Trans Am --98
01-30-2006, 10:33 PM
#1
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Trans Am --98
I am seriously looking at a 98 Trans Am. Are there any real reasons that I shouldn't consider purchasing a 98? I know it was the first year they placed the ls1 in camaros and t/a's and the 2nd year of its existance. Any major problems I should look for in a 98 that were fixed for later years? Thanks
01-30-2006, 11:10 PM
#2
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Re: Trans Am --98
pre 2001 had piston slap, no LS6 intake, and more restrictive manifolds. Still a quick car for the money. They are a blast even stock! Best examples are 2001-2002 no slap, and slightly more refined. All should have 350 crank HP and put down 290-310 to the wheels which is very good. Not too hard to get 400rwhp on these.....
01-31-2006, 07:44 AM
#6
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Re: Trans Am --98
from my understanding.
due to variations in thermal properties of aluminum verse iron, they had to design slightly more clearance into the pistons and cylinder walls. when cold the tolerance is higher and the pistons have enough room to "slap" side to side in the cylinder. once warmed up the pistons expand and reduce the tolerance to normal and it no longer slaps.
doesn't seem like it's really a problem, but i have heard of guys getting new motors on recall due to "excessive" slap. not sure what "acceptable slap" is compared to "excessive slap" though
due to variations in thermal properties of aluminum verse iron, they had to design slightly more clearance into the pistons and cylinder walls. when cold the tolerance is higher and the pistons have enough room to "slap" side to side in the cylinder. once warmed up the pistons expand and reduce the tolerance to normal and it no longer slaps.
doesn't seem like it's really a problem, but i have heard of guys getting new motors on recall due to "excessive" slap. not sure what "acceptable slap" is compared to "excessive slap" though
01-31-2006, 08:51 AM
#7
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Re: Trans Am --98
Another problem with the LS1 is excessive oil consumption. GM defines that as one quart or more per 1,000 miles if I remember correctly. There's a TSB on it, and I know one of my friends who has owned his '01 Z28 since it was new has had his piston rings replaced due to this. I bought mine used, and was out of warranty. I have excessive oil consumption, as in more than a quart per 1,000 miles. It can be remedied by driving more conservatively (keep your RPM down) and I think some people use different weight oils to minimize it. I am kind of stuck just adding oil to it on a regular basis. It drives me nuts, but you might not mind it. Labor time is like 20 something hours to replace rings. I figure at some point down the road she'll get forged internals and the rings will be replaced at that time.
Abe
Abe
01-31-2006, 11:49 AM
#8
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Re: Trans Am --98
there is another post on here that was a couple of days ago that has most of the differences in the different model years. Maybe that will help answer your question.
As for me I have a 99 with no piston slap and when it was stock I would always beat my buddies 01 Z with no problems both A4's
As for me I have a 99 with no piston slap and when it was stock I would always beat my buddies 01 Z with no problems both A4's
01-31-2006, 05:23 PM
#10
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Re: Trans Am --98
Originally Posted by TransAmAbe
I have excessive oil consumption, as in more than a quart per 1,000 miles. It can be remedied by driving more conservatively (keep your RPM down)
My 98 is running like a champ, no piston slap, no oil use.
Last edited by angel71rs; 01-31-2006 at 05:26 PM.
01-31-2006, 06:11 PM
#12
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Location: Deltona, FL, USA
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Re: Trans Am --98
98 Camaro Z28, A4, 64,000 miles, Drive it like it's my last day on earth, everytime I drive it. But I only put about 1,000 miles a year for the last three years.
NO PISTON SLAP on my car.
NO PISTON SLAP on my car.
01-31-2006, 06:29 PM
#14
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Location: Irving, TX
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Re: Trans Am --98
not saying your buddy doesnt have piston slap, but alot of people he a ticking sound and assume it is piston slap. I have never heard piston slap but my car does tick when it is cold, the same way my buddies does.
One other thing to note is that later f-bodies had a different cam.
One other thing to note is that later f-bodies had a different cam.