What is a Firebird? TransAm?

[Silencer_Nate]

Ok...this may be a simple question with a simple answer, but I'm sure I'm not the only one with this question...

What is the difference between a Trans-AM (Trans Sport?) and a Firebird? And secondly, where does Firehawk come into play with a TransAM?

I thought about going through the forums, but decided it didn't pull up on a search and I'm am too lazy to go through every Firebird thread.

Much help appreicated!

[petereggy]

the difference is options and engines mostly what years are you looking to find the difference between?

and a firehawk is the product of an aftermarket company taking a trans am and installing new items on it such as interior stuff exhaust and susupension

[Silencer_Nate]

I'm curious towards the newer 4th gen 'birds (mainly the last('02) version). I know Pontiac had several options for each. I hardly consider the V6s TRUE F-Bodies, even if the chassis is the same (don't comment, its just personal). So as for the V8 engines, which I believe are Chevy LS1s... what would the differences be between the Firebird and TransAm?

[petereggy]

I think its hood and other options like the WS6 option i dont know if those were avalible for firebirds...

ls1 is a chev engine but it was used in firebirds and camaros i belive the lt1 was avalible too

[Silencer_Nate]

Its my understanding the LS1 engine is a newer, more powerful engine that was originally ripped out of a corvette, which replaced the LT1 engine because it had more HP than the LT1. I've heard much about the WS6 engine, but I haven't heard any specifics as to performance, nor how it compares with the LS1/etc. engine.
Besides the obvious hood and cosmetics (leather seats/exhaust) is there a major difference between the two?
Maybe a better question would be: What is the best (performance-wise)stock Firebird/TransAM money can buy? I've heard the TransAM Firehawk is the best. Is this truth or rumor? What is the counterpart for the Firebird? (if it has one)

[BlkCamaroSS]

There's alot of stuff flying through this thread, so let's work on it:

Firebirds of recent memory have been relegated to V6 status. The only Firebirds with Firebird on the back end are V6's. Then there's the Formulas and Trans Ams. Both are V8 powered, but the TA is the more well equipped of the two, more opinions, more good looking goodies, etc. The Formula is basically a V6 body with a V8 engine in it. Both the LT1 and LS1 powered F-bodies had engines derived from Corvette powerplants. They were detuned, though, because GM didn't want any competition for the Corvettes.

That said, the Firehawk is a different story. The Firehawks are modified Trans Ams and Formulas that were modified by SLP. Street Legal Performance is a company that originally started modifying TA's into Firehawks in the early 90's with the 3rd Gens. The differences between the two Firehawks, look at the spoiler. A Formula Firehawk still retains the Formula spoiler, while a TA Firehawk retains the high TA spoiler. In 1996, they started modifying Z28's into SS's as well. It wasn't until 1998 that Chevrolet sanctioned these modifications, and the SS nameplate was once again owned by Chevrolet. Chevrolet sent their Z28's (so did Pontiac with the Formulas and TA's at this time) straight from the assembly line to the SLP plant where the correct modifications were given for each car (several options available for each conversion), and then all of the cars were sent back as SS's and Firehawks to the St. Therese Plant in Quebec for quality inspection by GM officials. From here, these vehicles were put on trains and sent to their final destinations.

As for the WS6 engine mentioned, there is no such thing. All of the V8's in the 4th gens are either LT1's (93-97) or LS1's (98-02). The WS6 option was a performance package, a suspension/brake upgrade made by ASC. This group is similar to SLP in the way it modifies cars, with changing the hood to a Ram Air hood on a TA as well.

As for the best performance, the highest rated F-bodies came out in 02, the 345hp SS's and Firehawks. These ones had a better flowing airlid and an SLP free-flowing exhaust to help with these gains. There were also 335 and 325 hp versions of these cars available as well, depending on the year that it was made in.

Hope that helped out.

[Silencer_Nate]

Thank you BlkSS, your insight helps a lot. Its sad to hear that the original Firebirds are V6s, but so be it. That said, my question has been answered, thank you.

[BlkCamaroSS]

What I do know is history, not so good with the mechanical side

[The LH]

history is good!!

[IthePeople]

the trans am is the top of the line model (it is still a firebird)
it goes
firebird, formula then trans am
firebird is your base model
formula is more upgraded with options and trans am is a loaded firebird
now as for the firehawk it is simply an aftermarket comany affiliated with GM that takes a limited amount of cars and transforms them into affordable high performance street legal cars, much like saleen does with the mustang

[BlkCamaroSS]

LOL, like I said...

[IthePeople]

my bad i was too lazy to read all the replies so i just replied with what i know

[BlkCamaroSS]

No problem.

[Street Machine]

If I may interject .......

I own a Firebird coupe (v6) and a Firebird Formula (v8), theres a picture in my signature of both.

Im not sure of the actual numbers, but I believe that a Formula and a Trans Am are roughly the same in Horse power, +/- 5 HP. The Trans Am has more luxury options, and a bigger spoiler. Also the Trans Am has a different Fog Light grouping than the Formulas.

The difference is when you get into the WS6 package. Mostly found on Trans Ams, the WS6 package could also be purchased on a Formula. The WS6 package gives you exhaust and braking options like blkSS said, it also gives you a bigger hood for more improved air intake. GM claims that extra air intake gives you a 5 - 10 HP boost over the standard LS1 Motor which turns out 310 Horses (factory specs).

I have a 2001 Formula that has leather interior, power seats, t tops, a cd player, 8 speaker monsoon sound system, a 6 speed hurst short throw shifter, chrome wheels, and a K & N filter complete from the factory. I find it hard to believe that so many Trans Am owners think they're any better than a formula unless they have the WS6 package.

As for the Firebird Coupe (v6) ...... its good for beginners. and it looks the part. Its true that the Formula is in a Firebird body, but the Formula has better suspension, gears, motor, tranny, brakes .......

just to clear up a mistake someone mentioned earlier. The FORMULA does say firebird on the rear panel between the tail lights. It only says Formula on the doors. The v6 firebird says firebird on the tail panel as well as on the doors......

FYI - the beauty of a Formula is that its markings make it a street sleeper, meaning people dont always notice what you've got under the hood until its too late. It makes for many embarassed mustang owners.

PS a Pontiac Trans Sport is a mini van...... ! WOW, dont get them confused.

[Street Machine]

The Firehawk (trans am) and the Firebird GT(firebird coupe) are both performance packages added to trans ams by SLP Performance Engineering. (Street Legal Performance), an after market company located in Toms River New Jersey. www.slponline.com


They mostly consist of 1 inch wider and 1 inch higher wheels as well as a different spoiler, more like an enlarged firebird spoiler than a trans ams, new decals on the doors and tail, an embroidered head rests, and rear deck mat. SLP loud mouth exhaust, better brakes, K & N intake if you dont already have it.


and a few other little things. Truth is they arent really any faster than a WS6 package.

If you dont know about TA's versus Firebirds and Formulas than you probably dont know about this, but SLP turns out cars similar to the way we use to have YENKO Camaros.