History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
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Wierd drivetrain on friends 85 Trans Am, is this right?
Ok, my friend recently purchased an 85 trans am. The Rpo codes show it to have an LG4 motor, with the G80 Posi option. So far, none of that seems wierd. o What does seem strange, is the RPO code GW6, which is a 9 bolt rear end gear ratio. this struck a chord, so i went to count the bolts on the rear, and sure enough, its a 9 bolt. Now reading the tech data on this site. The 9 bolt didn't come out till 86'. Also, we just g-tech his car, and with about 400 pounds worth of extra weight, it ran a 16.05 at 89.6 which equates to about 192 Hp at the wheels (tech calc.) As far as we know, this car is bone stock with the exception the exhust, which is cut off after the Cat. Now i know running straight pipes does not add 70hp, so what gives? Is this some kind of Freak car? Im gonna check the casting numbers on the block tomorrow to see if it really is a 305, but other than that, im out of ideas.
I wrote the tech data, or at least updated it and added the info on the 9 bolt. It says the 9 bolt was available first in 85. 85 was the first year for the Firebird, 87 for the Camaro.
As for the rest, who knows.
[This message has been edited by Drew (edited July 22, 2001).]
drew, this is what tech data states under the 87 model year:
G92 and L98(B2L) cars finally got the Borg-Warner HD 7.75 inch four pinion rear end, produced by GM Holden's Limited of Australia (Firebird WS6 cars went to this unit in 1986). These units can be identified by their 9 bolt (rather than 10) differential cover that has a rubber plug. The Borg-Warner logo is also cast into the bottom of the differential case. This rear axle came with tapered rather than straight roller bearings and a cone-clutch rather than disc-clutch limited slip unit. These units came painted black from the factory while most others were bare metal.
just a typo i assume?
One more thing i just thought of. The car has WS6 badging on the dashboard and center caps, but RPO code WS6 does not appear on the RPO list on the car. Whats that all about?
The 85 TA doesnt say WS6 on the wheels anywhere, they are just machined aluminum, nor is there anything on the dash aside from a badge that says "performance suspension", which is on the level 2 suspension cars as well. As for the 9 bolt, it was first used on TA's in 1985, I had one just like that.
I'd say someone swapped wheels and stuck a sticker on the dash.
Zupman, you're talking about an 85 Trans Am. A Trans Am is a FIREBIRD not a CAMARO. Therefore when researching a FIREBIRD wouldn't you look under the heading for FIREBIRD rather than CAMARO?
Under FIREBIRD HISTORY 1985 "Borg Warner 9 bolt differential is available for first time. The new positive traction rear end is rumored to be stronger than the Dana 44."
Drew, I am fully aware of what a trans am is, theres no need to get angry. That quote did come from the camaro portion, your right. but it still says that the trans am WS6 cars got the rearend in 86 not 85. It's a typo, i know. But thats what i saw and thats why i made that comment. No need to get ignorant about it.
G92 and L98(B2L) cars finally got the Borg-Warner HD 7.75 inch four pinion rear end, produced by GM Holden's Limited of Australia (Firebird WS6 cars went to this unit in 1986). These units can be identified by their 9 bolt (rather than 10) differential cover that has a rubber plug. The Borg-Warner logo is also cast into the bottom of the differential case. This rear axle came with tapered rather than straight roller bearings and a cone-clutch rather than disc-clutch limited slip unit. These units came painted black from the factory while most others were bare metal.
Madmax- the center caps on his wheels say WS6, theres a pic here:
