OMG! Just the other day one of these raced me in my 2019 5.7 liter destroyer grey challenger! Was close for a bit, then gapped it! 🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽 was a awesome race! He gave me a thumbs up! & I had my wife with me! 🤣🤣🤣
Bought mine new in 2001, still love it just as much as day 1. Gave in summer of 2010 and did full heads/cam, dyno tune, 12 bolt/4.10 gears, long tubes/exhaust, shocks/springs, and 502rwhp later it's still my fav car on the road.
Screw GM for dropping Pontiac and keeping Buick. Yeah, I know they sell a bunch of Buicks in China but, Pontiac was always GM's real performance division for the blue collar working man. And they have yet to design anything that looks as menacing as the final generation of WS6 equipped Trans Ams and Formula Firebirds.
I am right there with you. I wish Pontiac would somehow come back and these cars go back into production. I know it's wishful thinking and probably would never happen. But I can dream.
Still have my ‘02 WS6; 69,000 original miles. She hasn’t seen rain since 2007. I love this car! Only mods are BMR suspension, 18” ZR1 replica wheels, 3.73’s in the rear, and long tube headers with an SLP Loud Mouth 2 cat-back. She’s a dream to drive.
I flew to Austin Texas and picked my black on black WS6 off a rotisserie. This guy had 8 on 2 rotisseries and was selling a couple to extend his property line.. 30,000 for a WS6 with 6,200 miles. Had it for a year now and have it up to 14,000 now. I have had 23 TAs in my life and love them all. Bought this one to stop putting miles on the Vette and for daily driving, it's more of a pleasure.
I bought one brand new back in 02. I ended up modifying it with a ProCharger, exhaust, 9 inch rear end, custom wheels, Wilwood brakes, etc.. It made 606 rwhp. Then I ended up selling it. And sorry guys but I ended up buying a 2015 Camaro Z/28. I love the car!! It drives and handles so much better than the WS6.
I bought an 02 black trans am WS6 back in 2011 and still have it today, best car purchase I’ve ever made and one I’ll be keeping until I’m to old to get in and out of it..lol. 👍🇺🇸
So, you've got about 57,000 miles left until it starts to fall apart. My '01 ws6 is a daily driver, started falling apart around 70,000 miles when the fuel pump went out. Now at 170,000 miles its in the shop once again for a new pump. If I added up all the money I've spent over the years on repairs it'd make you cry. Still love driving it though, so,...😎
I was blessed to have been able to own a 1998 Camaro Z28 with the GLORIOUS aluminum, ,Corvette LS1 engine. Fantastic engine. It never leaked a drop of oil. It ran strong and was dead nuts reliable.
Always loved and wanted to have a Firebird Trans am myself but never could afford one now can't drive anymore because I'm a stroke and cardiac arrest survivor and I just admire them
WS6 was well known long before 1996. In the late 70's and into the '80's it turned the Trans Am into some of the best handling cars sold in the U.S. and that didn't go unnoticed. But you are correct that '96 is the first year the package was more than suspension and brakes and included horsepower upgrades as well. One bit of 70's trivia that shows Pontiac really knew their audience back then, the last year of the Pontiac 400 V8 production was in 1978. Pontiac was planning a 10th anniversary TA for 1979 and knew they wouldn't be building 400 engines then, so they stockpiled a whole bunch of them from 78 production run and installed those in the 79 model cars. In order to get the Pontiac 400 in a '79 TA (RPO W72), you were required to get the WS6 suspension and the manual Muncie 4-speed transmission as well. Otherwise, your choices were limited to the Pontiac 301 or Old 403.
Correct, except for the ‘79 Tenth Anniversary Trans Am 4-speed manual transmission, although coded as M21, was actually the Borg-Warner Super T-10 transmission.
@@automotiveantics I live in a small town in ohio. I have currently been rebuilding it (literally put a long tube on yesterday) and replacing some old parts. The exhaust was rusted out from being on it for about 10 years, so its getting new stainless longtubes and 3 inch x pipes! It's a 6 speed, with the ram air hood and all. It was emerald green with a gold bird on the hood. With the rebuild tho, its primer now and will be getting another emerald paint job this year with a new glorious golden bird.
@@automotiveantics also, I have a post on my Instagram that will follow the rebuild, just started it Saturday and will probably last for the next couple months if youd like to check it out 👍
@@automotiveantics always great to meet another enthusiast! In my town, there are only about 3 or 4 firebirds, mine is one of them.. every other car is a mustang. I live between cinci and Columbus. It's a small town in between them. Not much to see here but there are a lot of nice car shows when the weather gets nice
They actually underated those HP numbers. GM said 325 at the motor but they were almost putting that down at the tires.GM did that so the Corvette owners didn't feel ripped off.
My 99 with SLP air lid and LM2 catback put down 324hp and 334tq. From my understanding the only difference between these and the vettes was the Y pipe in the exhaust
@@automotiveantics makes sense since the Vette had a true dual exhaust. But I heard the ss and TA put out more torque maybe because of the ypipe creating alittle more back pressure. I also remember reading in the forums way back in the day that the intake manifolds were different. And they also said they detuned them . So there's all kinds of stories out there. I think they're identical really
I loved my 99 TA 6 speed but the power was underated by Pontiac. I only had a cold air intake and lid plus a SLP fiberglass hood and I hit 327 RWHP at Anderson Ford Motorsports Dyno back in 2001. This car was so under rated it's incredible.
Short story. The WS6 package in the 90s was Firebird’s version of the SS package on the Camaro. My 93 Z28 has G92 package (stiffer suspension, blilstien shocks, limited slip rear with 3.23 gears). Everything the SS/WS6 package would have except for the ram air. The LT1 was rated at 275hp at the crank in the F-body but in reality made 268hp at the wheels factory stock. Making it under rated and in truth making over 300hp at the crank.
~1996 walking out of my high school I saw it for the first time in the student parking lot; a gorgeous LT1 WS6; Ram Air, badass exhaust, the whole nine yards. Everybody's jaws dropped at the same time. He (a rich kid in school) revved it and dropped the clutch and laid down a small but sweet patch of rubber much to every car-guy's delight. I knew that was my dream car! Fast forward to 2001. I had worked my way up to a decent income and my career was taking off. I pulled the trigger on a beautiful low-mile silver '00 WS6. My dream car did not disappoint. It blew the doors off of all of my friends' cars at the time, most of them being into the import / rice scene. It turned heads everywhere. It was unapologetically badass, obnoxious in all the right ways. 22 years later, she's still sitting in my garage. She has about 88k miles on the clock and, when I can keep the battery charged, she till runs great, or as great as a 22 year old f-body can. I've got a '16 F-Type R (which is my 2nd dream car I've owned, but that's another story) that is my main squeeze right now. With another kid on the way I have to decide between the WS6 and the R; I can't justify having both taking up slots in our garage. My wife wants me to keep the WS6 since it has a back-seat, we know her inside and out, and she has some sentimental value. So many great memories...
I had the automatic Black Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air WS6 I Loved it. When I was going thru a divorce I blew the engine.😭😭😭. The top speed I got mine to was 156 mph. I had more peddle but no more Nuts. 🤣🤣 Mine was a 1998. I miss mine so much. Even miss mine more then my ex wife.😂
I had a black 1999 Ram Air as well. Knocked out the baffle in the ram air hood, installed a Brian Greene duct you match up with the air cleaner to get true pressurization. And a K&N filter . The car was explosive in acceleration!!
Just bought a 2002 trans am ws6, 6 speed manual, headers, exhaust, cam, tune.. makes 400 hp to the street. Ridiculously fun, I still smile every time I walk towards it in the parking lot.. I don't know what it is about these cars but you would'nt believe the amount of jealous looks you get lol. Its like the car everyone wanted, but just didn't quite end up getting one.. and now they are rare and collectable
I figured I would pass the WS6 package as I was gonna modify mine anyway. Replaced everything the WS6 provided therefore saving the upcharge for that package. Only regret would be the resale attractiveness of the WS6. But then again…. I ain’t selling’!
What an absolute BREATH of FRESH AIR to see someone calling it as it really is... that WS6 was just an RPO code like Z28, LS1, MX0, G92, 1LE, CC1, etc.etc.etc. like the hundreds of other RPO codes used by GM to denote equipment package options (and only unique to the model year... it could change from year to year, although they tended to stay in "groups" with L being engine-related, W being performance related, G being differential related, D being trim and striping, M being transmission, etc.). I can't get over the number of people propagating that "Wide Suspension 6 pieces" nonsense. Good call on mentioning the steering box ratio on the 1978 when WS6 first came out... most just focus on springs and shocks and swaybars, forgetting the improved bushings and said steering box upgrade as well as the two short A-arm-to-subframe braces that make oil filter changes a real b*tch on cars with factory manifolds and Y-pipe. Many will argue about the disc brakes being mandatory with WS6 but was only applicable from 1979 until the early years of the 3rd gen (1983ish? 1984?) when J65 disc brakes no longer were required with the WS6 suspension upgrade. Important to note that WS6 disappeared from the 1993 to 1995 cars. I'm not sure if Trans Ams had optional suspension offerings in those years (doubt it, they were likely all FE2). When the WS6 "performance package" (more than the handling-only package of the 2nd and 3rd gens) appeared in 1996 it was a combination of suspension upgrade (springs, shocks, swaybars, bushings), wheel and tire size upgrade (to 17") and 275mm wide tires, louder exhaust (single large outlet on 1998 only), and a "cold air" induction system decorated with "Ram Air" stickers. I think the steering racks might have been upgraded as well, along with the cooler. In 1996 and 1997 the WS6 LT1 rating was 305 hp while the base LT1s were 285hp, as others have mentioned in their comments. Nice tie-in with the WS4 RPO although from 1979 onward the WS6 suspension was available on Formula models as well. In fact, I think the revived 1987-1992 Formula models had the WS6 suspension package as standard content... not even the Trans Ams of those years had this as standard content (although the 1987-1992 GTA cars did include WS6 just like the Formula models).
@Little Miss Sunshine it's not a Ford shirt. It's a Shelby shirt, and there's nothing more American than Carroll Shelby! Little more education for you Haha
@@automotiveantics _theres nothing more American than Carroll Shelby_ Zmax engine additive, snake oil that kills engines. He puts his word on it, so hes a con period.
The WS6 is the option code for the '98-02 Trans Ams with the Ram Air package. The Ram air hood, bigger air box and 17" rims. Can't remember if the sway bars are bigger. I worked at a Pontiac dealer here in Vegas. I currently have a Sebring Silver t-top all stock '98 WS9 which is the flat hood Trans Am . It also has the optional 3:23 rear end gears. It still has the original alternator and power steering pump. These are super rare here in Vegas. I get guys all of the time asking if I want to sell and even stopping at my house. I always tell them they will be the 1st to know. LOL
I had a 1988 GTA Trans Am that had the lt1 vette motor and had the ws6 package and the badge was on the back of that when I was stationed in Quantico v.a.
Even if you can’t find a WS6 package Trans Am, just getting a Trans Am is awesome. Still nice and loads of fun. My 2002 TA 6 speed turns heads. Pontiac really nailed it with the 98-02 run on these cars.
We just found a 1997 WS convertible 6 speed limited edition in the weeds at a green house 57K miles They owner just gave it to to get rd of it. We tracked down the owner as he defaulted on the loan so we had to pay $1500 for the title The roof leaked and the inside go wet and moldy. We stripped out the carpet and there was no rust The whole car underneath was just black like the day it rolled off the factory. We washed the car and the body paint was undamaged gloss black. The fiberglass hood is a dull black so we will have to paint that and the trunk We replaced the fuel tank and pump and filter and purged the lines. It fired right up and no smoke. We replaced the alternator and belt. It runs fine We are replacing the clutch as this was the only major thing wrong with it. The car is amazing shape What a find!!
Two weeks after purchasing my 2000 WS-6, I took it to a retired GM engineer and had my crank swapped out for a 400 crank. Now it is almost impossible to drive in the wet, but in the dry it kicks bum all day long...looking into having an LS-9 installed this winter...
@@automotiveantics I also looked into supercharging the engine, but I read that it puts alot of strain on the internals, especially the rear end. And the car only had 250 miles on it when the swap was performed, It now 19 years later has 49,000 on the clock
@@SNELLERIZED Argue however you please, that is what my reciept and dyno said 450 rwhp. So you figure it out...And since I swapped out for the LS-9, you're going to have one hell of a time finding that motor!
Values on the TAs are going up now especially since leno featured his on a episode. It's a bad ass car in it's own right. I just picked one up 2002 convertible w 86,000 on it . 100 percent stock . Next 10 to 20 years these cars will go up like a well funded 401k.
I own a 1983 trans am, I would love to get a 98 through 2002 ws6 trans am when possible, great looking cars. And one more thing you remind me of the one punch man, I don't know if you have seen that anime character. Great video.
2002 TransAm WS6 LS1 with a SLP FireHawk performance package, IRS suspension link upgrades, light cam upgrades, flowmasters and kooks headers is LIGHTNING. Add a compressor (yes, there's space under the hood believe it or not!) and if you can handle the power, you've got a guaranteed supercar killer. You might want to get some Corvette brakes,. Hell, if you wish, you can even go for a quality aftermarket traction control and ESP kit, get the thing to a professional racing tuner, and find yourself driving it with much more ease and less losing control, at a tiny fraction of performance cost, but your general daily driver won't make the most out of it anyway so it'll only come in handy. Offcourse a manual is a must, preferably a Tremec 6 speed. You can buy a mint TA for about 18k, add around 10k of upgrades, and for less than 30k you've got a car that'll slay anything, including the new Corvette with ease.
Bought a brand new one in 2000 a pewter 6spd loved it with the graphite grey interior and the chrome wheels did some mods nothing crazy headers off road pipes and flow masters a high flow mass air meter pullies and a few more goodies awesome cars they were had a 96 ws6 also
I've always called it The Jet Fighter on Wheels, That shape itself is the last of when GM had Brands that were allowed to compete against each other to showcase that brands identity, and PONTIAC was definitely different shape wise of their bodies, even though the Corvette was America's Sports Car, This last Model of the Trans Amy's body shape is Legendary Pontiac, That shape is timeless ,It was Cheaper & had better body lines than most Corvettes imo 👍☺️
1998 Trans Am WS6 was the baddest car of my childhood. Always dreamed of that car. As an adult I owned 2009 G8 GT which was a great car. Got 120K miles on it over 11 years. Miss Pontiac, glad I got to own one of the big V8s with a Pontiac badge
The hood did not actually make any power difference, and there were no changes to the engine with the package. They were just under rated, for marketing and insurance (and maybe nostalgia). I might have missed it, but the package included thicker swaybars. FWIW, the dealer told me the only option was the rear mounted disc changer, that I didn't care about. And I ended up with the DeCarbon shocks, like apparently all others on LS1Tech. Also, side note, the motor under the hood is attached to the flywheel or flexplate. There are others in the doors and seats, and even the dash. Plus, some of your footage is of a Formula with the hood and wing added. (WS6 was available on the Formula, but you were talking about the Trans Am)
There were different deCarbon shocks available... the ones on 1998-1999 WS6 cars were the same as found on the 1LE cars (same with springs). Afterward, all LS1 cars had the same springs and shocks.
Mine says ws9 on the door tag. I added the ram air hood and box, lowered the suspension, added a bigger throttle body, put 17’s, and had a street tune done. I’m waiting on doing a dyno but could feel a major difference in performance.
I Remember The Heartbreaking GM Last Of The 2002 Dealer Flyers For The 2002 Trans Am & Camaro SS I Had About 50 Of Them In My Mind I Was Like Why Is GM Discontinuing These 2 Great Machines I Remember Going To The Pontiac & Chevy Dealers To See The Last Of The New 4th Gen F Bodies & The Only American Performance Cars Left Were The Corvette & Mustang GT Until 2004 When The GTO Came Out I Remember Going To My Local Pontiac Dealer To See The GTO In Person It Was Ok But My Heart Still Beat For The 4th Gen T/A
A friend sold his 02 Hurst Trans AM to buy a new GTO. He offered it to me, but $26k was too much for my budget. Seen a yellow 02 Anniversary trans am the other day (with that black stripe/graphic on the side). It parked next to me at the dollar store. Lately with me being stuck home with this COVID-19 crap (no work) and seeing people out cruising their toys around, makes me really wanna get my 93 Z28 going again. Got the time now. Just waiting for the weather to clear.
WS6 was a rear disk brake car with bigger suspension upgrade. Think 1979 was the first year it was offered. I swapped the stuff back in the day into a 1977 firebird trans am. Yes was titledvas a firebird and was trans am option. 77 and 78 had Pontiac motors. 79 through 81 could have Pontiac, oldsmobile, chevy, engines.
It was introduced in mid 1978, and didn't include the J65 rear discs at that time. The rear discs option got linked with the WS6 for 1979 but by the third gen at some point, that connection got severed once again (ie. you could get WS6 without rear discs).
GM's sold out to the Japanese automaker back in 1979.The TA was powered from 1982 to 2002 base was a 2.5 made by Pontiac 4 cylinder. 6 cyl 2.8 Chevy. And the big 190 HP crossfire injected Chevy. The big pig Beat a 1993 TA 5.7 with a 2.0 turbo. It's like I was racing a real Pontiac anyway 🇮🇪
BRANDON WOOD : *THAT IS BECAUSE , THOSE CAMAROS = ARE FAR GREATLY!!!!!!!! TREMENDOUSLY MUCH NEWER AUTOMOBILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!* *IT IS NOT FAIR! , THAT PONTIAC WENT OUT OF EXISTENCE!!!!!! , AND WAS NOT UPGRADED & IMPROVED UPON! , OVER THE YEARS!!!!!!!!!* ` *JUST ABOUT EVERY AUTOMOBILE TODAY! , WITH A V6 ENGINE , HAS THAT KIND OF POWER!!!!!*
Yeah but i don't care for the 5th & 6th gen camaros. The 3.8 in the 4th gen Fbody was just as good just add some performance items like MSD coil paks along with their 8.8 wires for firepower dump some synthetic oil in the oil pan trans weather auto or stick then for the rear. I noticed a difference in my '97 V6 Bird after driving around for awhile. Install a catback exhaust system opens it up nice tone. The oil i use is Royal Purple. Catback system is Flowmaster. I'm 2nd owner to this car. As for sittin in the drivers seat of the current generation can"t c out the back window too much electronic junk to fail over the years of ownership.
In the late 4th-gen F-body, WS6 is essentially Pontiac's branding of the Camaro SS package. Of course, Pontiacs (love 'em) had been rebadged Chevys since about 1982, roughly. The Pontiac styling was a nice distinctive change, nonetheless.
@@SNELLERIZED The only time Trans Am was greater than Camaro was 1977 and 1978. All the 3rd and 4th gen were gimmicky with ridiculous plastic tack ons and wuss pop up headlights ready to malfunction or cost a fortune in a 5mph bumper bash.
Real Steel Cars some later model ws6's (2002) came with an ls6 intake and engine block from the factory, better flowing intake and the block had better oil / water passages
Great video! I have a 01 WS6 (stock). It does have high mileage 122xxx. Do you think the value will increase much? I may just keep it in case times ever get lean. I love it more than it books for.
Since it's all stock it will definitely pull more money than all the modded ones you see everywhere. Do I think it will be a high dollar car...no. I do think the stock ones tho can pull low to high teens depending on mileage. Sounds like you have a good one!
If it was a 1994 you didn’t. 4th gens ran from 96-02 with the WS6 package. Would have been a regular Formula or TA, maybe a Firehawk if you were lucky.
I own a 1990 trans am gta 5.7 auto ws6 and is convertible With only 24 000 miles Which I am going to restore. My question is the ws6 came out convertible? Or is this a costom built ????
Convertibles were made by an outside company under contract to GM. A customer could order whatever camaro or Firebird they wanted and then check off the box for a convertible. GM would make the car as you ordered in coupe form and then send it to this company to get converted to a convertible. It wasn’t until 1994 that GM brought the f-body convertible production in house and began limiting the options on them.
great cars! I just picked up a 97 T/A WS6 82k miles its going to be a fun build! I figured it didn't stand for anything lol. I mean I knew it was the RPO code. That is GM for you I have a CTS V coupe and people ask what the V stands for... Nothing really.. GM had marketing pic based on demographics and what was popular. However it worked
Nice cars. Too bad they were discontinued in 2002 and Pontiac is no more. I ordered a new Trans Am Firehawk in 2002 since it was the last year and still have it. ~3500 miles and still has the factory air in the tires. I don't think I'll ever buy another car new. They lack the character to me
@@automotiveantics I agree they are lots of fun. Got too busy working all the time with jobs and ministry work. No time left for cars but I still can appreciate them though. Your video was nice. "WS6" didn't really become well known to people until the 1998 Ram Air cars. Before that it was mostly just some hard core Pontiac guys and the guys that ordered them at the Dealer that knew what what that RPO was. If I had to pick a fav it would be the 1978 WS6 SE T/A
LOL don't you realize those tires are trash. Any tires over 4yrs old suppose to be replaced. It doesn't matter how many miles/ garaged etc. The rubber ages and deteriorates.
Hi , I am from Puerto Rico, I have at home a 1994 TransAm 5.7 . Is in Great Conditions . The mechanic told me that due to over heat , the engine maybe needs to be refresh. I will like to do an upgrade of the engine performance. What will be the most Economical Performance kit for the upgrade , PLease let me know
Well if your tearing the motor apart for a refresh the best upgrade you can do is upgrade the cam, full exhaust and a good dyno tune. That's really all that's needed to make those cars really perform without spending a ton of money
WS6 from 1996-2002 offered on both manual and automatic (4 speed) cars. In the 3rd gen cars (1982-1992) the cars could have 4 speed manual, 5 speed manual, 3 speed auto or 4 speed auto. From 1978 to 1981 it was on 4 speed manual and 3 speed automatic cars. So.... nothing whatsoever to do with transmission.
Thought the 1996 WS6 was 305 HP not 285 a regular Trans Am was 285 HP due to the dual cats it got a bump up on HP 96-97 ....93-95 Trans Am 275 HP so 10 HP bump 96-97 ...of course 1996 was the return of the WS6 .....
WS6 stands for Wide Suspension 6 pieces. you got thicker sway bars, hence the Wide , and 4 stiffer springs, Suspension, and the combo consists of 6 pieces, 2 bars and 4 springs. And its the first things you take OFF the car when you start to modify it. It was all made from thin sheet metal.
@@automotiveantics I live in Braselton GA, right outside of Atlanta. Less than a mile from my house is YEAR ONE. Google it if you don't know. I went to see them today and asked what the RPO (Regular Production Option) code of WS6 really meant or stood for. If anyone knows for sure, it's them. From 1996 to 2002 33,967 Trans ams were built with the WS6 RPO code. Which ACTUALLY MEANS "Performance Package Special". That was how the factory knew what parts to put on the car. This RPO code signaled the 6 parts I mentioned previously to be installed on the car with that RPO code. However, to the HUMANS that were doing the assembly, WS6 meant Wide Suspension 6 pieces. So there is the real correct answer to what does WS6 MEANS and what it STANDS for. Now you can redo the video to give out accurate information -- and this time wear a PONTIAC shirt and not that cobra crap. Future Reference: www.rpocodes.com/GM-RPO-codes/gmrpocodesTthroughZ.html
@@firechicken2011 well everyone knows it's a performance package. But you just admittedly said that Wide suspension 6 piece was a nickname the plant workers gave it. It never meant anything other than an identification code for the "performance package" that was to be put on it. FACT is that GM never gave meaning behind each individual letter or the number 6. If that's not good enough then we will just have to agree to disagree 🤷♂️
Fire Chicken WS6 is just the random option code. Nothing more, nothing less. The G92 was Chevys version of it. G80 was limited slip rear (posi). There are a ton of codes. codes for seatbelts, trim packages, paint, interior colors, , where the car would be shipped to, ect. Some are desirable, some are mundane. Just random alpha/numerical codes so they don’t have to write everything out. Nearly every car company has them. GM was just one of the few to market the codes to the public.
@@firechicken2011 What were the 6 pieces? Because not only did WS6 deliver different number of changed components depending on the model year where that option was available (ranging from 1978 to 1992 then 1996 to 2002) but it also often delivered WAY more than 6 changed components. :D It's a sad internet myth, that's all. About as inaccurate as those claiming the WS6 emblem used on the 4th gen cars actually wrote "W5.6" for the LS1's 5.6 liter V8 (never mind that the 1996-1997 WS6 cars that used the exact same emblem had the 5.7 liter LT1 V8! ROFL!)...
Thank you for explaining what WS6 means so perfectly. There are so many people low information car guys out there that think it is a completely different car from a base Trans Am. I've talked to people who think it has a different motor! WS6 is nothing more than an option code. The car you are getting is still a Trans Am with a few appearance and performances upgrades.
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OMG! Just the other day one of these raced me in my 2019 5.7 liter destroyer grey challenger! Was close for a bit, then gapped it! 🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽 was a awesome race! He gave me a thumbs up! & I had my wife with me! 🤣🤣🤣
fools at GM got rid of pontiac...imagine if they kept firebird how awesome it would be today..camaro is nice but trans am had the better looks.
I couldnt agree more!
I agree trans am is way tougher looking. I want a trans am not a Camaro
Good thing we have companies reproducing them!!!
You nailed it!!!
@warriorpluto yeah aint that the truth haha
Bought mine new in 2001, still love it just as much as day 1. Gave in summer of 2010 and did full heads/cam, dyno tune, 12 bolt/4.10 gears, long tubes/exhaust, shocks/springs, and 502rwhp later it's still my fav car on the road.
Wow that's an awesome setup! Sounds like one hell of a ride!
602rwhp from cam/head? BS!
@@rockroll9513 I meant 502rwhp, corrected
@@WEHRWULF8814 sweet!
@@WEHRWULF8814
Check your block,
you might have a LS6 block.
Some 2001-2002
has a LS6 block,
they all came with LS6 intakes..
Screw GM for dropping Pontiac and keeping Buick. Yeah, I know they sell a bunch of Buicks in China but, Pontiac was always GM's real performance division for the blue collar working man.
And they have yet to design anything that looks as menacing as the final generation of WS6 equipped Trans Ams and Formula Firebirds.
I am right there with you. I wish Pontiac would somehow come back and these cars go back into production. I know it's wishful thinking and probably would never happen. But I can dream.
I agree
MSH68, I’m from Detroit and I never understood why GM cars all looked alike just with trim packages!
That’s what killed Pontiac, stagnation!
Still have my ‘02 WS6; 69,000 original miles. She hasn’t seen rain since 2007. I love this car! Only mods are BMR suspension, 18” ZR1 replica wheels, 3.73’s in the rear, and long tube headers with an SLP Loud Mouth 2 cat-back. She’s a dream to drive.
I had a BMR suspension on mine as well! I loved it! Glad to hear of some more really nice ones being taken care of. Nice car!
I flew to Austin Texas and picked my black on black WS6 off a rotisserie. This guy had 8 on 2 rotisseries and was selling a couple to extend his property line.. 30,000 for a WS6 with 6,200 miles. Had it for a year now and have it up to 14,000 now. I have had 23 TAs in my life and love them all. Bought this one to stop putting miles on the Vette and for daily driving, it's more of a pleasure.
98-02 WS6 was my dream car in my teens.
JM V that was my dream car as a little kid only because my brother bought a 02 model back then & still has it
Same here man, actually about to finally get one lol
I bought one brand new back in 02. I ended up modifying it with a ProCharger, exhaust, 9 inch rear end, custom wheels, Wilwood brakes, etc.. It made 606 rwhp. Then I ended up selling it. And sorry guys but I ended up buying a 2015 Camaro Z/28. I love the car!! It drives and handles so much better than the WS6.
Ill never forget mine I had. Black WS6
I bought an 02 black trans am WS6 back in 2011 and still have it today, best car purchase I’ve ever made and one I’ll be keeping until I’m to old to get in and out of it..lol. 👍🇺🇸
I have a 2001 Sunset Orange Metallic WS6 6sp. that I have done a lot of work on and I love it. Will never sell it. Gets a lot of thumbs up.
Def need to keep that!! That is the best color that car came in imo!
Me too
Any chance you're anywhere near central PA? I'd love to film it!
@@automotiveantics I'm near buffalo ny
@@markalmeter7993 well if you're ever in the area or just want to make a road trip, let me know because I think it would make for a great video!
still have my 2002 bought new...only 13000 miles on her...she's beautiful!!
That's awesome! I'm totally jealous right now. Thanks so much for watching!
I managed to get a 1997 ws6 with only 8,700 miles. It still has the new car smell and it's been fantastic.
drive it
@@seabass3096 i do....just not often....i love to look at it....don't much like to drive it....it is not a comfortable ride IMO....but it IS my baby
So, you've got about 57,000 miles left until it starts to fall apart. My '01 ws6 is a daily driver, started falling apart around 70,000 miles when the fuel pump went out. Now at 170,000 miles its in the shop once again for a new pump. If I added up all the money I've spent over the years on repairs it'd make you cry. Still love driving it though, so,...😎
I was blessed to have been able to own a 1998 Camaro Z28 with the GLORIOUS aluminum, ,Corvette LS1 engine. Fantastic engine. It never leaked a drop of oil. It ran strong and was dead nuts reliable.
Always loved and wanted to have a Firebird Trans am myself but never could afford one now can't drive anymore because I'm a stroke and cardiac arrest survivor and I just admire them
WS6 was well known long before 1996. In the late 70's and into the '80's it turned the Trans Am into some of the best handling cars sold in the U.S. and that didn't go unnoticed. But you are correct that '96 is the first year the package was more than suspension and brakes and included horsepower upgrades as well.
One bit of 70's trivia that shows Pontiac really knew their audience back then, the last year of the Pontiac 400 V8 production was in 1978. Pontiac was planning a 10th anniversary TA for 1979 and knew they wouldn't be building 400 engines then, so they stockpiled a whole bunch of them from 78 production run and installed those in the 79 model cars. In order to get the Pontiac 400 in a '79 TA (RPO W72), you were required to get the WS6 suspension and the manual Muncie 4-speed transmission as well. Otherwise, your choices were limited to the Pontiac 301 or Old 403.
i found your reply to be much more educational.
Correct, except for the ‘79 Tenth Anniversary Trans Am 4-speed manual transmission, although coded as M21, was actually the Borg-Warner Super T-10 transmission.
WS6 is the RPO code for the better suspension kit. They had a WS6 on some 3rd gen Trans Ams also
Started in mid 1978 on the 2nd gen Trans Ams.
It was standard on T/A and Formula
My 86 is a WS6. I wil say that it handles better with the stock suspension (big block swapped) than any other F body I've owned.
I have a 96 ws6, love it and will never get rid of it! Fully built stroker, cam, heads, full 3 inch exhaust. Gets looks and compliments everywhere
That's awesome! Wish I could see it! Where are you from?
@@automotiveantics I live in a small town in ohio. I have currently been rebuilding it (literally put a long tube on yesterday) and replacing some old parts. The exhaust was rusted out from being on it for about 10 years, so its getting new stainless longtubes and 3 inch x pipes! It's a 6 speed, with the ram air hood and all. It was emerald green with a gold bird on the hood. With the rebuild tho, its primer now and will be getting another emerald paint job this year with a new glorious golden bird.
@@automotiveantics also, I have a post on my Instagram that will follow the rebuild, just started it Saturday and will probably last for the next couple months if youd like to check it out 👍
@@marzinvades8765 my wife's family is in a small town in Ohio as well. Next time I'm up that way I'll have to hit you up!
@@automotiveantics always great to meet another enthusiast! In my town, there are only about 3 or 4 firebirds, mine is one of them.. every other car is a mustang. I live between cinci and Columbus. It's a small town in between them. Not much to see here but there are a lot of nice car shows when the weather gets nice
They actually underated those HP numbers. GM said 325 at the motor but they were almost putting that down at the tires.GM did that so the Corvette owners didn't feel ripped off.
My 99 with SLP air lid and LM2 catback put down 324hp and 334tq. From my understanding the only difference between these and the vettes was the Y pipe in the exhaust
@@automotiveantics makes sense since the Vette had a true dual exhaust. But I heard the ss and TA put out more torque maybe because of the ypipe creating alittle more back pressure. I also remember reading in the forums way back in the day that the intake manifolds were different. And they also said they detuned them . So there's all kinds of stories out there. I think they're identical really
I loved my 99 TA 6 speed but the power was underated by Pontiac. I only had a cold air intake and lid plus a SLP fiberglass hood and I hit 327 RWHP at Anderson Ford Motorsports Dyno back in 2001. This car was so under rated it's incredible.
Thats exactly what mine dynoed with the same mods!
Still looks badass here in 2019 imho. And I'm a Mustang guy but would love one of these bad boys.
I agree! I miss my 99' WS6
Short story. The WS6 package in the 90s was Firebird’s version of the SS package on the Camaro.
My 93 Z28 has G92 package (stiffer suspension, blilstien shocks, limited slip rear with 3.23 gears). Everything the SS/WS6 package would have except for the ram air.
The LT1 was rated at 275hp at the crank in the F-body but in reality made 268hp at the wheels factory stock. Making it under rated and in truth making over 300hp at the crank.
~1996 walking out of my high school I saw it for the first time in the student parking lot; a gorgeous LT1 WS6; Ram Air, badass exhaust, the whole nine yards. Everybody's jaws dropped at the same time. He (a rich kid in school) revved it and dropped the clutch and laid down a small but sweet patch of rubber much to every car-guy's delight. I knew that was my dream car! Fast forward to 2001. I had worked my way up to a decent income and my career was taking off. I pulled the trigger on a beautiful low-mile silver '00 WS6. My dream car did not disappoint. It blew the doors off of all of my friends' cars at the time, most of them being into the import / rice scene. It turned heads everywhere. It was unapologetically badass, obnoxious in all the right ways. 22 years later, she's still sitting in my garage. She has about 88k miles on the clock and, when I can keep the battery charged, she till runs great, or as great as a 22 year old f-body can. I've got a '16 F-Type R (which is my 2nd dream car I've owned, but that's another story) that is my main squeeze right now. With another kid on the way I have to decide between the WS6 and the R; I can't justify having both taking up slots in our garage. My wife wants me to keep the WS6 since it has a back-seat, we know her inside and out, and she has some sentimental value. So many great memories...
I have my 95 TA for 14 year's. LT1. 5.7. Kicks ass.
I had the automatic Black Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air WS6 I Loved it. When I was going thru a divorce I blew the engine.😭😭😭. The top speed I got mine to was 156 mph. I had more peddle but no more Nuts. 🤣🤣 Mine was a 1998. I miss mine so much. Even miss mine more then my ex wife.😂
I had a black 1999 Ram Air as well. Knocked out the baffle in the ram air hood, installed a Brian Greene duct you match up with the air cleaner to get true pressurization. And a K&N filter . The car was explosive in acceleration!!
I did the same thing! Haha. Except I used SLP's ram air under the front bumper
I bought an 02 black trans am WS6 eight years ago and it’s the best car I’ve ever bought...I’m keeping this one! 👍🇺🇸
Love it! Just like my black on black 99' WS6. I wish I could have kept it. Sold mine for a down payment on a house
Just bought a 2002 trans am ws6, 6 speed manual, headers, exhaust, cam, tune.. makes 400 hp to the street. Ridiculously fun, I still smile every time I walk towards it in the parking lot.. I don't know what it is about these cars but you would'nt believe the amount of jealous looks you get lol. Its like the car everyone wanted, but just didn't quite end up getting one.. and now they are rare and collectable
Congrats on the awesome purchase! I got a lot of looks when I had mine. Its definitely a car you don't see much of these days
I figured I would pass the WS6 package as I was gonna modify mine anyway. Replaced everything the WS6 provided therefore saving the upcharge for that package. Only regret would be the resale attractiveness of the WS6. But then again…. I ain’t selling’!
What an absolute BREATH of FRESH AIR to see someone calling it as it really is... that WS6 was just an RPO code like Z28, LS1, MX0, G92, 1LE, CC1, etc.etc.etc. like the hundreds of other RPO codes used by GM to denote equipment package options (and only unique to the model year... it could change from year to year, although they tended to stay in "groups" with L being engine-related, W being performance related, G being differential related, D being trim and striping, M being transmission, etc.). I can't get over the number of people propagating that "Wide Suspension 6 pieces" nonsense. Good call on mentioning the steering box ratio on the 1978 when WS6 first came out... most just focus on springs and shocks and swaybars, forgetting the improved bushings and said steering box upgrade as well as the two short A-arm-to-subframe braces that make oil filter changes a real b*tch on cars with factory manifolds and Y-pipe. Many will argue about the disc brakes being mandatory with WS6 but was only applicable from 1979 until the early years of the 3rd gen (1983ish? 1984?) when J65 disc brakes no longer were required with the WS6 suspension upgrade.
Important to note that WS6 disappeared from the 1993 to 1995 cars. I'm not sure if Trans Ams had optional suspension offerings in those years (doubt it, they were likely all FE2). When the WS6 "performance package" (more than the handling-only package of the 2nd and 3rd gens) appeared in 1996 it was a combination of suspension upgrade (springs, shocks, swaybars, bushings), wheel and tire size upgrade (to 17") and 275mm wide tires, louder exhaust (single large outlet on 1998 only), and a "cold air" induction system decorated with "Ram Air" stickers. I think the steering racks might have been upgraded as well, along with the cooler. In 1996 and 1997 the WS6 LT1 rating was 305 hp while the base LT1s were 285hp, as others have mentioned in their comments.
Nice tie-in with the WS4 RPO although from 1979 onward the WS6 suspension was available on Formula models as well. In fact, I think the revived 1987-1992 Formula models had the WS6 suspension package as standard content... not even the Trans Ams of those years had this as standard content (although the 1987-1992 GTA cars did include WS6 just like the Formula models).
Can't really take this guy serious with him wearing a Cobra shirt...
It's not a serious video. Just fun and informative....and it's a Shelby shirt 😉
@Little Miss Sunshine it's not a Ford shirt. It's a Shelby shirt, and there's nothing more American than Carroll Shelby! Little more education for you Haha
BOOM!!!
@Pretty fly for a WiFi ford being the only truly american car company left....
@@automotiveantics _theres nothing more American than Carroll Shelby_
Zmax engine additive, snake oil that kills engines. He puts his word on it, so hes a con period.
God I like looking at that car lol
The WS6 is the option code for the '98-02 Trans Ams with the Ram Air package. The Ram air hood, bigger air box and 17" rims. Can't remember if the sway bars are bigger. I worked at a Pontiac dealer here in Vegas. I currently have a Sebring Silver t-top all stock '98 WS9 which is the flat hood Trans Am . It also has the optional 3:23 rear end gears. It still has the original alternator and power steering pump. These are super rare here in Vegas. I get guys all of the time asking if I want to sell and even stopping at my house. I always tell them they will be the 1st to know. LOL
Cool, now i know...and i just bought a 2001 trans am ws6 in navy blue metallic !!!
I had a 1988 GTA Trans Am that had the lt1 vette motor and had the ws6 package and the badge was on the back of that when I was stationed in Quantico v.a.
It’s a beautiful car. I wish I had got one in the 2000s. Still looks sexy and timeless unlike many of the 90s cars
Such a beautiful car. Just something about it.
I had an 89 GTA that was a ws6 car. Had that little performance suspension badge on the dash.
Those were nice! I almost bought one myself
It actually stands for take the fog lights out and put turbos in there place
i had an 02 Ws6 for 12 years. sold it bone stock with 79k miles on it. I miss it!
Even if you can’t find a WS6 package Trans Am, just getting a Trans Am is awesome. Still nice and loads of fun. My 2002 TA 6 speed turns heads. Pontiac really nailed it with the 98-02 run on these cars.
For sure! WS6, T/A or Formula...not what what you pick they all look and perform amazingly!
So what are the real differences between the ws6 and the regular ls1 TA? Just the ram air and some suspension stuff?
@@Eidrian111 yes. WS6 TA and Formula will have 17” wheels, bigger sway bars and the Ram Air hood.
We just found a 1997 WS convertible 6 speed limited edition in the weeds at a green house 57K miles
They owner just gave it to to get rd of it. We tracked down the owner as he defaulted on the loan so we had to pay $1500
for the title
The roof leaked and the inside go wet and moldy. We stripped out the carpet and there was no rust
The whole car underneath was just black like the day it rolled off the factory. We washed the car and the body paint
was undamaged gloss black. The fiberglass hood is a dull black so we will have to paint that and the trunk
We replaced the fuel tank and pump and filter and purged the lines. It fired right up and no smoke.
We replaced the alternator and belt. It runs fine
We are replacing the clutch as this was the only major thing wrong with it.
The car is amazing shape
What a find!!
Two weeks after purchasing my 2000 WS-6, I took it to a retired GM engineer and had my crank swapped out for a 400 crank.
Now it is almost impossible to drive in the wet, but in the dry it kicks bum all day long...looking into having an LS-9 installed this winter...
I've never heard of a 400 crank being put in a LS1! That's crazy and cool at the same time! Thanks for sharing!!
Yes sir that LS1 is a 350 c.i. engine and after the swap it's a 383 c.i. with 525 h.p. at the crank and 450 h.p. out back...
@@automotiveantics I also looked into supercharging the engine, but I read that it puts alot of strain on the internals, especially the rear end. And the car only had 250 miles on it when the swap was performed, It now 19 years later has 49,000 on the clock
No such thing as a 400 crank in the LS engines. This isn't a SBC.
@@SNELLERIZED Argue however you please, that is what my reciept and dyno said 450 rwhp. So you figure it out...And since I swapped out for the LS-9, you're going to have one hell of a time finding that motor!
You can get this package on the formula as well
Values on the TAs are going up now especially since leno featured his on a episode. It's a bad ass car in it's own right. I just picked one up 2002 convertible w 86,000 on it . 100 percent stock . Next 10 to 20 years these cars will go up like a well funded 401k.
It was going up long before Leno's video.
@@SNELLERIZED agreed. Car gets compliments every where u take it.
Best thing about this video was the cobra shirt lol. Great video krillin
1999 is my favorite year
I own a 1983 trans am, I would love to get a 98 through 2002 ws6 trans am when possible, great looking cars. And one more thing you remind me of the one punch man, I don't know if you have seen that anime character. Great video.
Yes my stepson watches that show lol🤣
2002 TransAm WS6 LS1 with a SLP FireHawk performance package, IRS suspension link upgrades, light cam upgrades, flowmasters and kooks headers is LIGHTNING. Add a compressor (yes, there's space under the hood believe it or not!) and if you can handle the power, you've got a guaranteed supercar killer. You might want to get some Corvette brakes,. Hell, if you wish, you can even go for a quality aftermarket traction control and ESP kit, get the thing to a professional racing tuner, and find yourself driving it with much more ease and less losing control, at a tiny fraction of performance cost, but your general daily driver won't make the most out of it anyway so it'll only come in handy. Offcourse a manual is a must, preferably a Tremec 6 speed. You can buy a mint TA for about 18k, add around 10k of upgrades, and for less than 30k you've got a car that'll slay anything, including the new Corvette with ease.
Bought a brand new one in 2000 a pewter 6spd loved it with the graphite grey interior and the chrome wheels did some mods nothing crazy headers off road pipes and flow masters a high flow mass air meter pullies and a few more goodies awesome cars they were had a 96 ws6 also
Videos are starting to get better. Good job
I've always called it
The Jet Fighter on Wheels, That shape itself is the last of when GM had Brands that were allowed to compete against each other to showcase that brands identity, and PONTIAC was definitely different shape wise of their bodies, even though the Corvette was America's Sports Car, This last Model of the Trans Amy's body shape is Legendary Pontiac, That shape is timeless ,It was Cheaper & had better body lines than most Corvettes imo
👍☺️
I Want Another WS6
1998 Trans Am WS6 was the baddest car of my childhood. Always dreamed of that car. As an adult I owned 2009 G8 GT which was a great car. Got 120K miles on it over 11 years. Miss Pontiac, glad I got to own one of the big V8s with a Pontiac badge
I had a 1999 WS6 and I REALLY miss it. I may have to look for another. My wife doesn't like them but, oh well she wont be driving it lol
My sympothy on the wife. I’m Mgtow so no wife happy life. I’ve moved on to Acura and Lexus but Pontiac will always be special to me
I love them all I have a 73 TA
The hood did not actually make any power difference, and there were no changes to the engine with the package. They were just under rated, for marketing and insurance (and maybe nostalgia). I might have missed it, but the package included thicker swaybars.
FWIW, the dealer told me the only option was the rear mounted disc changer, that I didn't care about. And I ended up with the DeCarbon shocks, like apparently all others on LS1Tech.
Also, side note, the motor under the hood is attached to the flywheel or flexplate. There are others in the doors and seats, and even the dash.
Plus, some of your footage is of a Formula with the hood and wing added. (WS6 was available on the Formula, but you were talking about the Trans Am)
There were different deCarbon shocks available... the ones on 1998-1999 WS6 cars were the same as found on the 1LE cars (same with springs). Afterward, all LS1 cars had the same springs and shocks.
Mine says ws9 on the door tag. I added the ram air hood and box, lowered the suspension, added a bigger throttle body, put 17’s, and had a street tune done. I’m waiting on doing a dyno but could feel a major difference in performance.
We all know WS6 stands for Wildly Sexy Six Speed 🙄
I Remember The Heartbreaking GM Last Of The 2002 Dealer Flyers For The 2002 Trans Am & Camaro SS I Had About 50 Of Them In My Mind I Was Like Why Is GM Discontinuing These 2 Great Machines I Remember Going To The Pontiac & Chevy Dealers To See The Last Of The New 4th Gen F Bodies & The Only American Performance Cars Left Were The Corvette & Mustang GT Until 2004 When The GTO Came Out I Remember Going To My Local Pontiac Dealer To See The GTO In Person It Was Ok But My Heart Still Beat For The 4th Gen T/A
I'm with you! I wanted the GTO to he great but ended up looking like a stubby Grand Prix
A friend sold his 02 Hurst Trans AM to buy a new GTO. He offered it to me, but $26k was too much for my budget.
Seen a yellow 02 Anniversary trans am the other day (with that black stripe/graphic on the side). It parked next to me at the dollar store.
Lately with me being stuck home with this COVID-19 crap (no work) and seeing people out cruising their toys around, makes me really wanna get my 93 Z28 going again. Got the time now. Just waiting for the weather to clear.
Lou Sainis got my Z28 pretty much done. Went for a 140 mile drive over the weekend and drove it everyday last week to work.
The 2005-2006 6 litters ran strong as hell.
WS6 was a rear disk brake car with bigger suspension upgrade. Think 1979 was the first year it was offered. I swapped the stuff back in the day into a 1977 firebird trans am. Yes was titledvas a firebird and was trans am option. 77 and 78 had Pontiac motors. 79 through 81 could have Pontiac, oldsmobile, chevy, engines.
It was introduced in mid 1978, and didn't include the J65 rear discs at that time. The rear discs option got linked with the WS6 for 1979 but by the third gen at some point, that connection got severed once again (ie. you could get WS6 without rear discs).
Same with Z71 was just the code for the off-road package
Absolutely amazing cars!
I own a 1980 Y84 WS6 trans am with a 1972 455 H. O. and a 4 speed.
You're a lucky man! I'm jealous!
GM's sold out to the Japanese automaker back in 1979.The TA was powered from 1982 to 2002 base was a 2.5 made by Pontiac 4 cylinder. 6 cyl 2.8 Chevy. And the big 190 HP crossfire injected Chevy. The big pig Beat a 1993 TA 5.7 with a 2.0 turbo. It's like I was racing a real Pontiac anyway 🇮🇪
It's amazing the new v6 camaros have the same power
BRANDON WOOD :
*THAT IS BECAUSE , THOSE CAMAROS = ARE FAR GREATLY!!!!!!!! TREMENDOUSLY MUCH NEWER AUTOMOBILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
*IT IS NOT FAIR! , THAT PONTIAC WENT OUT OF EXISTENCE!!!!!! , AND WAS NOT UPGRADED & IMPROVED UPON! , OVER THE YEARS!!!!!!!!!*
`
*JUST ABOUT EVERY AUTOMOBILE TODAY! , WITH A V6 ENGINE , HAS THAT KIND OF POWER!!!!!*
2019 v6 camaro is 335hp 284torque.... much much heavier too... so 20 years later a LS1 ws6 will still take the camaro in the 1/4
Yeah but i don't care for the 5th & 6th gen camaros. The 3.8 in the 4th gen Fbody was just as good just add some performance items like MSD coil paks along with their 8.8 wires for firepower dump some synthetic oil in the oil pan trans weather auto or stick then for the rear. I noticed a difference in my '97 V6 Bird after driving around for awhile. Install a catback exhaust system opens it up nice tone. The oil i use is Royal Purple. Catback system is Flowmaster. I'm 2nd owner to this car. As for sittin in the drivers seat of the current generation can"t c out the back window too much electronic junk to fail over the years of ownership.
They are fatter (weight wise) and bigger in proportions.
Not a fan.
They don't have the torque and that's what moves your car.
Love this car!!!!
In the late 4th-gen F-body, WS6 is essentially Pontiac's branding of the Camaro SS package. Of course, Pontiacs (love 'em) had been rebadged Chevys since about 1982, roughly. The Pontiac styling was a nice distinctive change, nonetheless.
Since th 60s bro
Trans Am > Camaro
@@SNELLERIZED The only time Trans Am was greater than Camaro was 1977 and 1978. All the 3rd and 4th gen were gimmicky with ridiculous plastic tack ons and wuss pop up headlights ready to malfunction or cost a fortune in a 5mph bumper bash.
@@jameswood678 I STRONGLY disagree ;)
Can y’all believe I bought one for 600$ 2000 year model
Oh, believe me..WS6 was ALWAYS noticed.
Great video, but no mention of the Firehawk?
Separate car, separate video. Maybe I should make a fire hawk video. .
I literally just got one and I’m only 21 years old. Oh guess the year-- yup 2000 baby just like me
Congrats! That's awesome!
Love my 2002 WS6 ramair with a LS6
LS6?! Wow that's a nice swap!! I was in love with my ls1 but a LS6 is awesome!!
Real Steel Cars some later model ws6's (2002) came with an ls6 intake and engine block from the factory, better flowing intake and the block had better oil / water passages
@@1991tommygun yes I was aware of that. I assumed he was talking about a complete LS6 motor swap but was wrong
Real Steel Cars If you have a bullseye on your block it's a LS1 .Over 20% of 02 WS6 had the LS6 block I got lucky
Ramairjohn Wakeup my 02 has the factory ls6 block
You didnt mention the 3rd gen ws6
monster mechanic 2000 was mostly known as the GTA that’s why just like people call the I roc z 28 just a i roc z camaro not z28 I roc z
I might look for a well kept WS6 as a daily driver
I got one for summer to daily.. it's the shit lol, my commute has never been so fun
Great video! I have a 01 WS6 (stock). It does have high mileage 122xxx. Do you think the value will increase much? I may just keep it in case times ever get lean. I love it more than it books for.
Since it's all stock it will definitely pull more money than all the modded ones you see everywhere. Do I think it will be a high dollar car...no. I do think the stock ones tho can pull low to high teens depending on mileage. Sounds like you have a good one!
@@automotiveantics thanks for the reply. Cool vids BTW
@@mmasavant9128 anytime, and thanks!
@@automotiveantics and 2 years later the prices are getting high and higher LOL
GM really got rid of pontiac because it was kicking Chevys ass
Love vid. 2nd favourite behind 70 SS Ls6 chevelle. U from Pa? U got that pants n dat accent. I'm from Pa. Why I am asking. No homo.
My sister had a 97 ws6 trans am. It was so freakin fast
Pontiac lives on
Nothing sounded like the T/A IN 1998-2002
I had a 1994 WS6 with an LT1.
If it was a 1994 you didn’t. 4th gens ran from 96-02 with the WS6 package. Would have been a regular Formula or TA, maybe a Firehawk if you were lucky.
I own a 1990 trans am gta 5.7 auto ws6 and is convertible
With only 24 000 miles
Which I am going to restore.
My question is the ws6 came out convertible? Or is this a costom built ????
You could get the WS6 in a coupe or convertible
Convertibles were made by an outside company under contract to GM. A customer could order whatever camaro or Firebird they wanted and then check off the box for a convertible. GM would make the car as you ordered in coupe form and then send it to this company to get converted to a convertible. It wasn’t until 1994 that GM brought the f-body convertible production in house and began limiting the options on them.
I know you could get an iron in rag. top. Rare
Would you like to buy one just like your but a 2000 with 22k miles ?
Yes!!! But I already have to many projects lol
great cars! I just picked up a 97 T/A WS6 82k miles its going to be a fun build! I figured it didn't stand for anything lol. I mean I knew it was the RPO code. That is GM for you I have a CTS V coupe and people ask what the V stands for... Nothing really.. GM had marketing pic based on demographics and what was popular. However it worked
Congrats on the new build! I know its going to fun!
I was always told vetted because of the driveline?
i have a 1989 ws6 trans am love it
Great information. I just subscribed
I appreciate it thanks!🙏
It means your bird can take any corner in town.
Nice Shelby shirt bro
Nice cars. Too bad they were discontinued in 2002 and Pontiac is no more. I ordered a new Trans Am Firehawk in 2002 since it was the last year and still have it. ~3500 miles and still has the factory air in the tires. I don't think I'll ever buy another car new. They lack the character to me
I don't know how you do it! How do you not drive the hell out of that car?! Haha. I had a 99 WS6 and couldn't stop driving it! It was so much fun
@@automotiveantics I agree they are lots of fun. Got too busy working all the time with jobs and ministry work. No time left for cars but I still can appreciate them though. Your video was nice. "WS6" didn't really become well known to people until the 1998 Ram Air cars. Before that it was mostly just some hard core Pontiac guys and the guys that ordered them at the Dealer that knew what what that RPO was. If I had to pick a fav it would be the 1978 WS6 SE T/A
@@digitalmagicAR thanks so much I appreciate you sharing! I love hearing everyone's story😁👍
LOL don't you realize those tires are trash. Any tires over 4yrs old suppose to be replaced. It doesn't matter how many miles/ garaged etc. The rubber ages and deteriorates.
Hi , I am from Puerto Rico, I have at home a 1994 TransAm 5.7 . Is in Great Conditions . The mechanic told me that due to over heat , the engine maybe needs to be refresh. I will like to do an upgrade of the engine performance. What will be the most Economical Performance kit for the upgrade , PLease let me know
Well if your tearing the motor apart for a refresh the best upgrade you can do is upgrade the cam, full exhaust and a good dyno tune. That's really all that's needed to make those cars really perform without spending a ton of money
Can I fix my Pontiac firebird v6 like trans am
Great video but....if you are going to talk Trans Am please dont wear a mustang shirt lol
I'll keep that in mind haha
@@automotiveanticsits like jumbo shrimp...peaceful war ect lol.
Ya didn't answer correctly.. It stands for WILDLY SEXY 6 SPEED!
Wide suspension. 6 parts
Excellent 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
You have more cuts them a biden ad but ty for the history. Love your vids
Very informative video. New subber.
I'm glad you liked it! Thanks so much I appreciate it!
Nice!!!!
Wow he can read but wait he got a mustang cobra t shirt
I thought the number 6 (on WS6) was cause it had a 6 spread transmission
WS6 from 1996-2002 offered on both manual and automatic (4 speed) cars. In the 3rd gen cars (1982-1992) the cars could have 4 speed manual, 5 speed manual, 3 speed auto or 4 speed auto. From 1978 to 1981 it was on 4 speed manual and 3 speed automatic cars. So.... nothing whatsoever to do with transmission.
Thought the 1996 WS6 was 305 HP not 285 a regular Trans Am was 285 HP due to the dual cats it got a bump up on HP 96-97 ....93-95 Trans Am 275 HP so 10 HP bump 96-97 ...of course 1996 was the return of the WS6 .....
WS6 stands for Wide Suspension 6 pieces. you got thicker sway bars, hence the Wide , and 4 stiffer springs, Suspension, and the combo consists of 6 pieces, 2 bars and 4 springs. And its the first things you take OFF the car when you start to modify it. It was all made from thin sheet metal.
🤣
@@automotiveantics I live in Braselton GA, right outside of Atlanta. Less than a mile from my house is YEAR ONE. Google it if you don't know. I went to see them today and asked what the RPO (Regular Production Option) code of WS6 really meant or stood for. If anyone knows for sure, it's them.
From 1996 to 2002 33,967 Trans ams were built with the WS6 RPO code. Which ACTUALLY MEANS "Performance Package Special". That was how the factory knew what parts to put on the car. This RPO code signaled the 6 parts I mentioned previously to be installed on the car with that RPO code.
However, to the HUMANS that were doing the assembly, WS6 meant Wide Suspension 6 pieces. So there is the real correct answer to what does WS6 MEANS and what it STANDS for.
Now you can redo the video to give out accurate information -- and this time wear a PONTIAC shirt and not that cobra crap.
Future Reference: www.rpocodes.com/GM-RPO-codes/gmrpocodesTthroughZ.html
@@firechicken2011 well everyone knows it's a performance package. But you just admittedly said that Wide suspension 6 piece was a nickname the plant workers gave it. It never meant anything other than an identification code for the "performance package" that was to be put on it. FACT is that GM never gave meaning behind each individual letter or the number 6. If that's not good enough then we will just have to agree to disagree 🤷♂️
Fire Chicken WS6 is just the random option code. Nothing more, nothing less. The G92 was Chevys version of it. G80 was limited slip rear (posi). There are a ton of codes. codes for seatbelts, trim packages, paint, interior colors, , where the car would be shipped to, ect. Some are desirable, some are mundane. Just random alpha/numerical codes so they don’t have to write everything out. Nearly every car company has them. GM was just one of the few to market the codes to the public.
@@firechicken2011 What were the 6 pieces? Because not only did WS6 deliver different number of changed components depending on the model year where that option was available (ranging from 1978 to 1992 then 1996 to 2002) but it also often delivered WAY more than 6 changed components. :D It's a sad internet myth, that's all. About as inaccurate as those claiming the WS6 emblem used on the 4th gen cars actually wrote "W5.6" for the LS1's 5.6 liter V8 (never mind that the 1996-1997 WS6 cars that used the exact same emblem had the 5.7 liter LT1 V8! ROFL!)...
Ummm... the Bilstein struts weren't an option on the WS6... it was offered in the Firehawk... just sayin'
Ws6 is the code package for the car. There saved you there saved you 4 minutes.
All i know about it is that it was way better looking than the GTO and it had better seats than the Camaro
Thank you for explaining what WS6 means so perfectly. There are so many people low information car guys out there that think it is a completely different car from a base Trans Am. I've talked to people who think it has a different motor! WS6 is nothing more than an option code. The car you are getting is still a Trans Am with a few appearance and performances upgrades.
I appreciate the kind words!🙏
They also came as a formula.