corey8084

Hello everyone,

I've picked up a 1991 Firebird for my first project car and noticed that the rear wheels say WS6 Performance Suspension on them (the fronts appear to be painted over) as well as a decal beneath the map pocket that reads Performance Suspension. What I am trying to figure out is if there are any other ways of finding out if my bird has the WS6 package installed. this is my first project car and the first Pontiac I've ever owned so my knowledge is a little limited.
If pictures are required, I would have no problem posting them of whatever is needed.

Thank You
Corey8084

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Look at the SPID label, in the W codes.

WS6 is pretty common on the Formula. Might even be part of the package for all I know. (I'm not a Firebird person) In any case, it's not unusual or special in any particular way, and at the time the car was new, was of relatively minor significance to most people since it was before the 4th gens that had those big gaudy badges that turned it into an instant buzzword. Basically the only things that are different between that and any other suspension RPO the car could have come with, are the sway bars, springs, & shocks; and since the springs & shocks are now just a bunch of old wore-out stock crap same as about any other old wore-out stock crap, and even in new condition were FAR inferior to even modern stock replacement parts, it's of little consequence regardless besides "bragging rights". And since I'm not much of a braggart and have little tolerance for those who are with regard to that sort of thing, IMO that doesn't count for a whole lot.

Enjoy it for what it DRIVES LIKE and don't get all wrapped up in the "special" mentality that seems to go with Firebirds alot.

corey8084

yes, I do not personally care for the "big gaudy badges" but I've read very different reviews in that the WS6 system was phenomenal. some reviews I had read said that the suspension rivaled that of newer cars of today. your testimony, while not a firebird person yourself, has me questioning the validity of this claim. I did not want to know for the bragging rights, merely for maintenance purposes.

JonM

Ws6 was part of the formula package.

It really helps with handling as far as preventing body roll on cornering. The diff is noticable between a ws6 thirdgen and a non ws6 same turn same speed.

When folks start modding one of things done is beef up the sway bars. So a lot of thirdgens get at least ws6 upgrade or better from folks wrenching on them.

It doesn't really do anything just riding straight line so it gets a lot of poopooing. The ws6 doesn't help going straight so drag racing type stuff doesn't really benefit. When you get a formula in a bunch of tight turns at a good clip that's when you notice that its taking turns like the car is glued to the road.

Your rpo codes should be on the spid sticker in the center console.

My car is a formula 350 which has the ws6 and it holds its own against the wife's 2001 ws6 transam. Handling they are pretty much equals. The 01 ta wins in a straightline thanks to the ls1 but in turns I keep up just fine.

Only three places reference the ws6. Rpo code, on the wheels, and on the badge below the map pocket on the passenger side dash. If you see ws6 on the hood bulge someone peeled off the original sticker and put that there. Same with "ws6" anywhere else on a thirdgen formula.

There was a subset of folks in the 80's that peeled formulas and formula350's to hide what was inside.

corey8084

Thanks for the information. I've looked in the door jam, the center console (you are referring to the part that has a lid, correct? or am I completely losing my mind?), the spare tire compartment (I've read that a few cars had it there) as well as the little locking compartment in the trunk on the driver side (heard that is where they put it in the 92 firebird) is there any other way to get the RPO for my car?

corey8084

I know my car has a 5.0L TPI engine, someone in another thread mentioned SLP, and it's got disk brakes in the rear. I don't know if that is enough to determine the RPO but if I picked this car up for the price I did and it's a gem, I would be quite surprised.

JonM

1991 might be new enough for it to be in the gm computers. You can take your title into the dealer they might be able to run off a spec sheet for you. But the spid is always in the center console on american shipped cars. If its not there someone peeled it out stupidly or swapped consoles. That sticker helps with finding the right repair parts for your car and is kinda impotant if your wanting to maintain it stock.

corey8084

ok, yeah I looked inside the console and under the lid and didn't see it. may have to find a chevy dealer around here who might know something. thank you for the help

JonM

The ws6 to 91 important features larger wheels, 36mm front sway bars 24mm rear and a faster ratio steering gears. It also had other spring upgrades and slightly upgraded shocks. Springs and shocks are pretty much toast in most cars by now. But the quicker steering I can't comment on as I've never driven a non ws6 thirdgen enough to really wring one out.

JonM

One other thing brakes aren't part of the ws6 package its a different rpo code.and can vary car to car depending on production weight.

corey8084

that is what I had read, rear disk brakes were a part of the WS6 package at first, but then they made them an option.

a62belair

My 87 Formy has the 'WS7' package. This is the WS6 suspension with a drum brake 2:73 open diff rear. I finally corrected that last year with a 9-bolt 3:45 posi, disc brake rear. Much more peppy!