Difference between Trans Am and WS6

Okay I know, I know. I should know this but what are the component differences between them? The LT1 TA is touted at a mere 270 HP where as the WS6 is 325 HP. Is it heads or intake, or what?

[MP81]

WS6 was 305 HP.

I would imagine intake and exhaust.

[lozanoa11]

did they put the lt4 in them or was that the firehawk?

[MP81]

They put LT4s in only 29 Firehawks in '97. That was all the LT4s in Firebirds.

[cjmatt]

the lt1 was 285, the ws6 was rated at 305 though due to the ram air

[phoenix_rising]

the lt1 was 285, the ws6 was rated at 305 though due to the ram air

Was there any suspension differences? Or is it just hood, ram air intake, and wheels?

[MP81]

Here's what I found.

Ordering the WS6 package added twin nostrils (air intakes) on the hood which boosted the engine rating to 305 bhp. All came with 17" wheels and 275/40-17 tires, plus the 1LE suspension, except with DeCarbon shocks using different valving from the stock shocks.

[lozanoa11]

thats hard to belive the ram air does that much. it really only works at 90 mph and up. it has to be in the tuning

[MP81]

Well - it's certainly WAY easier to get air into the engine, instead of some restrictive normal airbox.

[Phantom409]

Was there any suspension differences? Or is it just hood, ram air intake, and wheels?

Yes there was different shocks.
The WS6 got the Blistine shocks where the TA, Formula, Firbird, Camaro, & Z28 just go the standard Decarbon shocks that are on every F-Body.

Other than the hood, better intake system, bump in HP (cam I think), and better wheels and I think some ground efects that is all.

As far as the Exhaust system I think it was the same as any other V8 unless it was a SLP pkg on the Pontiac's.

[Lucky SOB]

i'm pretty sure the cam is the same. The WS6 package was only Hood. Suspension. Air Intake.

I'm pretty sure...

[cjmatt]

there was no difference in the engines other than the ram air...305 was just what it was rated, who knows what they really put down...ls1s were rated at 315 and made way more than that anyhow

[MP81]

I love underrating.

[Lucky SOB]

The EPA loves over rating gas mileage... usually by about 2-3 mpg from what studies have shown.

[MP81]

...Cough...Prius...Cough...

That was about 15 mpg over rated...