Pontiac Firebird Trans Am's WS6 Package Was Insane

What Is The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6?

2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 - Source Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

General Motors was already a major automaker in the US by the time the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was launched. And both Ford and GM have been rivaling each other since the beginning. To counter the Mustang launched in 1966, the Firebird hit the market in 1967. And as the Mustang received some high-performance versions, so did the Firebird as well.

While the Firebird was itself an upscale version of the regular Camaro, the Trans Am made things much better. With the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was available in convertible and coupe styles, the brand offered a bigger and more powerful engine, technical upgrades such as a firmer suspension setup, sportier styling, and an even more upscale interior with optional extras to equip it better.

The WS6 Special Performance Package was developed as a handling option for Trans Am. Ticking the $324 optional package transformed the Firebird Trans Am with a larger diameter rear sway bar, tighter ratio steering box, 15x8 inch snowflake wheels, etc. The WS6 remained in the option list until 1992 with the onset of the fourth generation. In 1996, the package was again introduced however now gulped in more upgrades such as Ram Air Intake resulting in more power, Bilstein shocks, 17x9 inch wheels, etc.

What’s So Special About The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6?

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Convertible Ram Air - Source: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

We absolutely love and respect the Trans Am. However, even if the WS6 is a rare find, it’s still worthy of more love anyway. The first difference noticeable is the pair of nostrils on the hood of the car. The nostrils were added to allow more air flow since the engine was fitted with a big ram air intake. Next up is the interior. The Trans Am was already quite an upscale car in its class but the WS6 did better. Even though everyone did not appreciate the cabin, it looked decent at the least.

The dashboard has a smooth and rounded design and the instruments received red illumination. Other than the adjustable leather seats, the steering wheel also got leather wrapping, the steering column was tilt adjustable, and the shift knob was leather wrapped too. For entertainment purposes, the car received a CD player with a 6-CD changer and a premium Monsoon audio system with 10 speakers.

What About The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Engine And Performance?

LS1 Engine from 1998 Chevy Corvette - Source Rich Niewiroski Jr., CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

As we mentioned before, the 1996 Firebird Trans Am WS6’s motor gets a Ram Air intake, hence the nostrils to breathe better. With the upgraded air intake, the power figures were upped to a solid 305 horsepower from 285 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque from 325 lb-ft. In 1998, the Corvette-derived 5.7L V8 LS1 engine made 305 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque and the WS6 package topped another 15 ponies and 10 lb-ft. The 2002 was the final year for the Firebird where it also gained another 5 horses with the WS6 Performance package offering the same advancements.

As standard, the motor was mated with a Borg Warner 6-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic which was not opted for often. A more powerful motor calls for other mechanical enhancements. As such, the WS6 package equipped the Trans Am with bigger and more powerful brakes with discs on all four wheels. Also, the car came standard with ABS too. But traction control was optional. As for the wheels, the car got a special set of 17-inch wheels which were wrapped with sportier Goodyear F1 GS rubbers that offered excellent grip levels.

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with the WS6 Performance package shoots to 60 MPH from a dead stop in about 5 seconds while the top speed is limited to 162 MPH.