whats the diffrence between a firebird formula and a transam

[bajram]

whats the diffrence between a firebird formula and a trans am

[ReEntry Racer]

From the very first year (1970 I think) there have been two performance versions of the Firebird. The TA was always equipped with some sort of ground effects, spoilers, and various loud decals (Screaming Chicken, etc.). The best engines, brakes, wheels and suspension packages were always available on that model. The Formula was available with a different 'look' that was less extreme, usually less flashy decals, no ground effects, and some years a shorter option list. They could both be equipped with the same performance combinations, like the famous WS6, and the WU6 in later years that converted 99 and up TAs or Formulas to the Firehawk which was the 'second sticker' car from a company called SLP. I've owned TAs, a Formula, and now a Firehawk convertible...they have all been great cars!

[Jon]

Firebird - base model which comes with a Series II 3800 3.8L V6 engine rated at 200 HP. Prior to 1996, the standard engine was a 3.4L V6 with 160 HP with the 3.8L being an option in mid-1995. A 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (4L60E) transmission is available. A performance package (Y87) is also available starting in 1996 which includes a posi rear, rear disc brakes, 3.42 gearing in the A4, exhaust pipes/tips on both sides, and sport steering ratio.

Formula - The high end model. From 1993 - 1995 it came with a 275 HP 5.7L V8 (LT1) engine. In 1996 power was increased to 285 HP by going to a 2 catalytic converter setup. In 1998 the Formula went to the all new LS1 which was rated at 305 HP and 335 ft-lbs of torque. A black roof treatment was standard on all 1993 and 1994, and 1995 models and later offered a roof that was the same color as the rest of the body as an option. A 6-speed (Borg-Warner T-56) or 4-speed automatic (4L60E) transmission is available. The suspension and brakes are enhanced for improved handling. Two available option packages make the car either moderately or fully loaded. "Formula" badges are located on the front driver headlamp and rear passenger bumper. 1993 and 1994 car badges also had a "V8", and white cars with the white wheels for those same years got badges on the front-lower part of each door.

Trans Am - same setup as the Formula, but with specific nose (fog lights and air dam), tail (contoured lower valance), and side ground effects. It has same rear spoiler as the Formula, although an "up-level" spoiler is an available option.

WS6 Option - Ram Air Performance Package (Formula Coupe/Trans Am Coupe) Includes Ram Air induction system, specific tuned suspension, high polished 17-inch aluminum wheels, P275/40ZR17 speed-rated tires, dual oval high polished exhaust outlets. WS6 was the option code was available on both the Formula and the Trans AM.. This option boosted power to 305 HP and 330 ft-lbs torque on the 96 and 97 models. In 1998 the WS6 boosted power to 320HP and 345 ft-lbs torque.

Trans Am GT - available only in 1994, same as the regular Trans Am, but with all the options including "up-level" rear spoiler and GS-C tires coming standard on the car. All 1993 Trans Ams had the GT treatment as standard, but they were not referred to as GTs. In 1995 and after, the treatment got broken down into a number of options like on the Formula.

Firehawk - available as an upgrade to the Formula model starting in 1993. The package include a functional ram air hood scoop and reworked exhaust manifolds (starting in 1995) resulting in 305 HP and 335 ft-lbs of torque (300 HP and 325 ft-lbs prior to 1995). An optional freer flowing exhaust system brings HP to 315 and torque to 342 ft-lbs. The stock wheels and tires are replaced with 5-spoke 17" ZR-1 style wheels with 275/40ZR/17 tires. Hurst shifter and floor mats were available options starting in 1995. Bilstein shocks, stiffer rate springs/bushings, and a larger front sway bar make up the optional Level-II suspension which was an available option starting in 1996 along with a Torsen differential, up-level (Trans Am) spoiler, fog lamps, and car cover (all separate options). "Firehawk" badges replace the "Formula" badges on the front fenders and rear bumper. Badges are also added to the front-lower doors. Stickers showing the HP rating were placed on each side of the hood scoop from 1993 to 1995. All cars were shipped as stock Formulas to Street Legal Performance (SLP) Engineering where the above modifications were made through 1997. After that, GM made the modifications on its own assembly line. Production is limited: 1993 = 250, 1994 = 500, 1995 = 1,000, and 1996 = 500. Twelve 1994 Trans Am GTs were shipped to SLP as pilot cars and were equipped with the Firehawk setup, of which two are 25th Anniversary convertibles and three are 25th Anniversary hardtops. Some of these pilot cars also had headers installed bringing them up to 325 HP (although it's more like 340 HP). Because of late production (est. 7/98) the Firehawk was not available as a 1998 model, but as a 1999 model.

Firehawk/LT4- available only in 1997 with all of the standard and optional Firehawk equipment, but the LT1 was replaced by a balanced and blueprinted LT4 engine with 330 HP. Additionally, they got a new stainless steel exhaust and exhaust manifolds, and a new Bilstein performance suspension set-up. The cars had to be special ordered with a 6-speed transmission, and no T-tops or convertible, and they were then sent to SLP for modification. Production was limited to 100 cars.

Comp T/A - available only in 1995 and 1996 as a Trans Am with all of the standard and optional Firehawk equipment. Silver exterior (plus 5-spoke 17" x 9" wheels and BFG P275/40ZR/17 Comp T/A tires) and a gray stripe (about 6" side) running from nose to tail. The floor mats and headrests got Comp T/A logos stitched in to them. Logos were also painted below the Trans Am badges on the doors and on the front driver headlamp. Production was limited to 200 cars (72 in 1995 and 128 in 1996).

[eltonz88ragtop]

wow jon has too much time in his hands and knows a lot or hes a cheater and ddidnt evenr ead half that stuff and just copied it heheh :P never the less, good info!

[Nin]

im sure he copied it but nevertheless great info

i want a firehawk LT4 1997 :o