The Shop in Lewisville, Texas,...
The Shop in Lewisville, Texas, custom-embroidered blue WS6 logos on the headrests of the optional taupe-leather, articulated front bucket seats.
To reach the targeted horsepower goals, an aggressive RPM 6 hydraulic-roller camshaft was chosen with 244/248-degrees duration at 0.050 and 0.612/0.615 lift on a 114-degree LSA. The cam was installed advanced two degrees. Manley dual valvesprings, titanium retainers, and hardened pushrods work in concert with GM 1.7:1-ratio roller rockers to actuate the valvetrain.
Two new replacement GM pistons and rings were sourced, and all of the stock pistons were flycut to retain adequate piston to valve clearance. After utilizing a new set of GM head gaskets, the long-block was reassembled and topped off with a replacement SLP LS6 intake manifold. The stock fuel pump was retained, but in order to provide adequate fuel for the hungry cylinders, a larger set of Ford SVO 30-pound fuel injectors were utilized. A Whisper lid pulls in cold air via an owner-completed free ram-air mod before flowing through a K&N air filter to the stock LS1 MAF and Shaner S3 throttle body.
An SLP 160-degree thermostat working in conjunction with the stock radiator keeps the motor cool in the hot Texas sun, while an ASP underdrive crank pulley frees up some additional power. Stock coils send juice via MSD 8.5mm plug wires to a set of cooler heat-range NGK TR-6 plugs.
Mean-spirited exhaust sounds are courtesy of a custom "off-road" setup that features Kooks stainless 1-7/8-inch long-tube headers and 3-inch X-pipe that flow through a 3-inch true-dual exhaust system fabricated by RPM. Twin 3-inch Moroso Spiral Flow mufflers attach to the duals (no catalytic converters), while turnout pipes just aft of the rear housing dump expelled gases.
RPM's Brian Lohse tuned the T/A using HP Tuners software on both the chassis dyno and street to achieve maximum power while still providing excellent idle characteristics and crisp transitions off-idle to full throttle. Large-duration LS1 cams are notorious for loading up at idle, but the combination of the custom cam profile and expert tuning allow the engine to perform flawlessly.
Power To The Pavement
A Spec Stage IV clutch and billet-steel flywheel transfer the power through the venerable T56 manual transmission, shifted by a B&M Ripper shifter. An aluminum driveshaft delivers it to a 10-bolt rearend fortified by Texas Drivetrain Performance. GM 4.10 gears provide the torque multiplication, while a TA Performance rearend girdle cover increases fluid capacity and helps keep ring-gear deflection to a minimum.
Eibach Pro lowering springs at each corner drop the car to the pavement and provide a perfect stance when combined with ROH RT chrome-alloy wheels that measure 18x9 inches front and 18x10 in the rear. Out back, the street tires are ZR-rated 295/35ZR18 Pirelli P-Zero radials, while Toyo Proxes T1-S checking in at 275/35ZR18 are up front. Stock WS6-spec shocks work in concert with a full complement of BMR suspension products including lower control arms, lower control-arm relocation brackets, an adjustable torque arm, and an adjustable panhard bar. All aftermarket suspension components utilize spherical rod-ends to maximize control.
Stock WS6-specification stabilizer bars are retained and upgraded with Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings, which enables the WS6 to turn on a dime and cut up corners with aplomb. Braking prowess is attributed to stock brakes with calipers-powdercoated Navy Blue Metallic-working in concert with RaceTrek cross-drilled and slotted rotors and Axxis Metal Masters pads.
Laying in wait under the WS6...
Laying in wait under the WS6 hood are 364 ci of LS1 iron-block fury. A nasty RPM 6 camshaft that features 244/248 degrees duration at 0.050 with 0.612/0.615 lift lives to rev into the stratosphere and lays down 449.6 rwhp at 6,200 rpm with a torque peak of 406.1 at 5,300.
Conclusion
F-body enthusiasm has spanned 30 years and continues to gain momentum despite the fateful elimination of our beloved Firebird after the '02 model year. Although enthusiasts are waiting for the Bird to emerge from the sun in a blaze of glory for a fifth generation, it hasn't stopped the twenty-something generation from purchasing and modifying Fourth-Gen Birds for power and style.
According to James, "For the first year after owning the T/A, I spent my time upgrading its appearance, performed a few bolt-on modifications, and dropped in an audio system that would rock. Once complete, it was coincidental that the cracked manifold ended up damaging pistons as I was actively planning to enhance the power to take the T/A to an elevated performance level.
With the engine complete and tuned, the power comes on in brutal fashion and pulls hard all the way to redline. Combine that with the changes made to the suspension to allow the T/A to handle better, and it's a blast to drive on the street."
In the heyday of the musclecar, roller cams and engines producing 450 rwhp were reserved for racecars. It's good to know that modern technology has allowed the average enthusiast to build racecar power while maintaining modern creature comforts in a distinct package.
 To provide the proper stance...  To provide the proper stance for this lowered beauty, it rolls on ROH RT chrome-alloy wheels-18x9 inches in front and 18x10 in the rear. Chunky Toyos and Pirelli P-Zeros fill the wheelwells. |  |  Personalized plates provide...  Personalized plates provide ample warning to off-brand drivers that this T/A means business. Conspicuously absent are the telltale WS6 dual-exhaust tips that normally peek out from recesses in the rear bumper cover. A true dual exhaust turns to the outer body just past the rear axle and provides a wallop to unsuspecting drivers as the Moroso mufflers spin a spiral fury. |