how does it hold up?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 15
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how does it hold up? I was thinking of buying a '91 formula (found one for around 1200), and I was wondering how they hold up against the test of time. What are some of the problems that I should expect from this car?
Launching!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 235
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I had ~145k on mine before I picked up my 97.
My old man's roofer fell in love with it at that point, and knocked like 10k off a 15k roof repair job for the car.
Only major issue I ever had with it was a small oil leak from the RMS.
Thirdgens squeak/rattle, moreso with ttops. The Ttops are a bit bigger than the 4th gen TTops and are more leak-prone as well. If you had a hardtop, like mine, no problems there. Weather stripping will fix that. TPI = torque. Thats always fun. Dont expect a speed demon though.
305/autos are slow as *****. I mean, really. Even with the little power boost they got in 91-92.
305/5spd cars aren't as bad.
L98/auto cars are teh winnar.
That and IMO theyre the best looking thirdgens out there. I miss mine every time I fire up the 97.
Cleaned up nicely too, I might add.
My old man's roofer fell in love with it at that point, and knocked like 10k off a 15k roof repair job for the car.
Only major issue I ever had with it was a small oil leak from the RMS.
Thirdgens squeak/rattle, moreso with ttops. The Ttops are a bit bigger than the 4th gen TTops and are more leak-prone as well. If you had a hardtop, like mine, no problems there. Weather stripping will fix that. TPI = torque. Thats always fun. Dont expect a speed demon though.
305/autos are slow as *****. I mean, really. Even with the little power boost they got in 91-92.
305/5spd cars aren't as bad.
L98/auto cars are teh winnar.
That and IMO theyre the best looking thirdgens out there. I miss mine every time I fire up the 97.
Cleaned up nicely too, I might add.
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 54
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I had a '92 'vert that I had over 200,000 on prior to an unfortunate encounter with Bambi. Given the proper care and feeding, they can hold up, just stay on top of the maintenance.
I have seen instances of serious rust where the front subframe connects to the body (not a good place to have rust). So you might want to take a look at the underside.
I have seen instances of serious rust where the front subframe connects to the body (not a good place to have rust). So you might want to take a look at the underside.
Well, hopefully by reading his username, he already has a LS1. A 2000 Formula. L98s could be called slow by LS1 standards, but they are torque monsters. Help out the breathing on one, with intake and exhaust, and you'll have a healthy toy.
As for the 91, my 89 Formula 350 has about 130K on the clock, and still running strong. No leaks on the t-tops. I really haven't seen any bad problems, just general maintenance. Oil, brakes, plugs and MODS.
As for the 91, my 89 Formula 350 has about 130K on the clock, and still running strong. No leaks on the t-tops. I really haven't seen any bad problems, just general maintenance. Oil, brakes, plugs and MODS.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 15
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Well I did have a 2000 Formula, but I was hit by some older women in a lincon continental, you know one of those boats with wheels, the car was totaled. This was about 5 months ago now and I want to get another firebird, my little 4 banger truck just wasn't cutting it anymore.
Anyways, I've always liked the looks of the third gens. So when I found this one I jumped on it. The only bad part is that I didn't jump early enough, and he sold it to his nephew. So I'm looking for another one. I'd love to get another LS1 but don't have the money for it right now, I have to pay for college and all. So it's a third gen or an early LT1 car.
Anyways, I've always liked the looks of the third gens. So when I found this one I jumped on it. The only bad part is that I didn't jump early enough, and he sold it to his nephew. So I'm looking for another one. I'd love to get another LS1 but don't have the money for it right now, I have to pay for college and all. So it's a third gen or an early LT1 car.
