Any help Firebird guys??
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Lynn MA
Any help Firebird guys?? Its about my thread in the introduction section. Im trying to figure out A) what mods the T/A has and B) Whats a better deal to buy 95 T/A A4 96,000 miles for $5,500 or 96 Formula WS6 with 80,000 miles for $7,800. Is the Ws6 a 6-speed? I cant tell, thanks. Pictures of the LS1's in 1st post. And pictures of Lt1 in 13th post thanks....
https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-owners-newbie-tech/290338-one.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-owners-newbie-tech/290338-one.html
TECH Veteran
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 1
From: Beaumont, TX
There were only 524 WS6 Formulas made in 1996, so that's a nice plus 
(There's always fewer Formulas than TAs.) One year newer and 16K fewer miles. Formulas are lighter than TAs, too, if that's something you're interested in.
Just looking at that small photo, the carpet in the 1995 TA doesn't look like it's been kept very clean.
You can't tell from the VIN whether the Formula is an A4 or M6. Go back and get a closer look at the Formula to find that out, plus see what condition the interior is in.
I see you say you like black cars and the WS6 package, and the Formula meets both criteria... if you're a fan of black, you probably wouldn't be as satisfied with the white TA on that point alone
This says what's included in the WS6 package: http://www.ws6.com/faq/4_1.htm#ch4_1k
If the black LS1 TA was owned by a New England F-Body club member, you might be able to find out more about the car here: http://www.nefbody.org/
(There's always fewer Formulas than TAs.) One year newer and 16K fewer miles. Formulas are lighter than TAs, too, if that's something you're interested in. Just looking at that small photo, the carpet in the 1995 TA doesn't look like it's been kept very clean.
You can't tell from the VIN whether the Formula is an A4 or M6. Go back and get a closer look at the Formula to find that out, plus see what condition the interior is in.
I see you say you like black cars and the WS6 package, and the Formula meets both criteria... if you're a fan of black, you probably wouldn't be as satisfied with the white TA on that point alone
This says what's included in the WS6 package: http://www.ws6.com/faq/4_1.htm#ch4_1k
If the black LS1 TA was owned by a New England F-Body club member, you might be able to find out more about the car here: http://www.nefbody.org/
Of all of the casrs the 96 Formula WS6 would be the most intriging because it's has the WS6 package which on any year Formula isn't very common. I say go for the 98 Trans Am it's got the LS1 and sure it doesn't have the ram air hood but you can add that later. If you really can't afford the 98 TA then go for the 96 Formula WS6 because you'll still be thrilled with it & it'll be cheaper as well.
Just my thoughts.
Just my thoughts.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Lynn MA
Originally Posted by ACW
There were only 524 WS6 Formulas made in 1996, so that's a nice plus (There's always fewer Formulas than TAs.) One year newer and 16K fewer miles. Formulas are lighter than TAs, too, if that's something you're interested in.
Just looking at that small photo, the carpet in the 1995 TA doesn't look like it's been kept very clean.
You can't tell from the VIN whether the Formula is an A4 or M6. Go back and get a closer look at the Formula to find that out, plus see what condition the interior is in.
I see you say you like black cars and the WS6 package, and the Formula meets both criteria... if you're a fan of black, you probably wouldn't be as satisfied with the white TA on that point alone
This says what's included in the WS6 package: http://www.ws6.com/faq/4_1.htm#ch4_1k
If the black LS1 TA was owned by a New England F-Body club member, you might be able to find out more about the car here: http://www.nefbody.org/
(There's always fewer Formulas than TAs.) One year newer and 16K fewer miles. Formulas are lighter than TAs, too, if that's something you're interested in. Just looking at that small photo, the carpet in the 1995 TA doesn't look like it's been kept very clean.
You can't tell from the VIN whether the Formula is an A4 or M6. Go back and get a closer look at the Formula to find that out, plus see what condition the interior is in.
I see you say you like black cars and the WS6 package, and the Formula meets both criteria... if you're a fan of black, you probably wouldn't be as satisfied with the white TA on that point alone
This says what's included in the WS6 package: http://www.ws6.com/faq/4_1.htm#ch4_1k
If the black LS1 TA was owned by a New England F-Body club member, you might be able to find out more about the car here: http://www.nefbody.org/
oh and i like black but id prefer black on black. the Camaro was red on tan; the Trans AM was Black on tan.
Last edited by magnanpi; Apr 8, 2005 at 12:05 AM.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Lynn MA
Originally Posted by 1 Bad *** Formula
Of all of the casrs the 96 Formula WS6 would be the most intriging because it's has the WS6 package which on any year Formula isn't very common. I say go for the 98 Trans Am it's got the LS1 and sure it doesn't have the ram air hood but you can add that later. If you really can't afford the 98 TA then go for the 96 Formula WS6 because you'll still be thrilled with it & it'll be cheaper as well.
Just my thoughts.
Just my thoughts.
Originally Posted by magnanpi
ok cool. i see u got the formula. whats the difference between a Formula and the Trans Am except for the bumpers and hatch with spoiler?? anything?
TECH Veteran
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 1
From: Beaumont, TX
http://www.epinions.com/content_141226053252
http://www.ws6.com/faq/4_1.htm
https://ls1tech.com/forums/pontiac-firebird-1967-2002/197837-trans-am-formula.html
Long thread comparing Formulas and Trans Ams: https://ls1tech.com/forums/pontiac-firebird-1967-2002/165473-trans-am-vs-formula.html
Shorter thread: https://ls1tech.com/forums//showthread.php?t=122338
A common question a lot of people have is, "what is the difference between the Formula and the Trans Am?" Mechanically, nothing. They each share the same engine, transmissions, and suspension. The difference is in appearance and options. The Trans Am has a raised spoiler in the rear, as well as ground effects all around, with a slightly different front bumper cover with twin foglights in the center. It also comes standard with leather seats and power everything. You can't get a Trans Am without power seats or with cloth seats. A Formula Firebird looks much like a regular V6 Firebird, with the exception of "Formula" badging on the doors, slightly wider tires, and dual exhaust outlets in the rear. Everything being equal, a Formula Firebird will be slightly faster than a Trans Am due to its lighter weight. Trans Ams are much more prevalent than Formulas. Between 1998 and 2002, only one to two thousand Formulas were made each year.
Trans Am - same setup as the Formula, but with specific nose (fog lights and air dam), tail (contoured lower valance), and side ground effects. It has the same rear spoiler as the Formula, although an "up-level" spoiler is an available option.
The Firebird was your base model car. Most of the options were available for them but they didn't get a V-8. A Formula Firebird has the V-8 and most of the Trans-AM options were available for the car but not standard.
The Trans-AM has pretty much every option standard. The only optional items were 12 Disc CD-changer, manual transmission, and traction control.
If a WS6 car was purchased that added the Ram Air Hood, larger front and rear sway bars, 245/40/ZR17 tires and wheels to accomodate them. WS6 cars still had TCS, 12 disc changer and manual transmission as optional.
The Trans-AM has pretty much every option standard. The only optional items were 12 Disc CD-changer, manual transmission, and traction control.
If a WS6 car was purchased that added the Ram Air Hood, larger front and rear sway bars, 245/40/ZR17 tires and wheels to accomodate them. WS6 cars still had TCS, 12 disc changer and manual transmission as optional.
Shorter thread: https://ls1tech.com/forums//showthread.php?t=122338