LS1 lifespan
 

ok, I'm looking at buying either an LS1 or a 99-04 Mustang GT.... I know, I know... but they're way cheaper! Anyway I need to know how long the LS1 can run without any significant problems, I'm in 12th grade now and I'm looking at buying a low-mileage car that'll last until I'm done with my 6 years of college.

I saw a Z28 SS with jus under 50k miles, I'm looking to put at least 70k miles on the car and I'm going to be in college for a vast majority of the time I'll be driving the car. I'm probablly not going to be able to afford major fixes like transmission or rebuilds between daily expenses and gas costs.

I also heard that mechanics hate pretty much all LTx or LSx engines. How many costly problems should I be expected to run into in the next 7 yr/70k miles?

I appreciate all responses, thanks.

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

Well I can't speak for the LS1 (yet), but I do currently own a 96 LT1. I bought that car back in 2002 with 71K miles, and it now has 116K. The ONLY thing I had to do in that time was a fuel pump and filter. I have done other things too, (optispark distributor, new plugs and wires), but not because I had to, but because I wanted to. I have a lot of faith in these cars, I have great luck with them! I also, as said in my sig, have a 3rd gen RS that has been just as reliable, and it is at 157K as we speak, and I drive it each and everyday. Hope this helps!

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

yeah I've heard plenty of great things about the LT1, I was thinking of buying one. But now that an LS1 is almost within grasp I find myself wanting more and more. So I'm wondering if it's as reliable as it's predecessor.

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

Fix Or Repair Daily

Found On Road Dead

Decide to Return On Foot(backwards ;) )

From what I've heard, there aren't really any serious mechanical flaws with these cars. Just don't pound on it everywhere and do breakstands at every stop sign. I would totally expect the car to last you that long. Keep up on oil changes!

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

No LS1 here but I do have an LT1 with over 170k miles.I bought it with around 90k miles. Only major issues were the waterpump/optispark combo at 120k miles, and a new A/C compressor at 140k. That and I go through a clutch every 15-25k miles(I cant really blame the car for that though :D). Original engine, trans, rear end, etc. No smoke and doesnt consume a drop of oil.

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

My 1999 LS1 Z28 is at a hair over 139k and *knock on wood*ive had no major problems with it, it even still gets 22-25 mpg on the highway! So I would definately say they are reliable......

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

Ls1's are very reliable. I only have 75k miles on mine but they are pretty much bullet proof unless you put a ton of spray on them.

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

ls1's have way more power then a mustang

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

yeah I know the Maros are quite a bit faster, if it wasn't for that I'd get the cheaper 03' GT with fewer miles... but you can't argue with horsepower.

Another question for you guys- What MPG do you guys get in the city? I live in Miami where the traffic sucks and I'm wondering if the Camaro will get decent gas mileage. I've heard of people getting as good as 21 but I don't know if that's realistic for my city. And what cheap mods can I do to improve gas mileage? maybe air filter headers and exhaust?

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

I'd say if you are concerned about gas at all you really have no business buying a fast car of any kind. IMHO. Do not do mods to improve gas mileage, just drive it like a grandma when your feeling tight on gas money.

I get 17/23 in my ancient LT1.

- Z28wannab

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

Well i get around 18 in town with my A4 and 2.73s. with taller gears i'd get better mileage in town, but not as good on the highway.

Gas mileage is pretty much dependent on gears and tranny, a stalled A4 will get crappy mileage in town but good on the highway, M6s will get great mileage on the highway but pretty bad in town. Headers can improve mileage only if you get a tune afterwards, because just putting them in will leave you running rich. That being said headers and a tune are not a cheap mod.

Just stay out of the pedal and keep it healthy and clean and you'll get pretty good mileage.

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

I agree with the above statment. If your worried about MPG than you don't want to buy a LS1 or any other high horsepower sportscar. I used to have a 95 lt1 and I got a consistent 19mpg that was a mix of city and highway. I sorta look at it, gas wise, as owning a very fast truck without a bed :D

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

I'm sick of people that tell me not to buy a Camaro everytime I ask about gas mileage. I know it's going to be below 20 in the city... and if you had half a brain you'd know I'm still very enthusiastic about buying a V8. Yes paying for more gas is a sacrifice, a sacrifice all of you are willing to make. Why am I not allowed to make the same sacrifice without some douche telling me I shouldn't buy a sports car? Or were you under the impression that I was expecting 25 MPG in the city with a Z28, and you were obliged to enlighten me?

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

It's because if you are concerned with gas mileage you really shouldn't be buying a V8 car because it's going to end up pissing you off.

You have to pretty much accept the fact your gas mileage is not going to be good if you have a mustang or camaro.

I love my car and even I get frustrated paying so much for gas at times. How much can you afford for gas a week? Take the figure and you probably need to end up doubling it if you are going to do a lot of city driving.

Re: LS1 lifespan
 

You don't have to be an ******* about it, you ask for opinions and thats what your going to get "opinions". In my *opinion* if you just stay on top of all your maintenance you will be ok, just remember these cars need alot of attention its not a honda.