This Yellow Bird Beauty is a real "Show Stopper" and a great place to put your auto investment budget for the future. This is the Last Issue and 35th Anniversary Edition of the Firebird and they went out with a 'Bang'. General Motors issued final assembly with a Limited Run of TransAm's with the "WS-6 Performance Option" and 6 speed (this is only 839 out of 30,690 2002 T/A's built**) . It carried the 6,200 rpm 5.7 Liter displacement V8 with a 'Ram Air' Air Induction System'. That package included functional Air Scoops, upgraded 17" Polished Wheels, P275/40Z-17 Speed rated Tires, a Low Restriction Dual Exhaust, Tuned Suspension and a Power Steering Cooler. Then, for another $3000, Pontiac offered the optional: 12 CD Remote Disc Changer, Traction Control , and a Hurst Shifter. All these Bird's were 50-State legal. This Beauty is all-of-the-above. Finished in 'Collector Edition Yellow' (only 7.8% of prod./window sticker reads "Sunfire Yellow") w/ Ebony Leather. It also carried T-Tops, Special paint Scheme, Detailered Interior with "Special Edition Emblems/FloorMats, Ws6 Wheels, Cargo Mat and Embroidered Headrests. As noted; top that off with the Rarest option of all- 6-Speed transmission and you've got the Perfect Collector Car. She only has 14,300 miles making this one of the lowest mileage examples out in the Sales Arena. Built at the St.Terese Assembly Plant in Canada, it was delivered new to Lou Sobh Pontiac-Buick in Duluth, GA. as order #DQF27N, Model 2FS87 and VIN 123751. It sold for an amazing $40,925 new ($5000 over list price -actual sticker incl.).According to the original Build Sheet, It specifies 63 Options. This car has it's original Window Sticker/ Dealer 'Markup' Sticker & Factory Build Sheet, Showroom Brochure, all Service Receipts and Owner's Manual. Now on display on our Museum floor at The Mount Dora Museum of Speed, near Orlando, FL.
Standard Equipment from the factory on all these final issued Firebirds was a 4-speed Automatic Transmission, Rear Drive Limited Slip Differential, SLA Front Suspension, Carbon Shocks, 4-Wheel Power Disc Brakes, Theft Deterent Alarm System, Content Alarm, Aero Ground Effects Package w/ Fog Lamps, Stand. 16" Wheels, Rear Deck Spoiler, Power Antenna/Mirrors, Removable Hatch Roof, Air Conditioning, Delco AM/FM Stereo Radio w/ Single play CD Player & Premium Sound Speakers, Power Door Locks & Windows, Cruise, Rear Window Defogger, Remote Entry, Steering Wheel Radio Controls, 6 Way Power Seats (Driver's Only), and Leather Faced Seats.
The Final Years of the Firebird Story:
In 1997, in relation to the Camaro, the Firebird received a mid-cycle refresh for 1998 model year. Major changes included a new hood and front fascia with dual intakes, retracting quad halogen headlights, circular turnsignal and fog lamps, a front license plate pocket, lower fender air vents, unified-style lower door raised lettering for each trim level, and a new "honeycomb" rear light panel, with circular reverse lamps. In the dashboard, "next generation" reduced-force dual airbags became standard. As before, the Formula and Trans Am again received a close derivative of the Corvette's 5.7 L V8, the LS1 of the C5 Corvette, as the LT1 (and LT4) V8s were discontinued.:The LS1 Firebirds were also equipped with an aluminum driveshaft, replacing the previous steel version, while all Firebird trim levels gained four-wheel disc brakes with dual-piston front calipers and larger rotors at each wheel, complete with a solenoid-based Bosch anti-lock system. The Formula convertible was no longer offered. Beginning in 1998 for 1999 models, a standard 16.8-gallon non-metallic fuel tank increased potential traveling range. GM's ASR traction control system was extended to the V6-powered Firebirds, and all LS1 (V8) and Y87 (V6) Firebirds also received a Zexel/Torsen II slip-reduction rear axle. An electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) system replaced the old hydraulic proportioning valve for improved brake performance. An enhanced sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) recorded vehicle speed, engine rpm, throttle position and brake use in the last five seconds prior to airbag deployment. In 1999, a Hurst shifter for variants with the 6-speed manual and a power steering cooler became options for LS1 Firebirds. In 2000, the WS6 performance package was available exclusively for 2001 model year Trans Am coupe and convertible variants. For 2002, more convenience items such as power mirrors and power antenna became standard equipment, while cassette stereos were phased out.
The 'WS6 Performance Package' beat many other era competitors with a 6,200 RPM-limit, 5.7 liter displacement and 350 lb.ft. of torque, that includes all the competition including Ford & Chevrolet in 2002. It's the kind of car that you drive proudly (but cautiously... ;) through a school parking lot or local Drive-In to show folks what a real Muscle Car looks like.
Although in production from 1998-2002 as a Coupe, Convertible or T-top (the best of both Worlds),the 2001-2002 T-Top models are BY FAR the preference. Similar to prior years, the cars received a 5.7-liter V-8 LS1, but this time with a few improvements.A Six-Speed Hurst Shifter was available, and technologies developed for the LS6 were being incorporated throughout. For example, a billet-steel Camshaft increased horsepower by 5hp. and allowed for greater torque delivery in the lower rev range. Reduced tolerances in the Crankshaft eliminated any cold-knock observed in earlier models. A Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor guaranteed optimal performance at any air temperature, and a set of PUP catalytic converters (added for emissions) allowed the LS1 to be fitted with cast iron exhaust manifolds, which are not only more durable and cost-effective, but also improved exhaust flow. Also worth mentioning, the recoieved larger fuel injectors for increased volume, resulting in maximum fuel delivery, which in turn allowed more options for aftermarket power increases.
By 2002, the WS6 Optioned Trans Am rolled off production lines with 325-horsepower achieving 0-60 in under five-seconds. However, depending on an owner’s budget, this car is fully capable of producing over 500-horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque. There are even insane twin-turbo's available to increase ponies to 1,000-horsepower. That's an incredible pallot to choose from.
Horsepower is a brag-worthy number, but torque is what a driver really feels, and this car has the perfect horsepower-to-torque balance. The WS6 will shred tires and throw you back into your seat if you so desire. The overall Styling pairs perfectly with the Performance: bold and BEAUTIFUL. This is your opportunity to take part in a Legend.
This Last Special Edition:
Firebirds with the W-6 engines are a real treat to drive. The revs climb to a crescendo and the tire-shredding torque kicks in as the clutch is released. One might expect it to breathe fire, but instead you are greeted with something even better: loud, deep crackling exhaust notes. The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 is the Most Beastly Bird in the entire Flock. The split front grille resembles a dragon's nostrils....and she is a Fire breathing one, indeed. This is like driving the Dragon from Game of Thrones. Hop on....... $27,500
