Hey guys new to the forums and new to F-body platforms. Haven't bought an F-body yet, but I'm seriously looking at them...any how my question:

I noticed that the 96-97 SS or WS6(for the Trans Am) is putting out 305 HP according to GM and the same year Z28 (or Trans Am) were only 285. What were the changes other that ram air to achieve these numbers? Or is it that the ram air was able to produce these differences in numbers?

Thanks in advance!!

 

go with a 96 97 camaro. lol. not sure but good air delivery will give good hp gains and could very well be the difference. by the way the hp numbers that chevy released were off. the 96 97 lt1 was in the 325 to 350 hp range.

 

Yepp... as a matter of fact the power really is the same across the board... the ram air makes some difference but NOT that drastic as it says on paper. On the dyno they do the same amount of HP at the wheels which is what matters. The SS & WS6 trim levels are more about cosmetic, suspension and the "rare" factor... not power. You will pay more for it to. I suggest getting Z28 or Trans am and use the money you save that you would've paid for the SS or WS6 trim, to pay the car off fast or go to town and mod it. Unless its a really really really good deal.

 

Intake and exhaust!!Better breathing!Also they went to dual cats.

 

ps,
aluminum driveshaft,lghter wheels(5-spoke)better breathing,exhaust and intake etc.Lots of minor changes that all make a difference

 

I thought it was the LS1 that had underrated numbers?

 

they both are underrated, most of the chevy camaro s are. just the oposite of ford they like to think they have more and dont. i think the ls was rated at 325 and is 350. cant remember i know the early lts were rated at 275 and were close to 300. then they improved the lt before switching to ls and i dont know what those number were.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Aluminum Driveshaft was added in 98'

 

Wow thanks guys! I'll be selling my 97 Prelude to move over to an F-Body...no more rice for me ...actually I really wanted an F-Body before I bought the Prelude but was sucked in by the gas mileage, and other excuses...

Trust me I was never one of those "ricers" who thought he could take a V8 sports car...that's just retarded...I'm 34 and feel like I'm driving a "kids" car...should have went with my gut and got the Camaro

Questions regarding my purchase:

Does it really matter, other than the optispark issue if I go LS or LT? I know the LS is typically known for better power but I need something that will be reliable as well as fast, I've heard great things about LS motors running forever...is it the same thing with LT's?

Also I plan to not finance anything, Prelude should sell for $4500 and I'll have about $2000 cash on top. I have noticed that F-Bodies are above being priced above blue book...what's up with that?

Oh also primarily looking at 6 speeds as I hear the conversion is a real pain?

I really apprerciate the input, I bought the Prelude in October and want to get rid of it already...so I just want to make as educated a purchase as possible...

 

it depends on what body style u like. if u like the lt get a 96 or 97, if u like the ls then i think any yr from 98 up is good.