Firehawk vs. LT4
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 101
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From: West TX
Firehawk vs. LT4
What are my chances vs. a stock 02? Firehawk, once my clutch issues are resolved of course. This cocky F-Body guy wants a piece of the old LT4, and I'd like to know what my chances are before I attempt to lay it down on him. He says its stock, but wasn't an SLP exhaust offered on LS1 F-Bodies from the factory? The exhaust doesn't sound stock, but isn't as loud as mine either. Anyway, just curious as I know that real Firehawks are pretty mean from the factory. I have faith in the LT4! (and in my shifting skills
:D )
:D )
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,472
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From: Toronto ONTARIO
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (neat)
i dont think 10 rwhp will win a race, knowing that the ta weighs a fat chunk more than the vette and the aerodynamics rival a great blue whale :lol: (no i dont hate F-bodies... i luv camaros and the 93-7 tas :cool: )
It would come down to the driver though, but top end and the longer you go the LT4 should pull it. IMO :yesnod:
It would come down to the driver though, but top end and the longer you go the LT4 should pull it. IMO :yesnod:
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (LT4 2 Fast)
I've raced many WS6 and SS Camaros and have beat them in my stock 6 speed '95.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16
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From: Battle Creek MI
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (LT4 2 Fast)
tough call. SLP exhaust wasn't offered from the factory, but the Firehawk was an SLP project. A 2002 Firehawk puts down closer to 345 at the wheels. And LS1 motors love the mid to top end. Depending on his gearing (M6:3.42, A4:3.23) and how long you guys run , it could be a bit of a challenge for you. If is he truly stock, you might pull him on the low end if he's driving an a4...with a manual you'll have a tougher job on your hands. The lt1/lt4 makes great torque down low, but like I said, the LS1 really wakes up toward the mid top.
Also, the firehawk isn't as heavy as the T/A. The 'hawk is based on the firebird, which normally would be a no frills v6 car. The formula was always the sleeper in the poncho stable because it wasn't weighed down as much as the t/a with ground effects, overstuffed options, etc. Now add the SLP firehawk package and you're not talking that much of a whale anymore :) A stock firehawk will probably weigh in about 3500lbs plus driver.
My suggestion: Run for fun, not money...it just might cost you :)
Also, the firehawk isn't as heavy as the T/A. The 'hawk is based on the firebird, which normally would be a no frills v6 car. The formula was always the sleeper in the poncho stable because it wasn't weighed down as much as the t/a with ground effects, overstuffed options, etc. Now add the SLP firehawk package and you're not talking that much of a whale anymore :) A stock firehawk will probably weigh in about 3500lbs plus driver.
My suggestion: Run for fun, not money...it just might cost you :)
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 540
Likes: 1
From: Taunton MA
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (LT4 2 Fast)
last time i went to the track there was a guy with a hawk that was stock with the exception of sub frame connectors. and he was turning just about the same times as i was around 13.4. and all i have done are a few minor bolt-on's. i have read of a stock lt-4 hit high 12's i think that you will take him
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 513
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From: Maple Grove MN
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (LT4 2 Fast)
Probably too close to call. In 2002 Firehawks began as Trans Am coupes, Trans Am convertibles or Formula coupes (the majority were Trans Am coupes). The Firehawk option was a GM RPO and they were then converted to Firehawks by SLP in Canada. Rated at 345 flywheel horsepower and in 2002 the package contained SLP induction and exhaust. SLP equipment was only available on Firehawks, not the regular Trans Ams and Formulas.
Your LT4 certainly has a weight and aerodynamic advantage as a stock Trans Am for this year weighs just over 3,400 pounds without a driver. The Firehawk probably has the hp advantage over the LT4. Give it a go and find out! :reddevil
Your LT4 certainly has a weight and aerodynamic advantage as a stock Trans Am for this year weighs just over 3,400 pounds without a driver. The Firehawk probably has the hp advantage over the LT4. Give it a go and find out! :reddevil
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 11
From: Savannah Ga.
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (95AquaC4)
quote:__________________________________ _____________________
Let's just call this one a draw.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NEVER!!!!!! :nono: CORVETTES always wins! even if it's a DRAW :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 101
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From: West TX
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (redcorvettedave)
Wow, thanx for all the input. I'm tempted to race it right now, even with all my clutch problems, but I'll just wait till I get the Mcleod clutch and SM Flywheel put in. I don't know much about Firebirds/Trans Ams so I just wanted to know what I'm up against. I know those Z28s and SS's are pretty quick, but I've taken both on victoriously. When my LT4 was bone stock, my friends bolt on 2000 Z28 gave me a good run until he added some Hooker LT's. LT headers really wake those F-bodies up! He beats me every time now, and to top it all off, he just added a pretty mean cam. Looks like I gotta play catch up. Can you say 383 stroker?
:D
:D
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 6,294
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From: Amateur driver on open course.
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (redcorvettedave)
quote:__________________________________ _____________________
Let's just call this one a draw.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NEVER!!!!!! :nono: CORVETTES always wins! even if it's a DRAW :yesnod:
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Howell N.J. Home of Redgar
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Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (95AquaC4)
LT4 wins !!! Maybe i'm just partial to them . :jester
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,296
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From: Largo Florida
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (DINO)
Take a look at the first video. This is when I did a test run with my friends T/A. I had 3.91 gears, cutout lid, Ed Wright programming (maybe 10 rwhp according the Ed). It was from a roll from 10-80mph. I gave him the jump and I started catching up at the end. Of course the second video was a bit more fun for me. :D
Before the cam, headers, and electric water pump. The T/A is a totally stock 2002 WS6 6-speed with a very good driver. http://corvette.flmisfits.com/images...Beforemods.mpg
After the cam, headers, and electric water pump http://corvette.flmisfits.com/images..._aftermods.mpg
I think I would have gained maybe a half a car more if I didn't spin so much on the 1-2 shift. The tires were cold and just went through a puddle 2 blocks before.
Before the cam, headers, and electric water pump. The T/A is a totally stock 2002 WS6 6-speed with a very good driver. http://corvette.flmisfits.com/images...Beforemods.mpg
After the cam, headers, and electric water pump http://corvette.flmisfits.com/images..._aftermods.mpg
I think I would have gained maybe a half a car more if I didn't spin so much on the 1-2 shift. The tires were cold and just went through a puddle 2 blocks before.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
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From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (LT4 2 Fast)
I was slapping them silly last time I was at Union Grove in June. I do have drag radials and a 4.10 gear, but my times sucked, I'm not that good (13.2s @ 109). If he has a six speed, it'll come down to the driver, if he has an auto trans, and you're a 1/2 way decent driver, he's going down.
Eric
Eric
Elite Torch Red Member
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
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Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (Mr Mojo)
I've raced many WS6 and SS Camaros and have beat them in my stock 6 speed '95.
Le Mans Master
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From: DrunkDefender
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St. Jude Donor '07-'10
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (Mr Mojo)
I'm with Mojo on this one. Mine put down 316rwhp 2 weeks ago. Peak hp on an LT4 occurs at 5800 to 600rpms and the trq curve is flat. I only managed 13.32 at Beech bend last May but I've since run several 8.6s and a best of 8.54 in the 1/8th at our local track. The LT4 has the top end of the LS1 and the bottom end of an LT1.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Largo Florida
Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (Dr. Evil)
The LT4 has the top end of the LS1 and the bottom end of an LT1.
Le Mans Master
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From: DrunkDefender
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Re: Firehawk vs. LT4 (ericcer)
I had a 99 trans am 6 speed and it was a strobg car to be sure but the best it ever did at our local 1/8th mile track was 8.99 at 79 - 80 mph. My LT4 has run 8.54 at anywhere from 80 to 85 mph. Both cars had similar 60 foot times.