Thats right. Mechanically identical. Plus I doubt the T/As gfx would weigh enough to make any real difference anyway.

 

This reminds me of an episode of That 70s show. Kelso's brother, who is portrayed as a very unintelligent person, (I forgot his name, the guy with the Trans Am) is dating Donna and he says to her "So some guy comes up to me today and starts telling me his Z28 is the same thing as my Trans Am. What a retard."

That one still cracks me up.

 

The engines are identical, the same, no difference.
The variation in GMs Hp ratings are based on 3 things. Ram or cold air hoods, lid, and free flowing exhaust.
Soooooooooooooooooooooooo buy the one that you like the best then if it needs it. Add a lid, cold air kit, and a good cat back.
With these 3 things they are all on equal footing power wise.
I bought a Formula for it's light weight and smooth clean lines then added a lid, Super sucker ram air, and a loudmouth. And it will run with any of the other "higher horsepower" models.
Suspension and handling is a completely different discussion.

 

Man, I thought I was bad at over-analyzing things.

Bottom line: same car, same chassis.

Only differences are the exterior and the interior which is only appearance, not performance.

 

They are the same damn thing, just as everyone is stressing in this thread.

Those of you that think they are totally different, need an education.

 

Just cause I like arguing. (its fun) the WS6 is the best looking outta all the choices between Z's and T/A's. So as far as performance, either or will do. Get the one you think looks better. (Overkill?!)

 

I remember that episode.

I liked the part where they're both talking about his car.

Donna: So... You still have the Trans Am?

Kelso's Brother: Yep.

Donna: I love the Trans Am.

Kelso's Brother: [says really suavely] Everyone loves the Trans Am

 

There is more of a power difference from assembly tolerances than from any "package" (WS6, SS, Z28 etc). Anybody that thinks otherwise has never seen these cars on the dyno. Some are freaks, some aren't, but it has nothing to do with trim level. The Ram-Air for both models is pretty weak and the exhaust is the only power increasing option. I feel bad for people that don't listen before they talk...

 

WS-6/SS- slightly better exhaust than a TA/Formula/Z-28 (still sucks though). WS-6 cars get a slightly taller lower airbox (maybe good for 1 hp).

TA/Formula/Z-28- same

I think Codyman16 was confusing the factory ratings (which are all marketing) for WS-6 T/A's verse so called base Z-28's. The WS-6/SS option is not standard. As was mentioned earlier get a good lid and catback, and the game is even.

 

I prefer the Firehawk over the WS6.

 

They didnt actually show it though did they? I remember in another episode there was a white one, maybe that was when they actually showed it?

 

I may be the only person on earth, but I prefer the flat hood T/A over the WS6, at least on the LS1 cars. I prefer the LT1 WS6 or Hawk over the LS1 cars from a cosmetic perspective, and the LS1 Firehawk over everything.

 

Non WS6 TAs do not have ram air and do not have a taller air box. mechanicaly, they are identical to the Z28.