New WS6 Owner

**mrsracing** · 06-10-2008, 06:56 AM

I am new to cars and new to these cars. I am picking up a 02 TransAm WS6 tomorrow with 35K miles which is bone stock. I don't need the fastest car on the road but was curious of what mod's are a must and what kind of HP you can get from them. My initial thoughts are exhaust, intake, headers, window tint. I would like to get high 300's in hp to 400. This is strictly a play car for me but I want it to be able to be a daily driver in realiability, etc.

Anything specific I should look out for when seeing the car tomorrow? Already done Carfax, have dozen pictures, 2 hrs of conversations, etc. Feedback and info would be much appreciated! Thanks!

rapter34 · 06-10-2008, 07:03 AM

are we talking high 300 to 400 RWHP or crank? becasue 400 at the crank is about 330 at the wheels that can be achived with a LS6 intake, catback, and Long tube headers. A good tune also helps.

**third_shift|studios** · 06-10-2008, 07:46 AM

WHAT!? 400 crack =330 wheels? no son...it's only a 15% loss, you'd need a cam, exhaust and tune to get to 400 crank [380 wheels].

THat said, don't rip into your car right out of the dealer-enjoy it for the summer, mod it in the winter, bro. But right up front, yeah, tint and exhaust would be super beneficial. I hear the SC peeps only own GMMG or Borla...better get your loan officer on the phone! HAA!

rapter34 · 06-10-2008, 07:49 AM

I herd 20% and evan at 15%

400 x .15 = 60

400-60 = 340

**Wesman** · 06-10-2008, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by rapter34

I herd 20% and evan at 15%

400 x .15 = 60

400-60 = 340

Exactly...my car dyno'd 341WHP, which is the equivelent of about 400HP at the crank when you figure in 15% drivetrain loss.

rapter34 · 06-10-2008, 07:54 AM

why did TSS say 380? and If I put it at 20% I was still pretty close.

**third_shift|studios** · 06-10-2008, 08:02 AM

yeesh...sorry, i'm having a wierd math day...

it's just hard to believe that a car car go to 400 crank with a cat back. I mean, i had a catback and made 315 TQ/HP on my last ws.6. This new one with headers/Y/exhaust and tune = 340 TQ 330 HP

**Spaz** · 06-10-2008, 08:08 AM

i've seen many cars that have made 350 rwhp with LT, Y, LM1 and a lid...

**Mr. Luos** · 06-10-2008, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by Spaz

i've seen many cars that have made 350 rwhp with LT, Y, LM1 and a lid...

I am yet to see one.

Most cars with bolt-ons look at 335-345 RWHP. Tuning should get some of them to that 350RWHP goal.

**MadSeason** · 06-10-2008, 09:06 AM

Manual 10% Auto 15% loss, can be fudged by flywheels, aftermarket rear diff, and lighter driveshafts

**fbird777** · 06-10-2008, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

I am yet to see one.

Most cars with bolt-ons look at 335-345 RWHP. Tuning should get some of them to that 350RWHP goal.

I got 320rwhp with just a Borla Catback. After LT's, y-pipe, lid, and cutout I should be 340-350rwhp, hopefully 350. Then I'll be off to get a custom dyno tune which may put me up to 360-370rwhp.

**Mr. Luos** · 06-10-2008, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by fbird777

I got 320rwhp with just a Borla Catback. After LT's, y-pipe, lid, and cutout I should be 340-350rwhp, hopefully 350. Then I'll be off to get a custom dyno tune which may put me up to 360-370rwhp.

I gained 13 RWHP with an LS6 intake and longtubes.

The LS1 doesn't respond great to bolt-ons...until you throw in a cam.

**mrsracing** · 06-10-2008, 10:57 AM

I don't know what the LM1 sounds like. Like someone said earlier I'll likely drive it through the summer with just a tint on the windows and possibly an exhaust. I'll look at other options as time comes along. I have a friend with a BlackBird stock and if my car performed anywhere like that I would be thrilled. Keep the feedback coming I'm interested in hearing about suggestions, things to look at and look out for.

**Mr. Luos** · 06-10-2008, 11:02 AM

Blackbird's were basicly bolt on cars. Minus headers.

337 horsepower to the rear wheels

**mrsracing** · 06-10-2008, 11:33 AM

Car is great and I personally don't need any more power, etc. than what it makes. This is an 02 and has the 385 hp label on the RamAir. It has been on a dyno and made a little more than 400 hp.

**Mr. Luos** · 06-10-2008, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by mrsracing

Car is great and I personally don't need any more power, etc. than what it makes. This is an 02 and has the 385 hp label on the RamAir. It has been on a dyno and made a little more than 400 hp.

So it isn't stock?
Blackbirds made roughly 340 at the wheels on dyno's.

Or are you refering to your car?

**mrsracing** · 06-10-2008, 12:08 PM

No this is a Carl Black GMMG 1 of 2 cars made for 2002 labeled and documented. The Carl Black car came with an exhaust system, under pulleys, suspension and other goodies. THis particular car is bone stock. The car I'm picking up tomorrow is a WS6 and it's stock and also a 2002.

**Mr. Luos** · 06-10-2008, 12:23 PM

Not to burst his bubble...but there were a total of 50 BlackBirds made.

Only 50 Black Birds were produced. Each car´s number is displayed on the windshield and rear view mirror, and is stamped on the engine and exhaust manifold. The Black Bird was only offered as a complete package, and only from Carl Black.

There are at least 3 on this site...
http://www.firebirdgallery.com/carlblacklot1.htm

**PontiacFan** · 06-10-2008, 12:23 PM

2002 already has the LS6 intake which will support well over 400hp.

Airlid swap, Longtubes/Y, Cam, & a tune for an M6 car. Clutch upgrade also possible.
If it's an A4-auto car, then add a stall converter also to reap the benefits of the mods.
Catback possible also, but not absolutely necessary. A 'cut-out' can be beneficial instead.

That'll be enough to get ya stated & bitten by the 'mod' bug.

By the way, ..., Is it 'Mrs Racing', or Mr. S. Racing'?!?

**Hurley711** · 06-10-2008, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by rapter34

are we talking high 300 to 400 RWHP or crank? becasue 400 at the crank is about 330 at the wheels that can be achived with a LS6 intake, catback, and Long tube headers. A good tune also helps.

He already has a LS6 intake