demonspeed

I'm in search of another Camaro and i'm trying to decide if I should settle with a 97 until I can afford an 01/02 in a couple years or if i'f be ok with a 98-00. What is the difference that makes the 5 hp? I know the intake and EGR stuff seemed to make a difference, and i've noticed the 01/02's seem to run A LOT harder than the 98-00's. Is it worth waiting a few years with an LT1 until I can get the 02, or would a 98 be just as good? BTW... i'm looking to keep it under 12K

stik6shift98

get a 98 and mod it

SFB767

If you're wanting to spend under $12K, forget about the '01+ cars.

I drove a '01 Z28 and I didn't notice that the 5HP and 5FT-LBS. makes any difference at all. Mine seemed to run harder too.

The '97s are cool because you can get one at a good price. They have the updated interior, taillights, and have DRLs (front orange signals that stay on). I've never driven a '97, but I'm sure they're no slouch.

The LS1 will probably get better mileage than the LT1 will. I average 23 MPG each tank. Also, the '98+ cars have that REALLY aerodynamic front end, which will helped mileage too.

I have heard the reason why the '01+ cars make more HP and TQ is because they have truck cams.

NEWBIE T/A

At any rate, the 01's & 02's got a LS6 block, the LS6 intake, and a truck cam that is supposed to give more torque in the mid range.

No EGR certainly makes the underhood cleaner - HP gain = ??

All things being equal, the newer years are the better options due to the increased HP.

However , I would not let that stop me from looking at/jumping on any great deals you find on a '98 - ' 00.

After all, the ' 98 had working temp gauges - my ' 99 and the latters got dummy gauges , and the ' 98 & ' 99's had stainless tubular headers. The ' 98's also got larger injectors, and the ' 98 's & ' 99's have (non convertible models) the cool black mirrors.

It's all good !


Britt

stik6shift93

The 01-02 have a bit more than the advertised 5 hp, it's common to see them dyno anywhere from 8-15hp to the wheels higher. Though as said I wouldn't let that affect my decision.

My84Z

get a 98 - 00 and put the 01 02 intake on it for 350 bucks or so and gain just as much as they have it is alot cheaper then buying a 0102 if money is the reason plus our cam is bigger i believe they just gain because of the intake.

demonspeed

Well, I supposed i'll keep my sights set on a 97, but i'll also be on the look out for good deals on the LS1's. I'm also keeping an eye out for 92's as well (i'm a 3rd gen nut )

Another question... do you all feel it would be worth getting the SS if I plan on throwing mods at it as soon as I get it? Say I go with the 97, I really don't see where I should be spending an extra 2K on a hood, and wheels when I can put that towards stuff that will outrun a stock SS. Any other opinions? Thanks for helping out! I can't wait to get rid of this Mustang and back into another f-bod!

TransAmLS1

Yeah the LS6 intake is probably about 15 more rwhp. They all have more hp than the advertised amount though. Some of the 01s and 02s put down more hp to the ground than the advertised flywheel hp. Not all 01s and 02s have the LS6 block either. You could find a 98 or 99 Z28 for 12k? What kind of mieage are you looking at?

My84Z

97 is around 14.0 in the quarter and the 98 with equal drivers is around 13.3

SFB767

It's up to you. The nice thing about the SS is its authenticity and exclusivity, they're somewhat rare, you don't see them as often as Z28s, and they're worth more.

I doubt an SS hood will cost you $2K, because I've seen aftermarket SS hoods for $800.

If I were you I'd just look for an SS. It sounds like if you had a Z28, that you'd be interested in making it faster and look like an SS, so just get the SS.

hsyr

I think it the mileage difference between the LT1 & LS1 would be minimal. Last summer when I was out on a road trip with my 94 Z28 I got 35MPG (cruise on at 70mph). Its a 6 speed with stock gears. Actually the car was 98% stock at the time. Only thing done to it was a smaller pulley on the crank and a different muffler out back. Call BS all you want but I did get 35MPG with it on the hwy.

one wicked element

Whats your price range?
.......options that will make or brake the deal?
Does Mods and Miles matter to you?

dmnall

too bad you were not in CA... The local Dealership has a 2001 Black Firebird Formula w/ AMFM Cd, Leather Int, Leather wrapped steering wheel and e-brake, M6, Traction Control, T-tops.. The car is fully loaded w/ 14, 874 (or something like that) for $ 19,900.. Which is a great deal considering it is a 6 speed.. If this car would have been available when I bought my 02 Z28, I would have boughten this 2001... Well the dealer had this car for about 2 months now and the reason why they have not sold it is for the fact that people in my area, are not really into V8 driven cars becuase they think that it will just guzzle gas and the fact that most people would rather buy a damned Honda instead... I would have test drove this car but if I did, I would have wanted to buy it and right at this point I don't think I want to take a $ 10K loss for trading in my 02...

On another bit of news, the local dealer also has a New 02 Z28 Convert A4 w/ 3.23 gears fully loaded as well, it was originally priced @ $ 32,800 and now it is price @ $ 27,600... Not a bad deal and I do know this car drives great (since I did get to test drive it back in November 2002).. I am just posting this news for anyone who lives in California and is interested in getting a great LS1 F-body and it worth driving for a either car... If anyone is interested PM me and I will give you the number of the dealership along w/ 2 of the sales mans I know that works there..

l@tez Charlie

demonspeed

Things that will make or break the deal...

6 SPEED!
T-Tops
Black
Black/Dk. Gray Leather
Full Power
Traction Control (daily driver in PA)
RPO QLC tires (or whatever tires trigger no speed limiter)

I'm just trying to keep it under $200 a month. I know the SS hood isn't $2K, but what Imean is SS's seem to be at least 2K more than a Z and you're really not getting any better performance, so for that money, I can put it towards going faster.

I'm really thinking the 97 Z because it'll get me into the Camaro I want, leave me with extra money to mod it, and it'll keep me happy until I can afford the car I REALLY want, an 02 SS.

I see them under 12K, even under 10K, just haven't found one with the options I want. I have seen some 98/99's, but they are REALLY high on miles and don't have the options I want.

Thanks so much for all the info and keep it coming!

BTW... how can you tell if the 01/02 is/isn't a LS6 block without tearing it apart?

TransAmLS1

There was a thread on here not to long ago about the LS6 block. I will see if I can find the thread. It is very easy to tell without tearing it apart.