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FLASHBACK PONTIAC TRANS AM WS6
In light of 2024 being the last year for Chevrolet’s iconic Camaro, we thought it might be a good time to remember GM’s other extinct Pony Car, the Pontiac Trans Am WS6. The last time we saw the top-tier Firebird was in its fourth and final generation which spanned from 1993 to 2002. Within that generation, 1998 marked a mid-cycle refresh with an updated front fascia, arguably the most aggressive ever made for a production vehicle.
Backing up that sinister look was the powerful 5.7-liter LS1 V-8 (for 1998 and up models). With its aluminum block and heads, that small block served as the ultimate hand-me-down from the WS6’s big brother, the Chevy Corvette. Rated at 325 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque at its peak, the WS6 allegedly made less power than the ‘Vette due to a slightly more restrictive stock exhaust. Backing up that power was either a 4L80E four-speed automatic or Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission. Opting for the auto meant taller 3.23 rear gears (to compensate for the two fewer gears and allow for comparable fuel economy). At the same time, the stick-shift cars got a shorter 3.42 rear end, enabling the WS6 to melt its steamroller-sized 275/40ZR-17 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires at a moment’s notice.
Checking in with a curb weight of 3477 pounds, the WS6 was just a couple of ticks off the Corvette’s pace, which kept the GM hierarchy intact and purists happy. But, even with its slightly heavier mass, Motor Trend was quoted ripping the WS6 from 0-60 mph in a scant 5.0 seconds flat and through the quarter mile in just 13.2 seconds at 108 mph in November of 2023. Top speed was a claimed 160 mph, which was several mph higher than the Camaro SS, giving
some credence to the actual functionality of the Trans Am’s Ram Air hood. Despite being a 300-plus horsepowered hot rod, the WS6 could also post a relatively impressive 19/28/23 city/highway/combined mpg, which is a credit to the car’s well-engineered gearing and efficient small-block V-8.
But the WS6 package was about more than straight-line performance. Despite its live-axle rear end, Pontiac gave the uber T/A re-valved DeCarbon shocks, beefed-up bushings, higher spring rates, and a fatter 32 mm front sway bar. Along with the wider F1 tires, the WS6 was capable of posting just shy of 0.90 g of lateral acceleration, which was an impressive number for the early 2000s. Larger 11.9-inch front and 12.0-inch rear brakes allowed the fabulous Firebird to stop from 60-0 mph in 120 feet.
Though it may be gone, the Pontiac Trans Am WS6 is far from forgotten. With its final 2002 MSPR of $27,895 for the base Trans Am and another $3,290 for the WS6 package, those prices are starting to look like a bargain to collectors. Unlike the Mustang and even the almost-gone Camaro, the fourth generation of the Firebird was the last we’ve seen of this mythical muscle car. So, with nothing since to compare it to, that final WS6 and all the indelible “wow, what is that?” memories it created have stood the test of time and live on to this day. So, although we will miss the Camaro, there is a strong argument to be made that its twin, the Trans Am WS6 may just be the greatest muscle car of all time, or is at least has earned the right to be in the conversation.
2000 Ford E350 Econoline Bucket Truck -34’ reach Boom, It has a resent Jasper Engine & rebuilt trans that run like new, It’s set up for fiber or coax splicing, It has a new exhaust system from the manifolds back but does have a leek around the motor, there’s severe body rust but the interior is good. $8000 OBO, call 609-709-5535
2007 Ford F350 Lariat - set up as 5th wheel Hauler, 6.0 TD, tool boxes, integral extra fuel tank w/ transfer pump, auto trans, runs and drives well, $5500 call Chuck 609-558-0799
2014 Ford Escape Titanium - 4 cyl-1.6 L EcoBoost Atlantic County. Auto. transmisson, ps, pb, A/C, navigation, CD player, pwr sunroof, keyless entry, button start, backup camera, Sony audio, heated front seats, garage kept, non smoking, clean title, VIN #1FMCU9JX3EUC89176. 115,000 miles, $9900, Call 609-287-1239
2011 Chevy Silverado Extended Cab - great, clean looking & running truck, newer tires, battery, plugs, wires & trans, bed liner & canvas cover, bluetooth radio, 226k highway miles, clean title,no issues, driven down the shore every weekend, $6750, call 201-280-2014
2006 Ford E-150 Cargo Van - 4.6L, auto, ps, pb, air, p-win, 165K Mi., smooth running, just passed inspctn, many new parts: starter, fuel pump, plugs & coils, rebuilt fr. end, tires, brakes, wheel bearings, trans fluid & fltr, alignment , more, rust spots typical for E series, $5975 , call 732-545-8754
2016 Toyota Prius - 4-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, cruise, tilt, full power, p-win, p-lcks, 76,425 miles, $12,995+T.T.T., 732-270-1050
Club Car - excellent condition, Batteries less than 2 years old, I added mirrors, led lights saftey rail, fender flares and decals I got a newer, bigger one, so after I added the accesories I have to sell, asking $3900, call or text Paul @ 732-794-3196
2014 Ford Focus SE - 4-cyl, auto, ps, ABS pb, full power, airbags, sat. radio, 67,464 miles, VIN EL137938, $8995+T.T.T., call 732-502-9997
2017 Chevy Silverado Z-71 LT - 4x4, 8-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, cruise, tilt, p-win, p-lcks, CD, Alloy whls., 144,956 miles, call 908-725-5551
2007 Buick Lacrosse CXL - V6, auto w/OD, ps, ABS pb, air, cruise, tilt, full power, p-win, p-lcks, p-seats, Alloy whls., 111,000 miles, $5295+T.T.T., call 732-270-4148
2022 Kia K5 GT - 4-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, cruise, tilt, full power, p-win, p-lcks, 40,236 miles, VIN NG10094A, $23,937+T.T.T., call 1-888-422-5041
2018 Kia Forte EX - 4-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, cruise, tilt, p-win, p-lcks, leather, CD, Alloy whls., 139,760 miles, $7995+T.T.T., call 908-725-5551
2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara - V6, auto w/OD, ps, ABS pb, air, cruise, tilt, full power, p-win, Alloy whls., 118,000 miles, $12,695+T.T.T., call 732270-4148
2011 Nissan Sentra - 4-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, cruise, tilt, full power, p-win,p-lcks, 129,340 miles, VIN BL67168A, $4937+T.T.T., call 1-888-4225041
2011 Kia Sorento EX - 6-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, p-sunroof, leather, CD, chrome whls., 144,067 miles, $7995+T.T.T., call 908-725-5551
2007 Ford E-350 Cutaway Van Utility - V8, auto w/OD, ps, ABS pb, air, 140,000 miles, $8995+T.T.T., call 732-270-4148
2022 Mazda CX-30 - 4-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, cruise, tilt, p-win, p-lcks, 31,238 miles, VIN NM41235A, $21,937+T.T.T., call 1-888-422-5041
Toyota
2016 Ford F-150 XL - 6-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air,cruise, tilt, full power, 199,224 miles, $11,995+T.T.T., 732270-1050
2021
Corolla - 4-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, cruise, tilt, full power, p-win, p-lcks, 28,132 miles, VIN MP08063A, $21,937+T.T.T., call 1-888-4225041
2015 Chevy Equinox LT - - 4-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, cruise, tilt, p-win, p-lcks, CD, Alloy whls., Stk. No. 290180, 127,225 miles, $11,991+T.T.T., call 856-405-6280
1957 Chevy Belair - runs perfect, 8-cyl, auto, brand new interior, rebuilt motor & trans., $27,000+T.T.T., 856-497-7579
2014 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 6-cyl, auto, ps, pb, full power, 161,553 miles, VIN EB131045, $10,899+T.T.T., call 732-367-3325
2006 Audi A-4 Convertible - • 6-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, cruise, tilt, p-win, p-lcks, p-seats, CD, Alloy whls., Stk. No. 0509, 103,505 miles $6000+T.T.T., call 609-723-8468
2014 Honda Civic LX - 4-cyl, auto w/OD, ps, ABS pb, air, cruise, tilt, full power, p-win, p-lcks, Alloy whls., $7995+T.T.T., 732-270-4148
1997 GMC 3500 Utility Body - Diesel, auto, ps, pb, air, 187,214 miles, $7995+T.T.T., 856-4977579
2016 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4WD - 4-cyl, auto w/OD, ps, ABS pb, air, cruise, tilt, full power, p-win, p-lcks, navi., Alloy whls., 126,000 miles $8995+T.T.T., 732-270-4148
call 732-3673325
2016 Mazda CX-9 - 4-cyl, auto, ps, pb, air, cruise, tilt, full power, p-win, p-lcks, 98,143 miles, VIN G010380A, $13,937+T.T.T., call 1-888-422-5041
2014 Cadillac CTS 2.0 Luxury - Turbo 4-cyl, auto, ps, ABS pb, full power, airbags, 136,238 miles, VIN E0151313, $11,999+T.T.T., call 732367-3325
4X4
2008 INTERNATIONAL DIGGER 4WD
5-spd, ps, pb, air, great cab & frame, pole puller, front wench & pole tamper, 87,000 miles, VIN IHTWBAAN
Asking $19,500 or best offer Call (908) 507-9293
2000 JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED
6-cyl, auto, ABS, cruise, tilt, full power, p-win, p-lcks, p-seats, dual airbags, center console, leather, one owner, clean title, loaded, Limited Edition, many options, runs & drives great, 84,775 miles
$12,500 Call (917) 692-3540
