I own a 2002 RED Trans Am Ram Air 6speed manual with around 63000 miles neither modded or abused. The only problem is EVERY time I take it to the gas station, someone inevitably approaches me complimenting me or commenting on the car. Lol
I agree. Mine is black and now built a little with an exhaust. It turns heads everywhere I go. Gas station, work, or the store.....Someone gets a little drooly.
I know I'm in the minority, but I've always preferred the catfish Camaro to the Firebird. I prefer cleaner, simpler lines. The styling of the TA's/WS6's was always too busy for me, and they always looked disproportionately too long. I also prefer the styling of the Chevy SS over the G8, and I know I'm in the minority there, too.
@@jae9843 I have a 2000 Camaro Z28 myself. I love both the Trans Am and the Catfish design. I lean more towards the Camaro, for the sleek, clean. styling, and oh so aerodynamic looking, but the Trans Am is absolutely more aggressive. Both cars look like nothing else on the road today
Yes!!! We all love the mean looking face, but nobody talks enough about the wing. That curvy wing is the total opposite. It’s elegant and GORGEOUS! Even exotic I’d say.
@Clint Eastwood loved my 16 mustang gt. Never thought I'd own a gm but picked up a 30k mule 02 z06 3 weeks ago. And I absolutely love that car! Such a nice driving car surprisingly lol
This generation WS6 has been my dream car since I was a kid. They just look so damn cool, plus the legendary LS1 (which is all aluminum, not iron block)
A few years ago I was looking at getting one and they were roughly 6,000-10,000 at the time. The price increase even in that short amount of times pretty crazy, but the cars are definitely cool.
As a fellow 4th gen owner and LS fanatic please do many more videos with this car. Looking forward to a tune video, and the laundry list of things wizard finds wrong with it!
When those things were new I would sell them at full MSRP without discounts. Made about $1,000 commissions on each one. I always made the buying experience extra special for the customers and we both enjoyed it. Those sales paid for my wedding. So it will always have a special place in my heart.
@@rwdplz1 I left the Automotive industry when the 35th anniversary came out. But I know I was getting $5-10,000 over sticker for the 30th anniversary. Allocation was hard to get, especially the manual transmissions. So there was a lot more customers then cars. Which was crazy because lease deals on corvettes at the time was way more affordable then leasing any model trans ams. By a large margin I might add
Iron block? All of those, or any LS1, were aluminum blocks. The iron blocks were truck only. People refer to all of them as LS engines, but only aluminum blocks had the LS rpo codes. A very common early 5.3 iron block was the LM7. There was the LM4 and L33 aluminum block 5.3, but those were for SUVs and 4wd ext cab trucks respectively.
@@stukkak1976 a full exhaust is from the manifold back and that’s what people are usually referring to when they say “a full exhaust system”. Lots of cars have exhaust systems from the mid section back or even just the back box so yes in that sense technically there is actually such a thing as a “half exhaust system” if you’re speaking in modification terms lol.
Hoovie is a superstar. Car Trek, Car Issues and Barrett Jackson consuming so much of his time, yet he still manages to put out content on a reasonably frequent basis for his RUclips channel. As for the Trans Am WS6, my 12th grade economics/business teacher had one in a gorgeous blue color along with a 300ZX back in 2005/2006. Seems like he would alternate between them on a regular basis. I remember him talking about how he hated putting any kind of decals on them, yet was required by the principal to put a parking permit sticker on both cars in order to park in the teacher parking section which is alot closer to the school.
what a glorious sound. Does the Wizard send you a Christmas card every year at least? Or just a generic winter card with a picture of his newest boat that falls out when you open it?
I was a senior in High School during 2000 and these cars were everywhere back then. I grew up in Michigan in a GM town. I was a big of of them even though I was a Mopar guy. Always had a soft spot for these birds. Beautiful car! Definitely hard to find a clean one now.
i live 20 min away from where the plant was where these were built in Sainte-therese,Quebec,Canada, i still have vivid memories of that massive plant and parking lot filled to the rim with F-bodies along with the rail road with transport wagons filled with those ready to ship
The way you talked to Apollo like it was a long lost friend really made a guy tear up. So awesome to see this baby back in the fleet! Never Change Tyler!
Finally a big youtube acknowledged the 4th gens! These things were all over the racing scene in the early 2k's. Love seeing it again. Btw all ls1 v8's are aluminium blocks in camaro firebird and corvettes. Trucks had iron blocks. Great video. Love seeing f body content as a firehawk and GTA owner!
@@curtjeziorski350 To clarify my statement, all ls1's are exclusively aluminum. Iron blocks are truck engines however not all trucks had iron blocks exclusively.
Thank you for being sane in a period where everyone has lost the plot. I feel like a kid watching power block just focused on cars and actually able to escape for a second. I really hope i can be like this in the future for someone else.
I honestly totally forgot about this car, extremely popular when I was in elementary school I remember seeing them everywhere. Also the mustang cobras’.
@@potatochobit Or just the regular firebirds, which were a lot more common than the T/A. The WS6 T/A were always head turners and a lot less common than a z28.
@@potatochobit all depended on where you lived...here in Cleveland there were quite a few (including mine). Don't forget those were made from 1996 - 2002 so it's not exactly a "rare" car.
I remember Sean Hyland has a step by step book to bring those sn95 cobras to 405 hp at the crank. They're still surprisingly affordable! On the fence right now between a cobra or a yamaha warrior
The Trans Am was super popular from 1977 to 1981. It was the only muscle car left you could buy in the US until Ford beefed up the Mustang in 1982. After that it was game on.
I joined the channel just before he blew the stock motor and then when he said that was 5 years ago I was like huh? I’ve really been watching for 5 damn years 😂
Cool video! I have a 1996 WS6 Trans Am that belonged to my dad and he bought the car new. It has the LT1 in it and the twin scoop Ram-Air which I personally like better. I was totally floored when I found out how few of the WS6’s were actually produced! In 1996 they only made just over 2000 cars.
This was my dream car when I was 18. Somehow I’ve owned several Z28s, several Mustang GTs, and many V8 single cabs but have yet to purchase a Trans Am.
@@worldhello1234 peak torque from 3k to 5k rpm and amazing V8 sound I’m sorry but that’s quite the opposite of boring. Thinking it’s boring because it’s a popular swap is just a hater bandwagon. Just like people buying cheap project cars to LS swap to join the bandwagon just to find out they have no clue on what they are doing. 2 different mind sets both bandwagons since neither ever does anything with their car.
@Hoovie, I worked at GM's Desert Proving grounds when this was in development and the engineer in charge of the project claimed the ram air was VERY useful. He claimed it added a good 20 HP's at speed. Of course you are right that it's not necessary when driving on the street because you need to be going pretty fast to see the increase from the ram air.
User testing shows that, if you upgrade the intake and debaffle the hood, they make ~0.5 lbs of boost at 100 Mi/hr. Pretty impressive for a Naturally Aspirated car.
I remember when they first came out most people hated the sound, and the lack of perceptible torque compared to the older LT1 (notice I said perceptible).
The ls1 was under rated from factory. They advertised it to be 325hp/350tq at the flywheel, but it was closer to 350hp/365tq. The slp's made a bit more. GM dumbed down the numbers for civil/road friendly/insurance reasons. I actually ran 12.89sec flat on the 1/4 mile in my 02 firehawk. With slicks, my best run was 12.61, and it's completely stock! Slicks make a huge difference! Then came a black modded 2014 370z Nismo and ran 12.6 and kind of felt ashamed, but one can't compare a stock ls1 from 2002, and a modded nismo from 2014, so i'm happy with that i own.
As a ws-6 6 speed BlackBird vert owner, I love the stripe and the posting of the horsepower on the hood. Aluminum blocks in the Camaros & firebirds and yes, ram air does make a difference when the baffles are in-tact and configured correctly. Car sounds great, but I have to say I haven’t heard anything sweeter than the GMMG exhaust. Super video, thanks for keeping these cars in the spotlight.
I remember back in 97-98 when I was working in a gas station as a teenager two ppl would come in all the time that I always looked out for. One guy had a brand new ws6 in black and the other had a new F150 lariet maroon with tan bottom ext cab 4wd off road. That was the first new style f150 in our city and it was way different. Still remember those two vehicles.
Soo great to see Apollo 911 back in your garage. Ive been following your adventures with it since the beginning. Excited to see what the future brings with it.
I've got a 2000 as well, but it's not the WS6 (and my exhaust isn't that obnoxious) - but I absolutely love it. I've had friends try to talk me into selling it, especially after I'd fried the transmission. It sat for a few years before I could fix that, but it's back on the road again. Absolutely lovely driver.
@@markbrinton6790 I don't know, there is a good argument that it started with the 86 Mustang gt, the first fox body with efi. But you had the svo Mustang before that and some more primitive fuel injected camaros and corvette, but they really didn't start to hit their stride until TPI came along in 88? But yeah the Grand National and GNX were definitely the baddest on the block lol.
@@Rattus-Norvegicus that's fair about the mustang, I just come from the approach of that GT 5.0 was so neutered at something like 185 HP, and the GN got around all the restrictions with computer control, turbocharging and intercooling, and producing a vehicle that was reminiscent of the muscle cars of the earlier days, but I think you have an even better point with the Mustang SVO in 1985. I always loved those as well.
When I was into F Bodies in the early-mid 2000s, we used to say the Camaro SS looks like it could kick your ass if it wanted to; the WS6 looked like it was walking over to do it!! Nowadays, I have no idea what kids talk about, let alone whether many are into the evil old Internal Combustion Engine.
The WS6 is still heavily respected in-person, but, unfortunately, most people don't know what it is. It has faded from society's collective memory. In turn, it's essentially passed into the realm of 'myth,' with regards to status/performance/street-cred.
I have watched and enjoyed your channel for years. My eyes lit up when I saw this one. Finally! I own a 2000 Firehawk so it was awesome seeing the 4th gen get some love. Absolutely beautiful cars and you are spot on about an interior that screams vintage GM plastic. However the experience of driving one is about a perfect LS1 mated to a T56 6 speed manual transmission. For me it is all about smiles per gallon. Thanks for posting.
Man it's amazing to see the channel come full circle. Been watching since it was originally built. Hoovie, I hope you give Apollo a full, true restoration. This with new paint and interior refresh would be amazing
I think we need another video going over every car you own. It’s getting hard to keep track. It would be cool to get a shot of all them together or as many has you can get running 😉
Already saw Velocity Garage’s behind the scenes lol Jonny says the new M3 is a 9/10 so that video is highly anticipated by me. Great channel Tyler! Been watching since the beginning and have that bell notification on for all your content. Keep it up! 🤘🏻
Ah yes those competition wheels are sexy af. E46 m3 is one of my favourite cars of all time. I regret selling mine but I just got a e92 m3 to fulfill that void
I bought an 02 WS6 brand new and still own it to this day. Navy blue metallic in color and about 60k miles on the clock. Had the common power steering cooler failure, which was bypassed as a fix. Both door panels cracked. I found good replacements and did the modifications on them where you remove the window felt staples and replace with bolts. I may remove those panels again and take them to a plastic welder to have the problem area reinforced. I also have the common bubbling paint on the sail panel.
@kevin barker Yes, I'm very aware of all those T/A connotations. I came from a very non-car family. My parents grew up in NYC and didn't even have Driver's Licenses until they were adults. My extremely well educated Dad probably could not have told you the difference between and 4 Cyl and a V8. I grew up with matchbox cars. I was one of those many kids who saw the T/A on Knight Rider. I didn't know anything mechanically about cars but the T/A looked awful nifty. Love is not a rational thing.
I owned several LS1 4th gens including a super rare '98 purple WS6 with a manual, and a matching purple Formula hardtop. Fun cars. If some guy tells you he has the only purple WS6 with a manual tell him he's full of crap.
@@luv1sosa All Trans Ams have t-tops, as did mine. His is not the only one. Watch the video on my channel about this and win $500 if you don't think I'm correct on this.
My cousin had an 02 WS6 In silver. He broke his left leg and wasn’t able to drive the car but still needed someone else to. I was that someone else… and I absolutely loved it. Wish I would have bought it when he sold it.
I got a armrest console lid on eBay from a guy who makes them using aluminum plate and hard foam. Years later still looking like new holding up better than original. Original a/c still working 20 years later with no servicing. I should say mine is a 02 Camaro SS. Put Yukon gears in the rear that can stand up. Best muscle cars for the $$. Few cars can beat these 20 year old beauties
Great video...congrats on all the success. Been a subscriber since Apollo 911. Great to see the growth of your channel and dreams being fulfilled! Same for Wizard!! He said he was a little concerned about opening new huge garage after he bought it and now he doesn't have room for cars to fit...amazing and great to see that hard work and good content can fulfill someone's dream and vision!!
Holy mother of God, that Trans Am sounds AMAZING!!! It's going to be such a shame when electric cars take over completely. We won't have amazing-sounding machines like that anymore. :-(
Kids are already like that's too loud, when any car emitting any sort of an deep aggressive sound. the coming future of a society, filled with electric cars quietly whirring about, is going to be bleak for people like me. that like engines turning fossil fuels into lots of "horse-torques*" and an American V8 symphony of sound. * Thanks for that term, Garret, aka Cleetus McFarland. (Blazer Rips edition)
I had one of these back in the day. Here's the honest truth, they were a maintenance nightmare and poorly engineered from Pontiac. Do you think having the engine halfway under the dash was a joy to do anything to? No, it was a nightmare, and any shop I took it to hated it from the second they opened the hood. Theres a reason theres not many V8 F Body's on the road, especially with a 6 speed, and its because after about 60K miles the owners were sick of having stuff broke and shelling out $1G everytime they went to the shop. The LS1 compared to the Lt1 it replaced was high revving and not nearly as impressive. Obviously later LS motors got better, but the LT1 had the low end torque. Yes, these were fun cars, when they ran right.
I worked for a couple weeks at a Pontiac dealership during the ‘96 model year, and there was a WS6 version TA on the lot. Of course I found a reason to take it out for a spin. First thing I did was drive it to a buddy’s house so we could drool over it and dog it a little bit.
Been a trans am nerd since the mid to lateb70’s have owned a few (77,79,80 tta,84,85,86 and my current 1998) IMO the 4th gen is by far my favorite😁 and the better looking ride in you’re garage😜😜
100%! I've been debating getting more trans ams or a Corvette.. I'll get a Corvette eventually, but I did find an 89 GTA to go with my 00 WS6. Love these fbodies!
When I bought my 2000 Camaro SS I also looked at the Trans Am. The salesman said the Camaro was the quarterback and the Trans Am was the linebacker.. Good comparison.
Pretty sure mullets stopped being a thing in the 80's, so your point of reference is a bit skewed. Then again, you might live in Alabama, so my apologies.
I owned the final year model before they stopped making them. I loved driving this car but I constantly had to take it into the shop for electrical issues.
Watching Tyler drive this thing reminds me of being back in High School when driving something like this was just pain awesome - I'd take the t-tops off and yell "I'm Batman!"
The 90s F-Body cars were every high schooler's wish for a first car lol. Several guys had them at our school in the late 2000s, But only one kid ever got the WS6. But he had saved since Sophmore year and had it our senior year.
My neighbor had one. Little sweet granny and it was her baby. I want it, and still do despite her passing. Whomever has it is a lucky person. Even had a phone inside 🤣.
Miss my 98 Formula. Found a red high rise wing off a 95 TA that had the window busted out of it. Was same color code. Dropped my rear window in and new support shocks. Also had purchased the TA hood and the taller Rad support to make it function. Lowered an 1 1/2" with C6 18" Corvette rims.. drilled slotted rotors. Damn I miss that car!
my grandfather has a black 02 ws6 with only 13k original miles, its an absolutely beautiful car! theres special spot in my heart for these amazing machines.
"Looking" being the key word. The front of the engine block is actually even with the centerline of the wheels, the accessories and naturally the radiator are ahead of centerline. The engine is pushed ALLLLL the way back up against the firewall. Technically makes this front mid engine since the engine lives inside the wheelbase. I've had my 2000 Firehawk since 2009. Love these cars.
Now I'm going out on a limb here being from across the ocean from the USA but I'm pretty sure the WS6 engines had an alloy block? Only truck LS engines had Iron blocks...
The stock 5.7 LS block is Aluminum, the 6.0 LQ9/LQ4 LS blocks were iron and a very popular upgrade to pick up some power, torque and cubic inch. Then came the LS2 and on later. And as soon as he said it has “cams” I knew he didn’t know a damn thing about these cars or their power train, period
One guy's spicy stuff is not another guy's spicy stuff. I have an LS powered 1999 Camaro Z28 convertible for 12 years--nothing but fun, haven't had to put much into it. It could use shocks in the back and some new bushings, but the engine runs like a top and shifts very well (I have the auto). Nothing like driving down the freeway with the top down and any place to go. I see a 6=speed manual hardtop in my future--more than likely a Corvette if I can't find a Camaro SS or a Trans AM. Dig the channel. Thanks for the fun!
Had a neighbor down the street with a V6 version. Wanted $400 for it, and I tried to convince my brothers to buy it. They regret it now. Only reason I didn't was because I already had a chevelle money pit.
Too many people use the steering wheel as a grab handle to get in and out of car,since you sit down in a cradle. I love these cars. Automatic preferences for me
@@theterminator6121 picked it up for 15k in Ohio. Which is a bit much but for an Ohio car with no rust and perfect interior it’s a good deal in my opinion
I've had my 98 Trans Am for about 6 years now. Got it for 6000$ with 97k on the odometer. I'm the second owner. Not a WS6 but I upgraded all the suspension bits to make it better than a stock WS6. I maybe have 3k in upgrades into it including welded in subframe connectors, koni shocks, upgraded springs, ram air intake, port and polished throttle body, ngk plugs and msd wires, upgraded all lighting to Led bulbs and projector headlights, upgraded all of the speakers, the head unit to an android double din, HP Tuners license with a custom tune, upgraded trans and motor mounts, adjustable panhard bar, strut tower brace, replica 2nd gen honeycomb wheels 9" wide, girdle for the rear end, upgraded slotted and cross drilled rotors with power stop pads, and a full exhaust. Really transformed the car.
Actually now that I have think about it, the upgraded wheels and tires were about $2400 so upgrades were about $5400 including that but it was well worth it for me.
![Extremely Loud 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans-AM WS6 | [4K] | REVIEW SERIES](/img/1.gif)
I own a 2002 RED Trans Am Ram Air 6speed manual with around 63000 miles neither modded or abused. The only problem is EVERY time I take it to the gas station, someone inevitably approaches me complimenting me or commenting on the car. Lol
Love em but dont mess around with a newer v6 camaro or mustang ....they'll blow your t-tops off
@@0117ization A 2003 terminator cobra would blow his doors off.
@@0117ization true but then again that's because they never went up against a Firehawk, Berger Camaro, or a Carl Black Blackbird....
@@0117ization true...nothing compared to todays power but easy bolt ons and you are right back in the game against any stock mustang
I agree. Mine is black and now built a little with an exhaust. It turns heads everywhere I go. Gas station, work, or the store.....Someone gets a little drooly.
I’ve always loved these more than the camaro. The wing and the headlights are simple changes but make this so much more desirable.
I know I'm in the minority, but I've always preferred the catfish Camaro to the Firebird. I prefer cleaner, simpler lines. The styling of the TA's/WS6's was always too busy for me, and they always looked disproportionately too long. I also prefer the styling of the Chevy SS over the G8, and I know I'm in the minority there, too.
Agreeeed. Plus the ram air hood is siiick lol
@@jae9843 I have a 2000 Camaro Z28 myself. I love both the Trans Am and the Catfish design. I lean more towards the Camaro, for the sleek, clean. styling, and oh so aerodynamic looking, but the Trans Am is absolutely more aggressive. Both cars look like nothing else on the road today
That's the exact opposite of how I feel about the 2 911's
Apollo is so ugly to look at BUT......
Purple is so nice to look at.
Yes!!! We all love the mean looking face, but nobody talks enough about the wing. That curvy wing is the total opposite. It’s elegant and GORGEOUS! Even exotic I’d say.
This is the kind of content we love. Not just supercars but cool street cars we all can bond with
As a die hard ford guys this is one of my favorite gms ever made!!!!
The WS6 and C5 corvette are my favorite GM cars even tho I drive a mustang GT.
@Clint Eastwood loved my 16 mustang gt. Never thought I'd own a gm but picked up a 30k mule 02 z06 3 weeks ago. And I absolutely love that car! Such a nice driving car surprisingly lol
Right there with you, Bro. I love my Mustang GT, but THAT was the car I wanted back then but couldn't afford it at that point in my life.
This generation WS6 has been my dream car since I was a kid. They just look so damn cool, plus the legendary LS1 (which is all aluminum, not iron block)
It is an aluminum block but the LS1 did have iron cylinder sleeves
Agree !
I was looking for this comment. And All aluminum ls engines have sleeves
Pretty sure ALL aluminum blocks have iron sleeves.... unless it is something exotic
I’d prefer a iron block over aluminum takes boost a lot better
The pure gratitude you show at the end was wonderful. Congratulations on getting Apollo home again Tyler!!
The thing is they are hard to find, and manuals are even harder to find that haven’t been modded or beat to death.
Autos are easy enough to find in PA but good luck buying a manual
A few years ago I was looking at getting one and they were roughly 6,000-10,000 at the time. The price increase even in that short amount of times pretty crazy, but the cars are definitely cool.
Just buy an auto its still fun and you'll have a chance at getting a clean one
It makes me so sad that all the cars I’ve wanted to own my whole life will be so expensive by the time I earn some money …
Just got a 00 ws6 6speed for 3k with mods and 75k miles 2 owner
I love "Yes, that's a Countach in there Apollo, yeah I know, I know it's insane". Had me laughing at the end.
The Trans-Am WS6 is one of my favorite cars made. I absolutely love the way it looks and the quad ram air scoops and the 6 speed manual transmission.
As a fellow 4th gen owner and LS fanatic please do many more videos with this car. Looking forward to a tune video, and the laundry list of things wizard finds wrong with it!
When those things were new I would sell them at full MSRP without discounts. Made about $1,000 commissions on each one. I always made the buying experience extra special for the customers and we both enjoyed it. Those sales paid for my wedding. So it will always have a special place in my heart.
To bad this clown wasn't around you could have gotten him to pay 5 grand for a undercoating
How well did the 35th yellow ones sell?
@@rwdplz1 I left the Automotive industry when the 35th anniversary came out. But I know I was getting $5-10,000 over sticker for the 30th anniversary. Allocation was hard to get, especially the manual transmissions. So there was a lot more customers then cars. Which was crazy because lease deals on corvettes at the time was way more affordable then leasing any model trans ams. By a large margin I might add
Iron block? All of those, or any LS1, were aluminum blocks. The iron blocks were truck only. People refer to all of them as LS engines, but only aluminum blocks had the LS rpo codes. A very common early 5.3 iron block was the LM7. There was the LM4 and L33 aluminum block 5.3, but those were for SUVs and 4wd ext cab trucks respectively.
He also said cams, he just doesn't know anything about the car haha
@@RamblinGarage and a full exhaust as if a half exhaust is sumthing. Lol
Car Wizard will set him straight.
@@stukkak1976 a full exhaust is from the manifold back and that’s what people are usually referring to when they say “a full exhaust system”.
Lots of cars have exhaust systems from the mid section back or even just the back box so yes in that sense technically there is actually such a thing as a “half exhaust system” if you’re speaking in modification terms lol.
@@MrSteveo114 yep you ate technically correct. I said it half tongue in cheek.. Lol
Hoovie is a superstar. Car Trek, Car Issues and Barrett Jackson consuming so much of his time, yet he still manages to put out content on a reasonably frequent basis for his RUclips channel. As for the Trans Am WS6, my 12th grade economics/business teacher had one in a gorgeous blue color along with a 300ZX back in 2005/2006. Seems like he would alternate between them on a regular basis. I remember him talking about how he hated putting any kind of decals on them, yet was required by the principal to put a parking permit sticker on both cars in order to park in the teacher parking section which is alot closer to the school.
2023 and I can confirm; a nice one is NOT cheap. LOL.
Nope like 30k I was looking them up and dam I love these rides but expensive
perspective is everything, guy giving the advice buys super cars lol
Get on the road my friends. Saw an ss 02 low mileage in Reading PA for 22k. There out there
@@alfredshort3 Yea, I've been looking as well. You can pick a low low mileage one up for $40k and below for sure.
For the price I can buy a c4 z06
what a glorious sound. Does the Wizard send you a Christmas card every year at least? Or just a generic winter card with a picture of his
newest boat that falls out when you open it?
I was a senior in High School during 2000 and these cars were everywhere back then. I grew up in Michigan in a GM town. I was a big of of them even though I was a Mopar guy. Always had a soft spot for these birds. Beautiful car! Definitely hard to find a clean one now.
Always been a MOPAR guy myself, the catfish Camaro and Firebird were always special enough for praise.
5.0 Fox ruled the roads in my small town Michigan days
Same age. Id go with 03 cobra or fox for the era.
We destroyed one back in highschool.
It was a blast
They werent exactly well built, I remember them being typical GM rattle traps even back then. Not surprised they're hard to find now.
Hoovie has a car kennel, with each pet being his favorite at the time. Make me happy that Hoovie treats his cars so nicely.
Makes Weezard even happier.
Driving in rivers and beating stuff off road and constant burn outs. Not very adult
I love it when you leave unrevealed cars in the background as hints for future videos. Looking forward to seeing more of that silver M3.
car ninja is gonna be happy when he sees that one
i live 20 min away from where the plant was where these were built in Sainte-therese,Quebec,Canada, i still have vivid memories of that massive plant and parking lot filled to the rim with F-bodies along with the rail road with transport wagons filled with those ready to ship
I love that Sprite sitting in the back. Looks like it's just happy to be there.
The way you talked to Apollo like it was a long lost friend really made a guy tear up. So awesome to see this baby back in the fleet! Never Change Tyler!
Notice the vice grip made the guy tear up. Spot on 👍
@@J1TrappyJ youve got great taste Jay!
Finally a big youtube acknowledged the 4th gens! These things were all over the racing scene in the early 2k's. Love seeing it again. Btw all ls1 v8's are aluminium blocks in camaro firebird and corvettes. Trucks had iron blocks.
Great video. Love seeing f body content as a firehawk and GTA owner!
Not true. An L76 truck motor is all aluminum
@@curtjeziorski350 To clarify my statement, all ls1's are exclusively aluminum. Iron blocks are truck engines however not all trucks had iron blocks exclusively.
Doesn't Alex/Legit Street Cars have one of these?
All factory LSs are Aluminum.
Some people mistakenly refer to LQs as "LS," and there are additionally aftermarket iron block "LS" engines you can buy.
Thank you for being sane in a period where everyone has lost the plot. I feel like a kid watching power block just focused on cars and actually able to escape for a second. I really hope i can be like this in the future for someone else.
Woww, it sounds amazing. An LS with an exhaust never fails to make me smile.
My dad has a ‘99 WS6. Even stock, it sounds so good. It was great value for a muscle car as well.
Don't let your dad sell it. It's a future classic
@@ramsesf.7956 listen to this man he is not lying, do not let your dad sell that it'll be worth a fortune
@@ctd1124it was a 2000
I honestly totally forgot about this car, extremely popular when I was in elementary school I remember seeing them everywhere. Also the mustang cobras’.
this was not everywhere, you are probably thinking of the old arrow nose camaro which shares the same body.
@@potatochobit Or just the regular firebirds, which were a lot more common than the T/A. The WS6 T/A were always head turners and a lot less common than a z28.
@@potatochobit all depended on where you lived...here in Cleveland there were quite a few (including mine). Don't forget those were made from 1996 - 2002 so it's not exactly a "rare" car.
I remember Sean Hyland has a step by step book to bring those sn95 cobras to 405 hp at the crank. They're still surprisingly affordable! On the fence right now between a cobra or a yamaha warrior
The Trans Am was super popular from 1977 to 1981. It was the only muscle car left you could buy in the US until Ford beefed up the Mustang in 1982. After that it was game on.
The Apollo 911 is definitely a keeper. It brought so many subscribers to the channel, including my self.
I joined the channel just before he blew the stock motor and then when he said that was 5 years ago I was like huh? I’ve really been watching for 5 damn years 😂
@@devinpyrchalla3400 time passes by quickly.
If that trans am has an iron block then somebody swapped it in there out of a truck. LS1 car engines are all aluminum blocks.
I don't think he knows much about the car.
@@RamblinGarage he said "cams" so that alone says he knows very little about this car. He also can't drive a manual with a heavy clutch, lol!
Yup. If it had LS in the designation it was aluminum block. The Vortec engines all had a different code than LS.
@@RamblinGarage I think he doesn't know much about any car but that's part of Tyler's charm he's like the American Jezza haha
He doesn't no shit about this car
Cool video! I have a 1996 WS6 Trans Am that belonged to my dad and he bought the car new. It has the LT1 in it and the twin scoop Ram-Air which I personally like better. I was totally floored when I found out how few of the WS6’s were actually produced! In 1996 they only made just over 2000 cars.
This was my dream car when I was 18. Somehow I’ve owned several Z28s, several Mustang GTs, and many V8 single cabs but have yet to purchase a Trans Am.
Kind of legendary to see you here lol
@@DetroitMetroRetro lol thanks. Still haven’t owned one yet but here’s hoping
Looks like Hoovie secured an M3. Fleet is almost together!
An LS makes everything better, especially in a euro! The E46 M3 is looking nice and comfortable in the garage lol!
Nope, it is primitive and boring. It offers cheap horsepower, though. ;)
@@worldhello1234 extremely boring
Euros will always be better.
You don't say!
@@worldhello1234 peak torque from 3k to 5k rpm and amazing V8 sound I’m sorry but that’s quite the opposite of boring. Thinking it’s boring because it’s a popular swap is just a hater bandwagon. Just like people buying cheap project cars to LS swap to join the bandwagon just to find out they have no clue on what they are doing. 2 different mind sets both bandwagons since neither ever does anything with their car.
I’ve been trying to find a WS6 for my daughter and I to work on. So hard to find ones that aren’t destroyed with crazy mods.
i have a roughish one if you are interested
Well get one that is destroyed, gives you more to do and more time with your daughter lol
Do you have to have a WS6? Go with an LS1 formula or TA if you don't need the WS6 option. Just as fast. Just as fun!
Ya I know what you mean, by me a beat to hell one is like 20k+ especially a ws6
@Ralph Depino and the interior is much better.
95 WS6 T/A owner here, 6-speed manual too. Love my T/A and all the attention it gets just rolling around.
A guy I went to high school had one of these. It's a fun car. Handling is surprisingly good.
@Hoovie, I worked at GM's Desert Proving grounds when this was in development and the engineer in charge of the project claimed the ram air was VERY useful. He claimed it added a good 20 HP's at speed. Of course you are right that it's not necessary when driving on the street because you need to be going pretty fast to see the increase from the ram air.
I can confirm, I was the test driver
User testing shows that, if you upgrade the intake and debaffle the hood, they make ~0.5 lbs of boost at 100 Mi/hr. Pretty impressive for a Naturally Aspirated car.
Yeah over 110 or so it helps
I love Japanese stuff but my goodness it's hard to beat the sound of an LS.
I remember when they first came out most people hated the sound, and the lack of perceptible torque compared to the older LT1 (notice I said perceptible).
@@blakew5672 lt1 makes more torque way lower on a real dyno. And sounds so much better. Opti spark is the only issue
The ls1 was under rated from factory. They advertised it to be 325hp/350tq at the flywheel, but it was closer to 350hp/365tq. The slp's made a bit more. GM dumbed down the numbers for civil/road friendly/insurance reasons. I actually ran 12.89sec flat on the 1/4 mile in my 02 firehawk. With slicks, my best run was 12.61, and it's completely stock! Slicks make a huge difference! Then came a black modded 2014 370z Nismo and ran 12.6 and kind of felt ashamed, but one can't compare a stock ls1 from 2002, and a modded nismo from 2014, so i'm happy with that i own.
The 4th gen WS6 Trans Am is one of the greatest designs to ride on four wheels ever. I loved it as a child and as an adult.
I feel the same way
That modified fire chicken may have an iron block now but the 5.7 that came in those, the Camaro and the Vette were all aluminum .
As a ws-6 6 speed BlackBird vert owner, I love the stripe and the posting of the horsepower on the hood. Aluminum blocks in the Camaros & firebirds and yes, ram air does make a difference when the baffles are in-tact and configured correctly. Car sounds great, but I have to say I haven’t heard anything sweeter than the GMMG exhaust. Super video, thanks for keeping these cars in the spotlight.
I remember back in 97-98 when I was working in a gas station as a teenager two ppl would come in all the time that I always looked out for. One guy had a brand new ws6 in black and the other had a new F150 lariet maroon with tan bottom ext cab 4wd off road. That was the first new style f150 in our city and it was way different. Still remember those two vehicles.
The Trans-Am and the terminator cobras have always been bucket list cars for me.
Same…
Both drive like shift no comfort at all
@@95Fig who buys either of those cars to be comfortable?
@@95Fig Imagine worrying about comfort. Buy a Lexus.
1000% the same! Turbo ws6 or a kennebell termi lol
I highly recommend watching this video with headphones on. That T/A sounds incredible.
Soo great to see Apollo 911 back in your garage. Ive been following your adventures with it since the beginning. Excited to see what the future brings with it.
I've got a 2000 as well, but it's not the WS6 (and my exhaust isn't that obnoxious) - but I absolutely love it. I've had friends try to talk me into selling it, especially after I'd fried the transmission. It sat for a few years before I could fix that, but it's back on the road again. Absolutely lovely driver.
You have the manual or automatic? I have a 98 that has moderate mods and it's a joy to drive.
HOLD UP WE HAVE A SILVER M3 AT THE END WE ARE JUST MISSING THE X5 NOW
I was going to say that too
He should have gotten the one WatchJRgo had
Definitely one of my favorite gm cars of the past couple decades. Wholly underrated! Good buy!
This was the beginning of the high horsepower renaissance that we all enjoy today.
This was not the beginning, this latest round has been escalating since the mid 80's.
Lol, 'we all enjoy'
@@Rattus-Norvegicus it started with the Grand National and GNX.
@@markbrinton6790 I don't know, there is a good argument that it started with the 86 Mustang gt, the first fox body with efi. But you had the svo Mustang before that and some more primitive fuel injected camaros and corvette, but they really didn't start to hit their stride until TPI came along in 88? But yeah the Grand National and GNX were definitely the baddest on the block lol.
@@Rattus-Norvegicus that's fair about the mustang, I just come from the approach of that GT 5.0 was so neutered at something like 185 HP, and the GN got around all the restrictions with computer control, turbocharging and intercooling, and producing a vehicle that was reminiscent of the muscle cars of the earlier days, but I think you have an even better point with the Mustang SVO in 1985. I always loved those as well.
When I was into F Bodies in the early-mid 2000s, we used to say the Camaro SS looks like it could kick your ass if it wanted to; the WS6 looked like it was walking over to do it!!
Nowadays, I have no idea what kids talk about, let alone whether many are into the evil old Internal Combustion Engine.
The WS6 is still heavily respected in-person, but, unfortunately, most people don't know what it is. It has faded from society's collective memory. In turn, it's essentially passed into the realm of 'myth,' with regards to status/performance/street-cred.
@@redslate i have a bone stock '96 ws6 and while it may not be the fastest thing out there anymore it sure is fun as hell to drive
@@redslate still got my 98 Birdie. When I’m outta college it’s getting an ls2 and a roll cage 🍻
I have watched and enjoyed your channel for years. My eyes lit up when I saw this one. Finally! I own a 2000 Firehawk so it was awesome seeing the 4th gen get some love. Absolutely beautiful cars and you are spot on about an interior that screams vintage GM plastic. However the experience of driving one is about a perfect LS1 mated to a T56 6 speed manual transmission. For me it is all about smiles per gallon. Thanks for posting.
My neighbor has a 2002 WS6 was 6 speed in that LS engine that's red convertible
Man it's amazing to see the channel come full circle. Been watching since it was originally built. Hoovie, I hope you give Apollo a full, true restoration. This with new paint and interior refresh would be amazing
Don't change it. It is still the 250k mile beater with a cool name.
I think we need another video going over every car you own. It’s getting hard to keep track. It would be cool to get a shot of all them together or as many has you can get running 😉
He told you in this video he doesn't have time for that. Maybe in a couple of months.
Already saw Velocity Garage’s behind the scenes lol Jonny says the new M3 is a 9/10 so that video is highly anticipated by me. Great channel Tyler! Been watching since the beginning and have that bell notification on for all your content. Keep it up! 🤘🏻
Ah yes those competition wheels are sexy af. E46 m3 is one of my favourite cars of all time. I regret selling mine but I just got a e92 m3 to fulfill that void
Looks like the M3 is in his garage at 12:30. Likewise, I can’t wait to see that video too!
VERY RAD!!!!
I bought an 02 WS6 brand new and still own it to this day. Navy blue metallic in color and about 60k miles on the clock. Had the common power steering cooler failure, which was bypassed as a fix. Both door panels cracked. I found good replacements and did the modifications on them where you remove the window felt staples and replace with bolts. I may remove those panels again and take them to a plastic welder to have the problem area reinforced. I also have the common bubbling paint on the sail panel.
My fluorescent brother from another mother youre an inspiration and joy to watch living out all us car guys dreams.
When I was a teenager, the Trans Am was the object of automotive desire. Have never owned one. Great walk down memory lane Hoovie. Thanks.
@kevin barker Yes, I'm very aware of all those T/A connotations. I came from a very non-car family. My parents grew up in NYC and didn't even have Driver's Licenses until they were adults. My extremely well educated Dad probably could not have told you the difference between and 4 Cyl and a V8. I grew up with matchbox cars. I was one of those many kids who saw the T/A on Knight Rider. I didn't know anything mechanically about cars but the T/A looked awful nifty. Love is not a rational thing.
This felt like an old school Hoovie video! Loved the ending with talking to 911 about all its “missed” 😂
Reminds me of Michael and KITT
I owned several LS1 4th gens including a super rare '98 purple WS6 with a manual, and a matching purple Formula hardtop. Fun cars. If some guy tells you he has the only purple WS6 with a manual tell him he's full of crap.
He has the t tops not just a hard top..
@@luv1sosa t tops are not near as valuable as the hardtop.
@@luv1sosa All Trans Ams have t-tops, as did mine. His is not the only one. Watch the video on my channel about this and win $500 if you don't think I'm correct on this.
My cousin had an 02 WS6 In silver. He broke his left leg and wasn’t able to drive the car but still needed someone else to. I was that someone else… and I absolutely loved it. Wish I would have bought it when he sold it.
I got a armrest console lid on eBay from a guy who makes them using aluminum plate and hard foam. Years later still looking like new holding up better than original. Original a/c still working 20 years later with no servicing. I should say mine is a 02 Camaro SS. Put Yukon gears in the rear that can stand up. Best muscle cars for the $$. Few cars can beat these 20 year old beauties
"it looks very factory"
-thats what we were going for
{Looking at an LS in a 911}😂
Great video...congrats on all the success. Been a subscriber since Apollo 911. Great to see the growth of your channel and dreams being fulfilled! Same for Wizard!! He said he was a little concerned about opening new huge garage after he bought it and now he doesn't have room for cars to fit...amazing and great to see that hard work and good content can fulfill someone's dream and vision!!
Holy mother of God, that Trans Am sounds AMAZING!!! It's going to be such a shame when electric cars take over completely. We won't have amazing-sounding machines like that anymore. :-(
Kids are already like that's too loud, when any car emitting any sort of an deep aggressive sound. the coming future of a society, filled with electric cars quietly whirring about, is going to be bleak for people like me. that like engines turning fossil fuels into lots of "horse-torques*" and an American V8 symphony of sound.
* Thanks for that term, Garret, aka Cleetus McFarland. (Blazer Rips edition)
@@jreyman well we got to hear 2 LS engines right? One of them is a noise complaint.
6:00
I had one of these back in the day. Here's the honest truth, they were a maintenance nightmare and poorly engineered from Pontiac. Do you think having the engine halfway under the dash was a joy to do anything to? No, it was a nightmare, and any shop I took it to hated it from the second they opened the hood. Theres a reason theres not many V8 F Body's on the road, especially with a 6 speed, and its because after about 60K miles the owners were sick of having stuff broke and shelling out $1G everytime they went to the shop. The LS1 compared to the Lt1 it replaced was high revving and not nearly as impressive. Obviously later LS motors got better, but the LT1 had the low end torque. Yes, these were fun cars, when they ran right.
@@jefffaller8474 I have to agree I hated that too they were awful for working on
I worked for a couple weeks at a Pontiac dealership during the ‘96 model year, and there was a WS6 version TA on the lot. Of course I found a reason to take it out for a spin. First thing I did was drive it to a buddy’s house so we could drool over it and dog it a little bit.
Nothing but smiles! I love my 2000 Trans Am and just broke it out after 2 years of collecting dust. Got me looking at them here again 😂
I love how hoovie speaks to the Apollo as a long lost best friend, so wholesome
Been a trans am nerd since the mid to lateb70’s have owned a few (77,79,80 tta,84,85,86 and my current 1998) IMO the 4th gen is by far my favorite😁 and the better looking ride in you’re garage😜😜
100%! I've been debating getting more trans ams or a Corvette.. I'll get a Corvette eventually, but I did find an 89 GTA to go with my 00 WS6. Love these fbodies!
@@RamblinGarage corvette is a far better car
@@YungEagle3k yes and no. The styling lacks a bit along with the pure muscle car feel. Better all around sports car? I'd agree.
@@YungEagle3k to each their own. That’s urs and mine is the 4th gen😜
I will always love this era of Firebird/Trans-Am. Great value for a used car, you can get good examples for very cheap.
When I bought my 2000 Camaro SS I also looked at the Trans Am. The salesman said the Camaro was the quarterback and the Trans Am was the linebacker.. Good comparison.
LS1s in the f-body cars were all aluminum. Iron blocks were in the trucks, 5.3L. or 4.8.
I didn't know it was legal to own one of these without having a mullet.
Legal, yes… but very highly frowned upon.
And date a twice divorced bartender chick
Dont forget the trailer home in the story
A mullet and/or handlebar mustache
Pretty sure mullets stopped being a thing in the 80's, so your point of reference is a bit skewed. Then again, you might live in Alabama, so my apologies.
That ending felt overwhelmingly wholesome
they already go for way too much in canada, i ain’t paying 30k for a old pontiac
Im in the part of life where i have extra money and im too late. Nothing around me is worth buying or is too expensive.
@@thesman7918 what?
I just seen one on the road today On canada
@@jacob1423 Is it hard to read? Or did i not type it loud enough?
But you’d rather have a POS Chrysler..?
I have a 98 making 439/380 to the wheels. Always grabs attention and is a blast to drive!
I owned the final year model before they stopped making them. I loved driving this car but I constantly had to take it into the shop for electrical issues.
When you started that thing up I almost spit out my coffee! Thing sounds rad af
Watching Tyler drive this thing reminds me of being back in High School when driving something like this was just pain awesome - I'd take the t-tops off and yell "I'm Batman!"
The 90s F-Body cars were every high schooler's wish for a first car lol. Several guys had them at our school in the late 2000s, But only one kid ever got the WS6. But he had saved since Sophmore year and had it our senior year.
That is literally my dream car.. they are getting harder and harder to find...
My neighbor had one. Little sweet granny and it was her baby. I want it, and still do despite her passing. Whomever has it is a lucky person. Even had a phone inside 🤣.
Yeah, he said cheap... but it's almost the same price as a gen-6 camaro SS...
@@nicholasrogers8173 never said the price either. That condition I've seen go for $25k
@@my95buick I never see them for sale for under $10K here.
Miss my 98 Formula.
Found a red high rise wing off a 95 TA that had the window busted out of it. Was same color code. Dropped my rear window in and new support shocks.
Also had purchased the TA hood and the taller Rad support to make it function.
Lowered an 1 1/2" with C6 18" Corvette rims.. drilled slotted rotors.
Damn I miss that car!
I have a 97 Firebird ❤️❤️❤️ she needs work but the body and interior is 100% .. I love it 🥰
Hoovie, congrats on your growing Career!!
I’m lucky to have one and have been able to build it like I want truly is an awesome car I never get tired of it
That WS6 sounds awesome! The 911 sounds good too but damn that trans am is mean!
Got one September last year with 38k miles. This was one of the videos that inspired me to make it my first car!
my grandfather has a black 02 ws6 with only 13k original miles, its an absolutely beautiful car! theres special spot in my heart for these amazing machines.
This car sure did have one huge, heavy looking front overhang for a FR platform.
"Looking" being the key word. The front of the engine block is actually even with the centerline of the wheels, the accessories and naturally the radiator are ahead of centerline. The engine is pushed ALLLLL the way back up against the firewall. Technically makes this front mid engine since the engine lives inside the wheelbase. I've had my 2000 Firehawk since 2009. Love these cars.
@@DylanAmalfitano It's not quite a 'front mid engine' but yes, there is loads of unused space in front of the engine, for sure!
Wizard: We don't have anymore room in the shop.
Hoovie: (Well half the cars in there are mine).
I tried to get my car fixed at wizards shop and they're full up to December 😭
@@tati-anaroseee4316 RIP
Now I'm going out on a limb here being from across the ocean from the USA but I'm pretty sure the WS6 engines had an alloy block? Only truck LS engines had Iron blocks...
Yeah it has a truck motor swap 🤢 somebody couldn’t afford another ls1 when the old one blew up
You're 100% correct, and he specifically stated "LS" (counters the iron block swap theory), so he's wrong about his facts in one way or another.
The stock 5.7 LS block is Aluminum, the 6.0 LQ9/LQ4 LS blocks were iron and a very popular upgrade to pick up some power, torque and cubic inch. Then came the LS2 and on later. And as soon as he said it has “cams” I knew he didn’t know a damn thing about these cars or their power train, period
One guy's spicy stuff is not another guy's spicy stuff.
I have an LS powered 1999 Camaro Z28 convertible for 12 years--nothing but fun, haven't had to put much into it. It could use shocks in the back and some new bushings, but the engine runs like a top and shifts very well (I have the auto). Nothing like driving down the freeway with the top down and any place to go.
I see a 6=speed manual hardtop in my future--more than likely a Corvette if I can't find a Camaro SS or a Trans AM.
Dig the channel. Thanks for the fun!
Had a neighbor down the street with a V6 version. Wanted $400 for it, and I tried to convince my brothers to buy it. They regret it now. Only reason I didn't was because I already had a chevelle money pit.
So cool to see Apollo done! I’d say keep it away from the track so a bit 🤣
Love the part where Hoovie's talking to Apollo like an old friend.. :')
Am I the only one who got teary eyed when he was talking to it like an old friend
got 3 2002 ws6s its insane how the price has gone up from when i started buying them
Too many people use the steering wheel as a grab handle to get in and out of car,since you sit down in a cradle. I love these cars. Automatic preferences for me
i just picked up a 99 trans am for 7k ...has 140k but was well cared for....cant beat the price for the power and easy to bolt on more power..
The Finnish deserve to be happy. Don't know why Hoovie's acting so weird.
Congrats Hoovie on getting Apollo pack,I've been watching since the day1 of Apollo appearing on the channel.
Ditto, I’m having a hard time believing it was five years ago! I remember his wooden k car like it was yesterday.
@@tomlindo2863 Look at the changes in Wizzard. Didn't he do the first swap in a single car garage?
The hood is functional BTW especially with right intake!
Volant
Just bought mine bome stock with 73k miles a few months ago for a steal! It’s been so much fun to drive and it definitely gets the looks!
For how much and in which state ?
@@theterminator6121 picked it up for 15k in Ohio. Which is a bit much but for an Ohio car with no rust and perfect interior it’s a good deal in my opinion
@@ryanhawkins7391 that sounds sweet here in Germany this car is hard to come by
I've had my 98 Trans Am for about 6 years now. Got it for 6000$ with 97k on the odometer. I'm the second owner. Not a WS6 but I upgraded all the suspension bits to make it better than a stock WS6. I maybe have 3k in upgrades into it including welded in subframe connectors, koni shocks, upgraded springs, ram air intake, port and polished throttle body, ngk plugs and msd wires, upgraded all lighting to Led bulbs and projector headlights, upgraded all of the speakers, the head unit to an android double din, HP Tuners license with a custom tune, upgraded trans and motor mounts, adjustable panhard bar, strut tower brace, replica 2nd gen honeycomb wheels 9" wide, girdle for the rear end, upgraded slotted and cross drilled rotors with power stop pads, and a full exhaust. Really transformed the car.
Actually now that I have think about it, the upgraded wheels and tires were about $2400 so upgrades were about $5400 including that but it was well worth it for me.