WS6 Question

[Makoexpress]

Back in the early 80's I owned a 78 black TA. I recall hearing it had the WS6 handling package. I am currently looking for another TA and am not clear on what the WS6 package was and if it makes a difference in buying the older TA's. Any help on what it was would be greatly appreciated.

[OIF1VET]

Pretty sure back in the 70's/80's it was just a suspension package.. There's a couple guys on here who will know for sure and chime in soon...

[qwicklt1ws6]

2nd and 3rd gen ws salads only had suspension mods such as bigger sway bars and stiffer shocks, no other mods like ram air

[Phantom409]

Scott needs to get in here
He is the TA handbook

[scoutsniper]

plus WS6 gave you 4 wheel disk brake. i know for thirdgen's it also gave you a performace steering ratio.

WS7 didnt have 4 wheel disk.

[1qwikSS]

In 1978, Pontiac came out with the WS6 Performance Package as an upgrade to the suspension on the Trans Am in 1978 (Named the "Trans Am Special Performance Package") and on the Formulas and Trans Ams in 1979 and later (Named the "Special Performance Package"). The package consisted of a larger diameter sway bar, tighter steering box gear ratio, GR70-15 raised white letter GoodYear Polysteel Radials, and also the 15x8 inch snowflake rims which the total package was between $251 and $324 upgrade cost depending if you also went with the W72 Performance Package as well. In 1978, the rear brakes were still the drum brakes with the WS6 Performance Package. The rear disc brakes did not come out until 1979. One of the main additions with the WS6 Performance Package was the 15x8 Snowflake rims which really gave the car a wider stance.

Now in 1979, they added the rear disc brakes to the WS6 Performance Package. So, it included everything listed above, but now had 4-Wheel Disc Brakes all the way around. But there are a few confusing items for 1979 in determining if your car is equipped with the WS6 Handling Package. Just because the car has rear disc brakes, does not mean that you automatically have the WS6 Package. In 1979, you could order just the rear disc brakes on your car using the J65 RPO code and not have the WS6 package. The second confusing issue was that there was also a WS7 Performance Package in 1979 as well. Because of the popularity of the rear disc brakes across the Pontiac car line, they actually ran out of disc brake rear ends. Because of the overwhelming response for the WS6 package, but lack of the rear disc brake availability, they came out with the WS7 Performance Package which was the same as the WS6 package in 1978 that had rear drum brakes. So, having disc brakes or drum brakes in the rear in 1979, doesn't mean your car did have or didn't have the Performance Package.
Your best bet for documenting the car would be the build sheet , or the PHS Documents.

[9T8W66]

In 1978, Pontiac came out with the WS6 Performance Package as an upgrade to the suspension on the Trans Am in 1978 (Named the "Trans Am Special Performance Package") and on the Formulas and Trans Ams in 1979 and later (Named the "Special Performance Package"). The package consisted of a larger diameter sway bar, tighter steering box gear ratio, GR70-15 raised white letter GoodYear Polysteel Radials, and also the 15x8 inch snowflake rims which the total package was between $251 and $324 upgrade cost depending if you also went with the W72 Performance Package as well. In 1978, the rear brakes were still the drum brakes with the WS6 Performance Package. The rear disc brakes did not come out until 1979. One of the main additions with the WS6 Performance Package was the 15x8 Snowflake rims which really gave the car a wider stance.

Now in 1979, they added the rear disc brakes to the WS6 Performance Package. So, it included everything listed above, but now had 4-Wheel Disc Brakes all the way around. But there are a few confusing items for 1979 in determining if your car is equipped with the WS6 Handling Package. Just because the car has rear disc brakes, does not mean that you automatically have the WS6 Package. In 1979, you could order just the rear disc brakes on your car using the J65 RPO code and not have the WS6 package. The second confusing issue was that there was also a WS7 Performance Package in 1979 as well. Because of the popularity of the rear disc brakes across the Pontiac car line, they actually ran out of disc brake rear ends. Because of the overwhelming response for the WS6 package, but lack of the rear disc brake availability, they came out with the WS7 Performance Package which was the same as the WS6 package in 1978 that had rear drum brakes. So, having disc brakes or drum brakes in the rear in 1979, doesn't mean your car did have or didn't have the Performance Package.
Your best bet for documenting the car would be the build sheet , or the PHS Documents.

Well done Chris

Just wanted to add that the WS6 Pkg was still available on Trans Am's exclusively thru 1986. In 1987 the Formula Model made it's return and the WS6 Suspension was standard equipment on all Formula's thru 1992. Not all 3rd Gen WS6 cars will have 4 wheel dics brakes though.as they were a seperate option. 305 and 350 TPI cars should all have 4 wheel disc.