Lots of people ask about this, so here it is:

WS6 Performance Package suspension components include:

1) A 32/19 mm front/rear sway bar combination in lieu of the normal FE2 suspension 30/19 mm.

2) The front spring rate increased from 51 N/mm on a normal V8 Formula/Trans Am to 63 for the WS6.

3) Rear spring stiffness on the WS6 suspension carries a variable rate of 23 to 30 N/mm compared to 19.9 on a normal V8 Formula/Trans Am. This Package also included different shock valving, 1LE transmission mount, 1LE panhard rod, Ram Air hood, and 275/40ZR17 tires.

And there you have it.

 

Thanks for the Info

But, different years can have minor changes I thought (?)...

Ex. for 2001 I read that they revalved the schocks from the previous year.

 

I am not trying to be a dick but I wanted to add more information from other sources as well. This is a great thread IMO and you gave info I did not know.

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Q: What's included in the WS6 performance package?

A: The package was available starting in 1996 on Formulas Trans Ams only. Included in the package were:

Ram Air hood and air intake (like that of the Firehawk)
The 1998s and up WS6s have a completely new hood with 2 functional intakes right above the standard non functional nostrils
Freer flowing exhaust system
Higher rate front springs (360 lbs/in)
Variable rate rear springs (130-180 lbs/in)
Stiffer front and rear shocks
Harder bushings
Larger diameter front anti-sway bar (32mm)
Increased cooling
17 inch wheels with 275/40ZR/17 tires

 

Q: What are the specs on the stock sway bars and springs?

A: The V6 models have a 30mm front sway bar and a 17mm rear sway bar. The spring rates are 223 pounds per inch in the front and 95.4 pounds per inch in the rear.

The regular V8s have a 30mm front sway bar (same as V-6 model) and a 19mm rear sway bar. The springs are 292 pounds per inch up front and 114 pounds per inch in the rear. The 1LE and WS6 suspension package has a 32mm front sway bar and 19mm rear sway bar (note, 1993 and early 1994 1LEs got a 21 mm rear bar). The springs are 360 pounds per inch up front and 130-180 pounds per inch (progressive) in the rear (note, 1993 1LEs got the same springs as regular V8s).

 

I thought in jrp's post he said only like a couple years got the spring and all that and most only got the sway bar. I'd look it up but I just worked a 14 hour day and im too tired.

<--Also not trying to be a dick

 

I know this talks about the differences but it also has alot of WS6 info.

Differences from WS6 and 'Hawk

Looks and OPTIONS yes, gears no. All LS1 Firebirds wheather they were WS6's or regular T/A or Formulas that were ordered as Autos (A4's) came w/3:23's. All that were ordered as 6-speeds (m6's) came w/3:42's. WS6's, Firehawks, and regular birds wheather T/A or Formula share identical drivetrains an LS1 350 coupled to a M6 or A4 tranny. As far as looks goes? That's in the eye of the beholder. The Firehawks have a little more than looks over the WS6's which is mainly options and rarity. Firehawks came stock w/3" intermediate exhaust w/dual-dual tips. WS6's on the other hand came w/2.5" intermediate exhaust w/single-single exhaust with the exception of the '98 WS6 which had single left side exhaust. Firehawks also came with a slightly different designed 5-spoke wheel which you could order in 2 different finishes: Stock flat aluminum gray, or Option triple-chrome plated (real chrome) not a high polished aluminum like WS6's. Now to the hoods. Firhawk hoods are functional Ram-Airs as well as the heat-extractors (located on top corners of the hood) just a different design. Hawk hoods are more of a composite 1-piece that is designed specifically to fit with the front facia of the Hawk. WS6 hoods are a composite 2-piece hood which is just a regular Firebird hood with 2 air inlets molded to the top, thus giving that 4 nostril look. This hood can be bolted to any regular Formula or T/A bird without any fitting problems. Unlike the Hawk hoods which must be fitted with the slightly different designed front facia of the Hawk. Now, everything I just mentioned to you was standard equipment for Hawks. What really separated the two were the extra SLP options that were available for Hawks which were:

-Firehawk embroidered floor mats
-Bilstein Suspension '99-'02 or 1LE '01-'02
-Specific triple-chrome plated Firehawk wheels
-Lower rear-deck SLP spoiler which were standard on Anniv. Hawks

(HAWKMAN_)

 

2001

1. A small percentage of 2001 and 2002 LS1s actually had LS6 blocks which had a different part number and a darker metal cast
2. Starting 2001, all LS1s came with an LS6 intake manifold without an EGR system
3. Advertised HP output was changed from 305 to 310 on base LS1s and from 320 to 325 on WS6s and SSs
4. 2001-02 cars have a smaller cam from the Vortec truck engines to increase low end torque
5. 2001-02 cars had 28 lb fuel injectors like the 98 cars (albeit different part numbers)
6. WS6 cars had a redesigned 5 spoke rim which was more wavy
7. WS6 cars got less suspension upgrades from a base Trans Am suspension than previous years
8. Manual transmission cars all came with the Z06 clutch

 

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

The 1998-1999 and some 2000 WS6's got 1LE springs and other minor 1le parts, different decarbon shocks, ect. Nothing major, but it was more than the simple swaybar upgrades of the mid 2000-2002 cars got.

 

Ok thats all the info in JRP's FAQ incase you hadn't seen it. Not alot but It helps to confirm/cross reference.

Hey look only 24 minutes till I get off work! Woooooo

Trav

 

Some Pontiac LS1's got 2.73 gears in the formys and the Trans Am's.

The WS6/Hawk package forced the performance axle option 3.23's on the A4 cars, but it was not forced on normal pontiac ls1's.

not sure on the intermediate pipe, but i thinkg its 2.75, i know mine was, but i have a 98 which was unique. I'll measure a friends sometime.

Ryan

 

This is just about WS6 suspension differences.

 

Yea my I-pipe was 2.75 also.

 

Was there a difference in spring ride height for the WS6 models vs. the standard T/A? I've seen a few WS6 models that appeared to sit a little lower (or at least have less wheel well gap), but it could just be my imagination. Yes, I know the owners may have installed lowering springs, but just trying to find out if they came that way from the factory. Also, I know about the difference in wheel size already. Thx.

 

I don't think there is any difference in ride height between WS6 and regular T/As. Maybe you just saw a car where the springs were a little more beaten up.

A full gas tank and stuff in the trunk can lower the car a tiny bit too.

 

Mine's definately not lower, looks like a damn 4x4 in the front.

 

my 98 sits 1/2-3/4" lower than all of my friends 00-02 ws6's, but not sure if thats due to different springs the 98-early00's got, or just age

Ryan

 

wait if the WS6 has a 1LE sway bars.....then why bother with buying the 1LE sways from BMR 32mm front and 21mm rear....dont seem like itd make a diff....(off usbject) what would be best for the aftermarket sways then?!?!?!

 

"A small percentage of 2001 and 2002 LS1s actually had LS6 blocks which had a different part number and a darker metal cast"

How do you know if you car has the LS6 block or not??

 

What is so different about the exhaust system though?