Topic: New member, just bought a 1980 Formula

[80 Formula]

Just wanted to show you guys my project. I got tired of thinking about how long it would take to restore my 68 firebird (it needs everything)and decided to look for a decent TA. I just wanted to find a 2nd gen that I could just paint, drop in one of my engines, throw on some wheels (I got some GTA wheels) and drive. Well, I found this Formula, it has 129K miles on it. It has the original paint and interior. Actually the car is stone stock. right down to the smog pump. One more nice thing about the car, everything works, even the AC and the clock. The thing that sold me was no rust, and the fact that the interior that is in pretty good condition, it really just needs the rear panels and seat panels, and replace the carpet. I live in eastern washington state so the cars around here are pretty much rust free. It has some damage to the right front, the parts to replace the damaged fender and bumber were included with the purchase price of $900. I drove it home about 80 miles without any problems. The engine is pretty tired. I going to drop in my 454 from my Jet boat until I can find a wrecked firebird or camaro with a LT-1 in it.  Anyway, here are some pics.

Mike

[RENOVATIONS]

Hi Mike.....welcome to 78TA!
Looks like you got a killer deal  ...very nice original with a lot of potential. If you have any questions, just ask. You are in the right place. And thanks for the pix...we don't have to bug ya' asking for them now
You mentioned an LT-1...this might interest you:
http://www.78ta.com/smf/index.php?topic=5220.0

[80 Formula]

Thanks Jeff, I was not sure how people would react about dropping in a Chev motor. Being this car is should be restored to stock I thought I might get some flak over it. It seems that there not a lot you can do with these 301 engines. So i am going to build it the way that I want, stock looking, with some HP.

I guess I will have to fix the turn signal also, got any ideas on were to go for the parts?

Thanks
Mike

[RENOVATIONS]

LOL...yeah, you may get some flack for it but it is YOUR car. I agree...build it as you want it

The 301 is typically underpowered though there are ways to tweak a bit more out of them. I'd say definitely hold on to it though...the car will be worth more as an "original" if you ever decide to sell in the future. Just pull the 301 and store it.

[80 Formula]

That's exactly what I going to do, freshen the motor and trans, and drop it back in when or if I sell it.
It sure seems like these cars are starting to go up in value, I have been looking for the last 3 months and there just is not that many for sale. The last one I saw was a 77 T/A that had been color changed, with no motor or trans, and they want $2500  for it.

Mike
http://spokane.craigslist.org/car/442973538.html

here is a 79 for $4600
http://spokane.craigslist.org/car/448718744.html

[RENOVATIONS]

Those are both pretty nice/restorable cars....but you definitely got a great deal with yours (less money up front and an engine )
I'm heading to bed LOL....check out the site and make yourself at home
I'll cya around here again

[rkellerjr]

Nice car, good score and welcome to 78ta.

[WarbirdTA]

Looks like a nice find.
Welcome to the site.
One thing I noticed right away, which is no big deal, is that your front seat bolt looks kinda loose (bolt doesn't look all the way down), and the plastic cover is faced 180 degrees thew wrong way.
The three prongs face the seat.
Just trying to help you abit.
And don't worry about me thinking you are doing wrong with an engine transplant, I get tons of flack for just showing a photo of one of my cars.
You would fit in nice though, in this town.
I am the only one running the engines the cars came in.
Everyone in this town are Chevy or Ford guys.
Luckly, I haven't seen any Ford engines in a Bird yet.
Have fun with your new project.

George 

[LOMILETA]

Welcome to the nest. Dont worry about changing motors, its your ride. My 78 TA has a 462 ci Buick motor and my G-friends 80 Turbo Formula will have a Grand National 3.8 liter Turbo motor soon.

[LeighP]

Hey, great deal....you got a fantastic head start there with that car.
Power her how you please...its you car, be happy with the project.

[80 Formula]

I agree with you Hammer on keeping the car stock. I just have this nice 468 BBC (Edelbrock RPM intake and RPM cam, roller rockers, with a Holley 750, etc.) on a engine stand and I need something to put it in. I also have a TCI street fighter turbo 350 tranny laying around. I need to put this stuff into something, it is gathering dust. I sold the boat 2 years ago, and kept the motor. I also have another boat motor, a Paul Phaff Racing built 454 BBC (Mercury Racing 525SC) blower motor that is on a stand that has never been run, I don't think I will install that one though.