I'm gonna try to convince my mom to ALLOW me to get a trans am (i still gotta pay for it but oh well.) because she is freaked about the whole RWD issue. Also she consistently says that they are not durable...since i really want a newer one, how can i get around the RWD safety issue, and can you all give me a general idea of how long LS1's will last? thanks.

 

just a thought- and i know this will shake some of the LS1 guys (unbeatable) bones, but how about an LT1?
they are VERY cheap, and it seems like money might be an issue to you,

yes LS1's on average are about .4-.6 faster sec faster stock, you can easily make up the differance with with headers, a cold air intake and a catback and still have a few grand left to play with.

Also shes right. these cars have problems (LT1s have less i think)

the lt1 has a problem with the distributor.

LS1s seems to have engine knock on cold days i believe.

just a thought.
feel free to email me if you need help. Exactly 1 yr ago i didn't know how to change my oil and i bought a camaro. I had no clue about anything...
i'll let my sig talk for it self.
and my lisenceplate is going to read "handmade" or "homemade" (although friends helped me alot)
I'd love to help someone out and return the favor after so many helped me

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- Project N/A Underway-
Estimated time of completion: June 26th
AIM: SUPACHARGED22
95 Z28. every option.
Purpose: Be the ultimate Commuter
PowerPlant:
383 Stroker, forged Wiesco pistons, billet rods, Xe 236/243, Comp Pro Magnuim (1.6) RR, NOSsystem with 2 bottles, 150 shot, agressive head job ASAP Jethot coated Dynatech long tubes with Hooker catback.
Power delivery
4L60E rebuilt to handle low 11's according for Franks own recipe SLP2400 stall, rebuilt rear with Richmond 3.73's and Mickey Tompson Sportmans
Suspension (coming soon!!)
SLP Stage 1 susension with BMRSubframes and SLPSTB
not impressed? try doing it on a highschool/college budget with LEGAL money!

 

Having owned 4 F-bodies ('87 IROC, '91 GTA, '00 SS, '99 Firehawk TA) I can offer your parents some reassurance re: the reliability issue and also the RWD "issue". Any car, in the hands of a careless/inexperienced driver, can be dangerous. The F-bodies are no more dangerous than any other car on the road; indeed, their power, handling, braking may make them safer than many other vehicles. I drive my car 7 days a week, every month of the year, in every weather condition (including light snow). The F-bodies are reliable, safe cars, that are also a hell of a lot of fun to drive. I wouldn't drive any other car!
Re: the LS1/LT1 reliability comparison, the LS1 is the superior engine. I have had no problems with either my '00 SS or '99 Hawk. The LT1s (early years) had trouble with the Optispark. Later versions were much improved. I would go shopping for a (lightly)used LS1 TA or Camaro, find one for a good price, and enjoy it!

 

the safety issue is a tough one to convince parents on. from a collision standpoint, front and rear, there is so much body work and engine components between the front and rear of the car and the driver/passenger area that these cars do pretty damn good in crashes. side impacts are a little less encouraging but a good set of subframe connectors help A LOT. even those fools at Consumer Reports give these cars good crash ratings.

RWD? well, what do you think people did before there was FWD? i learned on a RWD V8 Caprice 10 years ago and the first car i bought was a Mustang. age and maturity are going to play a huge part in it. i believe that having the extra power of a V8 can be a life saver in lots of accident avoidance situations IF you know how the car will react and you have enough experience with it. a few months ago i took a road trip to Canada with my girlfriend in her Civic and there were some close calls that wouldnt have been close at all had we been in my car. if you get one, just respect it and be careful. you can do that and have fun too.

and as far as reliabilty goes, i think its hit or miss, regardless of if its an LT1 or LS1. my 96 LT1 has been trouble free for 45 thousand miles whereas some people can get a 2002 LS1 brand new and be at the dealer with problems a week later. these arent hand built Italian cars. they are mass produced and not every one is going to be as reliable as another. the only reason i would lean more towards an LT1 though in your case would be the fact that its been around much longer and people pretty much know every little bug it has as well as the replacement parts(and performance ones ) being cheaper.

good luck with whatever happens.

 

my 98 is reliable no more than a few probs that you might run into with 50k on it but it was all easy fixes as for rwd just tell her that it has traction control.

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98 Z28, Onyx Black, A4, t-tops, other than the free mods, a random tech cat back, and a whisper lid, it is stock

 

I advise you get an insurance quote first. A teenager's insurance on these cars is insane. RWD is not a big deal in bad weather. Just be careful and take your time. A good set of snow tires on cheap metal rims is a good idea. Tirerack sells balanced and mount packages. I recommend 225 Blizzaks. That with ASR and "second gear start" works great. LS1s are generally unreliable but not unbearable. It's alway hit or misws. The power is worth it. Get yourself a good manual. Ask questions on this website. Everyone here is willing to help. Keep you mind open to the LT1. It's a lot cheaper and easy to mod. In regards to RWD, I live in Chicago. I've driven an F-body for years. RWD in the snow builds character. Be safe and learn the characteristics of your car. You'll do fine.
Good luck.

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2000 Camaro Z28 Monterey Maroon Metallic, auto,leather, 323 posi, Monsoon w/CD, T-tops, K&N