I just traded in my 97 RS for a 98 SS. I've never had any problems with the 3.8 but haven't really heard much on the LS1 in terms of maintenance costs.

I have the option to buy an extended 3 year/36000 mile warranty on the SS for $1300.00. This warranty covers everything but standard maintence (brakes, tires, ect.) and there is a $100 deductable for repairs. I guess my question is - do you guys think the warranty is a good value or should I take the chance that the car will probably not have that much in repairs over the next three years.

It's a 98 SS A4 with 32,000 miles in excellent shape. the oil has been changed every 3000 and basic maintenance has been keep up on the car. I don't intend to race the car and I'm not too tough on the throttle. What do you think here?

 

Do you know how to work on cars? Personally I only used my extended warranty once, and that was on a rebuild tranny, (idiot before me didn't know how to shift) other than that I had no major issues (knock on wood) and pretty much most of the stuff I fix myself.

 

I know my way around these cars a bit. I can fix minor things...sensors, suspention, brakes, ect. but I won't mess with gasket leaks, seals or anything tranny or motor cracking. I know major repairs can cost alot but $1300 + $100 deduct???? If the internal motor parts are tough enough I will probably pass and just keep my fingers crossed. I am curious as to other peoples experiences with these motors and trannies. It just a daily driver I will fun with from time to time.

 

You can take the 1200 your going to pay for the warranty and get fully forged motor (internally).

dont get the warranty, its a waste of money if u plan on moding it.

Just my thoughts

Mooley

 

Dont get the warranty at all costs. GM warranties especially on these cars are a joke. They dont fix anything. Basically you would be givin them $1300 for free. And $100 to fix something that wont get fixed anyway, not by the deealer anyway. Dealers are there just to screw you. Besides most of the sh*t that breaks on these cars is nickel and dime stuff ie window motors etc. If you plan on modding it they will laugh at you when they bring it in. DONT GET THE WARRANTY!!

 

I totally agree about not getting the warranty.

Look at it this way. The dealership wants to have a positive image, and they can do this by selling quality certified used cars. Them trying to press you to buy the warranty is because they know the car is fine and they're trying to make extra money by selling it knowing nothing will go wrong or they're trying to recapture the money they put into the car to make it perfect.

 

My experience has been that the engines, transmissions and rear differentials in these cars won't just grenade unless they have been seriously abused. If you know for sure the car you are are buying has been well maintained and not beat on daily, I would pass on the $1300 warranty. Most of the things that need replacing on these cars are minor, and the folks on this board can talk you through repairs. Investing in a GM service manual from a major on-line auction for $50 to $75 is a good investment. If you get rid of the car, you can resell the manual for approximately what you paid for it.

 

I have a 98 Z28, bought it with almost 50,000 miles on it. I'm glad I got the extended warranty because my A4 went out a few months after I bought it. A total of 1700 to rebuild if I remembered right. But also consider that I don't know how the guy before me drove it (I know maintenance was well taken care of) and I also was a bit too heavy a bit too often on the accelerator. I can't help it, it's fun! But when I researched the tranny's I heard a few times, also in a couple mags, that GM makes their auto tranny's to barely control the horsepower the engine puts out. But I've never heard of anything else majorly wrong, not enough for a warranty. The window motor on the driver side usually goes out, and is covered I believe. The engine starts to slap sometimes (even though I don't hear that the 98's have it and I've never heard it in mine) but the warranty won't do crap for that. It's just something you gotta live with I guess, ask around about that for more advice.

So if you drive it like you say, not too heavy on the throttle, and you don't plan to mod it too heavily or drag it, the warranty isn't necessary. But if you're going to be rough with it, I would suggest getting it.

 

**** the stupid warranty... I blew my motor up one time cuz i bought it with a bent rod and its blew... they replaced the motor. But in all reality it was my stupidity. I could have took the 1500 for the warranty and got a strong freaking crank, new connecting rods, and new pistons (ALL AFTERMARKET FORGED) And never had the problem in the first place and had my engine coved for upto about 750hp (if not more) So SCREW THE WARRANTY AND TAKE THE MONEY AND MOD YOUR CAR!

Mooley

 

Where did you read that at?

I've heard the 4L60E is a pretty stout unit that can take more power than stock pretty easily.

 

I would buy the warrenty after reading about a guy who had piston slap finally got the dealer to tear down the engine. I dont' remember the spcifics on what was wrong with it but they ended up putting in a brand new LS1 at no cost.

 

DO NOT buy the warranty... how often do u hear the guys with pistons slaps getting a BRAND NEW LS1... 1 out of 43459083498. I wouldnt even buy the warranty... Im telling u... take the 1500 from the warranty and get forged internals. I REGRET havign my warranty BIG TIME... its not only going to raise your payments 20 bucks a month but its not going to help... the LS1 is one amazing motor... Dont buy the warranty.

Mooley

 

I read in a Super Chevy article that the 4L60E will not last without torque management. From what I understand torque management retards timing and such to protect the tranny.

 

Pushing the tranny (4L60E) past 400 flywheel horsepower is not the best idea. It can be done easily, but will really shorten the life of the tranny. I wouldn't dare take it over 450 flywheel. Time to upgrade. Info from a excellent speed shop that specializes in F-Bodies.

 

Good variety of advice! Much appriciated. I think i have decided to pass on the warranty. My dealership sucks a** and I really don't want to contribute anymore cash to their bank account.

Now that I've had a chance to really get out in the car it feels pretty damn solid. Sounds like the real problems people have are tranny issues? I'll press my luck a bit and keep you guys informed. Thanks again.