KyleNEEDSanLS1

I've been wondering this as I'm hoping to purchase an F-body in the summer. I'm interested in either a WS6, SS, or Firehawk. However, I'm unclear and can't find any info about what the actual differences are in the three. Any visual/performance differences you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

MSCLCAR

Any one of them will make you happy, but I can provide a few of the differences. (no flames please)

The WS6 & SS both have the same HP ratings (for each year), the FireHawk has 5 more. (i.e. 320/325 in 2000, 325/330 in 2001 because they have the LS6 intake). The Hawk has better suspension than the WS6 or SS, but isn't geared as deep. And it has heat extractors. So if you want to road race, go for a Hawk. If you want to drag race, go the other way.

If you can find one, an SLP SS is at the top of the heap - 345hp and better suspension yet. The WS6 & Hawk have more efficient ram air systems than the SS, and in my opinion a better looking hood & ground effects.

One step further, some people do not like the bigger hood scoops on the WS6 or the Trans Am's bigger spoiler - I do. Also, the Trans Am is heavier than a Formula, but has more options included. So if you want to race, a Formula might be your car. You can find a WS6 in either version. Not 100% sure about Hawks. The SS comes well equipped like a WS6.

Hope that gets you started. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />

SSmashin

Get an SS!!!
The Bowtie adds 10 hp..... <img border="0" alt="[driving]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_driving3.gif" />

02BlueFirehawk

"The Hawk has better suspension than the WS6 or SS, but isn't geared as deep." <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

A firehawk is a standard trans-am, upgraded lid, hood, rims/tires, exhaust-cat-back, logos. Everything else is the same as you would find in a T/A. WS6 is basically similar but without the lid, different hood and exhaust.

Judd

iTrader: (1)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 02BlueFirehawk:
<strong> "The Hawk has better suspension than the WS6 or SS, but isn't geared as deep." <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

A firehawk is a standard trans-am, upgraded lid, hood, rims/tires, exhaust-cat-back, logos. Everything else is the same as you would find in a T/A. WS6 is basically similar but without the lid, different hood and exhaust. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">What he said. Different gearing? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
There isn't enough of a difference to matter to tell you the truth. The Hawks could be ordered with the 1LE suspention which would be about the highest level you could get.
I originally wanted a 1LE WS6 but fiddled around too long and missed out because GM ended the option in 99 {actually, I heard they offered it for a couple of months into 2000-wish I had been a bit sooner}. Might could have the only 2000 1LE. O-well crappy spilled milk. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> I bought a Firehawk once I found out I couldn't get the 1LE.
Anyway, get the one that you like the best, has the options you want ect.

The Kiss Guy

2002 Firehawks have 345 HP compared to 325 and both have 350 ft lbs of torque.

PatMan WS6

WS6 is sent to ASC to have the performance mods installed, while a Firehawk is sent to SLP. Really, if you are going to be a die hard dragsrtip racer, get either a formula or a Z28...these cars are a lot lighter than the optioned out WS6 or SS...also they are cheaper which will add more money in your pocket for mods. If you want looks, go for the SS or WS6...I prefer the WS6 because it has a much meaner look to it...especially the black ones. Good luck and hope you find the ride you are looking for. - Pat <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />

S2S558

the Hawks and ws6's look meaner but the SS has a cleaner look to it if you understand that an...if you want something not many people have or rarer id say go for a Hawk...i hardly ever see one but i might be mistaken not positive....it really boils down to what you like...good luck

S2S558

actually if i had to do it all over again id get another 96 SS or 97...not as many and cheaper to mod..but the LS1 sure is sweet. :p

CRAGER

The Firehawk has the same HP rating.


The Firehawk has the same suspension. SLP offered 1LE or Bilstein suspension option for the Firehawk and the SS's. They are all geared the same.


The heat extractors help but probably not that much. You can road race or drag race with either one.


A "top of the heap" SS with 345hp and better suspension is like saying "top of the heap" Firehawk with 345hp and better suspension because they both had the same options. The Ram Air design might be better but thats where Fast Toys Ram Air comes into play.


Hood scoops, wings, thats all about preferance. To each his own. The WS6 / Firehawk (Trans Am) / Trans Am are a little bit heavy. You have ground effects, headlight assembly with glass bulbs, and electric motors, power antenna, and leather seats with lumbar (which are WAY more heavy than the Camaro leather seats because they lack the lumbar). The SS does NOT come well equipped like the WS6 does. You can have an SS with cloth seats and no T-Tops, it's all about how you order your car. The Trans Am's have leather standard.

No flames dude, just a little FYI.



Peace,
Craig.

CRAGER

2002 Firehawks have 325hp with the option of SLP's "Dual-Dual" exhaust which will bring that up to 335hp, and then you can have the option of the SLP lid which will bring it up to 345hp just like you can on the SS's.



Peace,
Craig.

Jpr5690

iTrader: (13)

OR YOU CAN BUY A WS6 AND PUT A GOOD BORLA ON IT AND A SLP LID FOR LIKE 600 AND HAVE YOUR 345HP PACKAGE A BETTER EXAUST TONE (IMO) AND STILL HAVE SOME MONEY FOR SOME SUSPENSION UPGRADES AND NITTOS. BUT BEFORE WE START THIS WHOLE VALUE FLAME WAR THNG ITS OVBIOUS YOU COLUD ALSO BUY A OLD 98 TA FOR REAL CHEEP AND PUT 15K INTO IT AND BE RUNNING 10'S AND TAKE CORNERS BETTER THAN ANY GM OUT THE ONLY DIFFERENCES I KNOW OF THAT I DONT SEE MENTIONED BESIDES THE COMMETICS AND WHEELS IS CONT THE FIREHAWKS HAVE SOME UPGRADED SUSPENSION COMPODENTS EVEN IF YOU DONT GET THE BLISTEN KIT ALOS IN THAT DONT TEHY USE POLY BUSINGS LIKE I THE WS6 INSEAD OF THE RUBBER IN THE T\A

my1973form

Sorry, Kiss Guy is correct 345HP; the Dual/Dual is standard equipment on a 2002 Hawk