Funker

Are the differences between the Trans Am and the Formula (01-02 model years) just cosmetic, or are there mechanical differences as well? From research I have already done, I see that they both use the 5.7L 310HP LS1, and the onyl differences I have noticed is that the TA comes with T-tops, leather interior, and a few other interior upgrades. So is that it, or is there anything else of note?

Also, I see that the Formula comes with the normal Firebird hood. Is that the case for the TA as well, or does it come with nostrils on the hood stock? It's my understanding that nostrils are only part of the WS6 and Firehawk packages.

Please, enlighten an LS1 newbie!

BAD ASS TA WS6

iTrader: (5)

Front and rear bumpers are both different, no side skirts on the formula. The hoods are the same I think on the non WS6 models. Exhaust is different with the WS6, wheels, tires, standard leather on the TA. Engines are the same across the board

The WS6 package consisted of the hood, wheels + tires, different swaybar(s) rear might remain the same?, 3" Catback exhaust, power steering cooler maybe? I can't remember anymore.

Basically a Formula is a Firebird with a V8. The option for leather and all that jazz is available.

With the TA, everything is standard, with the exception of the 6 speed T56(no cost option), the WS6 package, traction control, and a 12 disc cd changer.

Funker

So does a Formula have the same suspension setup as a V6 Firebird? Or is the suspension the same for the V6, Formula, and T/A?

LS1W66

The Suspensions are the same.

99-LS1-SS

The springs and shocks are different in the V-6 compared to the V-8. The WS-6 has different shocks than either of them. The V-6 is the least performance oriented. The Forumla (V-8) is more performance related and the WS-6 is "supposed" to be high performance as far as handling goes. The suspensions are different in all 3 cars though. The basic geometry is the same but the shocks and springs and roll bars are different.

Funker

OK, so then the Formula and the T/A are identical in terms of handling and performance?

99-LS1-SS

Yeah it is.

BizZzatch350

iTrader: (33)

Put it this way, a Trans Am is a Formula with a body kit. Mechanicaly they are identical, differences are only in options like leather seats and the looks.

chief455

iTrader: (21)

Exactly. A Formula is a Trans Am without the fog lights, ground effects and other heavy standard creature comforts.
I prefer Formulas for this very reason. It's a sleeper.
Everyone thinks without that big wing on the trunk or extra plastic hanging under the doors the car is bone
You also can find a Formula ordered with the WS6 option - getting the cool hood, exhaust and suspension upgrade on a car that otherwie looks like a regular Firebird

Angus

iTrader: (2)

The Formula fas fog lights. They are just not in the middle. Every one that doesn't know any better thinks my car is just a Firebird. Unless the cut out is open or I just floor it.

LS1W66

Very Nice.

f-bodman

I can't say I've ever seen a FORMULA Firehawk before sweet

Did they make many?

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

Not too many Formula Firehawks or WS6 cars built, those are the most rare f-bodies in terms of build numbers. They actually built less Formulas than SS Camaros, many less. I prefer the Formula over the Trans Am, I think the styling will hold its appeal much longer since it is cleaner looking.

People on the freeway used to mistake my Formula for a V6 also. Even other LS1 owners

Angus

iTrader: (2)

They all think mine is a V6 till I hit the gas... Then they ask what I did and I tell them it is stock. Stock LS6 anyways.


There are only about 8-10 Silver Formula Hawks for 2002.

Joseph Pancamo

Formulas KICK ***!!! I have a 2002 Black NHRA Special Edition WS6 Trans Am, but the formula is by far the ultimate sleeper, wish I had one! They have the power but not the weight of a Trans Am, did I mention the part about being a sleeper???

Kenafin_02TA

My fiance and I have a 2002 Formula Firehawk...I think they made about 25 red formula firehawk's in 2002 if I remember my numbers right.

Angus

iTrader: (2)

And the FIREHAWK has the best suspension when ordered with either the Bilstein level 1 package or the 1LE package.

Bad Blu Formula

iTrader: (3)

Another thing, ASC stoppped producing WS6 Formulas in 2000. So if you find a 01 or 02 WS6 Formula around, its not real

Angus

iTrader: (2)

Correct!

02 WS-6

iTrader: (1)

Well you see most formula guys think formulas are better, and then the T/A guys will dissagree, but as for the 310hp if that is what the stock 01-02 formulas are producing than the Ram Air does make a difference because the stock WS6 are reported to be producing 325rwhp, personally if I had bought the formula, I would be kicking myself in the *** everyday that I walked out and seen it to me the hood and the wing really make the car without them they would be just another Firebird