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Old 05-31-2008, 04:01 PM
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Default 02 Formula

Hello all.

Well, after 3+ years on this site, I finally got me an LS1. I purchased my current 96 TA back in 02, and ever since I found this site, I 've had the itch for an ls1 but never pulled the trigger on one. I recently got a nice check from Toyota motors for my rotted 99 tacoma, and instantly begin an intensive search.

I thought I wanted a c5, and test drove a few, but they were still too pricey and not really my style. I remember seeing a low mile, 1 owner formula on cars.com way back in January, and for whatever reason, it was still there this month and at a lower price. I e-mailed the seller Thursday, drove 130 miles to Connecticut at 8am today, and now there is a 2002 formula in my possesion.

Specs. are: 2002, M6, black on black leather, t-tops, 32k miles, hurst, well maintained, and factory stock--skip shift is not even disabled!

My initial thoughts on the trip back home are, WOW! I should have got me an LS1 fbody much earlier. This thing is FAST compared to my LT1. Steering/brakes/rattles are all superior to my trusty LT1. And, 140 miles back home, I barely used a quarter tank of gas! I love that 6th gear man.

Here's some initial pictures:





My first plans include a nice interior cleaning, exterior bath(it poured half way home) de-badge/mold, and putting my 02 WS6 wheels/tires on. I only wish this one had some bilsteins on it. Stock shocks SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Old 05-31-2008, 04:14 PM
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Congrats!!! Love the formula's!!!!
Old 05-31-2008, 04:17 PM
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Thanks. I love the sleeper look....
Old 05-31-2008, 04:25 PM
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Wow that looks like a keeper... how much was she?
Old 05-31-2008, 04:47 PM
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$15k...I think it was well priced compared to what's available in the New England area. Plus it's from the original owner, a middle aged man. I don't think he was doin many burnouts with it.
Old 05-31-2008, 06:18 PM
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Pretty rare car there. Looks damn good and well taken care of.

Its about a 1 in 53 car for that year. Lucky you have an 02 as there are a lot more detailed stats on them.

901 Total Formulas

27% Black- 244


45.4% 6 Speed- 409

48.3% Leather (going by the total year break down as there isnt stats on Formulas but considering how leather was an option I think its rarer then this)

http://www.f-bodyhideout.com/build_c...2_firebird.htm
Old 06-01-2008, 11:01 AM
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1 of 53? I didn't realize gm made so few formula's in 02. This one has few options, as everything seems to come standard. The window sticker only lists the options as 1SA at no charge, 50 state low emissions, 16" chrome wheels, leather seats, hurst shifter, and zr rated tires (no charge).

So far i've got a LSS, slp lid, and a skip shift eliminator on order. More to come.....
Old 06-01-2008, 01:04 PM
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Sweet Car! ...if you can eventually get to it, the Suncoast Raptor Hood w/ Heat Extractors along with their AirBox is a nice add..
Enjoy your LS1 !
Old 06-01-2008, 01:38 PM
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nice lookin stock formula
Old 06-01-2008, 05:03 PM
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Nice Formula, I too like the sleeper look. My 01 is one of 311 made. Its nice having a somewhat rare car.
Old 06-04-2008, 11:47 AM
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Very nice. I have a thing for Black Formulas. The WS6 wheels will make it look a lot better. Post up some pics when you get them on
Old 06-04-2008, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Red Orange 96
I only wish this one had some bilsteins on it. Stock shocks SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't even bother looking for bilsteins, get some Koni SA's. You wont want to stop driving the car after they are installed
Old 06-04-2008, 07:47 PM
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I plan to put koni's on this one, as I gave the bilsteins a try on my 96 and what a difference it made on stock springs. That set up was more budget oriented, as now I can afford to get the best for my new toy. The suspension is top priority for me.

I've been to the RMV twice this week and have not had enough time to hang around for my number....I just want to drive this thing. At least I still have another 4th gen to drive for now.

This new one is just begging for some attention in my garage....Also stupid carpenter ants have invaded my windowsill taking away much needed attention from the birds....
Old 06-04-2008, 08:14 PM
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hey congrats man very nice car
Old 06-06-2008, 06:26 AM
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Nice welcome!
Old 06-06-2008, 06:36 PM
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nice find
Old 06-06-2008, 07:52 PM
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Very nice find man. I love the sleeper look of the Formulas. I love guys tring to mes wth my 'V6' then i walk the crap out of them and the have a huge "WTF just happen" look on there face. LOL. My Formula is 1 of 70 in '02 with the options it has. I also got mine fom the original owner too.
Old 06-08-2008, 08:36 PM
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We'll I finally got some seat time in the 02 this weekend, and I am really impressed with this thing. The best way I can describe it is: with my LT1, it was like a violent storm going through the gears at full throttle. The LS1 is so very smooth and effortless to go fast. And puching it in 4th gear at about 50mph, holy ****! It doesn't want to stop pulling. It's nice having the t-tops as well, as I am used to the fixed roof.

I only had time to do one mod this weekend, and that was swapping my speedlines from my 96. These fbody's just don't look quite right with 16'' wheels IMO



family pictures:




I'm not used to stock exhaust quietness either, so that will be the next thing to go. I'm going to try out the bassani duals "2otl" system w/stock manifolds for now. later, dan
Old 06-09-2008, 01:21 AM
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very clean dumdumdumdumdum man +
Old 06-09-2008, 03:24 AM
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Damn, nice house, lol. I like the last pic of both cars n the garage.



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