metalmilitia606

iTrader: (8)

Not really too sure about this one, but I was curious. Over the weekend I went with my parents to look at cars for my sister. We went to a lot and in the very back all rusted and beat up and covered in weeds is what appeared to be a third gen formula ws6. Not sure if it's legit or not, but it was a formula and the rims had ws6 on the center caps. Just from looking at the hood it said it had a 5.0 in it. Judging from the updated front end it had to be like a 91 or 92. I don't know much about the third gens, but it caught my eye. I know formula ws6 fourth gens are kind of hard to come by. So this just got me thinking. Any opinions are appreciated.

y2k_ta

iTrader: (80)

Snap a pic or two if you get a chance and post 'em up.

I'm not too brushed up on my third-gen knowledge, but I don't recall Pontiac ever "publicizing" the "WS6" RPO on any 'birds before the fourth-gens. Like I said, I could very well be wrong but don't remember ever seeing "WS6" markings before '96.

98PurpleT/A

iTrader: (16)

From what I could find GM has used the WS6 RPO since 1978
http://www.78ta.com/ws6.php

97ramsst

iTrader: (162)

Nothing to wonder about...I know all 3rd Gen Formulas and GTAs had the WS6 suspension package...and I believe it was also optional on regular TAs from 87-92. If a car has it will all so have a Performance Suspension badge on the dash under the map pocket.

It wasnt a Ram Air package like on the 4th Gen cars though...it was just suspension stuff.

EchoMirage

iTrader: (3)

wow man......for a firebird moderator you need to get out more. WS6 was first available in the 77 year, i believe. i know for sure it was an option in 78. the most important upgrade in the package was the quick ratio steering. the bars and shocks/springs were easily and often swapped anyway. also, WS6 wasnt limited to just pontiac f-bodies. WS6 was an upgraded suspension package available in other cars. every turbo sunbird made came standard with WS6. doesnt mean it was the same exact suspension under the f-body, but it was the upgraded susp. and steering. it may also have been an option, or possibly standard, on the 77 Can Am.

eseibel67

iTrader: (10)

I ordered a new 1992 Formula with TPI, 5 speed, and 3.42 axle.

It had the GTA-style wheels (black cross lace with polished rim flange), and the centre caps said WS6 suspension.

Hood scoop was backwards-facing, non-functional and asymetrical toward the driver's side. Sticker said "5.0 liter".

They are somewhat rare. Only about 1000 Formulas in 1992 of all 4 engine variations combined.

metalmilitia606

iTrader: (8)

Sorry about not having pics it was one of those spur of the moment hey look at this type of things lol. My mom was literally like hey look at that firebird in the corner. The reason why it was so interesting is because my grandpa had a formula back in the day that looked just like it, but I was too young to remember anything specific. Me being five years old I knew it was bright blue, looked like the batmobile, and was pretty fast lol.

97ramsst

iTrader: (162)

The black cross lace wheels didn't come stock on it. Those only came on TAs and there where no optional wheels for the Formula....only the Turbo style came on Formulas (all though the 87 had rounded rather than deep dish versions of it.)

What 4 engine variations do you mean? You could get the L03 (TBI 305), LB9 (TPI 305), or the L98 (350 TPI)...you could get 5spd or auto with either of the 305s but only an auto with the 350. So there was 3 engines or 5 "configurations."

This is my 87 Formula I am currently "restoring" to give to my nephew when he turns 16 (it has a Eibach Pro Kit and the Formula 350 stickers on it now...I have a built 383 to go in it when I get around to it.) I have had a dozen or more 3rd Gens over the years.

Hotroddin

iTrader: (7)

I had a 91' formula ws6, factory LB9 5.0 tpi 5 speed 3:42 gear, in dark forest green, i bought it for 2 grand 2 years ago, was my first car. Needed some love though, then i sold it for a 4th gen

eseibel67

iTrader: (10)

My 92 Formula was factory ordered. I waited for 3 months, and it was delivered with the black cross lace wheels.

The 305 TPI was available in 2 versions. 305 TPI with 5 spd was rated at 225 hp. The 305 TPI auto was rated slightly less, but I don't remember exactly what it was. That's why I said 4 engines available on Formula.

Of course I wanted the 350 TPI with 5 spd, but no go. I studied the options carefully at the time.

Sneakyws6

I am sorry but there was never a factory option for the GTA cross laced wheels at all. It seems more likely that your dealer swapped the wheels for you.

The main differance in the 5.0 TPI motors was the manual got a different cam that was rated at 10 hp more than the cam that came in the 5.0 TPI Auto. The manual cars also had a different RPM range on the tach than the auto cars as well.

So you had the following TPI options for the Trans Am/Formula

5.0 TPI auto 215hp
5.0 TPI man 225hp
5.7 TPI auto 245hp

The WS6 option package as said was a suspension package. If it still has the center caps they will either be black or silver and will say "WS6 performance suspension" on the medallion. Good luck on those caps, they can be hard to find and they are not all that cheap either.

97ramsst

iTrader: (162)

Then you had the only one ever. What was that option code and price for those wheels? Do you still have window sticker or anything? There were no wheel options for the Formula or TAs...the Formula got the turbo wheels, the TA got black lace and GTAs got gold lace. No other options or choices.

Agreed.

mannyman84

iTrader: (2)

third gens didnt come with a ws6 performance package, only suspension. better sway bars, stiffer suspension..

mannyman84

iTrader: (2)

I have to disagree, TA also had an option of gold, red, black, and even green lace wheels with the polish lip on it....

mannyman84

iTrader: (2)

third gen info: http://www.gtasourcepage.com/

EchoMirage

iTrader: (3)

uh..........what. what do you think WS6 stands for? a SUSPENSION RPO code.

97ramsst

iTrader: (162)

I would love for you to post one picture of any TA with factory lace wheels in any other color except gold or black. And ONLY the GTAs got gold ones.

metalmilitia606

iTrader: (8)

This is a lot of good info thanks for the replies.

mannyman84

iTrader: (2)

Couldn't find any on the cars themselves but I have been doing research since I got mine back in 02 and there are things that I can't believe.

mannyman84

iTrader: (2)

I ment power wise. There is NO ws6 3rd gens.....