Why the 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 is now the best car ever made
The engine revs climb to a crescendo and the tire-shredding torque kicks in as the clutch is released. One might expect it to breathe fire, but instead you are greeted with something even better: loud, deep crackling exhaust notes. The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 is the most beastly bird in the flock, and the split front grille resembles a dragon’s wide nostrils. Fire breathing, indeed.
The WS6 performance package beat many era competitors with a 6,200 RPM-limit, 5.7-liter displacement and 350 lb. ft. of torque, including any Fords (sorry Ford lovers). It’s the kind of car that you drive proudly (but cautiously…) through a school parking lot to show kids what a real car looks like. Growing up, I was one of those kids, and have wanted one ever since I caught a glimpse of a black WS6 rumbling through the school grounds, only to disappear via squealing tires. I didn’t know what that mystery vehicle was at the time, but once I discovered it later in life, I immediately remembered.
Although in production from 1998-2002 as a coupe, convertible or T-top (the best of both worlds), the 2001-‘02 models are my preference. Similar to prior years, the cars received a 5.7-liter V-8 LS1, but with a few improvements. By this time, a six-speed Hurst shifter was available, and technologies developed for the LS6 were being incorporated. For example, a billet-steel camshaft increased horsepower by five and allowed for greater torque delivery in the lower rev range. Reduced tolerances in the crankshaft eliminated any cold-knock observed in earlier models. A Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor guaranteed optimal performance at any air temperature, and a set of PUP catalytic converters (added for emissions) allowed the LS1 to be fitted with cast iron exhaust manifolds, which are not only more durable and cost-effective, but also improve exhaust flow. Also worth mentioning are larger fuel injectors for increased volume, resulting in maximum fuel delivery, which in turn allowed more options for aftermarket power increases.
In 2002, the WS6 Trans Am rolled off production lines with 325-horsepower achieving 0-60 in under five-seconds. But depending on an owner’s budget, this car is fully capable of producing over 500-horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque. There are even insane twin-turbo 1,000-horsepower examples.
Horsepower is a brag-worthy number, but torque is what a driver really feels, and this car has the perfect horsepower-to-torque balance. The WS6 will shred tires and throw you back into your seat if you so desire. The overall styling pairs perfectly with the performance: bold and sensual. I will take one beastly Firebird in black with T-tops, please.
whts it cost to remove the california emmissions and where do I DO IT?
I don’t know. I mean I get it, they’re cool and fast cars no doubt..and I’m a huge Pontiac and F-body guy, but “the best cars ever made”? Leaving 90’s-00’s GM build quality and the huge amount of cheap materials within aside, there has been better cars…better Firebirds even. I’m not really a huge fan of the 90’s jelly bean meets bar of soap styling as whole. While the WS6 TA does a decent job of mitigating it, its still not what I would call beautiful. Of course that is subjective. But I would argue that the thirdgen cars are much more aesthetically pleasing. A late 80s GTA or Formula for example, are still aggressive looking but with a much cleaner design. While they don’t have the technology or power of the later cars, they’re still plenty fun to drive and if you’re wallet is deep enough, can be made just as fast. Also, they handle better.
Just as a side note, I was a Pontiac salesman from 94-00, so I’m pretty intimate with these cars. Plus, I’ve owned 2 Thirdgens-a Trans Am and a Formula, and one Fourthgen-a 97 Formula.
Just wondering what your driving? I own a black 2002 Trans-Am with the WS-6 package. It has a few extra’s all centered around my Pro-Charger with twin air to air inner coolers. It has long tube headers, cat back exhaust into 3″ pipes. It has larger injectors to keep up with the demands of the supercharger for fuel. Many other modifications, as I said, all centered around the Pro-Charger. Soon, It will have AFR heads. It makes 537HP and 475 torque to the rear wheels. Its not the car you would take if you were going to get stuck on the freeway in stop and go traffic as it does get a little warm. Other than that it is mild mannered enough to drive through town and take to the drag strip on weekends. No I have never raced it…as of yet. I am afraid I will break either the transmission of the read end.
I have a 2002 Black on Black WS6 T-Tops Manuel Firebird Trans Am with 19,893 miles on it. All original and for sale.
How much?
Is it still for sale? If so, what is your asking price and where are you located?
Do you all have the in s good l s engine not dog out grandma love
I just purchased a 1 owner, 2002 Trans Am Convertible Collector Edition with 38,000 miles on it. Has a fully built engine with AFR heads, 1000hp capable. Has a Procharger, 650hp or hit nitrous & 850hp. I’m generally a Mustang guy, have owned many built ones including a Whippled 03 Cobra. As soon as I saw this car on Ebay though, decided to buy it. Drove from Indiana to Long Island & trailered it back. The owner had $30k in the build with only 5,000 miles on it since & I paid $28k for the car, with a smile on my face.