a new wrecked vet at the salvage yard and get motor , computer, transmission and rear end for my 89 Formula and add sub frame connectors.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

The 92 formula was one first cars i ever drove as a kid, don't underestimate how great the suspension was in this car had a w handling package, you could take sharp turns very fast

[@jjinc1957]

Love your videos, but please, find another word to use in place of the repetitious “goodies”.

[@scarletvette3296]

Could you please do a video on the history of the Pontiac GTA.

[@vincentfisher5895]

Used to have a yellow 87 firebird formula t top.

[@adamtrombino106]

My neighbor had an 87 T/A in the blue with grey 2 tone, 5.0 tpi with 5 speed. It got stolen.... After that he bought a red 91 Formula with the same engine and trans, but WS6 package. He said that car was 'noticeably faster' . Since it was his daily, by 2003 it was getting pretty rusty, and he traded in for a (gulp) Trailblazer. Still some of my favorite Ponchos!

[@taurbaby]

I bought my first firebird on a wednesday night,in the rain from a girl in a wet t-shirt that worked at a small used car lot outside of schofield army base...every mistake a 20 year old dishwasher could make when buying a car!

[@rbinatorr7761]

I had an ‘89 Formula 350...loved it. Needed a 5-speed though

[@sbf_fox2434]

Strange how GM never put the T5 in a 5.7

[@sbf_fox2434]

@@lonmcq7317 I have one in my 351w swapped 1985 Mustang. I don't power shift it and it has been holding up well so far.

[@W1se0ldg33zer]

You bought the LX Mustang notchback with the 5 liter for Police use or to turn into a dragstrip car. You still see lots of those on the strip. Not too many people were willing to tear out all the sound deadening, interior and options of a Formula Firebird or a fully loaded GT stang for racing purposes. The major problem with the Formula and the GT were the higher insurance rates - you didn't get that higher rate with a Mustang LX even with the 5 liter. You could also get the Buick Regal with the turbo V6 without any performance stickers and fake scoops. A little tweaking here and there and you're running with the big dogs of the day. Also could get a turbo Dodge Daytona hatchback without the stickers and fake scoops for pretty cheap - a little tweaking and you're running 7 seconds zero to sixty easy.

[@ruachadam5227]

A friend of mine, who keeps up with the collector car market, told me that the 3rd generation Formula and Trans-Am had become the hottest most sought after American car in Japan as well as in other parts of Asia. Prices there were $5,000 to $10,000 higher than what the car would bring here.

[@HEADBANGRR]

Great video! I used to have an 87 Firebird w/ t-tops, automatic 5 speed. It was SUPER FAST! Thank you!

[@bradnoble2855]

bought my son a 90 Firebird formula t-tops red I forgot how fun these cards really were

[@mitchsalawine5420]

As far as the difference between the Trans Am and Formula of that vintage, you illustrated what I thought back when I was a teenager! I couldn't understand why GM wanted so much more for a ground effects kit, TA logos, etc. While the lower priced Formula had a much bigger engine and higher performance. Thank you for proving my sanity back in the 1980s.

[@phukfone8428]

I think you have your facts crossed. GTA came with a 350. Formula came with a 305.

[@lonmcq7317]

@@phukfone8428 GTAs also came with the 305...

[@melrose9252]

I bought a new Firebird in 89. The 305 was a great engine but the body was poorly assembled.

[@jameshowlett8811]

Already enjoy your videos thanks you for the sharing this info

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

My father bought a silver 87 new. Fantastic car.

[@eigrp]

I'd love to hear your take on the Fieros. Easily the most interesting Pontiacs of the '80s despite the mediocre performance.

[@jscott1000]

The Fiero was hampered by crappy engines, which is easily rectified today. Drop in a 200+ HP aluminum v8 and the 2,600 lb car is really quick.

[@hippiebits2071]

eigrp Agreed. The Fiero was a very innovative take on sporty economy for GM at that time.

[@jscott1000]

I should note I have a Fiero with a 200hp aluminum V8 😁

[@ninjamaster3453]

Remember how third parties sold body kits for those to make them look like Lamborghinis?

[@eigrp]

My first car was an '86 Fiero GT. I'll come clean, for a long time I had my heart set on an MR2. My dad ultimately convinced me to go with Pontiac (it may have had something to do with him helping me secure my financing). I loved the car but it did eventually kill me financially to keep it running into the early '90s. A lot of fantastic memories nevertheless.

[@Avi8tor857]

It's a common mistake but Ws6 did not put rear disk on the 1989 L03 formula. You needed 1LE for rear disks. Also two tone was the standard formula package, you had to order it with the two tone delete. I have a 89 formula that I have owned since mid 90s that is Ws6 with drums and that is on the build sheet and rpo sticker.

[@lonmcq7317]

My '89 WS6 305 TPI 5 speed had 4 wheel discs... A screamer for it't time...

[@Avi8tor857]

@@lonmcq7317 mine has a 5.7L LS1, T56, and 2000 trans am brakes all around now.... Basically the car GM should of built

[@lonmcq7317]

@@Avi8tor857 Sounds pretty stout, friend... I went as far as I could with mine after learning the 5 speed would not handle any real horsepower... It was in perfect shape, and a Mom and Dad bought it for their 16 year old who had just gotten his license and didn't know how to drive a manual... I told him nicely that his Dad could test drive it, but not the kid... I took them for a ride around town, and the kid was orgasmic, lol... His first question was... "Will it do a big burnout?"... They picked it up the next day... I've always wondered what that car was subjected to...

[@darknightbegins85]

Ah Pontiac, a shame GM killed you instead of buick

[@Rattus-Norvegicus]

Buick sold way more cars overseas so financially it made more sense.

[@ELPECEE]

You mention the wheel and tire size in the video. The Formula with WS6 had a larger wheel and tire in the back than it had in the front. I'm not sure about the Non-WS6 cars. I ordered a 1989 Formula 350 from GM military sales. Among the options I checked were 350 C.I. V8, WS6 suspension package, and dual catalytic converter exhaust (I believe a one-cat exhaust was standard). As stated in the video, the 4-speed automatic trans was the only transmission option with the 350.

[@derweibhai]

Just crazy to think that these were "Fast" cars. I still prefer cars like this without all the stupid safety features, but they were slow.

[@thebigpicture2032]

Easy to make these cars fast if that’s your thing.

[@lonewolfmcquade8879]

THE Grand National was the king of the 80s

[@thebigpicture2032]

No, the 89 Turbo Trans Am was king. It had the Turbo 6 and was lighter/faster and better handling than the GN. Though I agree, the GN was an awesome beast and Generally ruled the streets as there were few TTA’s.

[@lonewolfmcquade8879]

But was a Buick motor so Buick gets the credit

[@lonewolfmcquade8879]

@@thebigpicture2032 Alot of people didn't like the idea of a Buick motor in the Trans am

[@clintdavis9511]

I had a 87 Formula 350. Red/grey/T-tops. Gold Enkeis with 245/50/ZR16S BF Goodrich tires. It had the 140mph speedometer. Loved that car. Wrapped it around a tree racing a 350 IROC.

[@craigt5906]

Loved my 91 Formula 350 I had it was Red with gray cloth

[@johnhull6363]

Here's my formula story....when 19 studying Mechanical Engineering at General Motors Institute of Engineering I purchased a 1991 new firebird formula 5.7L ( in 91 it was no longer denoted formula 350) for$16200 plus tax/title...sticker just under 19K. Black/grey interior. This was after i had a standing order for a performance package 5.0 5spd...230 horse tpi for 6 months (recession and parts shortage for 4wh disc brakes)...when two showed up at Christmas with 5.7 rear drums performance package i believed in Santa Claus....lol black or metallic burgundy....took the black....i miss that car...try finding one today unmolested...it's unobtanium....and that car got 24.5mpg with ac and cruise set at 85

[@sbf_fox2434]

I almost went to GMI. I had trouble fining the mandatory co-op employment back in 1988. Kind of wish I would have gone. I remember they had engine dynos on campus.

[@eligarcia215]

Every time I watch this video, I get even more motivated to keep restoring my 88 formula. It’s my favorite firebird model and at 31 yrs old, that car is driven daily and still has it where it counts. Awesome video!

[@troyanacker6349]

Traded my truck for a used 82 TA in 86 had lots of fun up here in Alaska with it traded it for another truck. 5 years later good times

[@chaplaincrabtree6881]

Picked up my 88 L03 700r4 formula for $1300 rust free. Steering and suspension was far superior to the 87 fox gt with t5 I had. Performance was similar in a straight line. I find that as I get older, less of the value and fun that can be found in a car is peak HP numbers. Nowadays, sbc and sbf engines are a dime a dozen, so building one doesn't cost that much. Even with AL heads and an aggressive cam.

[@milesczechowski2154]

Love the third gen firebird and camaro video's you make. Make more please if possible.

[@kiprandom7208]

I love the gen 3 F bodies. I liked the trans am and Z28. The formula holds a special place though, because they aren't trans ams. Formula sounds cool as a word. The gen 2 had the cool hoods, the gen 3 had that greasy slick look. I stopped looking at 130 mph in a 95 formula.

[@elwoodljordan]

I own an 87 formula 350 and it uses the trans am interior.

[@Gandalf_axtuL]

Just bought a Black 91 Firebird Formula as my first car and I love it

[@kanob6440]

The ads back in the day were the best

[@MarkTisdelJr]

I just absolutely love this generation of firebirds. I own a 1983 Trans Am and have just loved these cars since I can remember.

[@pussygalore5947]

I remember these new and the quality of fit, finish and materials was absolutely terrible. Yes they could go straight in a hurry but handling and stopping was another question entirely. This is the era when BMW came into its own in the US with the 3 and 5 Series, and Mercedes was selling the brilliant 190e and 300e, all of which had as the same 170 horsepower as this Firebird Formula, and doing so with inline 6 cylinders.

[@RyanGallager]

In 1990, the Trans Am's base engine was upgraded to the TPI V8 with 205hp without the performance package, 230 with. The Firebird V8 and base Formula engine was the L03. I have all the dealer brochures for 3rd gens :D

[@clemmahabir]

The anniversary 1989 turbo GTA is my fave of these birds for 3rd gens but the formula was a looker and a sleeper bird for sure.

[@steviedee71]

Clem Mahabir I used to destroy GTA’s in my 5.0 LX notch back lol but ya GTA’s were a beautiful car.

[@clemmahabir]

@@steviedee71 Hi Bro The f bodies were way better built and out handled any mustang of that day. Fact and looked better too! 😎 Did you ever race a turbo TA with the grand national motor from Buick?

[@toddb3394]

@@steviedee71 no you didnt

[@johntore6108]

@@steviedee71 No you didn't, and a Turbo Trans Am with the Grand National GNX 3.8L Turbo Engine was WAY Faster and in a Totally Different League than your Mustang Sorry !

[@wood4278]

@@steviedee71 same here...I use to smoke those Iroc-Z's and Trans Am's and Firebird's with those 5.7 liters in my Mustang 5.0 Notchback all night long those was the days here in Detroit

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

Any chance you could do an episode on.... The wagoneer 63-91 is a pretty good model run esp the grand wagoneer:) The 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 limited the first fast SUV The Dodge CSS truck heck you could get a 426 wedge! Or the “Dude”

[@nedaCFilms]

All firehawks did not have red exterior.

[@jeffnorbert1871]

Drove black at an auction facility.

[@carrsllccarrillo6507]

Also one of the firehawks was actually a red trans am convertible with a roll cage in it...

[@chantalblais6465]

I just inherited an 86 firebird with the 2.8 mpfi & a 4 speed from my late father....so I'm gonna make him so proud & do a restoration on it from the ground up...to the best of my knowledge & abilities...make it a father & son project...with the help of my wife, mother & best friend

[@zoevandekerckhove1715]

had a 91 GTA and always regreted selling it 25 years ago. Finally just found another one owner 91 GTA with t tops and original 66 thousand miles, always stored indoors! talk about mint- like finding a piece of heaven. think its in better shape than my first one. also have a 1980 TA.

[@bradnoble2855]

and once we add 383 stroker motor Lookout

[@contenderforthefaith5421]

Def NOT the best looking dash, yuck GM.

[@Iniki61]

I had a 1990 Trans Am GTA. Driving it always brought a smile to my face but I definitely had a Lemon. The heater core was replaced along with the carpet. Drivers seat leather completely cracked and peeled in the first year-also replaced. Computer crapped out-replaced. Lots of squeaks and rattles. Missing rear suspension parts(sway bar) Car spent a lot of its first year in the shop.

[@jeffreynolds3848]

Very meaty and informative vid, Kevin. Tho’ I chanced on a low mileage 79 TransAm here in U.K., I always had soft-spot for Formula from their inception in early ‘70’s. This vid really extended my poor knowledge beyond 70-81 F-body - many thanks for this episode!

[@aaron5785]

The third gen Firebirds are great looking and performing American muscle cars... very fun to drive.. I currently own a 1989 formula 350 t -top in Maui blue and one in black also and I throughly enjoy the cars. 🇺🇸

[@roccozecca9302]

Had a great 1989' Formula 🔥 Firebird'.. Nothing short of a good muscle car for the money!

[@MrJeep75]

I had a 86 firebird formula, always hated those transam ground effects

[@JohnDoe-pv2iu]

I had an 88 Formula 350 and with a few small tweaks, I only lost one drag race...That was to a 1970 Chevelle! Good Video!

[@MidnightMechanic]

Some other performance goodies included an aluminum driveshaft and limited slip differential, however there is some debate on whether the updated limited slip 7.6 28 spline 10 bolt could handle the power as well as the earlier 7.75 28 spline 9 bolts from Australia's Borg Warner company, since the 9 bolts had much fatter drive axles, bearing retainer plates instead of relying on C clips, and 4 pinion carriers, making them towing worthy if one was so inclined.

[@MidnightMechanic]

@William Schwartz Did you check how many bolts it's got? Borg Warners came in very unique gear ratios for Camaros, 2.77, 3.27, and 3.45, a 3.23 would denote a 10 bolt. Most likely you have a 3.27 if it's a 9 bolt, which most likely it is since they carried 9 bolts as performance rear ends until the limited slip 28 spline 10 bolt was released. I get what you mean though, a 3 series carrier bolted to a lightweight aluminum driveshaft, and the first gear in a 4L60 being 3.06, that's well over 9 rotations of torque multiplication, 3rd gen F bodies are burnout kings!

[@patientmental875]

89 Formula 350 in black is the sickest of the 3rd gens

[@jacksongraham08]

I'm late lol but I had a dark green 92 gta when I joined the military if I knew it was so rare I would have kept it but time and deployments too many cars I sold it smh. There was a guy that worked at the hospital that had a 91 or 92 light green formula I thought it was the best ttops 5.7l. My gta didnt have ttops but it was a 5.7l

[@JAWZMUZIK1]

You are correct my dear sir

[@lurgee29]

Title is clearly false when the 5.0 LX roamed streets

[@Boss-bf7ru]

The 5.0 mustang's dominated the streets.

[@ldever3]

$50,000 back then was not a bargain. At least not for me.

[@pmvaldez1]

Well considering they're asking almost twice that today, I'd say at least it was a good investment lol.

[@Mrmudbone_gaming]

Definitely a good investment

[@Rattus-Norvegicus]

@@Mrmudbone_gaming not really, that's barely on par with inflation... but would still be a fun car to drive until it fell apart.

[@stephensellers2453]

These Camaro /trans am/and Firebirds couldn't run like the 5.0 mustang I out ran many of these cars in my factory mustang

[@foxbat2581]

Mustang 5.0 had the edge. I had a friend who had an '86 LX 5.0 and not many cars would beat him.

[@michaelp_42]

I’ve owned my ‘89 Formula 350 since November of ‘88. Back then I had my share of drag races . I can say firsthand that I won more races than I lost vs LX and GT 5.0 (5 speed manual). The Mustang AOD transmission equipped cars were a joke. Stock vs Stock only the Grand Nationals and Corvettes won every time. Regardless both the Formula-350 and LX 5.0 5-speed were the best bang for the buck muscle cars during that time. It was great to be a part of that muscle car renaissance in the late 1980’s !!! 👍👍👍

[@foxbat2581]

@@michaelp_42 I totally agree about that time period with you. It was the highlight of my young life, racing Friday and Saturday nights. I would win or lose but it was more about meeting the other person after and comparing and respecting each other and your rides.

[@panamajll4822]

I have a 91 formula TransAm. Its soo sweet!!!

[@vistuscaine]

I miss my 89 formula 350 sooo much 😔

[@andrewpaul7441]

The best T/A had a Buick v6 turbo engine. lol.

[@888junkcarsbuyingteam8]

I love your videos. Extremely detailed and very well done. Keep up the great work.

[@edwu8253]

My 1st love was the the '89 GTA 3.8 turbo

[@brandonmccollum6349]

Not GTA 3.8 turbo, it was a tta (turbo trans am)

[@3.2Carrera]

My Dad had one of these when I was a kid. I absolutely loved that car. It was one of the best styled cars of the day for sure. Back in the day through when I got my license, I picked up the Mustang 5.0- The local Ford dealer was giving them away then and I could easily afford a brand new one as a bussboy in High School. But today I'd go right for a C4 TPI vette or a 5.7 F body Pontiac.

[@garrettblaster]

The yellow two tone paint is my favorite color, I never liked trans am, iroc body kits I like the plane firebird and camaro

[@thomasjones4932]

I always thought the 1984 Trans Am was the best looking third gen firebird. Evidently Pontiac agreed since the formula used the same hood and wheels as the 84. I grew up then and gotta say, the bang for the buck was the mustang.

[@TheDans7300]

I always loved those cars my uncle had one when I was in high school and I had the pleasure of driving it a bit.

[@reginaldweaver904]

God....I wanted one of those Formula 350s!!!! Had a poster on my wall of a black one next to the poster of a 1970 Chevelle 454 in green with white stripes. I was only 14 at the time,so I did a lot of wishful thinking... LOL Great video!!!

[@mr.c1203]

I was just driving a 1990 formula with the 305 yesterday and the thing wasn't exactly quick by any means. But I do enjoy the styling and the interior, ride is pretty decent as well. This was a low mileage well maintained example.

[@55metalmonkey]

I had a 89 Formula 350 back in 1990 and loved that car. They had fairly decent performance in stock form but the best thing about them was they were easy and fairly affordable to wake up the 5.7L and get it over 350hp. heads, cam, larger throttle body and reprograming of the PCM were the go to mods for most guys

[@kennydaddy100]

Good video!

[@weallsobad7320]

Thanks. Cool video. Me & my buddy just picked up an 88 GTA with a 5.0 TPI 5 speed. But being in Canada, the salty winters have beat the old girl pretty bad. The old GTA needs some TLC.

[@jonminnella2966]

nice looking car no one i knew ever had one all i ever seen was v6 gutless wonerds

[@tombig4011]

My first car was a 87 Formula ws6 and it is still one of the sexiest cars I have seen.

[@backyardbuck6362]

Yup they sure are. 😍🤩