Hello guys,

I am looking at a 1998 Trans Am, and have a question. It says WS6 on the back, but does not have the Ram-Air hood or chrome wheels. Is that normal? Did all WS6 cars in 98 have the hood and chrome wheels? I am thinking maybe there was a few WS6 cars in 1998 that slipped out without the hood and all, since that was the first year for the new front end, LS1, etc. Any help would be great!

 

I'm not 100% sure, but I think every LS1 WS6 has 17" wheels and the Ram Air hood.

 

Yes WS6 have 17" wheels stock. Sounds like someone put badges on the car. Run the VIN.

 

Is there an accurate place online to decode a VIN?

 

I believe if you look in the RPO codes listed on the car you will see WS6 listed

 

Try here: http: www.carfax.com

 

I already ran a carfax, and it don't specify whether the car is a WS6 or not.

 

Open up the driver's door and look at the RPO code sticker on it and check if you see WS6 towards the end.

A few examples of RPO codes are:

Z28
LS1
GU5

 

What's the final gear ratio? WS6 will have a 3.42.

 

A WS6 will have the same gear ratio as any other TA/Firebird with the same tranny.

 

Factory WS6 Package for '98:
(no firehawks this year)
Twin scoop hood and air-induction package (320hp)
Standard with six speed, or no cost four speed automatic
17 inch high polished 5 spoke cast aluminum wheels with WS6 center caps.
Single exhaust tip.

Year Production:
Formula WS6: 223 (includes 14 1LEs)
Trans Am WS6: 2,273
Trans Am convertibles WS6: 339

That's the 98's. Period. Badging is easy and cheap.

 

Thanks guys.....it's not a WS6.

 

Anything I should know about the LS1?? Are they just as reliable as the LT1? (not counting the optispark of course)

 

The only thing I've heard about, possible piston slap on the pre-2000 models.

 

What exactly does this piston slap cause? Is it something that is only *annoying* but won't actually hurt anything, or is it something that HAS to be fixed??