What are some major differences between the 98 T/A engines and the 98 z28 engines (the 350's). There's a guy locally selling a 98 T/A for a nice price. So I'm just wondering about any major differences.

Thanks.

 

Nothing of any note. The WS-6 T/A's had a taller lower airbaox than all other F-bodies, but that is the only variation.

 

Mechanically they are the same but if anything, to be technical, the Z28 is likely the quicker of the two being that it weighs less then the T/A. The Formula is more of a weight competitor to the Z28.

 

SORRY BUT THEY ARE STEERING YOU IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. the T/A is in fact a better car than the z28. The T/A has a little more horsepower and has much better suspension. i have driven both a z28 and trans am. I say go with a trans am as long as you like the looks.

 

 

hows being gay workin out for ya?

 

Who cares codyman16? We're talking engines, not the entire car. We're all happy that you have driven both and can give us your almighty opinion.

 

as far as i know they are identical, except for the air box opening (didnt know that). also just to clear one thing up the ls1 is a 346ci, not a 350ci. just thought you might want to know.

 

LOL



its the same car

 

You honestly think the z28 is faster than the t/a? where did you find this info. i always heard the t/a was faster ( isn't it rated at 320 hp?) Say what you want but why don't you try supporting your argument with facts instead of name calling. i told you my opinion go ahead and argue it but don't attack me personally.
i wasn't trying to say that the t/a is better than the z28. It may have sounded that way how it was worded but i obviosly dont think that or i would have got a t/a. I was talking about performance only.

 

For what it's worth, when I was looking for a muscle car to buy I drove a '01 Trans Am (non-RamAir) auto. and it felt slower than my car. I didn't check the door panel to see what gears it had, but my car definitely feels faster.

About that 320 HP rating. We all know the LS1 is underrated and the actual motor probably makes about 350 HP, GM could have said the Trans Am has 320 HP without actually doing anything to it, while still covering their @$$es knowing it makes >320 HP. I know it has a more free-flowing exhaust, but it wouldn't make it that much faster than a stripped LS1 F-Body.

There's like 3 different HP ratings for the newer SSs and T/As I think, 325 HP, 335 HP and 345 HP. I highly doubt that every adjustment to the LS1 yielded exactly 10 HP.

I still think all motors make the same HP.

 

I have owned 2 fourthgen Z28's and two fourthgen T/A's. One pair was LT1 and one LS1. Let me start by saying that there is no horsepower difference (WS6/SS not necessarily included), the suspension is the same, and the T/A does weigh a little more, but not much. The difference in weight between my stripper '98 1LE and my loaded 2001 Trans Am was just under 130 pounds. A better reaction time or better shifting can make way more difference than that will in terms of acceleration.

That being said, I will say that I definately prefer the T/A. The Camaro is nice looking, but the T/A has more style (some say gaudy, but such is the risk of agressive anything). The T/A interior, especially the seats, is a nice step up. Camaro seats belong in a Cavalier, not a modern performance car. The flip up lights on the T/A clunk when they close, a bug the Z28 is without.

I have read that the T/A is slightly more aerodynamic, but do not have concrete facts to back this up.

Both are awesome cars.

 

Are you for real??? I'm curious as to how the same DeCarbon shocks and factory springs actually work better on the T/A than they do the Camaro? Granted the WS6 might handle well, the Camaro turns better track times on the road course (due to slightly better weight distribution) according to Car and Driver's August '99 cover story. In a straight line, the WS6 is a hair quicker...mainly due to the fact that its ram air setup is more direct and the lid sits a little higher off the radiator shroud. Personally, I love both cars. The performance between the two is so close, it all comes down to which one you think looks better.

 

All the SS vs. WS6 vs. Cobra tests I read about put the SS in first w/ the WS6 right behind it by very little. No need to mention the Cobra. lol

Correct me if I'm wrong but, the TA isn't rated at 320 hp. The WS6 TA is, but not a regular TA. Thats like comparing an SS to a Z28. I agree, the Formula and Z28 are really closely matched in weight, and yes the TA is a bit heavier. Basically it only boils down to what you like. All the models will have faster and slower cars. Just buy what you like, mod it and go on.

 

Umm...Z/28's and Trans Am's are mechanically identical cars. Same suspension settings, same engine, etc. Just like all LS1 cars, they will run similar times. It's a good idea to do a bit of research before announcing that you are absolutely sure about something. Just a suggestion...


-Mike