houmack

Hi guys,

I'm sure this has been asked before, but I need some quick help. I'm trying to find a nice LS1 in the north west and I'm confused.

Is there a difference between a Pontiac Trans Am and A Pontiac Trans Am Formula? Is there such thing as a T/A Formula, if so are they considered more "rare"

From my understanding, the Pontiac Formula is just a base T/A with no options and ground fx. Correct?

Also, could someone please guide me to a database or tell me how I can confirm via VIN or otherwise another way to verify if a car is a T/A Formula(if such thing exists) or a normal T/A.

Also, how much more would one expect to pay for a T/A Formula over a normal T/A. Lets just say they're both fully loaded.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Cheers.
Houman

houmack

Also, would like to know if the T/A Formula is "better" or more "rare" then a Z28 Camaro and would be "worth" more...

Thanks again

Houman

TransAm12sec

I don't know many details, nor am I 100 percent sure on them, but I believe the spoiler is different on the back. You could only get the ram air hood on a formula one year(I think, 99 maybe). I'm not sure if you could get the WS6 suspension package with the formula. The front bumper is also different.

The firebird has three models. The base firebird, Formula, and Trans Am. So it wouldn't be called a Trans Am Formula, just "Formula".

SScam68

iTrader: (20)

Formulas have the body of a V6 but a V8 engine.

If your looking to go drag and want to find the lightest firebird chassis available a Formula with no options is what you're looking for.

Formulas are also cheaper and there are less of them out there than Z28's but if you're looking for some sort of a collector car F-body's aren't the ticket. You're better off buying a Ford GT, or something along those lines.

camaro608

the formula is has the same options as the z28 had and you could get the ram air.

Black_Bird

iTrader: (6)

The Firebird Formula looks exactly like a stock 6 cylinder base model firebird, except for the "Formula" emblems on the side and the exhaust. Thats just on the outside though, inside alot of them hav cloth interior again like the firebirds. They still have the same 5.7L LS1 with the 4L60E(auto) or T-56(manual) as Camaro Z28's and SS's, Trans Ams/WS6, if we're talking about the '98-'02 cars. I'd say that a formula is a little more rare than your regular every day Trans Am.
Z28 Camaros are as common as T/A's, not as rare as say an SS, Formula, or WS6.

TransAm12sec

Here's what a formula bumper looks like.

http://www.unleadedanalog.net/pics/washed.jpg

houmack

can anyone post a good picture of STOCK Formula and a picture of STOCK Trans Am so that i can compare the diff? Cause to me, the only diff I can tell between T/A's are Regular T/A's vs. WS6/Firehawk.

houmack

what does this look like to you guys? T/A or Formula?

Arcticws6

It's a trans-am. Big noticeable difference is in the front bumper. Formula bumpers don't have the 2 big round driving lights. Also, formulas did not have the option for the high rear spoiler.

houmack

Right, okay. So I'm going to go ahead and assume that there is no such thing as a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Formula...

Thanks again

Jassick

iTrader: (1)

well if you want to get technical, the formula and trans am names are added on to the end of the base model. so you would really have a Pontiac firebird, Pontiac Firebird formula, or a pontiac firebird formula trans am. now the names might be switched up a lil bit, but that's the gist.

but that's usually only seen on the insurance papers. everyday people just call it by one name, i.e.-firebird, formula, or trans am.

i coulda swore you could get a formula with the raised spoiler.

basic run down, of 1998-2002:

firebird: V6, low rear spoiler. no ground effects.

formula: V8, low rear spoiler, (option for high rise?), no ground effects. WS.6 package offered, but only for certain years.

Trans Am: V8, high rise spoiler, ground effects, WS.6 package offered for all years.

also each respected model has it's name printed on the rear part inbetween the tail lights.

darrensls1

It goes something like this:

Firebird = V6 motor with basic body style (no ground kit or raised spoiler).

Firebird Formula = V8 motor with basic body style.

Firebird Formula WS6 = V8 motor with basic body style, ram air hood, 17" wheels & beefed up suspension.

Trans Am = V8 motor with raised spoiler, ground affects and a slightly different front end.

Trans Am WS6 = V8 motor, raised spoiler, ground affects, slightly different front end, ram air hood, 17" wheels and beefed up suspension.

Trans ams and WS6's were mass produced. Formulas and especially Formula WS6's were not. For example:

2002 OVERALL PRODUCTION
Firebird coupe 8,423
Firebird convertible 1,498
Formula coupe 901
Trans Am coupe 3,962
Trans Am convertible 998
Trans Am cpe. w/Ram Air* 12,212
Trans Am cony. w/Ram Air* 2,696
Total 30,690

So they made 4000 TA's and 12,000 TA WS6's but only 900 Formulas. They are also the lightest of the three Pontiac F-bodies. Here are a few pics of mine so you can see what the front end and spoiler look like.

RacingTiger03

iTrader: (3)

hooray for the formula's lol. My uncle thinks I ruined the value of mine by changing colors.. and yet still admits it was a good mistake lol.

Anyhow looks like everyone here has given a good run-down of the differences. I just wanted to correct one MINOR thing, the formula only said firebird between the tail lights. While the trans-am did get a trans-am name plate there.


wow talk about digging up the dead.. oops.. lol.

ghardester

He's correct, and that is a damn pretty car!!!!

scritch

iTrader: (1)

nice piece of info

fccs

iTrader: (26)

You have to be a complete dumbass to not notice the difference in a formula and a trans am. It's basically a v6 body with the v8 engine, not hard to explain people!

darrensls1

Thanks!

But who revived a 3 year old thread

NHRAMAN

iTrader: (1)

..........

NHRAMAN

iTrader: (1)

BLAME IT ON RacingTiger03.