Hi guys, i own a 1995 trans am. looking to upgrade to a 98+ trans am.
i just had a couple questions
first off. what are the body/interior/engine differneces between the 98-2002?
what year would you recomend ??? how hard are the engines to work on and how reliable are the cars? also, what price (in california) is reasnable? do you think its just better i wait and save up for the gto or someting else or are these cars still worth buying?? lastly, how fast are the ls1s and what can they hold up to? can they beat 04 mach1s? vettes?? mustang GTs??
thats pretty much all i got for now. thanks guys

 

No big differences - a few minor things in the engine between the years.The rims came stock on the car changed from year to year. 1999 had Hugger Orange and Gold Sport Metallic for the Camaro, and Forest Green Metallic for the Firechickens. Sunset Orange Metallic started in 2001. 1999 Camaro's had black side mirror housings. 1998 had metal gas tanks, was replaced by a ligher meterial in 1999. Aside from color choice, nothing else matters enough to buy one year over another

I would reccomend a 2001 or 2002, since they came with the LS6 intake and the Z06 clutches. Aside from that, if you will be modding your car at all, it really doesn't matter. I would say find one in great condition, that's stock, has good miles on it, and you can get a good deal on, and buy that. Make your own project out of a stock car, it's much more fun that way

They are easy to work on, especially compared to LT1's, IMO. There's more room under the hood to work with. These cars are very reliable IMO. Mine has given me no problems, outside of the ones that I caused. Z06 clutches don't like cams and nitrous

I have no idea about pricing in California. I would vote get the F-Body. I know I am sort of bias and all, but I really don't care for the GTO much. A Z24 Cavalier looks more aggressive than a newer gen GTO

LS1s are one of the quicker cars on the road, stock for stock. Especially considering their price. But who has a stock LS1?

Racing against a Mach 1 will be a driver's race. Stock vs stock they should run identical. Modded vs modded the LS1 has the edge. Mustang GT's will not pose any threat unless they have either opened the engine up or put a power adder on it. Fox-Body Mustangs are always a toss up. Some of them are modded and just as slow as the day they left the factory, others would be able to pull a 10/11 second 1/4 in street trim. Worst part is both cars could look identical on the outside. You'll never know until you race them

The 'Vette depends on the year. You should beat most 'Vettes before 1997 (watch out for '69 L88 Stingrays, Grand Sport's, ZR1's, or anything with an LT4/LT5). As far as the LS1 C5 goes, they SHOULD beat you, but if the driver is bad enough I suppose you could take them. If you had a M6 and raced and automatic C5 from a 55 mph or 70 mph roll, I think you might be able to edge them out. If it's a Z06, better not try it until you have a bit of mods under your belt

 

best reply ever !!!!!

 

Pfff, some "upgrade"...

Just kidding, I'm only jealous.

 

Don't forget the steering wheel stereo buttons, dummy temp guage, and lower psi fuel injectors after 1998.

 

Have you seen the Mach 1's run yet ? They run a few tenths behind the LS1's on average . I also test drove one . IMO most LS1's should be able to beat mach 1's . I test drove one . I was impressed but It is no LS1 . Very good little engines , If they had the same Cubes we'd be in trouble .

But they wont outrun an LS1 stock for stock . I have seen the averages at the track . Very close though Il give ya that .

If you get an LS1 get a 98 and throw a LS6 intake on it . It will save you a **** load of money and you can dump that in mods . So buying a 01-02 for the intake is kinda stupid .
Other then that , Have fun its a change you wont regret .

 

ive heard 98s have bad oil pumps. i asked the same question on a different board and was told that about the 98 oil pumps.

 

GM went back to larger injectors in '01 ...

 

I think 99 has a better fuel system than the other years, along with a slightly more aggressive cam (nothing worth getting excited over) Now, I'm not 100% sure on these two things, but I know I'm close.

All cars can be made fast with little $$, but our LS1s have a very good market. My auto went 12.9s with basically a lid/cutout and drag radials. Not bad for a pre-2001 car.

 

from a past owner of a 95 trans am..and now current owner of a 99 there are a few things. The interior to me in the 98+ is soo much better then those in the lt1's. I hated the lt1s headrest..there were just so big and stood out. Werent comfortable by anymeans. Body differences are mostly the front facia,hood,tailights. As others have stated i also think the ls1 is easier to work on then the lt1..just seems to have more room. As for mach1's, gt's, vettes etc..i havent had any troubles handling those cars in mine. Id shoot for a 99+ car if possible. Good luck!

 

Poncho's had the wheel buttons in all 5 years, the Bowtie's had them starting in 2000, I do beleive

 

Did that once. 98 SS M6 against 98 C5 auto starting at 70mph. The dick was playing around trying to block me from passing him. Took him on the right in 3rd gear and annhilated him. I took my ramp and he followed me to get a better look at the car. He was pissed. Oh well, live and learn.

 

LS1 is definatly faster, and more reliable then the LT1. they arnt that hard to work on, as long as you have the proper tools. As far as the Vette and Mach 1, if you have a WS6 ram air, you should be able to take the mach 1 (saying you can drive, i beat them in my SS) And if you put a few bux under the hood, you should have no problem beating most on the road. As far as the GT's are concerned...just enjoy the sight of them in your rear view mirrors, they pose no threat! Oh, dont wait for a GTO, they may have some power, but they are still no goat, IMO.

Price may vary depending on options and milage...just check KBB, and remember that if its a fully loaded WS6, it will be a bit higher because of the rareity.

happy hunting!

 

thanks for the info guys!!! hopefully ill soon be posting in the ls1 section

 

LS1 is easier to work on, 01 and up cars run stronger(mainly LS6 intake) but not enough to pass up a good deal on a 98-00..I found both the LT1 and LS1 to be a reliable engine. 97-02 Interior is pretty much the same.. There faster then Mach 1's, a tad slower then a c5 vette, and will stomp a GT badly. you cant go wrong w/ the upgrade. Unless you want to wait for the LS2 GTO.