2002T/APewter

Hi guys I'm new to the whole LS1 forums thing and I have a couple questions. My car is a 2002 Trans Am not a WS6 and I had heard that the engines for these cars were underrated by chevy out of the factory and was curious if anyone could give me some numbers. I was also wondering what brand of exhaust is the most popular among the Trans ams because I bought it 3 days ago and it has an aftermarket system on it. Pre-emptive thanks guys and im proud to be part of the LS community!

jdiddyws6

iTrader: (5)

Yeah, they are pretty under rated. Have any pics of the tips or underside of it?

therealcreeper

iTrader: (37)

yes they're underrated. they make about 345 flywheel hp. a4's(autos) make about 300ish to the wheels, m6's(manuals) make about 320ish.

exhaust taste highly depends on the person. some people like true duals, some people like the mild magnaflow, others the aggressive loudmouths. also depends if you're running stock manifolds, longtubes, cats, etc.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Your car made about 350hp when it was stock. It should be making more with an aftermarket exhaust, but how much more depends on how extensive the exhaust modifications are. If it's just a catback, it's worth about 10hp. If it's a full exhaust system, including long tube headers, off-road Y-pipe + catback or off-road true duals, it could be worth up to 40hp.

We would need some pics of the exhaust system to tell you what's been done. Pics of the underside of the car showing the intermediate pipe(s) and another showing the muffler/tail pipe assembly would be helpful. Also, if you think it has headers, show a pic of the engine bay looking down right above the headers. If you get the angle just right we can tell if it's shorties, mids, or LTs.

2002T/APewter

sorry I dont have any pics off the undrneath (currently 15 degrees and 10inches of snow) nor do i know about the manifold but the tips are oval-like in appearance, and they are maybe an inch or 2 wider then the pipe. I can definatly say its louder then a stock set up. I had seen videos of loudmouth and thought thats what it could be but i am unsure. When I have the oil changed ill look but i was just curious enough to ask. Oh and thanks for the true numbers on the engine!

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

The tips don't tell much, because any tips can be welded on to any system. But from what you described, those don't sound like loudmouth tips. You might have stock oval tips with your muffler removed or swapped out for something louder.

We'd really need undercarrige pics to be sure.

2002T/APewter

When it warms up a little outside ill get some pictures of it for sure. Just wish the dealer had known what it was and to be honest i wish i knew more about the fbodies.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Post back when you get some pics.

Rule #1.... Never trust the dealers. Rarely do they have any clue what's been done on a modded car.

Rule #2.... Stick around this site, do some reading and research, and in no time you'll have a solid basic understanding of your car.

Oh, and welcome to the site.

2002T/APewter

Thanks!

BAD2000TA

iTrader: (6)

Go to this site: http://www.ls1sounds.com/pics_tips.htm

There's good information on many of the most popular f-body exhaust systems with pictures, descriptions, and video/sound clips.

Also, regarding your comment about manifolds, go open the hood and look to see if it has headers or manifolds. Not really that hard!!

Enjoy your car and welcome!!!

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I agree here. Typically dynos and cars are different but 290-310 seems the norm for autos while 310-330 seems the norm for M6s. Thats power to the wheels. So factor in 10-15% drivetrain loss and you can get a feel for what the actual motor's produced. Prolly close to 350hp at the crank.