Hello guys,

Currently I'm driving around in a v6 pony Relax!


But now I'm thinking of jumping ship, because I found an auto 98 Z28 thats pretty cheap, $5888 (stupid dealers and their odd numbers ) I have to say its pretty damn clean, been in a minor accident previously but has been fixed and so the car has been given a completely new paint job that looks close to looking factory.

Test drove it, floored it, kicked the tires, opened the hood, listened to that sweet *** LS1 purr, the whole bit... everything seemed to check okay.

however that 122k scares me a bit and thats my main question...I know the LS series of motors are pretty bullitt proof but im kinda new to the camaro scene (technical wise) although I've always wanted one. Its safe to say that I am more of a GM guy, I once had a V8 STS a 1994, was totaled (not my fault) and so my cousin sold me her V6 pony for dirt cheap and i couldn't refuse. However with the current release of the new camaro concept I've once again turned my head towards the General and the Camaro i speak of has caught my eye and heart .

So there u have it, mustang owner/driver...camaro admirer

So let me hear it guys...a safe buy???

PS Does anyone sell 5 speed conversion kits for the auto Z28s?

 

First off, welcome to the family I would try to sqeeze them a little. 122,000 is up there, but there are guys driving maro's, mostly lt1's, with more mile than that without any problems. If you like the ride, I say go for it. A couple grand more and you could find one with less mileage and maybe newer if you're concerned with the miles. Oh and the LS1's came with 6 speed manuals so the conversion would be from auto to 6 speed.

 

I had the similar jump, except I went from a 98 mustang (150hp) to the 98 Camaro z28 (305HP, probably underrated). Best move I ever made. Anyway, yeah the high mileage would push me away from that car and the fact that it was in a minor accident. My 98 currently has 81,000 miles and is running strong. I plan on a rebuild with a few "different" parts in about 3 years. Remember that not only the motor has 122k miles, so does the tranny and everything else on the car. So stuff will have a higher probability of breaking sooner than a lower mileage car. What is your budget? I know some lower mileage LS1's are going for around 10k. Also I'd hold out for the 6 speed. Don't buy an auto and then try to the swap unless you really REALLY want to do that. Find a car that has exactly what you want, don't settle for anything less. I personally would pass on this car. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

depends on the accident, but sounds cheap.
You can convert it to a 6 speed if you find all the parts.

 

When I was looking for my car, I found a lot of auto's sell for around 10k with about 50-80k miles if you look enough. I was looking for a 6-speed, so I ended up paying for a bit more (apparently the 98+ 6-speed Z28's were a lot harder to find).

Eventually I payed $12,300 for my 99 Z28 M6, with a messed up rear-end (which cost about $1400 to fix, totalling about $13,700).

But yeah, I've seen a lot of high mileage LS1 Z28's still running fine. The only thing I'd be concerned about would be the paint-job.

The good thing about dealers though, is they tend to be willing to go down a bit on the price (more than private sellers will).

 

Thanks guys, keep the input coming

Obivously my budget isnt very high, if it wasnt then I wouldhave skipped this kind of thread and go straight to "just got my first 'maro" thread.

The good thing is I'm taking a 2 year automotive tech program, going to school 5 days a week. All automotive classes; suspension, brakes, drive-train, engine performance, electrical etc... That and I have access to the engine bays, lifts, tools. We are also fortunate enough to have excellent instructors who are willing to help you out with you own personal car. In fact most labs, we actually are encouraged to bring in our own cars. whether we need a new diff installed, a tranny swap, brakes or what ever!

 

Vig 3200 Stall + 3.42's > T56

 

Sounds like a good idea if you have access to a mechanic shop!

I wouldn't pay that much due to the mileage.

Mike

 

I've got 99,000 on my 98Z and it seems to keep on getting stronger.

 

My '98 is still running like a champ when I turned 90k. I put it up in the garage for winter since october. Just keep it well lubed and clean and there shouldn't be any problems.

 

I bought my car about a month ago with 28k miles on it, so I don't have much personal experience with high miles on these cars. :-(

 

mine has almost 130k and cammed it at 125k and runs like a raped ape. great compression and about 40psi when shes hot. cant complain

 

Don,t forget to listen for piston slap when its cold.


Dan

 

yeah but that was happening on NEW cars...not just old ones

 

My 99 has 124k running like a monster. new stall, cam, and spray coming soon.........dont be afraid