I currently have a slow piece of crap v6 camaro cuse it was my first car and my dad wouldnt let me get any better. I know a decent amount about cars so dont be shy. I am looking for a LS1 z28 so 98 or newer. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me on years and variations. I have about 5K to spend. I know not alot :/

 

The higher milage older LS1's are falling into the 5k range, there's really not a noticable difference between the years, 01's and up have the LS6 intake You probably won't find an 01+ for 5k though.

 

And a slightly milder stock cam.

 

Still, the '01s and '02s always seemed to run just a bit better. If the OP is into manuals, you'd also have the advantage of the better clutch.

It might be hard to find a decent '01-'02 for $5k though.

 

Just for reference, here's the factory cam specs.

1998 - 2000 Fbody
202/210 int/exh @ 0.05" duration
0.496" / 0.496" int/exh lift
116 LSA

2001 - 2002 Fbody
197/207 int/exh @ 0.05" duration
0.467" / 0.479" int/exh lift
116 LSA

 

Get the earliest model you can for the cheapest you can. They all run the same when you start adding bolt-ons.

Mike

 

you wont get a 98+ z28 for 5k unless it needs work. get an lt1 z28 it might not be as fast but it will be in better condition.

 

There are plenty of LS1's in great condition in the 5k range, here's what 2 minutes of searching found me: 2000 Z28 $5500 2000 Z28 76k miles for $5100 I could go on and on but hopefully you get the point

 

yea well all areas are different i guess. on auto trader i found a 96 with 133k beat to **** for 3500. cheapest ls1 with low miles and in good condition was 8k. i looked on craigslist and autotrader.

 

I drove 600 miles to purchase my Z28 If you want a good deal you have to do whatever it takes. I got my Z in 2003 for $13,000 and it had 12k miles, the deals are always out there.

 

Yeah, right. My buddy bought 2 different 98 TAs for $5000 in the last 1-2 years or so.