I have an LT1 that I am having built but a friend of mine is shopping for an LS1 car. He wants to buy a 98 to 2000 based on price. Which year would be the best and most importantly, why?

I know on the LT1's they say the 95's mainly due to it being pre OBD2, and the heads have more meat on them for porting. However I have not researched LS1's.

What do you guys think? What is the best year?

 

I'm probably a little biased, but see if he can find an '01 cheap. They have the Z06 intakes and clutches, as well as no EGR. Some of the '01's even have the Z06 block.

I know this doesn't really answer your question, but the price difference between the 2000's and 2001's is nominal.

 

No one else has any ideas? I like the idea for 2001 but he told me to ask about 98 to 2k.

 

They're all good

 

98 & 99 are similar and 01 & 02 are similar. 2000 just floats. My MAC headers said they recommended $200 in additional parts for 2000 Camaros. Also, if your getting a SS the 98-mid2000 has a lot of the 1LE stuff. I don't think there is a clear cut better year from 98-00 to be honest.

 

If he plans on modding the car extensively, any of those are fine.
He'll probably save a few bucks with the 98 and he could grab an LS6 intake, some headers, and other bolt ons.
98, 01 and 02 are supposed to 28lbs injectors while the 99 & 00 have 26lbs. don't know if that makes that much of a difference though.

 

Some of the 02s had ls6 blocks as well. No F-Body ever got a z06 clutch from the factory, but all of the 01s and 02s had the ls6 intake manifolds.

 

Since the LS6/Z06 block is comming up again, I have to add it doesn't add hp or anything. Main advantage of 01-02 is LS6 intake manifold.

 

There has been speculation that it could add a little hp, due to the blocks more adequate venting. If it does add anything, it would be almost minascule at best.

 

You sure? I'm not trying to troubleshoot or anything, but I'm pretty sure the 01's and 02's have LS6 clutches--or at least flywheels..



Anyone else?

 

Go here:

http://www.lastofthebreed.com/Servic.../FbodyDiff.htm

There are some oddities with the 98's that make PCM tuning distinct. So for example a used programmer will be rarer. They also have a smaller gas tank which I think is worth considering.

99-00 are equal.

01-02 are generally preferred. The LS6 intake alone is a ~$500 upgrade. If he plans on only moderately modding the car then this is a consideration. The Zo6 clutch is not a big upgrade.

If I were heavily modding (heads/cam+) then finding the cheapest, clean, low mileage example is probably the best advice. There is enough overlap that a 98 can dyno/track just as well as a '02.

 

There gas tank is also steel, and alot of 98 guess go looking for the newer f-body gas tanks.

2000s have the better 01-02 exhaust manifolds.

For the most part this is true, but the 01s and 02s are also infamous for the notorious piston slap on some of them (although I have some warm piston slap on my 00 with 41,000 miles on it .)

 

I guess they might have, according to that website. I thought the z06 clutches took much more abuse, but I still hear 01-02 F-Body owners complaining about the stock clutches.

 

Mine is perfect with 68K on the clock.

 

01-02 The ZO6 block has more meat if you would like to bore it. The stock LS1 Block does not. That and the LS6 intake, and the EGR delete. Less to add/ remove in the future. JMO