2000 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 Review - The Last of Old School American Muscle
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- There's cars, and then there's the dream cars you always wanted to own. For me it was the 4th generation Pontiac Trans Am WS6. Closely related to the Chevrolet Camaro, the Trans Am brought styling that at the time was controversial, but so iconic. Today these cars are becoming relics of the past and have appreciated in value on the market, and thankfully I had the opportunity to experience one for myself.
Follow Boston Auto Blog on Instagram: @BostonAutoBlog
Like on Facebook: / bostonautoblog
Website: www.bostonautob...
It took me literally 19 years to finally get one of these. I believe that even though these cars are 20 years old they still kick ass in The styling department versus some of the new sports cars out there. Sure they might not be the fastest anymore but they definitely keep turning heads everywhere. Needless to say I drive mine every weekend, in nice weather of course.
the only time I don't drive mine is if there's snow or salt on the road.
right on.....the numbers are not great by todays standards but man do they still pull on the torque...i love mine.
For 40 + years I have owned a L82 close ratio 4 speed corvette with the f41 suspension . The forged crank hi nickel block L82
made a great base for modding . I rebuilt the l82 added clevite 77 bearings hi volume oil pump and chrome molly rings all internals were good and were re used and there was almost no bore wear . To the l82 I added a hi lift short duration cam Rhodes lifters( early simple variable valve lift lolo) home ported the stock 2.02 heads and bronze guides and valve springs to accommodate the hi lift cam and a small super charger overdriven and 800cfm vacuum Holley which I boost referenced and big tube hooker headers into 3” dual hand built exhaust and modded and recurved the hei ignition . The cars tons of fun now and painted the car in blue and diamond metal flake which I did in my small detached garage. Not to much on the road can keep up 0 -80 mph and added over loaders shock coils for a Buick to my auto cross shock and to my surprise it took the clunkness harsh ride out but made it stiffer with 0 body lean and it cost $9.99 on sale and I had to cut 1 coil in half to each shock as the shocks are not very tall . So old cars can be made to perform and handle better than 95 % of the new cars and a way more fun
Nothing a few little mods to go faster and unlike most of the cars today the LS platform has one of the largest community of new and used parts.
@@nicholasparreco914 same
Way better looking than most cars on the road
I'm a Trans Am fan all the way through. 3rd generation and up. I grew up with Knight Rider. As I got older, I'd come home with one or two every 6 months or so. Ended up with 12 of them, with my last an 89 GTA. Love the ws6. Thing of beauty.
I traded my 66 Mustang coupe for a 82 TA with every option. Drove it daily for 10 years and 300K. Should have restored it but had to many cars, etc. I prefer a 3rd gen and always wanted a GTA.
12 I doubt that ...
@@richki.24 It's hard to believe but it's true. All you needed to take apart any of it was a 10mm and a Phillips screw driver.
I picked up a 98 Trans Am Auto4sd from the second owner in 2015. 71k miles 7200$. Most fun I had with a car. Spanks RT Chargers and Challengers 392 not so easy. 150k on it now. Water pump,fuel pump, and battery replaced thru the years. Bought a WS6 parts car 2021 installed hood and SlP lid and ram air box. Night and day difference pulls to Redline WOT. Respect the T/A when 🌧 outside!
I’ve owned 4, my current a 2002 Trans Am Firehawk Coupe. 50k miles, perfect condition, love it!
2002 WS6 owner love my car dream car since high school I bought it 10 years ago for 7500 what a steal now you can’t find one under 20k
Great review. I've owned mine since 2004. It was the first nice thing I purchased after college.
Something to point out, this car was very powerful in its day and was well regarded in the racing circles of the early 2000s. Understand, the supra and 3000gt of the time was a 320 hp car and they achieved a legendary status while these cars were mostly forgotten about in pop culture.
This is ironic since both Japanese cars are evolutionary dead ends while the ls1 engines created a legacy that lasted 20 years and influenced several engine generations that came after it. The ws6 cars deserve more credit and a place in automotive history.
These cars get you looks every time you drive them also wether it be mopar guys, mustang guys, Chevy guys, even bikers and people who aren’t into cars can’t really say that for many other modern cars it gets you the attention driving a classic does
I have a 2000 ws6! It’s not perfect but man I love the car! People keep coming up to me to sell it but same answer. NOPE! 150k miles and still driving it stock!
In my opinion, one of the best looking American cars ever made!
I’ve owned mine for almost 20 years, and I still love the car and love rowing through the gears of the 6 speed.
If you want to get the full driving experience of a muscle car like this you need to play classic rock while driving. Then you'll understand the car's driving experience at a deeper level.
i bought a 1999 pontiac firebird formula at the age of 19...im 21 now. i was born the same year my car was lmao. it was my first dream car and i love it. did a cam and some bolt ons and it puts down 426
It’s funny to hear someone of this age realizing firsthand why these cars were so awesome. I️ have a 94 with T-tops (the only way to get them), from the same year I️ graduated HS.
I own one from the year I was born :)
Actually, there was another way to get them besides T-top. They came in hard top coupes.
@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 he was saying that’s the way he prefers them lol
@@notgoncry no shit, wow, I did not know that...lol....
I have a 95 wit t tops.. silver just like the one in the vid.. aka sliver back gorilla!
Beautiful car I have an 02 WS6 keep the breed going.
I sat in one back in 99 at a new car auto show and it's been my dream car ever since. I just bought a 02 convertible ws6 in auto. I'm 45 guess it's better late than never.
Never too late. I'm 51 and still would love to have one!
I bought mine when I was 41 with 72000 miles on it never regretted it. Used it as a daily for a couple years now has 104000 and starts up every time never left me stranded.
@@donnis618 in 51 and I love my ws6.
I have a ‘95 Trans Am had it repainted 2020 corvette rapid blue. Believe me it turns heads. Not the cool aggressive fascia of the WS6 , but slightly understated. Sooo cool.
@greggtaira3633 good to hear you're enjoying the TA.
I bought a low mile 02 WS6 ram air back in the summer of 2011, and I’m glad I did. Still have it to this day, amazing fun American muscle car. I get thumbs up and compliments whenever I take it out. Love it! 👍🇺🇸
FACT: 4th Gen Pontiac's F-body shared ZERO body panels with the 4th gen Camaro. Not any... except the sail panel (roof panel). Nice video thanks for creating it... love the F-bodies!
I bought a 2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 right before the Covid Epidemic. Glad I did. You could never buy that car now for the price I've paid. Had a few issues with it. But I realize it's a 21 year old car. I love it.
Great review on this legend. I always loved these cars and even though I'm a Camaro fan, this WS6 was the best looking 4th gen F body by far! The want is real.
I want both ss and ws6 I have my Pontiac and my eyes on a Chevy. Lol
You should always look over your shoulder for one, corvette side mirrors are smaller and you sit lower (C4 in driveway) but you see fine if adjusted properly (any car really, most don't know how). The firebird always looked better than the camaro, it is the sister to the firebird being the brother imo. Don't label yourself by your age group, labels are fake and there to divide us instead of bringing us together.
Be happy, glad you got the opportunity to drive one, hope your life is treating you wonderfully 😊
How fast is a gti because I think this trans am is still faster i know I own one
to be fair, 2000 isn't the last... 2002 is the last; I should know because I own an 02 WS6
Believe me from a guy who had one brand new. This is a rocket that would eat built Mustangs. This thing would eat any 4cyl turbo or v6 turbos. Power to weight ratio with the underrated horsepower from the factory so the corvette owners wouldn’t be pissed off. Mod these a bit and it’s even more dangerous.
I have an 02, and yes, it does eat mustangs for breakfast, even when it was stock. Now with the top end built, a .605/.609 lift cam, headers and 3" exhaust all the way back, lookout!!
I have a 1995 Trans Am with t-tops and I couldn’t agree more about the t tops.
They expose you so much to the elements and stir some feelings. Looking up at palm trees with the tops off on a summer day by the beach feels so good. You’re outside but you’re still inside. When you drive fast and look to the side at the landscape unobstructed, you’re on the edge. Like when you’re on a rollercoaster or when you were little and your dad gave you a shoulder ride.
You could be at a red light and look up at puffy clouds, it’s like you’re lying on the grass at a park, but you’re not. You’re in a Trans Am.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy the t tops is actually when they’re on in the rain. You look up with a gentle rumble of the LT1 or LS1 soothing your ears, and you see the full force of the storm bounce off a single pane of glass. I get that same feeling you get at a zoo when an animal is close to you on the other side of the glass. The lights scatter through the rain drops, like messy watercolor paints. That’s why a Firebird is so cool. Beautiful on the inside just like the outside. I’ll never give up mine.
i just picked up a 99 for 7k...has 140k on it but the owner maintained well...wanted one for 20 years....i had a 94 z28 with the lt1 but not even close to LS power...these are only going to go up in value when everything is electric in 10 years..
I had a 94 z in my senior year of high school in 03 and for 4 years after. I’ve always wanted one of these trans am, truly a dream car for myself. Hopefully that’s the case soon enough, I hope you enjoy yours
keep your eyes open and dont be afraid of one that might need some work....it will be worth it in the long run..
I can even recall when the price for these f-bodies hit ROCK BOTTOM!!
You can find something wrong with everly single car in the world. But when you finally get your dream car that all goes away. Your video was great and I truly enjoyed it. Finally got me a 98 ws6 and wouldn't trade it for a Lamborghini. American muscle all the way!
got a 98 ws6 as well and added lt headers, and an ls6 manifold and let me tell youuuu
@@DanielHernandez-df7yl Hell yeah!! In storage, can't wait to drive again. Live in northern state
I keep watching this over and over and over……..had a 2000 v6….and have a soft spot for the ws6. You never see them on the road. And when you do…….you really do appreciate it. Even more than a vette or the thousands of jap n German cars out there. This is my next car……
But need these CRAZY prices to come down to reality. 45k asking on some of these is insanity!
I loved your video. I am a proud owner of a Firebird here not far from Africa, where I live, in the south of Spain. I also feel that passion when I get behind the wheel of mine. I loved your video, thank you very much. :D
Still 1 of the best looking american cars on the road - driving lights on and headlights down. Blows the G4 camaros away in the looks dept.
We have 2 WS6s. They live in the garage w/our 07 C6 vert vette.
99 w/LS1 w/4L60E primarily stock. Just had it repainted for my wife.
02 w/heavily worked LS6 and T56. The 5" Sun Super Tach on the A-piller/dash sold me on the 02 - even before i heard it start - heavily cammed, headers, PRC heads, Fast intake, MSD ignition, etc and duel Flowmaster 40s. Once the 02 gets above 5000 rpms, hang on for dear life. Its a completely different car.
Our son, 22yo Ivy leaguer, takes the 02 WS6 every chance he gets.
At least he uses it 👍😁
This was my dream car throughout the entire 2000’s and still would love to have one! I’m only 4 years older than the guy doing this segment & i miss when a muscle car was a muscle car. You had to put muscle into them to achieve what you really want. This over computerized shit is cool and all, but still gotta respect the OG’s.
I completely understand the feeling you are talking about. I get the same thrill when I drive my 02 WS6 convertible!
I graduated in 00. I was THIS close to buying a 2002 WS6. Guy got to the dealer before me that day and purchased it that day. Would still love to own one someday down the road. Loved the styling, loved the grunt of it.
Love my 01 WS6 in black. Best purchase of my life.
I bought a 2000 ws6 convertible new. As I soon turn 60 I still have it with 11250 miles.
Great video! I own a 97 WS6 M6 Bird and everybody in TH-cam just talk about ls1 this lt1 that but no one talks about the icónic design, te he experience, the ttops.. good one!
LT1 was overall decent motor except for that optispark ...
My 98 WS6 runs a 12.85 in the 1/4 with very little work done to it. There aren't many "turbo 4 cyl" cars that can gap me. Matter of fact, they could do laps around me and their little pieces of trash wouldn't look half as good as my T/A so I still win.
Agreed! Lol
Thats what I say I have yet to see a 4cylinder that can gap my 1998 trans am, unless its modified to the gills
Blah Blah. 325 HP to the wheels on a dyno. Now watch videos of modern cars and what they actually dyno to the wheels. Not the numbers they advertise. That's why the TA is still very fast.
07:45, talks about expecting outward visibility to be poor
GM: Laughs in 5th and 6th gen Camaro
Edit: You're right, these are very special cars. Especially for those of us who grew up in this era. This is, in my opinion, an iconic car from my generation. I really love them
Still gorgeous after 19 years
Well I own a 2002 Pontiac trans am WS 6 with 18k miles six speed a 2002 Camaro Z28 with a six speed with 57 k miles. A1991 Camaro Z28 with the 350. It has 36 k Miles a 1987 Camaro Z28. A 1997 Pontiac trans am auto trans. A 1981 Pontiac turbo trans am that is a nascar edition. Only made 2000 of these and mine is number 19. Also a Toyota Supra a 1992 model year last of the MK 3. I also have a few daily drivers.
Bought a 2001 Trans Am ws6 beginning of the month in Pewter with t tops and a automatic. Love the the old school feel and brings me back to high school. I have a 2019 Camaro 2ss 1le 6 speed which is a animal and is night and day to the Trans Am but I love having the best of both worlds. I also am south of Boston.
I’m North of Boston. Have you heard of the performance shop Slowhawk Performance? Best performance shop in our area if you want to modify your LS or LT cars.
Bought this exact car in college, 2000 silver ws6, except had the 6 speed in it. Was an amazing car, a little boaty on the highway, but never let me down. Had a loudmouth exhaust on it and sounded amazing. Sold it for an S4, but I miss that torque and sound. Watching this brings back memories! Great video!
There both 6 speed tansmissions (WS6); you mean that yours was a manual trans.
@@metalmike570 the automatics had a 4l60e which is a 4 speed
I bought a 1982 Trans Am from Tabor Pontiac in Atlanta (no longer exists) that had all the options: WS6 performance suspension, cross-fire double throttle body fuel injection, true air induction from hood rear scoop, true duel exhaust, T-Tops, and Recaro Italian racing front seats.
I had one to!!! It had everything but the Recaros it had vinyl interior with PMD logos and power drivers seat. Had it a decade and was stupid to sell it.
Well I guess it’s a recaro trans am reunion😜😜😜 Mine was a carbed H.O 305/4speed, but I’ve owned 14 trans am’s from a 77 bandit edition a couple 79’s 81 turbo TA the 82 recaro a 84 H.O crossfire trans am a 85 “macho TA” a 86 a 87 Gta a couple 5 speed H.O.z28”s one of my all time favorite f-body’s a 88’ Dale Earnhardt edition IrocZ a 95 trans am and lastly my current a 98 firebird. Loved everyone elf them but like I said the 88 Earnhardt edition the 81 turbo TA, and the rest of the rides is a toss up but maybe leaning more so toward my 98. But trust me when I say it sickens me still to this day that a few of the f-body’s I’ve owned i just wish I was older and appreciated what I had back then,seeing the price all the f-body’s bringing in todays market. More so the rare ones. I’m 51 now and just happy I grew up and was blessed to have lived through every generation except gen 1 and I was a year late for that lol. Anyway thanks for reminding me,it was nice to relieve the memories💯👍🏻😁
@@brettbrannon4775 I think this is the 51 year old forums. Lol I love it.
@@timothythomas1737 haha the forum of legends😜😜😜
@@brettbrannon4775 right. Lol
Still own my 2001 WS6 I bought new. Just under 9,000 miles on it. Also own a 2018 Scat Pack. Even though the Scat Pack is an awesome car, I really enjoy driving the Trans Am more. Nice video!
The first time I saw that nose I think it was at the february 98 new car show where there was a Black TA, and thought "Nailed it!".
Trans Am always been my fav car.1985 marron trans am t-tops 350 dull exhaust was my first car. 77-80 my dream years for one but looking for a white 25th anniversary with the blue whells. Luv your pick aswell
But how are F-bodies known for being unsafe? lol
That's my old car!! It was awesome!
My son owns a red 2000 6 speed ws6, I own a 1973 bird, 455 H. O. 4 speed, and a 1990 ZR-1 corvette. All old school type machines that you have to drive and control. My style, nice video.
Nice collection! I agree the old school cars are just pure. Some new stuff is cool to a degree, but too complex and too many things to go wrong lol.
The 73 is a freaking blast isn't it? I owned an 73 firebird espri I built a nice 455 .060 over old heads nice lopey cam and it was a winner. Now 2002 ws6 6sp still stock I love it too but are completely different cars.
@@timothythomas1737
Yea , I'm all about the old school torque of them 455s. LS platform is a great engine also , I have a 15 Silverado 6.2 , for a heavy truck it will scoot. My dad was a gear head, had a 409 in a 46 Chevy truck, I'm a gear head and my son is too. It's true ,the apple don't fall far from the tree!👍👍🏁🏁
@@TheMrmmkkpro true thank God. I almost bought my old bosses 90 zr1 way back in 2000 for 20g with 10k on it. Still kicking my own ass on that one. But I got to drive it anywhere I wanted "job perks".
That 455 is a beast, but also a gas guzzler probably gets 13 MPG. I wouldn't care though!
Love that car !
Automatic just needs a Transpak, your shifts will be much more responsive & hard hitting.
It’s a great car.
The question isn’t why a Pontiac Trans am, the question is why not!!💯😜😜!! But I sure do love my 98🙌🏻😁
BTW, trust me when I say there are more enthusiasts that say the trans am looks so much better and refined then the same generation of the Camaro. Just join up some of the gen 1-4 f-body groups. I’ve owned all 4 generations of the f-bodies both iroc and trans am and imo the trans am looks better in all 4 generations including the new trans am that uses the Camaro platform, that’s a fact😁
@@brettbrannon4775 IROC-Z knocks the T/A out of the water in Gen 3. All other gens though yes
@@R7U1LE that’s ur opinion as mine is. No way the Trans am doesn’t knocks the IrocZ outa the water. I’ve owned both and all 4 generations, and even tho both are based off the same platform Pontiac just had better designers and went with more of a refined finish look and not so boxy looking😁 but it’s about personal preferences at the end of the day I love f-body’s and it’s kinda like picking out one of the 2 u like better instead of choosing both lol.
To get that manual feel from an auto Trans Am leave it in 3.
Same thing i thought... Listen to the shifts... Shift down to 3 wen need be.... Itll take off!💯💪🏾
I own a 1999 WS6 convertible still under 40,000 miles. After owning a Camaro SS convertible 2016... After watching youtuber I expected a slow and outdated car,,, but I alway love the look. Ooo what suprise I get at the first road test before I bought it.. Floor the pedal and WTF the car was on rage!!.. Me and my gf look at each other puzzle... Alter listening to some youtube hero driver telling you how slow it is from today standard etc etc,, What a bunch of bullshit I tell you.. The WS6 as 335 hp in 3500 lbs.. A Challenger R/T 2013 has 375 hp in a 4080lbs,, And that modern supercar is suposse to smoke a 99 WS6?? Puff NO!..My Camaro SS 2016 was faster,, but did not fell faster. Here what I like about the WS6. The Stering is talkative and you fell the car in curve,,, and I love curve. the WS6 suspension is amazingly good. Put it modern tire and go. The vision is super good on all side (convertible) contrary to the cavern feeling of my Camaro 2016 convertible. The hood feeling is very important to me and it is amazing in a WS6,, you see the 2 hood scoop and the top of the fender. Super cool to drive. Brake are good. The automatic work fine, and in all sport car manual is more fun.
Try one..
Everyone knows the T/A looks better than the camaro…I have never heard someone ever in my life through any generation say the camaro looked better..It’s subjective but it’s almost a fact..
The gti goes 0 to 60 5.6 seconds the trans am 1998 -2002 5 seconds some 2001 2002 in high 4 seconds
Pontiac did not deserve the fate it suffered from
Did you know the automatic is considerably slower in acceleration than the 6 speed? It's not as responsive and doesn't have the top speed as a manual. You can do a lot of upgrades with these cars and make them very very fast. I have seen these with wide bodies. Mini tubbed and over 650hp. Unbelievably unreal car when it's upgraded.
The WS6 makes the z 28 look like a sharecropper!
Regardless if newer cars can pull faster 0-60 times..NOTHING compares to the overall experience. These F bodies were also built from the ground up as performance cars so the handling was/is second to none.
And the feel of the acceleration is unique as well..took my friend’s 16 yr old gear head son for a ride in my ‘77 T/A and before the ride he was completely dismissive of the car and drivetrain. After a drive, he was legitimately impressed..the sound, the feel, and that torque..these cars, all gens are the coolest ever made.
I'm right there with you man. I remember the first time I saw one of these when I was in high school in '94 and the gen was new...it instantly became my favorite car.
It was pretty much the only car I wanted to own for many years.
Stop saying T-tops. It is a T-Top roof. Not plural. It is called that because when you remove the panels the roof is shaped like a T.
I’m 20 going on 21 and these were some of my favorite cars growing up, this, the third Gen viper, and the MK4 Supra were my childhood dream cars. The Viper and the Supra are far outta my range of affordability so I spent the ages 14 to now snatching these cars up and getting as many rare examples as I can for as cheap as I can. I was lucky to land a black on black 00 M6 WS6 for $4,000 and nabbed a 1995 Comp T/A (which was the only way to get a Firehawk in trans am trim before 98). I got two steals for deals and got them both combined for a total of $5,500 which if you’ve ever driven one of these cars it’s an insanely amazing price for what you get. My dad has a 78 Trans Am in the garage and I guess that’s where I stemmed from, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. People swarm my WS6 at shows when I’m right next to hellcats and GTRs because nobody has them anymore and there’s a huge amount of unspoken respect for these cars as they tickle the nostalgia of young gearheads while appealing to older ones at the same time, it’s an amazing platform and an understated hero in American Muscle history
You don't have "horsepower numbers below 350," you have *exactly* 350 hp.
After 20 years they have dipped under 350👍
I’m 28 as well and have the same love for the Trans Am Firebirds. I own 2 of these cars one being a 02 Firebird v6 3800 and this one was my first car and still own to this day and a 35th anniversary collectors edition Trans Am I’ve owned for 11 years and I can say I own my dream car !
My opinion on the Trans am vs the Camaro looks the Trans am has way better looks hands down in my opinion the TA overall is way cooler and just simply everything is better from the interior to the tail lights to the front end all around way more style than the camaro.
I agree the trans am looks better but the camaros with slp grill better headlights nice wheels and lowering it just the right height makes them look so much more aggressive I currently own a camaro and Firehawk both 02 I will never get rid of either one
I have a 2002 collectors edition and every time I drive it people smile. lol kids want to know what kinda car is that a Ferrari lol. Love sound of engine!
I’m only 17 and I love classic cars such as this one. I’m looking to get one relatively soon.
Great video!! I used to own a 98 TA that I regret selling. I’m actually looking at a 2002 TA with low mileage to buy.
Nice ride indeed. Being that GM has a really lack of quality control, perhaps it's best that the TA went out strong!
I cry everyday in my sole fir selling mine :( I had lost my job and it was the only way I could afford my life at the time … I would totally buy another one in a heart beat
GREAT VIDEO! Just got a 2002 WS6 myself. BEfore that I had a 99 non ws6 but it had a nice cam. Born in 1995, I also relate with you on this subject.
"all cars he has driven" At age 20 lol
The Pontiac WS6 will someday be the new 57 Chevy 2dr hardtop.
I actually had a 2002 WS6. I bought it brand new. Then ended up selling it to buy a 2015 Z/28. Which I bought in Norwood, MA.
The Pontiac Trans Am was always in my opinion a special car. It was the rarest of the ponycars compared to the Camaro or Mustang. It's a shame Pontiac no longer exists. Would've been cool to see a 6th generation retro style Firebird to compete with the new ponycars of today. This is definitely my favorite of the Firebirds. They are fast look great and actually ride very smooth.
I’ve had 3 Firebirds in my life…My first car was a 69 Firebird 350HO..My 2nd was a brand new 1975 Sterling Silver TransAm…I currently own a 2002 1 of 9 Maple Red Metallic TransAm Convertibles made in 2002….By the way, you can manually shift that 4 speed auto using the floor shifter…..
The 98-02 Trans Am is my dream car. At 20 I’ve got a 99 convertible Firebird and I’m slowly starting to save for a trans am
My dad gave me his 1996 Pontiac Trans Am. It was in red and my dumbass crashed it going 80 in the rain. I was 19 and was working on buying new rims and fixing it up a little bit. One of the biggest regrets in my life.
Whoa I’m 19 now😣sound like something I’d do too
Beautiful design. It looks just as good as the 5th gen Camaro if not better..
I got my 94 trans am and that torque and body style turns heads
In the US? Imagine myself in Europe. Kids almost unscrew their heads while walking on pavement. 😁
I've owned 6 trans am in my life. I currently own a 2000 with a rear mount sts turbo stage 3 clutch... and tuning. Nothing against the auto model... but there is no comparison too a 6 speed. I'm pushing 620 too the crank 557 too the wheels. Nothing like the last American bad ass.
I want to get one of these so bad. Need to secure a steady job first though…
Yeah great car my brother has a 2000 WS6 in red /w T - Tops & 6 speed I had a black 94 T/A T - tops automatic Light gray cloth interior I don’t like leather and I can’t drive manual transmission in a car or light truck but I do drive semi trucks with 10 and 13 speed gear boxes are easier compared to a car cars are difficult to take off in with a stick a semi you can put it in the lowest hole and idle off with a load on
It’s crazy when you think about how fast The V8 engine has become basically the V6 engine today is what the V8 was yesterday and the V8 today is what the V10 was yesterday.
I have 98 like this in the Sebring silver, but with the flat hood. The Ram air hood is not functional from the factory. You have to drill and cut to make the hood nostrils work. The air box is about 3/4 of an inch taller on the Ram air version compared to the flat hood. I love my car, the best looking in my opinion. I get people wanting to buy it all of the time here in Vegas. I hardly ever see Tran Ams anymore.
My first car in HS was a 99 Trans Am. Same silver color. I'll never forget this car. They're so hard to come by these days, and the prices have skyrocketed. I currently have a C7 Corvette but I would gladly trade it for a 6 speed T/A.
You didn't truly live the dream without the 6 speed.
Very cool! I grew up with and still have my dads 1974 Trans am 455, and proceeded to get a 2000 firebird for my first car in 2011 which I still have as well.
Absolutely beautiful. The silver really is striking. I wish I could own one.
I bought a 2002 as an investment and after getting it, it is more of a daily summer car. I love it.
I have a 2002 WS6 pewter color with 9,800 miles in my garage awesome car this is the second one ive owned a collector car for sure impossible to find these days.Also have a torred scatpack challenger shaker 6.4 liter 392.
6:12 I will tell you why you feel different. The steerring column is mechanical linked physically to the Rack and Pinion. And you are driving with a Cable throttle body. Your foot directly connects to the throttle body. If you sneeze wrong you will light up the tires! I have 2 Trans Ams and a 2014 R/T Charger as my DD and These new cars DRIVE DIFFERNT! I do not necessarily like the throttle response, Anti-skid, shifting and steering feel. And then you have to program the ECU to shift a certain way and the electronic throttle to do this a certain way blah blah. Lemme tell you my 6 speed t56 I shift the way I wanna Shift! I get throttle response not now but RIGHT NOW!
I bought a pewter T-top Trans Am 6-speed WS-6 new in late 1999. It still looks and smells new with 4,400 miles on it. It's in a climate-controlled garage where I take it out on rare occasion. I love the car, a very visceral experience that I enjoy driving more than my 2017 ZL 1 Camaro automatic sitting next to it. It ain't all about HP numbers. Sad to see Pontiac dead after what seemed to be a really good run!
Eh I could never do that sitting on a car and almost never driving it. I recently got a 97 WS6 6 speed manual with 85k miles and I had originally planned to only drive it a thousand or less miles, but the car is so enjoyable to drive I will probably break that promise. Love ‘em, drive ‘em. Miss out on so much staring at it in the garage.
@@Someguy6571 Someone offered me $10K for it, and I sold it.
3:40 Beautiful
I just found out that the 98 & 99 models 4L60E transmission have been setup to automatically go through gears when placed in 2nd and 3rd manually. Ex: 3rd gear manually causes a 3 gear auto setup which changes by itself. Placing the trans in 2nd gear manually does the same with a 2 gear setup.
The 00,01& 02 does not have this option. Placing the trans in 2nd gear is simply 2nd gear. Same applies to 3rd gear. Kinda like what is done for trucks to haul heavy loads.
The thing about these cars is the performance per dollar. Stock they are just as fast as your typical sti of today from a roll. And for very little money they can be damn quick. Mine just has full exhaust and a cam and it makes 400 at the tires. In these cars that's enough to absolutely spank 392 mopars, and ls3 camaros. Like it's not even close. And I have less than half the money into my ws6 than a new V8 pony car. That's including the price of the car.
Great video! I remember when the Motor Trend issue came out with this car on the cover; I was immediately sold! I finally got one two years ago. Mine is not a WS6, bit I wanted a 02 and found a WS9 TA with an 08/02 build date that was too good to pass on. It was a one owner, black over black with Hurst shifter and every other option other than the Ram Air, I guess the original owner didn't like the hood?!?!? 🤷 Needless to say it's the best car I've ever owned and my son has already claimed it!. I was lucky enough to score a true ws6 hood during lockdown, so waiting to have it painted and installed for the "look." I hope you find your's!!!
Would you say this car is more of a Camaro alternative, or a Corvette alternative?
i had a 89 camaro and a 96 camaro. i would love a 98-02 WS6, but i would want a manual. currently i have a bonneville SSEi (with mods)
The 2nd row seats are definitely not useless. Compared to the back seats of today's camaros/mustangs & Japanese sports cars, the Firebird back seats are surprisingly roomy. The head room was enough to actually fit adults in the back seat.
I’m a mustang guy but always liked those trans am’s … almost bought one back in late 80’s but got a 5L mustang gt … if it puts a smile on your face that’s all that matters.