I am going to be in the market for an F- body very soon. I want an LT1 Trans Am, not an LS1, simply because I like the looks of the 1993-1997 models better. And I want a T/A because I like the look of the front end better than the Formula, even though it's the same engine. I have a few questions that I hope you experts can help answer for me, since you guys know more about these cars than anyone else I've seen on the internet.
- I know that the 1997 Camaros got new taillights for that model year. Did the Pontiacs get new ones, too, or was that not 'til 1998? And if not, would I be able to swap a pair of '98 & up lights in, without much difficulty?
- I also know that the Camaros got a new, better interior in '97. Did the Pontiacs get a new interior, or did the Camaros just get upgraded to match the Pontiacs?
If the Trans-Am did in fact get a new interior for '97, then I definitly want a 1997 Trans Am. If not, then '93-'97 will do.
-I also do not want T-tops. As I understand it, the Trans Am was designed as more of a touring car, with more options, and the like. Which I think is the reason that Formula's were faster than T/A's, at least from the factory. What are my chances of finding a Trans Am with a hardtop? If there is basically no chance of finding a hardtop T/A, then what are the chances of finding a Formula without T-tops?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

The pontiacs used the same tail lights in the LT1 cars from 93-97. You can swap in a set of 98+ tail lights without much trouble. The 97 T/A and formula had the upgraded interier also. I don't know how many were made without t-tops but I know there are not many. I've only seen 3 cars in person without t-tops, so finding a 97 non t-top car might be alittle hard.

 

So, in 1997, the Formula and T/A interior were changed?
Thanks for the reply, too!

 

I believe the seats were a little different in 97 (More supportive). The basic layout of the Firebird didn't change though, like heater controls, stereo, etc. The steering wheel also changed in the Bird sometime from 95-98, not sure where, but the later version is way more comfortable IMO.

 

So the '97 firebird interior is the same as '93-6?

 

In 95 there were 13345 Trans Am's built, 2263 hard top, 8680 T-top, and 2402 convertable...

In 96 there were less (8853) made, 1201 hard top, 6735 T-top, and 917 convertable...

Sorry don't have data on 97 but I would say it should be rather close to the 96 numbers, because total firebid production numbers between those years were rather close...

I was not aware of any interior changes in 97 either???

 

The only major interior changes between the 93-95 models and the 96-02 models was the center console, it was slightly redesigned. And they used the new gauge cluster from 97-02. That, and a black interior was available in 00.

I have a hardtop 97 Formula, and there is a 93-95 hardtop Formula for sale down the street from me, not sure how much they want for it though.

 

My Z didn't COME with TTops, but that was the only option missing then. Now I have all the options.

 

Thanks for all the help guys, I want to know as much as possible, it's not every day you buy an F-body!

 

I have a hard top T/A and dont see many others, but I can say I have 3 friends that have owned '97 model hard top T/A's.

I worked at a Pontiac dealer when the LT1's were new, we only stocked T-Top T/A's, customers had to order a hard top.

And for some reason we didnt stock any formulas, they were order cars also.

 

IMO the best no t-top car is the firehawk (formula or TA)with the bilstein suspension upgrade. The t-top delete was mandatory (at least on my 94) for structural integrity and it help .91 on the skidpad which wasn't bad for those days...

 

12-03-2005, 12:15 AM

Today, 10:41 AM

Interesting.

 

I have to stop reading the threads before I look at the dates they were started. I read everything here until I got to engineer's and now I want to kick myself. In my opionin I think all threads should be locked out from being added to if nothing is added for maybe 6 months. What a waste of my time. 6 year old thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I guess this new member is just looking for opportunities to point out that he owns a Firehawk.

https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...=358831&page=3