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Check the SPID sticker on the driver's door jamb for RPO "WS6". Then make sure the VIN on the top of that sticker matches the VIN plate on the dash.
If the SPID sticker is no longer present or isn't readable, you can take the VIN number to any GM dealer and the parts department can run a VIS report which will show the RPOs for that VIN. Then just look for "WS6".
This is the only 100% sure way to tell (and also the only verification that is needed) since all other WS6 parts can easily be added to any Formula/TA.
thats a good start... look at the door code on the drivers side and see if it has ws6. although it does have the ws6 specific raised airbox under the hood. if someone was going to fake a ws6 thats really going through the effort..
Now as long as the VIN on the RPO decal matches the VIN in the dash, you're looking at a legit WS6. So many are sold as such when in reality they are not.
It does if you want to learn the secret handshake...
LOL.
My whole point is than an LS F-Body is an LS F-Body. Unless its a Firehawk, CETA or Anniversary, I wouldn't even bother looking specifically for a WS6 as its really just a hood, wheels and a catback. The only real decision IMO is what color you want and 4L60E/T56. For selling/purchasing, I guess it makes a difference to those who care more about matching numbers type of stuff.
And who keeps stock wheels and exhaust on these cars anyway?!
My whole point is than an LS F-Body is an LS F-Body. Unless its a Firehawk, CETA or Anniversary, I wouldn't even bother looking specifically for a WS6 as its really just a hood, wheels and a catback. The only real decision IMO is what color you want and 4L60E/T56. For selling/purchasing, I guess it makes a difference to those who care more about matching numbers type of stuff.
And who keeps stock wheels and exhaust on these cars anyway?!
Personally I agree, at this point all I really care about are options such as color/interior/trans type and overall condition, trim level isn't a priority to me. The same is also true for the Firehawk/CETA/Anniversary cars; they are the same as any other LS1 F-body sans for muffler/catback differences and in some cases an air lid. Of course there are potential suspension differences (speaking of Firehawk) depending on SLP options, but otherwise the drivetrain is exactly the same as any Z28 or Formula, etc.
What people are paying for with the higher trim levels is basically cosmetics no matter which model you're buying. The precedent is set by the higher original MSRP of these cosmetic trim levels, and so this carries into the used market as well. Many of the OE cosmetic upgrades are better quality than the aftermarket items (such as hoods), so you're also paying a premium for that when you buy an original version. If it's cloned with OE parts, then really it's just as good as OE but still the market generally "agrees" to assign more value to the one that was completed on the assembly line prior to purchase. For this reason, I understand why people want to verify originality of a higher trim level prior to paying more than they otherwise would. Unfortunately, there are also some who are ignorant and believe that the higher trim levels actually come with engine upgrades (due to horsepower rating differences, etc.) and therefore are paying more for the wrong reasons - but that's their own fault for not doing the research.
I also agree with all that HOWEVER there are some people that want an all original car with options such as the WS6 package. These cars in good condition command and retain a higher resale value.
It's OK to "fake" an option so long as when it's time to sell, it's not advertised as original and it's revealed to the potential buyer.
Unfortunately a lot of folks think that the WS6 is faster than a Z28, Formula, Trans Am, etc for whatever reason. I've had to explain it more times than I can count to people who actually know about cars. I just don't want to see someone paying premium prices on an F-Body and expecting it to be faster than the lesser trims.
Personally I agree, at this point all I really care about are options such as color/interior/trans type and overall condition, trim level isn't a priority to me. The same is also true for the Firehawk/CETA/Anniversary cars; they are the same as any other LS1 F-body sans for muffler/catback differences and in some cases an air lid. Of course there are potential suspension differences (speaking of Firehawk) depending on SLP options, but otherwise the drivetrain is exactly the same as any Z28 or Formula, etc.
What people are paying for with the higher trim levels is basically cosmetics no matter which model you're buying. The precedent is set by the higher original MSRP of these cosmetic trim levels, and so this carries into the used market as well. Many of the OE cosmetic upgrades are better quality than the aftermarket items (such as hoods), so you're also paying a premium for that when you buy an original version. If it's cloned with OE parts, then really it's just as good as OE but still the market generally "agrees" to assign more value to the one that was completed on the assembly line prior to purchase. For this reason, I understand why people want to verify originality of a higher trim level prior to paying more than they otherwise would. Unfortunately, there are also some who are ignorant and believe that the higher trim levels actually come with engine upgrades (due to horsepower rating differences, etc.) and therefore are paying more for the wrong reasons - but that's their own fault for not doing the research.
Agreed with this^^^^
If that's true than the same should be true about a firehawk as it is a ws6>>>> same differences (hood,wheels,suspension,and decals)
a firehawk, ceta,etc is no more special than a ws6 when looking from this view. .. however I still look for a ws6, hawk,ceta when shopping because of this misconception most people take better care of the ws6/hawk thinking it's worth a whole lot more. .. which if mint WILL fetch more
12-26-2014, 11:05 PM
fake or real ws6.. 
