I picked up a '96 WS6 a couple days ago and have been playing around with it a lot. It's an M6 with about 24k on the clock. I previously owned a Ford Probe, so this is an entirely different beast to me. I have just a few questions that are probably all completely foolish, but it'd make me feel better to just get my opinions reaffirmed.

First of all, when going over bumps etc. (Michigan roads, anyone?), I can hear some clunking coming from the rear end. My father owns an older Corvette and says this is normal with these kind of cars, but I'd just like to double check.

Second, there is a fairly high-pitched whine coming from the engine. A buddy of mine said it may be coming from the MAF or throttle body, but not too sure on that one. It's mainly noticable when I turn the engine off; the whine kind of dies off in the span of a few seconds. The closest thing I could compare it to is the sound of a drill bit. Is this just air going into the engine or something?

Another thing that kind of irks me is the temperature. I picked the car up about 250 miles from home, so it was quite a drive on the freeway. The entire way home, the temp stayed around 185 or so. In city driving, especially when I'm stopped or just leave it idling in the driveway for a few minutes, the temperature jumps to upwards of 220 or so. I'm assuming this is normal for cars with bigger engines? It doesn't seem to climb much over 220ish, and after a few minutes it even seems to go back down a little.

Only a couple more here; this is getting kinda long! In the Probe I used to cruise along at around 2200 RPMs or so; if I went any lower it would almost bog - it certainly didn't like running much lower than that for long periods of time. In the Trans Am, however, it doesn't seem to mind being driven at a measly 1400 RPMs or so. Is this fine to run around revving this low?

When I purchased the car, the previous owner said he'd installed an airfoil and a new filter. I haven't checked on the airfoil yet; I plan on doing that soon. I did check the filter though, and it's a foamy mess. I believe it used to be red, but it's now entirely black. I'm assuming that when the filters get old and nasty it severely restricts the airflow. I've read a bit on the Holley filters; would this be a logical replacement? Would the Holley require cleaning, and if so would I have to purchase a kit for that?

And my final question: I always hear people telling me how big of an issue traction is. As I said, this car is an M6 with 24,000 miles on it, and it still has the original tires. I haven't even attempted a launch yet, as I'm still getting used to this vehicle, but I have given it some gas through some of first and second. I *think* I can get the rear spinning in the top of first, as the RPMs jump up so fast I think it's just spinning, but I can't really hear due to the exhaust. In second, however, I can't break them loose at all, I don't think. In the 1-2 shift they don't seem to spin either, but I've shifted VERY easily and taken my time - no dropping the clutch on the shift etc. Is this normal? I'd hate to hear I have a lemon already! I would expect that because the tires are so old I would be having more traction problems than most.

Well that oughtta do it. If anyone can help me out on even a couple of these questions it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

This could be anything from a loose exhaust hanger to nothing at all, you’re going to have to look into it a little more.

Sorry not sure but could be a vacuum leak or something.

Try flushing the coolant and replacing it because it is probably pretty old, with such low mileage it could be the factory stuff that has been sitting in there for about 7 years or so, flushing and replacing it should help.

This will not hurt the car at all the only reason is the probe didn't have the power or the gearing to help it that low and the f-bodies do. That’s what you get for having a ford first, a skewed point of view

Also if the filter was a K&N filter (RED) then get a K&N recharger kit it will clean the filter, they are cleanable filters and just like the Holley you said you wanted to replace it with.

 

Lt1 cars are designed to run hot, gm did this for better emmisions, you should get a fan switch and a 160 thermostat for longer engine life and better power.

The owner before you could have put alot of pressure in the rear tires, the more pressure the better traction, at least thats what i have found on my 235's when i had lower pressure in them i could not get traction at all, believe me it is a good thing that you have traction.

 

First of all a 96 with 24K is really good. So congrats for finding a low miles LT1!!! Second, you will get used to having a car with ALOT more power. The temp thing is normal on our cars. At a light it likes to shoot up until the fans kick on which is late. You can get around this by installing a fan switch and a 160 degree thermostat. Are you planning on modding it?? If so then just get the K&N FIPK(cold air intake) instead of just the filter. It will give you some ponies and make you run better. The traction thing sounds about right. Its not going to chirp 2nd unless you can hit that 1-2 shift good. Also check and make sure the ASM(traction control) is not on. I hate that damn thing. And if you WANT to loose some traction then start moddin'. What kind of exaust do you have on it and are their any other mods??? I think all of your other questions were answered already.



Chris

 

Hey guys! Thanks for the replies. Yes, I do plan on modding it, but I first have some car payments to make. As far as the CAI is concerned, wouldn't just the filter do me fine as I have the ram air? Also, the tires on there right now are 275's - could that be why traction isn't an issue? I'm assuming that the factory WS6 wheels were wider? Also, could the whine from the engine just be the air moving through the intake? Thanks again!

 

yeh, 275's will give you PLENTY of traction on a stock lt1!

 

Alrighty. Now can anyone answer that whining problem of mine? I just took it out a few minutes ago, and it seems to really get loud in the upper RPMs. I was getting onto the freeway and gave it some gas in 2nd, then when I shifted to 3rd I could hear the whining kind of die down with the RPMs. I'm assuming it's just the intake? Thanks!

 

Can anyone help me out here? I'd like to get this whining issue out of my mind. Thanks!

 

It could be your intake. Just by a CAI IMO. Mine has the same whine you're talking about and i think its the alternator. 8 years on the original is a lot from what i hear. Thats probably the next thing to go............................................



Chris

 

The temp thing happens to me to it's all good.

 

The only thing I can think of for whining is the Ram Air could be making that noise. Not sure though.

 

Alrighty. And what kind of filter should I grab to swap in there? I understand that the K&N isn't meant for the WS6? Would a Holley work just as well?

 

im sure anything besides the OEM paper filter will be good

 

Well the previous owner put some off-brand foam filter in it, but it's dirty as hell. Would this suffice for now, or would a different filter provide some improvements?

 

my rear lower control arm bushings are bad and this causes clunks in the rear end.