Pontiac Firebird 1967-2002 Birds of a feather flock together

Firebird Differences

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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 08:12 AM
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Default Firebird Differences

Hi,

I grew up loving Camaros and Firebirds as a kid, but just recently got into the idea of owning an LS1. Now that i've decided on buying one, i've narrowed my choice down to the Pontiac side, but I have some questions about the various models available. What are the main differences between the Firebird Formula, Firehawk, Trans Am, and WS6? Are there any powertrain differences or is just a matter of trim? Feel free to make reccomendations as well. Thanks for your help.

Jamil
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 08:15 AM
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No MAJOR powertrain differences, at all.

Maybe stock exhaust and lower airboxes are different, but thats about it.

The Formula will be the lightest of them all.
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 08:46 AM
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Between the Formula and Trans Am I believe that its mostly cosmetic differences. Same powertrain

WS6 refers the the handling package that the TA has to make is a WS6. There are some cosmetic diffs like the ram air hood, rims, and spoiler. They come with higher gears in the rear.

Firehawk is the "top" level option you can get a Firebird in. I believe that they got a slightly better exhaust package which gave them better HP over the WS6. Other than the word FIREHAWK written on the side I think there are some small cosmetic diffs.

I would personally get the WS6 because I like the looks and it already comes with the suspension package on it. IMHO
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 08:54 AM
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fire hawks dyno the same as most any ls1....

read all the stickeys, you will find they answer most every question you can think of at first...

welcome to ls1tech...
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 09:03 AM
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All of the models you listed have identical engines, trannys, and rearends. There are minimal power gains with the WS6/Firehawk simply because of the slightly less restrictive exhaust. Not a big deal, we are talking like 8-10 hp max.

The Formula will be the quickest, since it is the lightest. That goes for Formula Firehawks and Formula WS6's too. Trans Am is basically an appearance package for the Formula, which includes the larger rear spoiler, side skirts, and revised front and rear bumper covers. Trans Ams came standard with T-tops and leather.

Tony
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 09:57 AM
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read this
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 10:31 AM
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Firebird Models
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 10:34 AM
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Dang, where do you find all this stuff You always have exact part numbers, and all of this other stuff.
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 10:41 AM
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Go with the WS6 Trans Am!
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by 777
Dang, where do you find all this stuff You always have exact part numbers, and all of this other stuff.
Lots of time researching!
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 777
Dang, where do you find all this stuff You always have exact part numbers, and all of this other stuff.
ACW likes to collect books on our cars, so he's got lots of reading under his belt

Originally Posted by ahzab33
Hi,

I grew up loving Camaros and Firebirds as a kid, but just recently got into the idea of owning an LS1. Now that i've decided on buying one, i've narrowed my choice down to the Pontiac side, but I have some questions about the various models available. What are the main differences between the Firebird Formula, Firehawk, Trans Am, and WS6? Are there any powertrain differences or is just a matter of trim? Feel free to make reccomendations as well. Thanks for your help.

Jamil
I can relate....I've always liked Camaros and Firebirds. I went with the Trans Am merely for the styling. Regardless of which model you get, they're all fun to drive!
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Old Sep 15, 2005 | 01:56 AM
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The power differences are so little that it doesn't really matter. Throw in a bigger cam and you'll more than balance it back out anyway.

Check around and look at some pictures. Get whichever one YOU think looks the best.
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Old Sep 15, 2005 | 06:50 AM
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^agreed. Take a look at some pics and get the one u think looks best for the price. You cant go wrong with anyone of the models.
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