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Post by: Schimko on February 25, 2007, 09:22:53 PM
First question: I am seeing some Trans Ams as being called a Y82, Y84, or Y88. I guess what I need to know is how do I know if my car is one of these? What does Y82 and so on mean??
Second question: This one seems dumb but how do I know if it has the WS6 suspension on it? I only found a partial of my build sheet and it isn't telling me much. Guess that's it for now.
Post by: MalteseFalcon on March 03, 2007, 12:27:16 AM
In 1978, the easiest way to tell is to look at the door sticker on the driver's side and see what size of tires are specified. If it says "225 70R 15", its a WS6. If it says "GR7015" it isn't. 1979 and later Trans Ams all had the metric series tires, so it only works for 1978.
If the sticker is gone, check the diameter of the rear sway bar. WS6 is .750 in 1978; Standard Trans Ams were .625 that year. Most WS6's also had little braces going from the rear lower control arm mounts on the front subframe.
If your car has the original wheels, you can tell y looking at them - WS6 wheels are 15" x 8" aluminum Snowflakes. Standard wheels were steel 15 x 7" Rally II wheels; 15 x 7" aluminum Snowflakes were optional. The WS6 15 x 8 " Snowflakes have a horizonal lip about an inch wide on the outside edge.
WS6's also had constant ratio, high-effort steering boxes, specific spring rates, and some harder durometer bushings, but you can't tell by looking. The front sway bar (which is the standard Trans Am size of 1.25") has white nylon bushings that are often still there; standard is black rubber. 1979 and later WS6's also got rear disk brakes.
Hope that helps.
Post by: MalteseFalcon on March 03, 2007, 12:36:55 AM
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/MalteseFalcon_2006/100_0441.jpg)
These are the little braces I mentioned. Most, but not all, WS6's have them and some, but not most, non-WS6's have them. So they are not a sure sign.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/MalteseFalcon_2006/78484.jpg)
The wheels on my car in this picture are WS6 15 x 8" Snowflakes:
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/MalteseFalcon_2006/100_0035-1.jpg)
This is a non-WS6 Snowflake. Notice how it has no horizontal lip:
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/MalteseFalcon_2006/100_0464.jpg)
Post by: Schimko on March 06, 2007, 02:13:31 AM
Post by: gorin002 on April 06, 2007, 01:31:24 AM
Post by: 78tahitman on April 11, 2007, 07:14:07 PM
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