FAST

FACTS

Buyers could choose between the base V6 Firebird, the top of the line V8 Trans Am, or the “sleeper” V8 Formula. The Formula lacked the aggressive body kit of the Trans Am (saving almost 50 lbs) and looked virtually identical to the V6 Firebird. The infamous WS6 option was a performance package that could be had with either the Trans Am or the Formula in 1998 and 1999. Starting in 2000, the WS6 was only available on the Trans Am
The top-of-the-line WS6 “Ram Air Performance & Handling Package” ($3,290) added a Ram Air intake and a hood with fully functional twin induction nostrils. This composite hood was one of the wildest factory hoods ever installed on a production car
In addition, the package includes a less restrictive dual-exhaust (2.5″ muffler outlet and tailpipe vs 2.25″), WS6 specific suspension (including stiffer suspension bushings and larger front sway bar (32mm), power steering cooler, and 17″ wheels
While 1998 and newer WS6 Trans Ams came exclusively with the base Corvette’s LS1 engine, there are a few documented WS6 Trans Ams in 2001 and 2002 that came with LS6 engine blocks originally designated for the Z06 Corvette (the block only, not a complete LS6). Apparently, GM’s engine plant in Mexico was overstocked with LS6 engine blocks at the time, and Pontiac had to use the LS6 block in place of the LS1 block on a few WS6 cars
Both the Camaro SS and WS6 Trans Am were underrated by the factory on purpose, as GM wanted the Corvette to appear the most powerful on paper. In reality, all 3 cars produced the same amount of power (same engine). In fact, the ’01/’02 Trans Am and Camaro could be optioned in a way (such as the Camaro’s SLP package with unique intake/exhaust system) that allowed them to produce more power than the Corvette, albeit only slightly

5.7L V8 LS1	6spd manual (T56)
325 hp @ 5200 RPM ('01+)	350 lb/ft torque @ 4000 RPM ('01+)
0-60 MPH: 4.8 seconds	Top Speed: 164 MPH
Base Price in 2001:	$31,250

Key Model Year Changes:

1998
This body style was produced from 1998-2002 and is still considered part of the 4th gen family, which started in 1993 1998 was a radical mid-cycle refresh, dropping the LT1 for the LS1 This is the only year for a single outlet exhaust on the WS6 cars
1999
Final year for the Formula WS6 New 16.8-gallon non-metallic fuel tank increases range New Zexel/Torsen II LSD Improved braking performance thanks to a new electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) system that replaces the previous hydraulic proportioning valve A Hurst shifter is now available on V8 6spd models w/ power steering cooler
2000
The WS6 option is now only available on the Trans Am coupe and convertible. It is no longer available on the Formula
2001
Power is increased (+5hp, +10 ft lbs) thanks to an updated camshaft and LS6 intake First year without EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) The new camshaft came from the Vortec truck engine, resulting in improved low-RPM torque and a broader torque curve Engines now use 28 lb fuel injectors, vs 26 lbs in the previous year First year of the updated 5 spoke Speedline wheels All manual transmission cars now use the clutch from the Z06 Corvette Final year of the cassette tape deck option First year of the 5 spoke wheels
2002
2002 MY cars (final year) are nearly identical to 2001 models