ezcheeze15

Hello - I am in the market to buy a used LS1 Camaro, either a Z28 or SS. The car is going to be an M6, T-Tops, when I finally do find it.

However, I was wondering if some of you could help a newbie out with some questions. My price max is about $11,000, so most of the cars I am looking at are usually in the 80k-110k mileage range.

What are the major services that need to be performed on these cars? Assuming we are talking about a nearly stock car, of course. How long do the clutches usually last? Are there any major parts that need replacing at a certain mileage (distributor, timing belt, anything)?

Any help you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated. I just want to know what kind of services I will need to put the car through depending on what mileage I buy it at, as this all factors into my price I am willing to pay.

johnny6

First thing, you shouldn't be spending 11k on any LS1, period. You could get one in that mileage ranger for $4500 - $6000, lower mileage ones shouldn't be anymore than $8000. The LS1 is a very well built motor, if it has been taken care of with normal maintenance you shouldn't have any problems at all, besides regular maintenance there's nothing really "major" that needs to be replaced.

ezcheeze15

Thanks for the reply. I am hoping to spend much less than $11k, I was merely saying that is my absolute top end for a perfect example.

So how long does the stock clutch typically last? And when does the timing belt/water pump need to be replaced?

Also, are there any common problems people have with these cars? When I go to look at one, is there anything in particular I should check for?

johnny6

The clutch depends on whether it's been abused or not, normally they last a while. There's no timing belt, only timing chain and unless you're planning to install new heads or cam there's no need to change it. I would aim for an 01-02 LS1 because they come with the LS6 intake, 1998's had an issue with oil pump failures but unless you find a very low mileage 1998 i wouldn't worry about the oil pump. Slight valvetrain chatter is common in these engines and so is piston slap at initial startup. Check the powersteering pump for leaks, and just make sure the car doesn't smoke. Like i said earlier these engines are built very well and can last a very long time.

stormy69

i am owner #3 but am sure the clutch is original at 130k miles. it will slip on a sticky track but other than that works great still

HughZ28

I bought one about a month ago. A 95 Z28, I love it. My wife not so comfortable in the passanger seat. I'm thinking about selling it to buy a gen.3. a 1988 Iroc I had been looking at. One without the hump in the floor. This website has alot of info on what ever you need to know. What I have learned about the camaro is there are diff. stores with the year. Little things not big problems.

ezcheeze15

I'm getting so disheartened with my search thus far!


EDIT: How does this look?

http://annapolis.craigslist.org/cto/1638631561.html

Fatdog2

I don't think this is good value.Might expand your search for an unmolested car.I'm looking tomorrow at a 2000 with 86000mi on it and it's a a chevy dealer(they spin off all the crap cars )It's only $7800.Hope this helps.

ezcheeze15

I mean in a way it helps, but in another way it doesn't. There are NO 98-02 SS's or Z28's, 6-speed, anywhere on the eastern seaboard at much better of a price, unless they have 150k miles or have been wrecked. I'm not finding anything close to what people on here are telling me I can find

Adam96Z

I think that 98 would be a good deal for $7800-8000, and I bet you could get it for that. It took me 6 months to find a decent Camaro, way too many hillbillies around here who thought their beat up POS was worth $7k because it had a stock rebuild.

I looked at one (a 94 Formula) that had a dented fender, a drivers door that the fiberglass skin was coming detached, a bad headliner, 4 bald tires, and running rich as hell. He wanted 5k. I laughed in his face, then he swore at me, lol.

ezcheeze15

Yeah I feel like $8k could be a steal. The only thing I am slightly nervous about are the springs, actually. I wonder how much lower the car is than stock. Anyone know anything good or bad about Eibach springs? I am hoping it isn't too low. Also, I heard something about '98's having a common problem with the oil pump? Is this true, and is there anything I can look for to figure out if a problem exists by visual inspection? How much does this problem cost to fix?

Thanks yet again for all the input, guys