*UPDATED 6/3/09*


I am looking at buying a 98 z28, it is bright red and has a 6-speed (sweeeet). I am concerned as this is the first year of the LS1 engine, and new body style z28. Should I avoid this and absolutely look for a 99+ or are the 98s ok? Any issues? Concerns?

Right now I am driving a 94 Camry and need out!

 

Nope. 98s are fine unless you plan on extensively modding it (weaker rod bolts -- shouldn't really go over 6500 RPM with them) and a more prone to failing oil pump under high RPM and abuse.

So, if you don't plan on modding it with a cam or heads/cam or anything that would push the powerband up and into the 6500+ range, I'd get it.

 

I bought my '98 Z28 new and I still have it and love it! It was actually the 2nd year for the LS1 since the '97 C5 had it first, and the body change was just the front clip, so nothing major there either.

 

This one has 102K on it, never been modded and never driven in snow (I live in Maine). I may go check it out...there are a few around here newer with lower miles but they are automatics....I cant handle driving auto I need a stick.

Are the autos slower than 6speed with a competent driver? Or faster? Which tranny is better at holding more HP and torque?

 

Slower how? 1/4 mile? Power to the wheels? Racing from a roll? Autos are faster with a converter and gears in the 1/4 unless you have a very competent 6-speed driver. Sticks are faster/funner in road courses and street racing in my experience.

The 6-speed takes much more abuse than the auto.

 

I did mean 1/4 mile, but I really am set on a 6 speed, I cannot stand driving an auto.


Basically the car is a red Z, 1998, 102K miles, adult own (I believe he has taken good care of the car), no mods (important to me, again, has not been beaten). He is asking 7600 for the car, which I think is too high. Keep in mind I live in Maine, this car would be my daily, and I would feel a little guilty in the snow, but with some good tires anything can be driven year round. The blue book value on the car is closer to 5,000, I am going to offer around that. Sound like a decent deal?

 

I live in Iowa and I'll tell you that an fbody in the snow is not so much fun....

 

$5000-5500 for that car is about right.

I just got rid of a 1998 Red 6-speed Z28

No problems at all.

 

Well, I offered him 5 and he said he needs at least 7500.... 2500 above blue book value seems too much to me.

 

Way too much.

Check out this site and LS1Tech.com for used LS1 cars.

 

Price is definitely a little steep, try to negotiate if he doesn't budge i would pass this one up.

 

Passed it up, too much money.


Found a 2000, 6 speed, all options, silver, ttops, but it has 120K on it. Think 5K cash is enough to offer? Or should I offer 5500?

 

Always start off with a lower price, 5k sounds pretty reasonable cosnidering the milage, what shape is the overall car in?

 

I always tell people to look for '01 and '02 cars, especially if you're looking for an M6.

Starting in 2001, LS1s got the superior intake manifold from the LS6, along with a revised cam that runs smoother at very low RPM (1000-1500) compared with the '97-00 LS1 cam. Between these two changes, you net about five extra horsepower, and the LS6 manifold offers a healthy increase in airflow potential if you plan to modify the car. The cam change also means that these cars cruise and accelerate better in 6th gear at those RPMs (1000-1500rpm in 6th is 45-65mph).

2001+ cars also got the clutch from the C5 Z06, which offers quite a bit more clamping force than the older one. With 80,000 miles on my '02 and plenty of abuse (), the factory clutch is still holding strong.

There's nothing specifically wrong with the '98-00 cars in these regards, but the upgrades are worthwhile IMO.

 

...what JakeRobb said is good advice. I own a '98, but have upgraded to the LS6 clutch and LS6 intake...but I did all that when i changed engines too...I now have an LS6 crate motor that puts down 385 RWHP. My stock '98 LS1 did 304.2 RWHP as comparison.

I also agree that $7K+ was WAAY too much for a '98 Z28 with that kind of mileage and think you did the right thing to pass on it. It was only a $5K car.