Project Sunset Orange WS6

RawrImAMonster · 06-19-2013, 08:28 PM

Finally sold the Evo and got into something else that is a little (a lot) more livable as a daily driver. While it doesn't handle as well and doesn't have the "cool" factor of the Evo, it is definitely far more enjoyable to cruise around in. Evo's are really only enjoyable to drive when you're driving them hard. Otherwise, they are pretty miserable.

I know I said I was looking at some other newer cars as well, but I ended up not liking any of them enough to justify spending 20k+ on so I got something to hold me over until I can afford a C6 Z06 or something similar in a couple years.

It's a 2002 Trans Am WS6 in the Sunset Orange Metallic pearl color (1 of 304 manual ws6's in that color). This color ranges from dark red in the shade to copper to bright orange to gold depending on the light. It has the standard LS1 which makes about 345hp stock. They were technically only rated at 310 at the crank, but it is the same motor as the one in the Corvette. The firebird/camaro was underrated by GM for whatever reason. They tend to dyno around 300-310whp stock for the later years like this one.

So far the only thing I really don't like about the car is the awful handling. Having said that, I plan to correct that very shortly with a set of Koni's and Stranos springs. Other than that, mod plans for the summer include a new set of wheels and tires when these tires are finished and possibly some other handling mods like sub frame connectors and sway bars. For now, I'm happy with the 300ish whp that this motor puts out.

Overall, I love the color and am definitely happy with the car considering it was about half the price of my evo, only has 50k miles, and I got it for 3k under KBB private party value.

Current Mods:
SLP LM2 Catback
Skip-shift eliminator

[Image: iEhb5bp.jpg]

D_Eclipse9916 · 06-20-2013, 07:40 AM

Yum, more LSX goodness!

I have always loved the look of these beasts!

So when are you throwing on a H/C combo? Smile

CaptainHenreh · 06-20-2013, 08:06 AM

Wasn't there some WS6 TA's that had an LS6? Or maybe I'm just thinking of the LS6 manifold...

Anyway, pretty car.

RawrImAMonster · 06-20-2013, 08:13 AM

There were some with LS6 manifolds. Model year 01 and 02 I think. That is why the later years tend to dyno 10whp or so more than the earlier ones.

H/C are probably going to wait for now. I'm mostly happy with the power. I'm going to work on the suspension this summer. Big Grin

D_Eclipse9916 · 06-20-2013, 08:56 AM

CaptainHenreh Wrote:Wasn't there some WS6 TA's that had an LS6? Or maybe I'm just thinking of the LS6 manifold...

Anyway, pretty car.

Rex, you are correct. Some (pretty rare), Trans-Ams got the LS6 block (not to be confused with getting LS6 heads as well).

Early f-bodies got LS1 block/head/intake, late fbodies either got LS1 block/head and ls6 intake manifold, or LS1 heads/ls6 block/ls6 intake manifold.

No advantage aside from a little more block breathing.

***Jake*** · 06-20-2013, 09:27 AM

Love the color! These are a lot of fun to cruise around in, always liked driving/riding in Chad's when he had it.

RawrImAMonster · 06-20-2013, 09:40 AM

D_Eclipse9916 Wrote:
CaptainHenreh Wrote:Wasn't there some WS6 TA's that had an LS6? Or maybe I'm just thinking of the LS6 manifold...

Anyway, pretty car.

Rex, you are correct. Some (pretty rare), Trans-Ams got the LS6 block (not to be confused with getting LS6 heads as well).

Early f-bodies got LS1 block/head/intake, late fbodies either got LS1 block/head and ls6 intake manifold, or LS1 heads/ls6 block/ls6 intake manifold.

No advantage aside from a little more block breathing.

Yeah, I forgot about the whole block thing. GM estimates as much as 25% of the late model fbodys got the LS6 block. Like he said though, there were no power advantages.

Levey · 06-20-2013, 09:44 AM

Beautiful car! Welcome to the wonderful LS1 club.

Evan · 06-20-2013, 04:56 PM

love that color

RawrImAMonster · 06-20-2013, 05:52 PM

This cars shitty handling is about to get much better Smile

Just ordered these:

Koni Yellows
[Image: p2003142124.jpg]

+

Stranos SP141
[Image: p1930153026.jpg&w=320&s=1&a=1]

ScottyB · 06-20-2013, 06:20 PM

i'm actually really excited to see how it starts to stack up with the strano goodies. any plans for a panhard bar later on?

great looking car otherwise. that is definitely a kickass color.

RawrImAMonster · 06-20-2013, 06:42 PM

ScottyB Wrote:i'm actually really excited to see how it starts to stack up with the strano goodies. any plans for a panhard bar later on?

great looking car otherwise. that is definitely a kickass color.

I just spoke with Sam Strano, he gave me a call about an hour after I ordered to tell me about the different konis available and to tell me to give him a call before I go to put them on and he will run through some of the common pitfalls on the install and such. Seems like a real nice guy.

Anyways, If I decide I need a panhard bar, I'll probably just go the watt's link route. Helps alleviate some of the failures of a solid rear.

WRXtranceformed · 06-20-2013, 07:14 PM

Dude I love it, great color too. A sweet set of wheels and a little drop / suspension work will really set it off. I still have stupid fond memories of my rich buddy in high school whose dad bought him a brand new Formula Firebird which I think was an LT1. He had a bunch of work done to it and we had a lot of fun hooning around in that thing.

D_Eclipse9916 · 06-21-2013, 07:49 AM

RawrImAMonster Wrote:I just spoke with Sam Strano, he gave me a call about an hour after I ordered to tell me about the different konis available and to tell me to give him a call before I go to put them on and he will run through some of the common pitfalls on the install and such. Seems like a real nice guy.
.

Sam is a nice guy and an asset in the autocross community. Although I have never ordered things through him, I have heard he is an absolute pleasure to do business with.

:thumbup: for supporting people like Strano.

RawrImAMonster · 06-30-2013, 07:40 PM

Konis are on. The car handles so much better now. Doesn't feel like youre out of control when you go full throttle anymore as well. The handling isn't quite as good as the evo, but it's not bad at all.

[Image: 5TpRhEnh.jpg]

**Jeff** · 07-02-2013, 04:32 PM

These things are so nasty. Love the color. I have always been down with orange. Look forward to seeing what all you do.

RawrImAMonster · 07-03-2013, 03:00 PM

Next thing up is the wheels. I'm going to be needing new tires soon and I'm going to get wheels at the same time. I haven't found a set I really like for this car yet. If you all have any suggestions, post them up.

The most likely candidate is the 18x9.5, 18x10.5 Chrome C5 z06 replicas at the moment, but they are a little heavier than I would like.

The OEM z06 wheels are a lot lighter but the front wheels are 17x9.5 rather than 18 and I don't particularly like the way that looks or the finishes available on them.

[Image: performance_replicas_105_c5_z06_vette_chr.jpg]

[Image: performance_replicas_105_c5_z06_vette_chr.jpg]

Levey · 07-03-2013, 03:12 PM

Make sure to check out OE Wheels

HAULN-SS · 07-03-2013, 03:19 PM

Have you thouhgt about trying to find some kind of oversized GTA style rim - black with beauty ring?

RawrImAMonster · 07-03-2013, 03:49 PM

HAULN-SS Wrote:Have you thouhgt about trying to find some kind of oversized GTA style rim - black with beauty ring?

What do you mean by GTA style?

I do actually have a set of wheels I would love to have that I forgot about until just now IF I can find a set of used ones. 18x10 and 18x11 CCW 505a's. I just don't want to pay 2400ish for a new set.

[Image: S5034990.jpg]

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