Identify engine?
01-24-2007, 07:53 AM
#2
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The motor is a TPI, it could be a 305 or 350. I know the car says Formula 350 on the door so it should be a 350. The only way to tell is there is a pad on the back of the motor that should have 5.7l stamped on it. As long as the motor was never replaced though it should be a 350. There are not very many outside visual cues to differ the two motors. The 305 had smaller injectors but for the most part looked exactly like the 350.
those are also not the correct seats either. Those are Camaro or aftermarket seats. The birds had a seat that the upper part of the seat headrest was adjustable. I also dont thing that the color option in that interior was a option for the birds either.
The TA could be either a 305 or 350 as well as it was option on those cars for that year unless you got the GTA option, then they came with the 350 only.
those are also not the correct seats either. Those are Camaro or aftermarket seats. The birds had a seat that the upper part of the seat headrest was adjustable. I also dont thing that the color option in that interior was a option for the birds either.
The TA could be either a 305 or 350 as well as it was option on those cars for that year unless you got the GTA option, then they came with the 350 only.
01-24-2007, 04:12 PM
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i like the fomula....even over the TA. it looks to be in better shape, better paint, and you really dont see many 350 formulas at all. id get that over the TA for a driver or project. very nice.
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01-24-2007, 09:50 PM
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I had over 200,000 miles on my 89 Formula 350 when i sold it. It did not use a drop of oil,cant say that about the first motor in my 01 Formula. Maybe have to change the valve guide seals and if the tranny has not been done yet rebuild it but other than that they are easy to work on.
01-24-2007, 09:57 PM
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id never use that as a 'beater'. daily driver, sure. if you want a beater, get some 4 banger that gets 30mpg. that formula is way too nice and rare just to disrespect. if i could ever use a car for a daily driver, a nice, clean 3rd gen would be my first choice, and a sweet black formy 350 is in the top 3. theyre good motors, as good as anything else if treated right. gobs of low end torque, real stump pullers. fairly easy to work on, its almost an 'old fashioned' motor.
01-24-2007, 10:42 PM
#10
+1 for the 1989 Formula 350. I owned one for 8 years. It was black too. Put some headers on it and did some porting of the plenum and it was a real torque monster. It was always very reliable for me, but I didn't have it as a DD. I picked it up with 104K on the clock and sold it with 122K on it. 18K miles in 8 years. 
But it was a project car. Don't look like a bad deal to me.
But it was a project car. Don't look like a bad deal to me.
01-25-2007, 03:42 PM
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that is alot. if it was an LS1, id be more comfortable with the mileage. but, take it for a drive, floor it a few times, see how it feels, how it shifts, etc. with THAT many miles, id be careful, but for 2500, its a nice deal. id offer less of course. 2K and id jump on it. just do all your regular maint., maybe swap some parts out before they break, and be a little careful with it. dont beat the **** out of it, but respect and enjoy it. if youre still wondering, offer something lower, and BUY it. i would. 2K is a GREAT price, 2500 really isnt bad if you like and want it.
