I am in the middle of my 97 possibly being totaled (waiting for the adjusters call) and I was looking at my posibilities for replacement. I havent owned an LS1 car yet so I deinately am going to move up to one if its a go. Anyway I seen a lovely Pewter 99 Formula (auto 3.23) and wondering if this was the best plate to start with stock, or would a 2000 or better be that much better? I see by searches mixed reveiws and was wondering which way to go. Any and all advise is welcome.

 

There were numerous differences between the years but the only one worth paying attention to (IMO) is the LS6 intake manifold on the 01 & 02 models. That was good for an extra 10 RWHP.

But between 99 and 00 there was no difference I can think of that would sway me to get the 2000 model. So I would say you should definately take a close look at the 99 TA. If you like it then ****** it up. The 3.23 gears are very nice to. You don't need to upgrade gears later on, just get a good 3500 stall TC with tranny cooler and your gonna be all

If you see a good deal on a 2001 or 2002 it would be worth a look but otherwise I'd just take whatever you find the best deal on.

Good Luck

 

Yea nothing wrong with a '99, and as we all know once the mods start all bets are off!!!! One thing to look (listen) for is some piston slap, just make shure the car is cold when started wait for 60 to 90 seconds and you should start to hear a clacking noise (if it has it) you can hear it really good down by the wheel well. And it would be nice to know if likes to drink oil, but that would be hard to tell without owning the car for a few thousand miles. I know I would have never bought my car if I knew it has piston slap, but when they are new (6mi) you don't hear it untill about 500-800mi.......so i'm stuck with it!! And yes people will say it's normal and they have a piston slapper with 90,xxxx miles and it runs 12.xx all day long........But it still aint right in my book Good luck the LS1 is a great motor....but some have flaws just like any other car, just trying to give you a heads up b-4 you shell out some big dollars!!

 

Sorry about your luck, but I would go for a 01 or 02. The best thing to do is go for the car with the best deal.

 

hey Perry,
i think that you'll like the LS1. having owned both, i can say that the LT1 seems to pull pretty evenly throughout the RPMs where the LS1 seems to come on pretty hard at 3K-3.5K.
on the differences between years, 01-02's do have the LS6 intake, but they've also got a slightly smaller cam. so the power gain probably isn't as much as if you'd put the LS6 intake on a 98-00. i could be wrong, though. the LS1 takes alot less effort to get it runnin' hard. throw in a 3500 tc and some stickies and you're haulin'!!!
i traded my '96 Impala SS in on an '02 WS6 M6. it is one mean dude for being STOCK! Kent was surprised at how hard it ran!

go for the LS1, man. you won't be disappointed.

sorry to hear about your '97.

good luck

chris

 

Too bad about your LT1. I wanted to see it run with your new cam in it.

99 formula sounds good. Less formulas made than the rest so they are more rare. Cost should be down a bit due to it being a slightly stripped down model. Would save you money for modding. It may less than a ws6 too - no big hood or spoiler etc.
If you not gonna change the gears, the 3.23 work good.

All years are good IMO. The later 01 and 02 are probably better w/the LS6 intake. I say find one with good miles/no problems/and runs hard.

Breakdown of cars in town or were in town
99 A4 2.73 Z28 - 13.8@103-Lid and Muffler
99 M6 3.42 Z28 - 13.6@105-Totally Stock
98 A4 3.23 Z28 - 13.4@105 Lid and muffler
2001 A4 SS - 13.3@105 Lid and catback
May help in deciding on year and such.

Good Luck Man - Look me when you get one.

 

If they total the bird I'll get back with you guys when I buy one. I really am looking for a lightweight car since the ones I've had were heavier (all loaded T/As).

The adjuster is working on it right now, but the initial estimate was 5997 for the fix on the 97, thats supposedly right at the point of total for value etc. I will definately buy the car back so I can sell the peices a new 383 with afr heads ought to bring me a little spending money.
Anyway if you look at the car it really doesnt look that bad per say, the nose pass side fender, hood and all support stuff are wasted, along with the pass side spindle and steering rack, but if you look at it from the drivers side the only hint of trouble is the halfway stuck -up pass head light and cracked windsheild. I should find out by the week end if its a gonner.

I also seen a lovely 00 RA formula that was blue and auto, 3.23 but it was about 4 thou more than the other car (8000 for the pewter formula).

I really wanted to get some time with the cam as well. it didnt seem to lose any bottom end but gained quite a bit up top.