4th Gen Firebird/Camaro ULTIMATE Buyers Guide 

99 Black WS6 here. 31k miles. I love her more than my girlfriend. Kidding. Kind of.

3 2002 Trans Ams here. Two Firehawks & a ws6. Red & sunset Hawks & a Navy ws6. Bought new, I will die owning all three. All black interior manuals.

I just bought my neighbors 2002 firebird trans am. 20k miles for 14 grand. There’s still factory stickers under the car 😂. I enjoy it, it’s no Audi but you can’t beat the V8 T-Top on a sunny day.

96-97 LT1s were 285-315 depending on SLP options. 97 had a LT4 option too; underrated at 330hp. Some were making more than that at the wheels. The LT1 is nothing to scoff at either; one of the fastest modded fbodies is a LT1. Yes, the optispark is a known issue, but other than that they are pretty solid engines. They might not be as loved as the LS1... but they sure do sound a lot meaner. Nice video! I love 4th gens 😃

The 3800 V6 also had the Y87 performance pkg that added to the sportiness feel. Also traction control is very important if you ever plan to drive these even on just wet roads. Great info on there...

2002 WS6 convertible with 12,352 original miles in the garage. Love it!

A few things regarding the 4th gen birds: -The bubbling on the sail panel (while it can still happen) is really only an issue on the 1999-2002 cars, as the adhesive used to bind it to the frame emits argon gas which causes the paint to bubble up. -The 1998 V8 cars still actually use the LT1 era cars PCM, just modified for use on the LS1. Makes it a little trickier to tune/find someone to tune it, but really not a big deal. -An EGR is present on the LS1 cars from 1998-2000, whereas 2001-2002 have have no EGR (2000 model year cars that got the LS6 intake do not have an EGR). -The 2001-2002 and some 2000 LS1 cars also have the *slightly* better flowing LS6 intake manifold. Easiest way to tell is whether or not you have an LS6 intake is by the presence or absence of the EGR. -The blinker failsafe on 1999-2002 cars is different than earlier years. Meaning if a blinker goes out in a '99-'02 car, the blinker will blink quickly, as per modern standards. However, the '98 and older cars will hold the affected light solid. -In reference of rarity, for the facelifted cars the 1998 cars are the least produced and subsequently rarest, while the 2002 cars are by far the most produced and much easier to find (especially in reference to WS6, Anniversary and Firehawk models.) -For the Pre-Facelift cars, the 1993 model year is actually the rarest of ALL 4th gens with only about 14,500 produced across all trims, compared to 1994 which had about 55,000 produced across all trims. -A special thing about the 1994 model year, is that it is the ONLY year you could get the Trans Am GT which is not easily identifiable by any external decals or bodywork. However, as long as a T/A is a 1994 model year and has a 155mph speedometer instead of the standard 115mph speedometer, it is a GT equipped car. It was dropped in '95 because all the options the GT gave in '94 became standard in '95. -In the 1998 LS1 cars, the water temp gauge is actually functional, whereas on the '99 and later cars it is a "dummy gauge" that will only show overheating temps. -1998-2000 had a slightly larger cam than 2001-2002 cars -1998-1999 cars had more restrictive exhaust manifolds -1998 cars as well as 2001-2002 cars had 28lb fuel injectors while 1999-2000 cars had 26lb injectors. (The '98 part number and '01-02 part numbers are different though) -1993-1998 cars have a 15.5 US gal fuel tank, whereas 1999-02 cars have a 16.8 US gal tank. -1999-2002 cars have an oil life monitor -2000-2002 cars have child seat safety hooks -Very few 2001-2002 LS cars actually had LS6 blocks, identifiable by a darker casting compared to LS1 equipped cars -1999-2002 cars have a different PCV with a different valve location than '98 cars. Obviously I know a bit more about the LS cars than the LT cars because...well...I own one lol. Regardless, many of these statements will apply unilaterally to both the Birds and Camaros with some exceptions. That being said, if you are thinking about buying one of these ageing beauties, DO IT, you wont regret it for a second.

I daily drive my 01 Trans Am. Got 90k rolling close to 100 now. Black on black. There's no reason not to enjoy this car any chance you get.

I’ve seen 1 of the purple ws6 cars. It was blacked out, had a tub kit and wide ass tires. Was clearly a built car. Absolutely sexy. Saw it back in 2010 when I had a z06. I’ve always wanted a blacked out purple ws6 since that day

LS1s commonly suffer from lifter tick however this problem is not catastrophic.

Daily drive my 2001 75th Anniversary Firebird (RPO 1SX) everyday, still a head turner man! Love it!

I have a 2002 WS6 all of these small things are true the best upgrade was the LED fog lights.

I daily drive a 98 Z28 that I bought new, just rolled past 222,222mi on the chassis. About the only remaining stock powertrain component is the 10-bolt. Once I stopped shocking the rear end, no problems. Once I added the AutoTrix passenger window fix kit, haven’t had a power window stop working. No door cracks, had to replace cracked dash once, worn tilt pin housing is a pita. Plastic guides in power seats break. Heel wear under pedals. B-pillar paint. Cheap alternators commonly fail. Water intrusion can fail valley cover knock sensors unless you follow TSB. Just stuff off the top of my head.

Picking up a 10th anniversary firehawk this weekend and I’ve never been so excited about a car before

“If it has underbody rust stay away from it” I bought a 01 Firebird with 120,000 mi in 2017 for $200 with one pin hole in 2022 I just cut the entire floor out

Forgot about the 10th anniversary firehawk.... definitely my favorite bird made!

From what I remember back in 1994, was the only time you could get a TA with the low mount wing. The base model TA had the low wing and the one year only Trans Am GT had the high mount. In '93, and '95-'02 TA's the high mount was the standard wing. I have the sales brochures for '93-'02, and there's no mention of a low mount wing option. The TA Firehawk's also had a unique rear wing as an extra option. The Dark Green Metallic color was also available in 1994, I had a Formula in that color. Currently have a '94 TA GT. One option you missed were the 1LE cars, which were slightly stripped down cars with stiffer suspensions, that were intended for racing. They're pretty rare in both Firebirds and Camaros.

Great video, thanks! I owned two TAs, the latter being a purple metallic 1995. It was a blast to own and drive and looked terrific. My favorite of all time is the gorgeous 25th Anniversary TransAm with T-tops. If I had carte blanche, I'd have one of those in my garage.

@4:19 That's how I solved my problems in my old Pontiac engine. Expensive spark plugs. Always, from the 84 on.

02 camaro z28 6 speed, 191k miles and had never stopped going

Great vid! Common ls1 engine problems on the later years were piston slap noise when cold and oil consumption - esp on the manual cars due to higher rpms. Some would start burning oil pretty bad when they more miles on them.

Got an '01 Trans Am WS-6 black on black T-tops. Sat in the weather for years with a blown engine, went through numerous car covers, and has some serious weather wear as you'd expect. Even in its current condition, being the only one of its kind here in the NT in Australia, it still turns heads! 😂

2002 WS6 owner red with brown interior I love the car it’s my second one my first one I fully dragged it out ended up selling it the one I have now has full interior bolt ons & it’s my daily 😎

Nice video! I was going to say, another uncommon package is the Y87. I have a stock, fully loaded, red 1998 W68 Y87 t-top Firebird. It has a Trans Am steering rack, TA suspension, LSD POSI, dual exhaust, air damn, 10 speaker monsoon radio system and a grey leather interior. Kinda like a TA with a V6. She's a garage queen so I'm lucky there's zero rust, zero dash nor door panel cracks and the leather looks new. You're absolutely right by telling people to keep these cars in a garage.

My 1998 Trans Am is the dark green met. love it. Was my first car, and 8 years later with 70k more miles shes doing great.

I think there is one trim package thats a little known, but very desirable (if not the most desirable in my opinion) is the GMMG package only offered in 2001-2002 by Carl Black Pontiac where they made only 50 blackbirds and 19 total 35th Anniversary Firebirds. Now these are super rare to find and all 6 speed. HP 375-600 all motor.

In 2001 I bought a new 2001 Camaro SS 6 speed. Sold it a few years later, but now looking to buy a 02 SS 6 speed. Navy blue with t-tops. 14,500 original miles and garaged since new. Excellent condition with a clean title and Carfax.

One of my ex bfs had two trans ams: a daily white and midnight blue racer.. I know one was a '98, maybe both of them were..? Didn't pay attention back then to the specs, but it was those cars that started my love and admiration for Pontiac..haha.

The Opti-spark really is up to chance. You're either gonna be replacing them every year, or your factory unit is gonna last a lifetime.

Yes do a Camaro video. I'm the few of less then 5 it's top 5 rarest colors option factory Gm vin matching Gm paint options . Mystic teal filp green blueish # ordered car z28 LS. That are still around today. Ps bought new at age 18 ..fully option 6 t56 car. Is now my small tire stock suspension grudge car.

Camaro of the same generation!

2002 ws6 with 19k miles. Have her ripped apart right now. Putting in a btr stage 2 cam in but working on her with my boys so slow rolling. But my favorite car to work on so far.

I’ve a 4th gen Camaro that I’m learning up on because I want it to be my first project car and it’s been interesting to find out the firebird is similar to it. Great vid!

Had a 97 Trans Am WS6 and had most of the problems you mentioned except no leaks in the T-top. Fun car to drive, great handling. But what a bear to work on, needed new window motors every 4 or 5 years. And spark plugs, don't even get me started. No issues with the 4L60E trans but the rear axle was starting to whine when I sold it.

99 trans am here, had it since 2011. Great video! Little thing I've learnt over the years, there's a company that sells the t-top reseal kit that, knock on wood, has fixed my leak for 8 years now. But I gotta say, I cracked up when you said listen to the ls1 and it sounded like it was knocking 😂😂😂😂

A ws6 formula is a bit more than a little more rare...haha it's about 20x as rare! I have a 01 formula and 99 trans am, I actually prefer the formula greatly. Not only does it look more unassuming, it's about 100lbs lighter. The options on these cars make no sense either, my formula is better equipped than my trans am ( cd changer/monsoon and traction control). The ws6 prices make no sense, the cars don't make any more power. The suspension is supposed to have thicker sway bars...but GM was lazy and knew the car was dead. They all have the same suspension. They do have larger wheels? I personally don't like the ws6 hood so perhaps I'm jaded...but it's not worth paying thousands more for a ws6 imo. The ws6 to base ratio is almost 50/50 in 4th gens. In 98-2000 nearly all trans ams were base models and in 01-02 nearly all trans ams were ws6s. The 98-2000 cars had the LS1 intake and bigger cam...they do run similar 1/4 miles to the 01-02 but they feel down on torque compared to a lt1. The 01-02 cars have better synchros, z06 clutch, ls6 intake and truck cam. Similar peak power but it definitely makes a difference in feel down low. A 01-02 car feels like a lt1 with a cam, no lack of torque at any rpm I think they are the best value for the dollar since new. They have always performed well and now continue to appreciate. They already have exceeded c5 values, not hard to understand why considering the low production numbers and abuse these things suffered Awesome video! By the way, there are some nice ones out there that haven't been abused. It took me years to find one but I'm glad I did. Buy one that hasn't been beat even if it's a spec you don't love.

Those Trans Am WS6 cars are a work of art. They still look so good they could produce it today and it wouldn't be out of place. Just beautiful.

Totally enjoyed this. Very informative and the music isn’t overbearing…

I absolutely love these cars. Thanks for sharing.

I daily my 2002. It will be 5 years of owning my dream car.

So if you’re from this era of cars… 350hp was plenty. That was about the most you could get at the time. (Clears throat)… these NEW v6 Mustangs and Camaros are 300+ hp!!!!! Crazy!!!!!!

Had a dark blue 02 WS6 6spd. Built 8/02, meaning it was one of the last ones produced (within a month or so of the end of the model run) Sold it about 5 years ago. Big mistake. They're bringing big money now. mid 01 to end of 02 they were installing LS6 intake manifolds from the factory. Gave them a little more power. Great cars.

00 v6 y87 and 01 formula

i have a WS6. the firebirds are the best muscle car. no contest

I have always been a huge trans am fan. My 1st cousin has a 1979 special edition trans am with a 301 v8 motor so it’s not a fast car by any way. But what makes awesome is that it has the factory 4 speed manual that only 213 were made in that package.

The most common problem is the headlight gears were ABS and inevitably grind their teeth off. You can get OEM brass replacements and they last a lifetime.

I have a 5speed 3.4l with only 30k miles. Love these cars and they preform well and yes the 3.4l is a slow V6 but it's still very fun to drive

I got an 84 Trans Am WS6 package 305 high output 5 speed brand new I bought it brand new 42803 MI

Love to see a camaro focused video! Any year (not late 2nd gen)

Ha,...my husband says," Speaking as the old guy,...I don't have one, now leave me the hell alone!"

Just saw a commercial with a car collision with a spinout. It wasnt Camaro/Trans am. But for a moment, I thought what hell of way to start the buyers guide.

Even the V6 models were awesome, 200hp in the 90s was still enough to have fun with!!

Great video. Thank you.

92 corvette owner but always loved these

Nice 30th anniversary Firebird, looks iust like mine… wait a minute

Was hoping you have some more info regarding convertible versions, but otherwise, a decent video. Trying to pick up an 02 SS with around 130k and looking for as much info I can get.

Great vid! Love it! Dark Green Met was available in 95, not just 96/97. . Had one. Have the navy blue 01 WS-6 now, had the champagne '02 ws-6 and champagne '00 T/A. All 6 speeds.

had a ‘95 Z28 in black and my neighbor had a WS6 in purple near Syracuse NY….did we just become best friends..,.yup!

Rarest are the Callaway Supernatural and c8 camaros. I have a Supernatural Camaro without the bodywork. The cost back in the 90's for my setup was around $33k for the engine. Callaway offered a lifetime warranty to the original owner

When it comes to these cars, code 41U is the code to have and if you want to eliminate the problem with the leaking water pump on the LT1?, install an electric pump

Does the 12 purple ones count for the v6? There's one for sale near me but it's v6 convertible from 95

And I'm in the process of painting my car the Purple Metalic

In 2001 and 2002 the TA and Camaro SS LS1 came with the LS6 intake. Increasing the power to 335hp from the factory.

Thank you man ! I love Firebirds !!!

I have a 2000 black Firebird V6 with the ground effects that make it look like a Trans Am. Im at 197,000 miles and I love this car. Ill never get rid of it. Yes it needs some work here and there, but over all its in great shape. I dream of getting it fully restored one day with maybe some upgrades to get it more close to the Trans Am V8. But seems like there are zero shops in my area that would do this.

I have a 99z28 artic white ttop built 6.0 straight pipe she's a beast had her nearly 13 years will never stop the mods 😂

LS1 do have some issues, Pushrods are the known big issue. And the bubbling sail panel was a LS1 year issue, the LT1 years didn't have those problems. And one special edition forgotten was Comp T/As.

I had one for a few years, with a Zoom Raccing Clutch & a Whipple charger. Would boil the tires hitting 3rd at 90 mph. Ate Mustangs for Dinner. 1st car Was an TansAm 89’ that looked like KIT. Really MISS that car !!!.... would smoke 2nd & was an Automatic, that turned A alot of heads back then.

Great Video bro 😎🙌🏽💯

Have a Black T-Top 94' Camaro Z28 6 speed car and love it to death. Only problem I have encountered has been the dreaded optispark. Fortunately enough, Torqhead offers a kit that completely deletes it and upgrades it to a LS1 ignition style system and LS1 PCM. All in one, ready to go kit. It was the first thing I did on my car. It costed me approximately 1900$-2000$ Currently making 277 hp and 301lb-ft of torque to the wheel and all I have done is headers, exhaust, optispark delete/Torqhead kit, clutch and flywheel, and a tune. Not bad for a stock/mild LT1.

From a F-body guy, a very good video. Now if you haven’t done it yet make that Camaro video! Everyone wanted the Firebird, but many still cannot afford it. The Camaro was lighter and hence faster and the best bang for the buck. Appreciate an awesome video!

Ohh that silver T/A looks beautiful

Great video bro!!!

My 2001 Camaro SS that I bought new burned about a quart of oil every 800 miles. After arguing with the dealer, they finally replaced the rings, and that helped a bit. Does anyone know if GM remedy this problem by the 2002 model year.

I got a WS6 with 64k miles 6 speed here.

Yeah when you talk about 3,800 you need to mention the lower intake gaskets they were all plastic just like the 3400 I know they're not known to pop head gaskets but that's only because idiots overheat them would leaky intake gaskets GM even put out a new revised part but they should have recalled the lower intake gaskets

Solid rear axle mean no LSD? Or no independent rear suspension?

Excellent video, I just got my Firehawk Trans Am Convertible out of the garage after ten years (Gasp) of sitting. I was young don’t judge lol. Needed a new fuel pump and just like you said a water pump! It also needed wheel bearings, tires n brakes. But I feel like I hit the lottery. My question is what does SFI engine mean ?

The First gen Firebird and 4th Gen Trans AM are my favs.

fbody prices are getting crazy atleast for trans am or ws6 models.

I had a brand new 1995 trans am and the color was a dark aqua metallic. Which I added the ram air. Had the 6 speed.

The Formula and Firehawk originally only came with the base model spoiler. In fact the Firehawk package was only available on the Formula trim to start. It started on the 3rd gen 91/92 cars, then the lt1. Wasn't until the LS1 cars came out that the Firehawk could be added on the Trans Am. Best colors besides the sunset orange metallic imo was the navy blue and that weird pewter color. It was kinda a mix between silver and gold. I was gonna pull the trigger on a ws6 Formula that was that color. Car was sold before I could get out there 😞

What wheels are those at 0:11? I would like a nice set of black wheels.

Great video.

Great video, I would add crappy clear coat to the list of things to look out for. Other than that, my 2000 Trans Am has 153,000 miles and still runs fantastic with basic maintenance. The old girl still spanks all the diesel truck bros that always want to race me.

I have a 95 lt1 6 speed 60k miles, I caught my water pump leak right away, reason being is it leaks out the hole onto the belt so I had no power steering, when charging the water pump I put rags over the opti and it’s almost unavoidable, the opti will get coolant on it but just try to minimize it obviously, put it back together and forgot to plug the opti back in haha so it wouldn’t start, thought I ruined it, found the plug, car fired right up.

94 TA 25th Ann GT With A New Crate Motor. About 600 Miles Rn. Waiting On Suspension Parts Rn. ❤

Well made video thanks

Awesomeness dude

Can you make a Review on the 89 Trans Am Turbo 3.8 Also The Dodge Stealth AWD.

Purple and gold colors are the best 2 colors offered

I heen wanting a 4th gen trans am ws6 for years but i allways think of the biggest problems engine to far back and has to be removed from the bottom and the rear and the fuel tank has to be dropped to get to the fuel pump

Those are Some of the Sharpest Cars out there. And I’m a Dodge guy. Black 1st then purple. But I would like a Dark Metallic Green with Black and Chrome.

Hey don't forget about the 95-97 Trans Am Comp made by SLP these go under the radar and are already Modified 👌

I see your video is more Trans Am and LS focused but I think you sold the LT1 a little short. LT1 went up to 285hp-310hp in 1996 and since you included the SLP horsepower numbers for the LS I’d add the LT1 SLP cars went 305-310hp and the LT4 (which is just a factory modded LT1) went to 330hp. As far as Camaro SS was concerned 1996 and 1997 SLP modded the cars and they were limited quantities. 1998-2002 the SLP car production was more integrated with GM and far less rare. Aside from the Optispark which is just a distributor that needs to be serviced like any other distributor the LT1 is actually very stout. Technically the LS has a TSB concerning oil pressure and oil pump failure which can cause engine failure. Although rare, the LT1 does not have a weakness that can cause engine failure. It just has a distributor in an inconvenient place that is recommended to be changed every 80k miles. Just a time consuming job and does require replacing the waterpump. The LS Firebirds in general are worth more than the LS Camaros. Showing It has more to do with looks than the engines. The 30th anniversary LT4 Camaro SS is one of the highest priced collector fourth Gen since only 106 were made…. It had the blueprinted Grand Sport motor from the Corvette which many dyno’d more horsepower to the wheel than the LS Corvettes which Chevy tried to keep hush hush. You can watch C&S Corvettes talk about LT4 facts and figures… Enjoyed the video!

My 98’ WS6 had the worst sloshy washer sound because of my differential. I forgot about that. 😆

Your thumbnail is my car. It is a 1998 Trans Am WS6 with a manual transmission in Bright Purple Metallic, ACS build #19, 1 of 6 they made like that. I also owned a matching Bright Purple Metallic Formula hardtop, and a Bright Red '99 Trans Am. That Tim dude claims he has the only purple WS6 manual, but that is not true.

Great video!

Nothing about LS1 piston slap, or the superb torque curve of the LT1😮

Nice review.