MJS422

Looking for some imput. Should I put the factory decals back on, or leave them off for the sleeper effect?

Car is bone stock, and I want to keep it as original as possible.

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks

TallTim

iTrader: (2)

I wanted more of the sleeper look too so I used the charcoal colored decals for the doors rather than the white so it shows less.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

With or without the decals, that car is beautiful. If it was mine I would probably put the decals on.

86TA355SR

iTrader: (1)

Great looking Formula.

I would put them on, it would help break up the red.

Tell us more about it, miles, etc....

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

I'd put em back on.

I don't think some 305 will be surprising too many people à la "sleeper" in this day and time. Non-issue. In 1989, maybe; but, don't be too surprised if a Kia minivan or some such drills you in 2013.

MJS422

I was also thinking about the charcoal. Sounds like something worth checking out. If you have any pics of yours please share. Thanks!

MJS422

As for the Kia comment. Have you ever heard of these cars that have the performance drive train? G92, 1lE Ring a bell? This is not a standard issue 305.

MJS422

The car has the stock drive train unmodified, 93k miles, been giving her some good TLC, too many of these car get ratted out or just rot. With this being a rarer third gen. I figured it is worth my time to save her. A lot of time and effort has gone into this car. Under body completely redone, KYB shocks and struts, Subframe connectors, urethane bushings Front and rear, new cats, exhaust, tires, reconditioned wheels, new hatch spoiler and deck lid, completely new interior, all new glass, a laundry list of engine management parts, I could go on for days. It is all worth it. The car is a blast to drive, especially with the 5spd and good rear end. I just want to preserve it as a good representation of what these cars were like in their day. Just took a while to find a good car to work with. Not too many good Firebirds around anymore, especially with a 5spd and a TPI motor. Thanks to all who appreciate this car, and your complements. I hope you guys have as much fun with your rides as I have with mine.

Eddie1986z28

very nice car. would like to see some under hood and underbody pictures. im torn on the decals.

MJS422

Here are some more pics. These are from my phone so they many not look as good as the others.

T/Aperformance

If it was mine I would make it look like it came from the factory with all the decals.
As for the 305 its not really that big of a performance engine. But I would keep it in there all stock, The 5 speed in it does not like very much power, that is why it wasn't offered with the 350.
Very nice car you have there, Something to be proud of.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I know about those RPO codes. It's still only a 305, and with TPI at that. It'll still get its butt handed to it on a silver platter by some pretty humble modern cars.

Leaving the stickers off isn't going to create a "sleeper".

I agree with the others; looks like a really nice car. If still that close to original, should be left original and unaltered. Its "value" lies in that aspect of it. Its "performance", while somewhat acceptable for its day even if badly inadequate even the day it was new, is long since obsolete.

MJS422

Just curious what variety of third gen do you drive or own?
As for the sleeper issue, I was just thinking of leaving the decals a off since the majority of these cars had TBI and could not drag an old ***** out of bed. Where mine is a bit different. Any car that can turn the tires at will and run low 14's all day consistently is still a lively and fun car to drive. While yes my Subaru forester xt (heavily modded) may have better #'s on paper it still does not have the torque and feel of these cars. Not to mention the sounds and smells of some old Detroit Iron.

GenX'Motorsport

Youre in the History section sofa guy. Why are you ragging on stock Thirdgens. "obsolete"??? Really?? Then why are you here if you dont appreciate these cars? Because youre attitude really stinks.

That Formula is Awesome!!
I would put the stickers on..

navy02ws6

Put the decals back on it. Looks like a stupid nice/correct/original car.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

I appreciate these cars GREATLY.

However I don't appreciate their "performance" in stock trim; there isn't any, by modern standards. Or for that matter, even by the standards of their day. The L69 cars, and the very first couple of years of TPI, were the only ones that were competitive with others in their class; after Frod came out with the EFI version of their 302 though, it was ALL OVER WITH. But of course nowadays even my wife's 6-cyl Caddy luxo barge will absolutely BLOW AWAY the fastest one of these cars in its stock trim.

I appreciate these cars for what they ARE, and I do not hallucinate or delude myself about them being something that they ARE NOT.

I am dreadfully sorry if my telling the truth is an "attitude" that you can't handle.

GenX'Motorsport

So youre saying a stock 89GT vs a stock 89L98 Thirdgen = Ford that much of a winner?

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Yup

Couple tenths dependably

Spend the first $200 on each car, closer to a half second

Couple tenths more than that if the Frod was a 5-speed

As you no doubt will recall from when you were building cars in 1989

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Oh, I don't know if EVERY 5.0 was that fast. An auto, 2.73 convertible was a slug, for example. A well driven, 5.0/T5/3.08, LX, notchback was pretty darned unbeatable in a straight line, though.


With that said, even the fastest 3rd gens should beware modern Honda Accords and Camrys.

GenX'Motorsport

Actually in the mid to late 90's. We had alot of different Thirdgens. And we ran alot of Fox bodys. On Long Island thats how it used to be. I personally beat alot of Mustangs in a Thirdgen. And Ive seen alot of Thirdgens beat alot of 5.0's too. Ive also been witness to Mustangs killing Thirdgens. Keep in mind, this is Street racing. Light to light. No longer than 1/8 mile really. Thats how we did it. No local tracks out here anymore. But I never had problems taking a bolt on fox off a stop light with a bolted up TPI car in good health. Keep in mind. I love Fox Body Mustangs. Right after Thirdgens and C4 vettes. Itching to build another one these days. Last one was an 84 notch with an 88GT motor with an E-cam and a Powerdyne. Not much else to that car, light as a feather. Deathtrap actually. Wanted to pull the wheels up with radials. So I am more than just familiar with how they run. But stock vs stock. L98 and LB9/T-5 Thirdgens held there own on the streets back when.

MJS422

Thanks for all your complements and input. Looks like I will be adding the decal package to this bird. It was never my intention to imply that this car is something it is not. Just in terms of similar cars of its era. Keep your eyes open on the classifieds board, because after I slap on these decals I plan on selling it. Perhaps if I get a good price I will use the cash for a down payment on one of those new Cadillac's. LOL JK.....
Not really going to sell it. Just plan on driving the car and having fun.

Thanks again

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I seem to remember back in the day - Grand Nationals and 5.0 Stangs killed the Third gens. A few bolt ons in either car and you had yourself a quick ride.

T/Aperformance

Just because your combo isn't the fastest in the 1/4 doesn't mean it can't beat any of the cars mentioned, Your car would kill a grand national or a mustang of the same year. Just don't drag race them. Take them on a twisty road and say good bye to them in your rear view mirror. That is what your car was made for.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

I have a black 89 formula 350 with charcoal 91-92 formula decals on the doors. Nice subtle "updated" touch.
I am thinking of sticking the original style door decals back on tho.
I see a few aftermarket parts on your car so do what you want to as far as decals go.
You can change them anytime with not to much cost.

Nice car by the way, enjoy it!