Difference between Trans Am and Formula

[ericferguson]

My car broke down last week and I'm probably going to finally buy a used Firebird. I'm trying to figure out the difference between a Trans Am and a Formula. Looking at the 93-97 generation. They're both 5.7L engines I think, so I'm not sure what the difference is. Anybody know?

[XtremeModifier]

The Trans Ams of that gen (LT1's) have the ram air hood, large spoiler, and some interior/exterior "luxury" options in them. Basically, they're the "classier" of the two cars, but as a result, they bring a pretty penny when sold (pricier).

The Formula Firebird's had a less aggressive look, some came with single outlet exhausts (my gen, the '82-'92 had that), and a more basic package. But, they have the same engine numbers, and are considered a better "sleeper" car.

(1986 Trans Am)
http://www.thirdgen.org/tech/images/gallery/Slick71ss1986PontiacTransAm.jpg

(1986 Formula Firebird)
http://www.codeoneauto.com/projects/pics/mattredta.jpg

Now for your gen ...

(1993 Trans Am)
http://media.motortopia.com/files/6470/vehicle/47521df516946/DSCN6182.jpg
[/IMG

(1993 Formula)
[IMG]http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/1993-1994-pontiac-firebird-2.jpg

So, that answer your questions? Sorry about the bad image tags ... arrgh! No time to work on fixing it, though...

[ericferguson]

ok so it's exterior trim basically, thx for the info. And the previous generation firebirds don't come in a 5.7 option right? I saw a 5.0 91 firebird for sale, I think that's the biggest engine size of that third gen right? And the third gens don't have anywhere near the same juice as the fourth-gen 5.7s right?

[XtremeModifier]

Well, there's the 3rd gen (mine), the 3.5 (that's the '93-'97 ... LT1), and the 4th (LS1). The 3rd gen Formulas do come with the 5.7L also, but it's a rare option. Far more often you'll find swapped 350 truck engines in Formy's. The Formula was the only option package AFAIK to use the V6, 305, and 350. The basic Firebirds only had the V6 and 305, the Formy's had all 3, and the Trans Am was V8 only.

Yes, Gen 3 doesn't have as much under the hood as 3.5 which doesn't have as much as 4 (with the Corvette engine). 4th gens are '97 or '98 (bad memory here...) through 2002. There are slight appearance differences that set 4th gens apart from 3.5 gens. Any GM 5.7L is a decent motor, and there are some advantages to a 3.0 gen like mine, such as that any GM part from '57 or so through '86 (and a few after) will bolt up provided it is the correct block (SB or BB). It makes it VERY easy to find parts at a swap meet or junkyard, versus with the newer LT1s and LS1s where it's an entirely different bolt pattern.

[XtremeModifier]

btw - if you do get an F-body, I'm parting out on mine. Carb is sold pending payment, but I have the 3rd gen Trans Am hood, the 3rd gen 16" trans am rims (polished) plus a set of afmkt aluminum 15" rims (light), and many, many more parts.