1987 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 5.7 Litre from North America
Summary:
Great bang for the buck!
Faults:
The woman who owned it before me never changed the oil, and as a result, I had bearing wear by 60,000 miles. But I don't blame that on GM... the car was abused by its first owner. An engine rebuild was OK with me because it gave me an opportunity to add on some "go-fast goodies" to make the car much more powerful than stock.
The horsepower today is now around 325HP (up from 225 stock), and it runs like a banshee!! I destroy any Mustang GT that gets in my path!
Other problems have been minimal... alternator, brakes and lots of tires. Interior is still immaculate today after 15 years. I just recharged the R-12 freon for the first time since the car was new! I've replaced some rubber parts due to dry rot, but overall since the rebuild, it has been a very fast, solid and reliable ride.
General Comments:
The car is still a head-turner today.
I recommend that if you buy any Firebird from the late 80's, you make the investment to modify the exhaust system. Go with headers and a 3 inch Cat-back system. SLP Stainless System or Flowmaster would be the products you need to check out. Throttle response is very noticeably improved!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th January, 2002
6th Feb 2008, 17:10
Last time I checked the Mustangs of that year range were about 225 hp (and re-rated at 205 hp in 1992) other than the '93 Cobra which was 235 hp. Guess you should get an education on the cars you want to discuss before coming on a forum quoting false information. Of course a heavily modified Firebird will take a stock Mustang. If they were both stock in these years the Mustang would beat it easily. Even the 5.7 Firebird wouldn't take a Mustang from 87-93.
12th May 2004, 12:43
Picking on poor stock mustang GT's with your after market souped up formula banshee is not a fair in the square comparison. Go to the track and race a saleen or Mach I or Cobra and we'll see who gets the last laugh.