I've done a couple of quick searches but nothing concrete came up so I thought I'd ask. What is the difference between the formula and GT fastback version of the fiero? They both have v6's but the bodies are different. Is there any other major differences that are noticeable/not noticeable?

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88 Fastback GT
My blog: www.sti-media.com/blog/

to my understanding there is about a 300 pound weight difference which I have noticed the weight difference between my formula and my gt (the formula is lighter) however my formula is a notchback.

AFAIK, only the 88gt is alot heavier I think the previous years it is not as big a difference.

The difference is basically the same as the Firebird Formula and T/A, all the go goodies and none of the extra comforts or eye candy.
The Formula was basically a base coupe with the GT suspension/drivetrain, 300lbs difference sounds about right depending on how the GT is optioned.
Seems I've seen some charts posted showing weights by model/year, might try the search function.

88 is the only year for the Formula isn't it?
All Formulas were notchbacks
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I hate to advocate weird chemicals, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone... but they've always worked for me.

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 05-10-2006).]

300 lbs NO the fastback and areo nose do not weigh that much more
options may weigh down the GT but allmost everything on a GT can be had on a formula
maybe 50 lbs unless your talking about a striped formula
without AC or power anything vs a loaded GT
even then maybe less then 150 lbs max
btw most 88 GTs are about 2850
and most formulas in the high 27xx range

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Question wonder and be wierd
are you kind?

The only diff between an 88 Formula (only year of formula) and an 88GT is the fastback bodywork. Other than that under the skin they are the exact same car.

For that matter the only diff between an 88 base coupe and a formula to my knowledge was the rear sway bar, the V6 vs 4 popper and Getrag 5 vs Isuzu 5.

If you start comparing earlier cars, IE 87GT vs 88GT there are a lot of differences due to the suspension, but aside from that they are pretty much the same.

85GT was the only year of a notch back GT. There were no 86 notchback GT's only Fastback GT's in the later 1/2 of 86 model year.

Hopefully I made a little sense.

If you come to the meeting on Saturday I can show you what the diffs are. As I think we will have all models there to show as an example.

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85GT 5spd ,93 Eldorado 4.9 Dual O2 Custom Chip, Archie Clutch. Custom Exhaust. MSD Everything 245/50/16's Cant wait for Dyno Time and Track Results. Not Your Average 4.9 Capt Fiero Com --- My Over View Cadero Pics Delta Cam and Allante Intake Soon.

Except for the A/C, my Formula has no options. No power windows, no power locks, manual mirrors, no cruise, no defogger window. It's the most stripped Fiero I've owned. I'm surprised it came with a wing. I'm not a wing fan, they're added weight and not much functionality, so I have a wingless deck to paint up for it. Currently red, repainting it this summer, red, with archie side scoops (which are funtional for cooling the engine compartment, I think.)

I wonder how the Archie side scoops will affect aerodynamics?

It had 15 inch wheels, tho, and SE's in previous years had 14" standard.

It's getting all the missing power options (except the defogger window) this summer. Maybe even the performance sound (which I never use.)

Thanks everybody for your quick responses

quote Originally posted by DRA: Seems I've seen some charts posted showing weights by model/year, might try the search function. All Formulas were notchbacks

I tried the search a couple of times but didn't get anything like that. If anybody knows where it is I would love to see it.

quote Originally posted by DRA: 88 is the only year for the Formula isn't it?

Really? I thought there were a few years that were formulas (86, 87, 88)

quote Originally posted by Capt Fiero: Hopefully I made a little sense. If you come to the meeting on Saturday I can show you what the diffs are. As I think we will have all models there to show as an example.

Making perfect sense, and yes I'll be there. What time is it at and is there anything to bring along or how should I meet up? (just walk in and say hi?)

Thanks again everybody, very informative and I found out pretty much what I wanted to know which was if there was any dif in the framework and engine/tranny etc.

quote Originally posted by Brian Lamberts: Except for the A/C, my Formula has no options. No power windows, no power locks, manual mirrors, no cruise, no defogger window. It's the most stripped Fiero I've owned. I'm surprised it came with a wing. I'm not a wing fan, they're added weight and not much functionality, so I have a wingless deck to paint up for it. Currently red, repainting it this summer, red, with archie side scoops (which are funtional for cooling the engine compartment, I think.) I wonder how the Archie side scoops will affect aerodynamics? It had 15 inch wheels, tho, and SE's in previous years had 14" standard. It's getting all the missing power options (except the defogger window) this summer. Maybe even the performance sound (which I never use.)

I thought that the Formula's were all base coupes (except the rear swaybar, wing, decal, 15in wheels, and V6 drivetrain), I thought the whole point of the Formula package was to be lighter, no P/W, PDL's, P/M's, etc. Were they not all manual windows, locks, mirrors, etc.
I guess I need to go study up.

BTW I was also under the impression thet the GT and Formula's had different spring rates from the other models. Maybe that was just the earlier models that offered the different suspension packages.

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 05-11-2006).]

quote Originally posted by Ultimate: Really? I thought there were a few years that were formulas (86, 87, 88)

You could only get the Formula in 88.

The Formula is the same as an 88GT except it has the coupe-style body and came with less options by default (though I think you could order power options if you wanted them).

Can't swear as to the accuracy but here's a few links

http://home.xnet.com/~paulv/MajorSpecs.htm

http://www.marlinpc.net/modelspecs.htm

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9717/default.aspx

As others have said, the Formula is a base coupe with the GT goodies added--the V6, the rear swaybar, the 15 inch diamond spoke wheels, and the Getrag tranny for the manual cars. Also included were the Formula door decals and the rear wing. It was only available in 1988, and it sort of took the place of the earlier years' SE version. In 85-87, the only way you could get the V6 was in the GT or in the SE. The concept behind the Formula is a bit different than the SE, but Pontiac dropped the SE in '88. The Formula more or less took that spot in the lineup (in between the base coupe and the GT). The name "Formula" was mostly a marketing thing, but it was a way to get all the good mechanical stuff with a lower sticker price than the GT. It didn't come standard with the power options, although you could order most if not all of them.

Technically, it's not a model on it's own, but rather a package option for the base coupe. That's why if you decode the VIN, it shows Coupe, and not Formula. The only way to tell from the VIN that it is a Formula is that it will have a 9 (V6) in the engine position instead of R (4 cylinder).

Thanks again for the replies. Would you say that the formula is rare then? As in, perhaps it wasn't as popular as the GT? It almost sounds like the poor version of the GT, like the people that wanted the speed but didn't care or want the GT look or gadgets. Not trying to knock it, just curious as to the line of thinking with it and how popular they may have been.

My formula has al the mechanical goodies and came with an auto tranny, AC, power windows, power locks, and cruise. No subwofer, power mirrors, or rear window defroster.

-Rick

mine has a getrag 5, air, i think an upgraded radio (has cassette), and a trunk light. almost like the base 87 coupe i have except for the drivetrain and suspension.

i remember one of the last road tests in r&t, they used a formula instead of a gt because it had all the performance options the gt had, along with i think an 80lb weight advantage.

if your local libary has r&t back issues, look through the fall '87 issues.

quote Originally posted by Ultimate: [The Formula] almost sounds like the poor version of the GT, like the people that wanted the speed but didn't care or want the GT look or gadgets.

You can think of the Formula as a stripped-down version of the GT, or you can think of it as a hot rod version of the base coupe. I tend to think of it as the best of both worlds.

Many of the convenience options that were standard on the '88 GT were extra-cost options on the Formula, so a lot of Formulas are pretty basic. My Formula is somewhat rare in that it does have OEM power windows and power door locks, but it still lacks power mirrors, power rear deck release, rear window defroster, lumbar seats, etc.

My Formula only has A/C. No other options. Less stuff to break if you ask me.

I remember back in 1993 or so at a Milwaukee meeting seeing a Yellow Formula devoid of all options including A/C, that was pretty cool.

For what it's worth, the only options that I have never seen (from the Factory) in a Formula are power mirrors and Performance Sound (subwoofer). Both can be added without a lot of trouble.
I suppose you could include luggage racks on that list, but the wing was standard so that made the rack an unlikely request.
Most Formulas that I have seen came with A/C, tilt wheel, delay wipers, and crank up windows. The only other really common option was power windows.
As stated before, the Formula was designed to be a "bare bones" car with a V6. Made the V6 available to a wider audience.
I have also heard that a "loaded out" Formula was nearly as expensive as a GT.

interesting. I thought the Isuzu tranny was phased out in '88. I have a coupe with a wing...but I haven't found alot of 88's with luggage racks.

OK, so to recap, the formula was only made in 88 and there is no difference mechanically, but body-wise it's a coupe and it can possibly lack all the gadgets. I wonder how many were made, and also in comparison to how many were made of the GT and 4cyl.

Much appreciated everyone for your input. This helps.

On a side note, I really like the passion this community has. It was just a small question, but so many came together to answer. Thanks again.

my Formula has air rear heated window and ....a very rare GT body option

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Soon to be a Northstar

quote Originally posted by Ultimate: I wonder how many were made, and also in comparison to how many were made of the GT and 4cyl.

According to the Fiero Spotter's Guide, the breakdown for the 88 model year is:

Base coupe: 13,910
Formula: 5,643
GT: 6,849

the formulas also all came with the WS6 special performance package.I cant seem to find the sight at this moment that gave the break down on the WS6 package,but I'll keep looking.

quote Originally posted by stephsformula: the formulas also all came with the WS6 special performance package.I cant seem to find the sight at this moment that gave the break down on the WS6 package,but I'll keep looking.

In a nutshell, WS6 was the standard suspension package for the '88 GT and Formula. WS6 spring rates and steering ratio may have been slightly different than on the base coupe, but the major difference was that WS6 included a rear sway bar.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 05-12-2006).]

Thats really odd because my formula when I bought did not have the rear sway bar. The transmission was replaced once so maybe it was taken for someone elses car. Who knows.

quote Originally posted by Marvin McInnis: In a nutshell, WS6 was the standard suspension package for the '88 GT and Formula. WS6 spring rates and steering ratio may have been slightly different than on the base coupe, but the major difference was that WS6 included a rear sway bar.

I believe that all of the 88 springs were shared across all the models. My coupe had the same springs as some of the Formulas I've owned over the years. The coupe steering rack (including the ratio) is the same as the GT and Formula. The front sway bar (surprisingly) is the same.
I have heard that the base coupe may have had different (softer?) bushings in the lower control arms. At least that was the speculation.
The coupe LCA supposedly has a different part number from the others, but it looks identical.
The WS6 may have had different shocks/struts, but by now they are all likely worn out, anyway.

quote Originally posted by Boosted2003: Thats really odd because my formula when I bought did not have the rear sway bar. The transmission was replaced once so maybe it was taken for someone elses car. Who knows.

That is odd.
It's a fairly "sought after" option, though. It's possible that if the car was being "fixed up to sell" that the bar might have been grabbed for another car.

WS6 was standard on all GT's even my 85GT has err had the WS6. WS6 was shocks and spring package. The first time you change the shocks and add lowering springs you have essentially removed the WS6 from the car.

It is still a WS6 car just without any of the WS6 original parts.

Actually, I don't think WS6 was standard for all GTs (if it is the RPO). My 87 GT doesn't have it, and I have checked to make sure that it is a real GT.

quote Originally posted by Raydar: For what it's worth, the only options that I have never seen (from the Factory) in a Formula are power mirrors and Performance Sound (subwoofer). .

I'll add a few more options I have never seen on a Formula---gold 15" rims, lumbar seats, and the pushbutton radio (UP3 is it?)

The formula I owned had a/c, pdl, pw, and sunroof. Overall I thought the car was nicely optioned.

quote Originally posted by Hank is Here: I'll add a few more options I have never seen on a Formula---gold 15" rims, lumbar seats, and the pushbutton radio (UP3 is it?)

Good call. I forgot about those. I'm not sure that leather was available, either.

I believe the radio with the keypad volume and fader controls was the UX1.
Although they are quite popular, I don't believe they were even available in 88. At least they weren't documented in the 88 owners manual.

88 Formula's......."No Leather Seats"
88GT/Auto/Beechwood Leather/SunRoof/Wing/JVC-CD-Sub-Woofer/225/45/17 Michelin Pilots/All Opts Ex.T-Tops

<<< <<< Pix of my GT / ** Pix of my Formula** / Pix of my Vettes >>> >>>
*** *** *** *** *** * "If you appreciate my contribution, please rate me. Thanks"* *** *** *** *** ***

[This message has been edited by 2000RagTop (edited 05-13-2006).]

My Formula came with a nice oil leak. I don't think it was a factory option, but it cost $1300 to fix...

Seriously, it has power windows, ac, and top line stereo (cassette) and runs great (now).

I have seen some Formula's on Ebay that were Coupes with a sticker on them. Sometimes they have no wing, or same size tires in front and back. I saw one that a dealership was selling that had been totaled (I ran the vin) and it came up as a coupe. Someone on this thread said that all Formula's are coupes. That was interesting...

I also saw an 88 coupe that had a V6 in it. It said "rare v6 coupe" but it was not a Formula. I wonder what the difference is between it and a Formula (if there is one)...

The 88 Coupes had a curb weight of 2547 Lbs. while the 88GT curb weight was 2735 Lbs. Almost 200 Lbs. difference. The 86GT weighed in at 2696 and the 87GT at 2708. So the 88GT was the heaviest of the fastbacks.

V6 coupes were:
85GT-2572 Lbs
86SE-2531 Lbs.
87SE-2567 Lbs.
88Formula-2547 Lbs.

This would make the 86SE the lightest of the Notchbacks and the 85GT the heaviest.

The 87-88 Coupe also had a lower drag coefficient than the fastbacks with 0.357 Cd vs. 0.365 Cd. The 85GT and 86SE had the lowest at 0.350 Cd.

quote Originally posted by mjuch: . I saw one that a dealership was selling that had been totaled (I ran the vin) and it came up as a coupe. Someone on this thread said that all Formula's are coupes. That was interesting...

All Formulas are technically coupes with an option package added. If you run the VIN from an '88 Fiero, it will only come back as a coupe or GT.

An '88 GT will have a VIN that starts 1G2PG (1 is USA, G is General Motors, 2 is Pontiac, P is P-Body, and the G is GT)
An '88 Coupe or Formula will have a VIN that starts with 1G2PE, E standing for Coupe. There's no special identifier in the VIN to designate a Formula. That's because it wasn't a model, but an option package for the base coupe. Same thing as an Indy. There's no way to tell from the VIN, since the Indy was an option package for an '84SE. If you run the VIN on an Indy, it will come back as an 84SE.

The only way to tell from the VIN whether or not it left the factory as a Formula is to check the 8th character. The 8th character in the VIN is for the engine. A Formula or GT will have a "9" (V6) in that position, whereas a Coupe has an "R" (4 cylinder). And all '88s will have a "J" (1988) for the 10th character.

The Service Parts Identification tag on the left front wheel well under the hood will also have "W66" listed, as that is the option code for the Formula package.

[This message has been edited by PLC (edited 05-13-2006).]

88GT's had verticle stitching in the center of the seats, Formulas (and coupes) did not. The extra thread added too much weight

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