Pontiac Firebird 1967-2002 Birds of a feather flock together

Switching to TA

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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 10:18 AM
  #1  
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Default Switching to TA

I recently totaled my SS I am looking into a 2002 Trans am just wondering if there is a significant difference between a regular Trans AM and a WS6 besides cosmetic stuff?
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 10:23 AM
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WS6 comes with the mean looking hood and 17 inch rims and a different spoiler. The air box also has a larger opening (almost 3 inches). I think the shocks are DeCarbon (which suck) and that's about it.

Get the WS6....this car gets more looks than a Corvette!
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 11:01 AM
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No different spoiler or shocks. Check https://ls1tech.com/forums/showpost....83&postcount=5
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 11:30 AM
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Of course I am biased but consider an 04 Goat...they can be had for not much more than a 02 WS6. I had a WS6 and wouldn't go back.
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 04:35 PM
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The only differences between a base-model 'bird and a ram air 'bird to even worry about is the stupid-looking ram air hood and 17" polished aluminum wheels versus 16" chromed aluminum wheels. The air box opening is slightly taller as well.

You'll be plenty happy with a base-model "sleek beak" 'bird.
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 04:39 PM
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Firehawk?

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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 05:46 PM
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Get the WS6, people won't confuse you for a plain jane V6.
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Old Jan 4, 2007 | 08:06 PM
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Ram Air Performance and Handling Package - includes specific low restriction dual exhaust system, Ram Air induction system, functional hood scoops, 325 hp, 5.7L LS1 V8, P275/40ZR17 performance tires (maximum speed rating), 17" high-polished aluminum wheels, specific front and rear suspension with higher front and rear spring rates, unique shock valving, stiffer Panhard bushings and 3.23:1 rear axle ratio with automatic transmission; includes 3.42:1 rear axle with 6-speed manual transmission.
Might be more there than a stupid looking hood and bigger wheels!
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Old Jan 5, 2007 | 12:55 PM
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Cool thats what i thought. The trans am that i am looking is a ws6 clone has a full functional ram air hood and everything. About the goat if i was to get a GTO it would be the 6.0 the Ls1 in the GTO just not cutting it as compared to the Ls1 equipped Trans am. Goat is to heavy for me.
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Old Jan 5, 2007 | 01:47 PM
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Get a ws-6. Afterall most sleek nose ta owners have ***** envy and end up switching to a ram air hood anyway. Plus the visual impact that the ws-6 has is unmatched byt the slower and less fun to drive sleek nose ta.
The sleek nose ta is a stripped down ugly stepsister of the ws-6.

y2kta
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Old Jan 5, 2007 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by y2k_ta
The only differences between a base-model 'bird and a ram air 'bird to even worry about is the stupid-looking ram air hood and 17" polished aluminum wheels versus 16" chromed aluminum wheels. The air box opening is slightly taller as well.

You'll be plenty happy with a base-model "sleek beak" 'bird.
" Stupid Looking Hood " ....???????
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Old Jan 5, 2007 | 02:58 PM
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I have a "plain jane T/A". I personally couldn't be happier. The ONLY 2 things that the Ws.6 has that usually stays original is the hood and the higher airbox lid. It is true that people keep the 17" stock Ws.6 rims , but most junk them for aftermarket wheels. The suspension? Most lower their cars. The "specific" suspension will not handle the spring rates for a period of time. So new springs and shocks are usually put on. The ONLY reasons I can see people having a Ws.6 is for the collectors that keep the car stock, or the people who get butt hurt when someone calls their car a "Trans Am" instead of a Ws.6.

I will go ahead and say it, the Ws.6 hood does look great. But so does the Trans Am hood. I couldn't justify throwing $1500+ for a hood or appearance, unless it was new wheels. In reality, with most of the modifications that people put on the T/A's and Ws.6's now days, a T/A with a great suspension setup and internal engine work will be equal to a Ws.6 with the same mods. Only the hood and badge to say differently. I hear it alot from all the import drivers when my buddy and I ride around. " OMGZZZ YOUR BUDDY HAS A WS.6 HOOD .. YOU WOULD LOSE SO BADLY!!" Couldn't be farther from the truth....
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Old Jan 6, 2007 | 06:55 AM
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Ok this is the truth. If you are going to mod extensively get a sleek beak.
If only minor mods are involved get a ws-6.
Only because the difference between the 2 can be made up.
Forget about collectability. Cars make terrible investments.
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Old Jan 6, 2007 | 01:54 PM
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30thanniv , you took the words right out of my mouth. Unless you just HAVE to have the Ws.6 and dont want to pay for it extra to clone it then by all means, buy the Ws.6 . But when it all boils down to it , you are buying the exact same car if modding .
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Old Jan 6, 2007 | 10:36 PM
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well...

for anyone who knows about birds..

The frt and rr bumpers are diffrent from the plain jane/formula and T/A


just thoguht i'd add
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Old Jan 6, 2007 | 10:57 PM
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its all about personal preference. but i just love when ppl in ws6's underestimate me!
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Old Jan 7, 2007 | 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by ~JOSHUA
Firehawk?
I agree. IMO, The Firehawk is the best looking 4th gen, and the Firehawk hood is, IMO, better suited to the Formula/Trans Am than the WS6 hood. I would love to own a Firehawk.
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Old Jan 7, 2007 | 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by y2k_ta
The only differences between a base-model 'bird and a ram air 'bird to even worry about is the stupid-looking ram air hood and 17" polished aluminum wheels versus 16" chromed aluminum wheels. The air box opening is slightly taller as well.

You'll be plenty happy with a base-model "sleek beak" 'bird.
No offense intended y2k_ta, I normally agree with you, but SunCoast and others have made a good business selling those 'stupid-looking' ram air hoods
for years. Lets let the buyers decide what style they like. My guess is that the post originator was focused on performance differences which now have been well covered.

My $0.02, get a WS6 if the price is right, or find a base T/A and spend some cash, you will likely be swapping out stuff on the WS6 anyway since we F-Body guys are rarely totally pleased with the car GM sends out anyway.
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Old Jan 8, 2007 | 05:10 AM
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If you want to go fast buy a Formula, if you want to look fast buy a WS6.

Last edited by blue02formula; Jan 9, 2007 at 01:13 PM.
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Old Jan 8, 2007 | 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by y2k_ta
The only differences between a base-model 'bird and a ram air 'bird to even worry about is the stupid-looking ram air hood and 17" polished aluminum wheels versus 16" chromed aluminum wheels. The air box opening is slightly taller as well.

You'll be plenty happy with a base-model "sleek beak" 'bird.
Those are pretty harsh and offensive words there, which I seriously DISAGREE with, but most importantly, that's just YOUR opinion.
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