1989 Formula 5.0 5spd Dual Cats

[Solar]

For Sale:

1989 Red Firebird Formula.

• 5.0L TPI (RPO LB9)
• 5-speed manual (RPO MM5)
• Dual Catalytic Converters (RPO N10)
• 3.45 Limit-Slip Differential (RPO G80)
• 200,000 miles

Very little rust: One spot on passenger door, and one on the trunk lid. Has seen only one Michigan winter; spent the rest of its life in Arizona and Hawaii.

Engine compression is still good: all cylinders tested to 160psi. It does have an unidentified problem that is causing substantial HP and MPG losses--suspect an electrical problem. Also needs front end and cosmetic work. Would be an excellent restoration project. All OEM parts, no mods.

Car and Driver claims only 50 Formulas with these options were made each model year. As such, I will not consider offers from anyone looking to gut it or use it as a donor car.

Asking $1200 OBO. In East Lansing.

Contact:
Michael
jackk1981@hotmail.com
520.609.0148

[Darren]

Any more pictures of the car? Specifically of the rust and under the hood? Also what type of problem is the car experiencing or what is the car doing?

Does it run and drive?

More detail pictures would be great, are you motivated to sell it? I may be interested, I would love to pic up another project (just sold my 92 camaro) I would not be looking to gut it, part it, or use it as a donor car. I have always wanted a thirdgen bird...

[WMCCjames]

Diamond in the rough. Sounds like a great project for someone.

[Gottork]

GLWS and GO DARREN!!!!

[Solar]

Thanks for the interest Darren.

It does run, though it smells pretty rich. I haven't had the emissions checked in probably two years, so I can't say just how badly. The aforementioned HP/MPG problem literally started overnight several years back, and I've been unable to isolate exactly what went wrong. If I remember correctly (haven't driven it in six months), it hesitates on hard accelerations, guzzles gas (17ish mpg freeway instead of 25mpg) and has about as much power as my Prius.

Since the problem started I've replaced: Spark plugs, injectors, distributor, ECU, cats, muffler, TPS, IAC, and the MAF. Have done extensive vacuum leak hunting, but there's probably another half dozen leaks waiting to be found.

The first time I replaced the MAF (last October), it actually ran beautifully for about 400 miles then went right back to sucking. I've replaced the MAF again since then, but no luck.

I'm guessing either some part of the intake that I haven't thought to check yet, or maybe a bad wire/sensor somewhere.

It still drives, though as I said, the front end needs some attention. It developed a vibration/shake right before I stopped driving it in June. I'm not familiar with suspension, so I can't really guess what's wrong.

Requested pictures attached, including some of the underbody--there's some minor rust scaling from last winter, but nothing that wouldn't sand out)--and the dent in the passenger quarterpanel from the dick that hit it in my driveway. For reference, both rust spots are about the size of my thumb.
PB060011.JPGPB060006.JPGPB060007.JPGPB060008.JPGPB060005.JPGPB060004.JPGPB060001.JPG

[tenpin842]

Best of luck with the sale.

[Gottork]

-fingers crossed-

[scholtmj]

What's the status of this car? sold?