Okay so i know the basic gm model progression : camaro/firebird, z28/trans am, SS/Ws6...but whats the hp and performance numbers like for all those? where the HECK does the formula firebird fit in and whats it output? and ive heard that the z28/trans am and SS/ws6 all have ls1s? what gives? whats the diff? and is the pontiac heavier than the chevy? thats just what ive heard, im pretty confused on those issues, if some ppl could straighten those questions out thatd be great, thanks in advance.

 

I cant give you the encyclopedia run down, but as far as the LS1 cars go, the TA/Z28 are the base model V8 F-odies, and the SS/WS6 are the nicer upholstery, different hoods, wheels, etc. Basically better options list. Near same engines, something about a lid on the SS and ram air, etc. LT1 cars, I think the formula Firebird is like the performance oriented version of the TA, like the LX 5.0Ls. Not very many options, affordable, hell of a punch. But I'm leaving this to the GM guys.

 

LT1 - '93-'97 Trans Am, Firebird Formula, Z28 - 260hp (?)
LS1 - '98-'02 Trans Am, Firebird Formula, Z28, SS, Firehawk, WS6 - 300rwhp

Firebird (non-Formula) is a V6, I'm pretty sure you don't care to hear about those. Camaro RS is also a V6 with appearance package, along with the regular Camaro. W68 is the Firebird's appearance package.

WS6 and SS are "performance" packages that I believe have different suspension and a few little modifications to the motor.

 

so formula is the same as trans am? i heard they have more power tho

 

Nope, its pretty much a Trans Am that looks like the V6.

 

check the sticky called 'ls1'

 

^Beat me to it.
BTW, all LS1s make about the same power when comparing similar years regardless of the horsepower ratings given by GM. They all make roughly 300 rwhp. Although in '01 the cam was made a wee bit smaller (better torque) and the intake manifold was replaced with the better-flowing LS6 version.
My car is an auto with 2.73 gears (slowest configuration available) and it ran 13.52 @ 104 stock, 105.79 on another run with worse traction (13.60). My g/f also had a 2.73-geared auto and ran 13.36 @ 105 stock (2.0 60 ft). 6-speed manuals can run 13 flat at 108 or so. A few freaks have hit 12.9. This is with the F-bodies; Corvettes are alittlelighter and therefore alittle faster.

 

the RS camaro in 4th gens was the firebirds Y87 package, which added 3.42 gears, posi, dual exhaust, and pretty much everything else from the Z, the W68 bird came with 3.08 gears as well

all that other crap on the LS1 is right

going back to the third gens, the RS/base birdscamaros had a TBI 305 (or the turdier v6), and irocs/formulas/Z28/T/*** had a TPI 305 or a TPI 350,

 

Well, let's see, giving the dead horse another kick:
The LT1 was put in all V8-variant Camaro's and Trans-Ams between 1993 and 1997. The motor roughly made 300 hp and 340 tq at the fly wheel.
A Z28 and SS Camaro are basically the same thing. They come from the factory with the same performance with the only exception being special editions such as the LT4 (which made roughly 330bhp and 350tq). There was also something known as the B4C package which is also a V8, made mainly for police use, but it is labeled with the "camaro" badge instead of a "Z28" or "SS." The TA variants are basically the same with the TA being the base and the WS6 being the slightly higher class editon, although special edition Firehawks were also made.

The LS1 was made in the F-bodies between 1998 and2002. That motor makes around 350bhp and 360tq, even though both motors were usually underrated in the F-body (the LS1 more so than the LT1). Same as above. The '01s and '02s versions are tad bit more powerful due to using a different intake.

The fastest stock version ever produced would probably be an '01 or '02 Z28 stripper with a 6spd. The Camaro's did weigh a bit less (not by much) than the TAs, well usually.

 

The appearance packages (W68, RS) and the "performance" packages (Y87) came seperate. You could have a non-RS Camaro with the Y87, and a Camaro RS without the Y87. As you could have a non-W68 Firebird with the Y87 (like mine), and a Firebird W68 without Y87. And the Y87 package only added the 3.42 gears to the autos, M5s still had the 3.23s. But like I said, I doubt he wants to hear about the 6 bangers...