How is teh reliablty of teh LS1? How bout eth wiring, radio, interior and everything else otehr than teh engine. I have read a fe wthings saying build quality isnt so good and i know it would be like my audi but i wold still like it to be nice.

 

engine is amazing...very strong and very powerful, while still getting good mileage.

the monsoon radio sucks!!! speakers blow more than a $2 hooker on 2-4-1 day!!!


i personally think the interior is nice...i mean this isn't a corvette or cadillac...it's a budget sports car

 

'97-02 Firebirds were available with a 500-watt, 10-speaker Monsoon system. This system wasn't available on the Camaro until 2000 -- a '97-99 Camaro with the "Monsoon" system only has a 200-watt, 6-speaker system. My '02 Z28 has the 500-watt setup and I love it! If you care a lot about the stock sound system's quality, keep this in mind. 97+ Firebirds and 2000+ Camaros can have the high end setup.

LS1's are strong and reliable, and parts and experienced service technicians are readily available when something does go wrong (which would be a change from your Audi).

The leather in my car isn't up to Audi standards, but it's nice. The interior is nice, with a handful of convenience features -- two cupholders, auto-dimming convenience lights, automatic headlights, steering wheel volume controls, center console with a spot for CDs, etc.

Having driven an Audi S4 (the turbo V6 model -- I think it was a 2000) and a '06 A6 (2.8 V6), I can tell you that you will be very happy with the car from a handling standpoint. There are not many cars in the price range that match an LS1 F-body for steering feel and accuracy, and the ones that do can't match the engine power.

-Jake

 

I am hoping you know that "the" is not spelled teh...

Very reliable but with any other engine, the hell that you put it through along with maintenance plays a vital role.

 

Reliable yes. Powerful yes. Teke184, I haven't had a problem with my Monsoon? I think it sounds pretty good for a stock set up actully.

 

Kataklysm, see my post. Your Monsoon system is not the same as his.

-Jake

 

all i know is i blew 3 door speakers in 1.5 yrs....

and i am FAR from a music freak so i don't crank the radio by any means...

and compared to the Bose in my 96...it sounds like crap.

 

sry for spelling the wrong/ Its just a typo i do alot.

Jake Robb the other car im looking at is actually teh s4. and u think this will handle as good as the s4?

How does the car perform in the rain? Interior noise? Man i should just go drive one and see for my self. Gotta find oen to drive now.

 

I've found my car to be quite reliable - I've only had a couple minor warranty items (a window motor, a door speaker, wheels refinished (they came factory weighted on the outside of the wheel, i raised hell, got my wheels refinished nad weighted on the inside).

It starts it runs good handles great, near corvette performance for half the price

I have the factory z-rated good year tires and find them to be a poor wet weather tire - but too be expected I think

there's some noise when driving but it's not bad, it's a fun comfortable car to drive - to sum it up it's the best toy ever

I should also note that other than a SLP lid it's completely stock

 

It's been a long time since I drove the S4, but I like the Camaro better. It is longer, lower, and wider, and I think the steering is tighter. I think it handles better than the S4 I drove.

Rain performance is as good as you can expect a rear-drive, live-axle V8 to be. Go easy on the gas! ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) can be helpful in slippery conditions, but it is still not difficult to get yourself in trouble. The S4's Quattro system would be a big advantage in that department.

Interior noise in my car is great.

You should definitely test-drive one. Maybe someone on these forums lives near you and would take you for a ride, or maybe even let you drive their car?

-Jake

 

well i dont want to go to a private seller and waste their time driving a car taht i might not buy but if i have to i will. I found a white ss 99, with 57,000mi for 13,500 and its a SS, T-top leather, tinted and has teh SLP quad exhaust that i like. I might go take it for a spin over teh week end or maybe sooner.BUt i still have a few more car sale sights to vist and check for a local dealer and i live in So. Orange County, CA

 

mine has been great as far as reliability.


ive broken a few drivetrain parts but that was my fault. ive had a bunch of minor warranty claims too but it was little **** things.


as far as worrying about it breaking down ill take it anywhere.

 

Same for me. We have had about 5 LS-1s in our family and never had anything fail other than a defective power window...but it still worked. And one of those cars runs 12.5 @111 all day long.

 

- Engine is pretty much bullet proof except for the easly bent pushrods.

- Drivetrain is horrible especially on the A4's weak differentials, weak mounts and you never know when your tranny is going to just give out and needing a rebuild at 36,000 miles

- Interior is great except for the easly faded leather seats, plenty of legroom up front sucks for whoever is in the back. Stereo system is great i always have people asking me what kind of system i have.

- Drivability is really good considering the size and weight of the car, handleling is sharp and responsive just don't drive it in the rain. Car feels like a boat at 110mph+ its almost scary thats the only drawback.

- Exterior is perfect except for the headlights which fade real easly (98- 02) Paint is great quality GM did a good job on these paint jobs.

- Overall its a great car even though it needs a little extra attention but for its price range you can't go wrong.

 

Engine is god

trans is great

rear end sucks

interior is cheap at best

lots and lots of creaks, but that can be fixed with suspension mods

it's a car you either love or hate really. fits perfectly into some people's lives, doesn't work for others.

But the engine is badass.