history of the ws6 question

**ls1ws6ben** · 04-24-2010, 07:32 AM

I was just curious about something and thought maybe someone here can help me out. I know that since about the mid 90s or so it started being popular to " brand" a ws6 as a ws6. If that makes any sense. I know what I'm trying to say, sometimes it doesn't come out right.. anyway, ws6 being a performance package, how long has that rpo code been around? I'm just curious as to the history of the infamous ws6 package. Hopefully my question makes sense and someone can help.

**justinmc978** · 04-24-2010, 09:00 AM

the ws6 package debuted in the mid to late 70's but people didnt really start calling them 'ws6s' until the 90's

**9T8W66** · 04-24-2010, 09:06 AM

The WS6 RPO has been around since 1978 and has always primarily been a suspension option. The `78 Cars recieved stiffer springs bigger swaybars and harder bushings and a quicker steering ratio along with the 8" Snowflake wheels. In 1979 4 wheel disc brakes became part of the Pkg. By 1984 the Pkg included the first 16" wheel on an F-body (15th Anni T/A) and became Std on all 3rd gen Firebird Formula's which returned to the line up in 1987.

The RPO was ressurected in 1996 along with the famed Ram Air of Pontiac's past and was named accordingly for the first time.

**silverWS6** · 04-24-2010, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by 9T8W66

The WS6 RPO has been around since 1978 and has always primarily been a suspension option. The `78 Cars recieved stiffer springs bigger swaybars and harder bushings and a quicker steering ratio along with the 8" Snowflake wheels. In 1979 4 wheel disc brakes became part of the Pkg. By 1984 the Pkg included the first 16" wheel on an F-body (15th Anni T/A) and became Std on all 3rd gen Firebird Formula's which returned to the line up in 1987.

The RPO was ressurected in 1996 along with the famed Ram Air of Pontiac's past and was named accordingly for the first time.

So my 1989 Formula is a WS.6?

**67CamaroRSSS** · 04-24-2010, 10:35 AM

IIRC, the WS6 option was an RPO code available in the 1st gen Firebird as a handling (bigger rims/tires, sway bars and better shocks) and brake package (front disc brakes). There was no exterior badging stating this though.

**ls1ws6ben** · 04-24-2010, 10:49 AM

Thanks for that information guys. Yet another reason I love this site. Not sure about something just and there is always someone on here that does. I love having info like that. Never know when you can use that. Just like a post I read earlier when a ricer tried to tell a firehawk owner there was no such thing as a firehawk! LOL. That ricer should visit this site and learn a few things before making an ignorant comment like that.....thanks again for that info

**justinmc978** · 04-24-2010, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by 67CamaroRSSS

IIRC, the WS6 option was an RPO code available in the 1st gen Firebird as a handling (bigger rims/tires, sway bars and better shocks) and brake package (front disc brakes). There was no exterior badging stating this though.

did not know this, thanks for the correction

**9T8W66** · 04-24-2010, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by 67CamaroRSSS

IIRC, the WS6 option was an RPO code available in the 1st gen Firebird as a handling (bigger rims/tires, sway bars and better shocks) and brake package (front disc brakes). There was no exterior badging stating this though.

1978 was the debut year for the WS6 RPO, anything prior to that would be classified differently.

**justinmc978** · 04-24-2010, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by 9T8W66

1978 was the debut year for the WS6 RPO, anything prior to that would be classified differently.

this is what i thought and couldnt find anything on google so about anything previous so.....

**DIRTY JERZY** · 04-24-2010, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by silverWS.6

So my 1989 Formula is a WS.6?

YES and so was mine

**9T8W66** · 04-24-2010, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by silverWS.6

So my 1989 Formula is a WS.6?

Originally Posted by DIRTY JERZY

YES and so was mine

Technically Yes but refering to them (3rd gen Formula) as a WS6 Formula is pointless since if the car didn't have the option it wouldn't be a Formula.
Although the WS6 suspension was optional on the Trans Am and also Std on the GTA.

**j nix** · 09-06-2010, 06:31 PM

I was wondering about the WS.6 story. Now I know. What does M6 and A4 stand for, for our cars?

**KMdef9** · 09-06-2010, 06:42 PM

M6 = manual transmission, 6 speed
A4 = automatic transmission, 4 speed

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-06-2010, 07:56 PM

J Nix
Here are some other common abbreviation used on here to:

PTB - Ported Throttlebody
SFC - Sub Frame Connectors
P&P - Ported and Polished
LT - Long Tube Headers
H/C/I - Heads Cam Intake

**j nix** · 09-07-2010, 05:35 AM

Thanks guys. Very helpful. I will learn alot here. I have been looking for a good Forum. I had a hard time getting good answers from any one. Once I got on here, I get multiple answers with great options. Thanks again.

**wooddaniel** · 09-07-2010, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by 9T8W66

Technically Yes but refering to them (3rd gen Formula) as a WS6 Formula is pointless since if the car didn't have the option it wouldn't be a Formula.
Although the WS6 suspension was optional on the Trans Am and also Std on the GTA.

I did not know this. GTA's win.

**krese** · 09-07-2010, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by wooddaniel

I did not know this. GTA's win.

GTAs were nice looking but formula 350s were generally faster due to a lot less weight. i know, i had a formy 350 and took out a few GTAs back in the day (1994ish)... formula 350 was a wolf in sheep's clothing

i always thought it was dumb that GTAs came with the 305 as an option. although the 89+ 305 5speed was the only thing that gave me issues off the line... i always had issues jumping on this one dude's 89 (i think) IROCZ 5speed 305.... pissed me off.

**wooddaniel** · 09-07-2010, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by krese

GTAs were nice looking but formula 350s were generally faster due to a lot less weight. i know, i had a formy 350 and took out a few GTAs back in the day (1994ish)... formula 350 was a wolf in sheep's clothing

i always thought it was dumb that GTAs came with the 305 as an option. although the 89+ 305 5speed was the only thing that gave me issues off the line... i always had issues jumping on this one dude's 89 (i think) IROCZ 5speed 305.... pissed me off.

I had a 92 GTA 5.7. Had no trouble whooping on stock 5.0s most the time. If only they had offered the 350 with a 5 speed.

**krese** · 09-07-2010, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by wooddaniel

I had a 92 GTA 5.7. Had no trouble whooping on stock 5.0s most the time. If only they had offered the 350 with a 5 speed.

yeah well, that 92 was no joke. you were king till the lt1s were abundant. i bet you miss that baby. 92 GTAs were rare.. well, around here anyway...

**wooddaniel** · 09-07-2010, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by krese

yeah well, that 92 was no joke. you were king till the lt1s were abundant. i bet you miss that baby. 92 GTAs were rare.. well, around here anyway...

I regret getting rid of it every time I see one. It was the Forest green color with the Taupe interior. Great looking color combo. Fewer and fewer of them(3rd Gens) out there. By far my favorite body style, the 4th gens are just better built and easier to make fast without swapping motors and such.