So feeling a bit nostalgic about my old 1989 Formula, I decide to start searching online to see if any are available. I would like one with low miles and a better engine than the old 305 TBI that was in my '89 that gave me all the headaches.

I come up with this 1990 Formula:

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

Now according to the Drivetrain List over at thirdgen.org, 1990's Formulas only came with the LB9 or the L98 (If anyone could tell me how to tell the difference between the 230-hp and the 210-hp version of the LB9, by the way, I'd be much obliged). But the engine in that bay sure looks like an L03 to me. (I seem to remember someone telling me back in the day that if it has the round air cannister, it's a friggin' 305 TBI).

The VIN the guy gave me also has the dreaded 8th-digit of "E" for the L03.

So is the Thirdgen list just inaccurate? Is this guy trying to sell a different year of Formula off as a '90? Can I stomach the idea of buying another firebird with great T-tops and condition with an anemic engine?!

 

I can tell you that is definitely a 305TBI car. He might be trying to pull a fast one on and saying it's something that it is not.

-Marc-

 

Very clean car, but yes, definately an LO3.

 

So where L03's even shipped in 1990 formulas?

 

I'm pretty sure you could get a 90 Formula or TA with the L03. However, I'd post the quesiton on the History/Restoration board at Thirdgen.org and see what they say.

 

If I remember correctly, 1990 was the last year that the L03 was offered in the TA/Z28 as the base engine.

 

correct, but as for the formy............

 

Oh yeah, the 230hp LB9 came only with the G92 package. All others were the 210hp engine.

 

Best method is to check that 8th digit in the Vin. Nothing beats the info that GM put there. The picture is of lO3 TBI engine which was the standard engine. The seller will tell you anything so do your research and the Vins the place to start also the Tech pages on www.thirdgen.org

 

G92 was a camaro option, there is a discussin about this on TGO in the historical forum.
http://thirdgen.org/techbb2/showthre...hreadid=326038

the firebird got the G80 option. and that was the stick version that got the 230 hp motor

 

90 Formulas had the L03 option as I had one. I just sent mine to the salvage yard 3 days ago.

 

I think in 1990 the 210hp TPI car was the auto car. and the 5 speed cars were 225 or 230hp but I cant' remember for sure.