Topic: Finding out more about my car

[Justin]

This may seem dumb or even a little late to some of you. But I have never actually really dug into my car other then what the VIN tells me. Pontiac,Trans Am,Sport Coupe,400 c.i.d,4-bbl V8,1978, Norwood,Ohio car. How do I go about finding out if it has the WS-6 option or w-72 or whatever else I can. I would be just looking at the body of my car. The motor is like 20min away but I might be able to go get a look at it this weekend. I just want to learn more about it. Thanks.

[Justin]

Oh and I did look at the stuff Brett has listed but I can not make any sense from it. I am just that clueless. I need someone to hold my hand and point it out for me or explain what things mean.

[LilSki]

In 78 the WS6 is easiest to identify by the 15x8 snowflake wheels and larger rear sway bar (I don't remember how big it actually is). The W72 is commonly identified by the chrome valve covers. It can also be identified by the block casting #. If it ends in 988 it can be a W72 block. If it ends in 577 it is not. This # is located on the passenger side back where the tranny meets the block.

But really the only way to know 100% is to have the build sheet or PHS.

[Justin]

HMMM.. Well my car is not original and I don't have any pictures of it new. It had camaro rims on it when i got it and a diff motor that was ugly as could be. was a larger sway bar the only thing that was WS-6? Nothing stamped on the body or cowl tag could tell me anything more?

[solargold]

Rear sway bar would be 1 inch, slightly bigger than non WS6. I believe the measurement is taken as half the circumference as across the end is 3/4

[Justin]

so measure the circumference?

[brian c]

I believe your door jamb sticker will have P sized tires listed if you had WS6 on a 78 as well.

Or you could just order your PHS if you don't have the build sheet.

[Justin]

Yeah...ummm  no sticker there either..lol   you have to remember. Rednecks from PA had my car. I am suprised it was not used to jump things.

[solargold]

so measure the circumference?

I would think the circumference would be 2 inches, since half way is 1. I is the only way I can get the 1 inch measurement to work and I have 2 cars, a WS6 and a non. Sway bar is definately bigger on the WS6 but not by much.

[Justin]

so measure the circumference?

I would think the circumference would be 2 inches, since half way is 1. I is the only way I can get the 1 inch measurement to work and I have 2 cars, a WS6 and a non. Sway bar is definately bigger on the WS6 but not by much.

lol   I get ya now.

[Frode_skj]

And the Vin should say if you got a w-72 as well, if it got a Z as the 5th digit, it's a w-72 isn't it?

[Justin]

i dont know for sure? I am not worried if it is a w-72. I just want to know what it is I have. That is really one of the only options i know of.

[solargold]

And the Vin should say if you got a w-72 as well, if it got a Z as the 5th digit, it's a w-72 isn't it?

I think Z would be W72 and WS6 in 1979 but don't think the Z was exclusive in earlier years. I have a 77 Y82 with a Z and not W-72 (L78) and have 2 1978 400's, both Z, one is, one is not W72

[Frode_skj]

ok, my mistake but in 79 of course, you only had one 400

[Burd Turd]

A good way to measure the sway bar is put a open end wrench on it, I put a 3/4" on my 78, a 3/4" wrench fits on it snug. My 78 came with a 5/8" .   I think the older birds had 7/8" on them.