Difference between Trans Am and WS6

[Phantom409]

[96BlackBetty]

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

I'm pretty sure...

thats exaclty what it was. And the ram air really does help out in that picture verses the normal air box.

[lozanoa11]

ill belive the pontiac guy

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

Hmmm...boy, where to start...

Depending on year, WS6 could mean just suspension upgrades and 4 wheel disc brakes, to cam/intake/airbox/exhaust/etc.

And I don't know this for a fact, but I suspect that the 4th gen WS6s and SSs got a better tune from the factory too...could be wrong...

They also made 100 LT4 Camaro SSs in 1997 (there is actually one here). All were orange on white 30th anniversary models.

The EPAs fuel ratings have been traditionally overrated because up until 2007 (?) they were using the same calculation from the 60s...i.e. 45 mph average speed, no A/C, lighter vehicles, slower average acceleration, etc. When they updated everthing to todays driving habits, most cars saw a 10-15% hit.

And I almost hate to say this last part, but Ram Air is 99% marketing.

Has been since 1965.

It really does very little...maybe 5 hp, if that, depending on air temperature. Take a 4th gen non-Ram Air car and put a better intake, exhaust and airbox on it, and it will have comparitive horsepower.

[MP81]

Yeah - the Ram Air cars just happen to have a better intake tract, which is actually where that horsepower increase comes in. You have to be doing a decent amount of speed to get even a slight "ram-air" effect.

It should be called "More and Easier Air", but I think "Ram Air" rolls off the tongue a little bit better.

[1BADAIR]

as said the lt1 cars had differant suspensions. Ls1's TA and ws6 all had the same parts. 17 inch wheeled cars have jounce spacers in the rear though

[LS1Phoenix]

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.

I don't think the WS6 got the bilstine shock...I think that was just the Firehawk's b/c that's an SLP thing. I know mine doesn't have them, but they could have been changed.

[jakes_GSXR]

"Ram-Air" just slows you down from all that extra resistance. Thats why i prefer louvers.

[9T8W66]

Heres what I know off the top of my head

The WS6 pkg as refered to the 4th Gen Firebirds
were basicaly the same from 1996-2002
SLP converted the `96-7 LT1 cars and ASC Supplied the hoods for the `98-02 cars.
All WS6 cars came with Decarbon shocks w/different valving then the standard cars. Bilstiens may have been an option in `96-7 cause the SS had a SLP Level III Suspension option that included Bilstiens and it may have been availabe on the Firebirds aswell.
The Suspension remained unchanged until `01 when the 1LE springs were removed from the package The Wheels/Tires 32mm Front swaybar and revalved Decarbons remained untill `02
All WS6 Exhaust Systems are the same as a regular Trans Am/Formula except the Muffler and Tips which are specific for `96-7 and `99`02
The `98 Cars had a Single 3.5" outlet setup that it to this day one of the most efficient and powerfull GM exhaust for a 4th Gen F-body.
The `96-97 LT1 cars could be optioned with the SLP Dual on the left kit in `96-97 or the Dual Dual in `97 Only.

[phoenix_rising]

Heres what I know off the top of my head

The WS6 pkg as refered to the 4th Gen Firebirds
were basicaly the same from 1996-2002
SLP converted the `96-7 LT1 cars and ASC Supplied the hoods for the `98-02 cars.
All WS6 cars came with Decarbon shocks w/different valving then the standard cars. Bilstiens may have been an option in `96-7 cause the SS had a SLP Level III Suspension option that included Bilstiens and it may have been availabe on the Firebirds aswell.
The Suspension remained unchanged until `01 when the 1LE springs were removed from the package The Wheels/Tires 32mm Front swaybar and revalved Decarbons remained untill `02
All WS6 Exhaust Systems are the same as a regular Trans Am/Formula except the Muffler and Tips which are specific for `96-7 and `99`02
The `98 Cars had a Single 3.5" outlet setup that it to this day one of the most efficient and powerfull GM exhaust for a 4th Gen F-body.
The `96-97 LT1 cars could be optioned with the SLP Dual on the left kit in `96-97 or the Dual Dual in `97 Only.

Good call bro! Lots of good info there.

[meissen]

Craig is the walking encyclopedia of knowledge.