I just wanted some feedback from LS1 owners on what they would do in my situation. I recently acquired a new job and plan on buying an LS1 car in the near future (hopefully early summer), here's my question: Should I look for a low mileage '98 or find a prestine '01-'02 car? I do plan on modding it some, most of the bolt-on's, headers, exhaust, etc. And plan on putting some miles on it too. And it will see the drag strip on occaasion. I'm leaning towards the low mileage '98 or possibly even a '99, just do to the lower cost. I'm not overly familar with the LS1, what's the difference between the years?? The '98's and '99's had a slightly bigger cam where the '01-'02 cars got the LS6 intake, is that right?? Correct me if I'm wrong. Which react better to common mods, if either?

Just wanted to hear some owner feedback, so let me know: what would you do? Thanks guys.

Joe.

 

The 98-00 ls1s had a slightly bigger cam than the 01-02 cars but they had a high lsa(something like 119) the 01-02 cars did have a slightly smaller cam but because the ls6 intake has no provisions for egr valve they put the lsa closer together(I think 114) to compenste. This is just my uderstanding. Correct me if I am wrong. The ls6 intake will give you a gain over the 98-00 and it will respond better to future mods. However the lsx intake coming out may be the new hot setup. Thunder Racing has seen 20 hp gains at the rear wheels on a bolt on car over the ls1 intake. Anyways I have a 2000 and am extremely happy with it. If you want better performance when you buy get a 01-02 car. If you want to save money get a 98-00 and you can buy a ls6 intake for around 400 and be at the same level as an 01-02. Just depends on how much you are looking to spend on the car.

 

The only big difference IMO is the 01-02 models have LS6 intake manifold. That gives them a 10 RWHP advantage and .01-.02 advantage in the 1/4 mile. So if you plan on only light and inexpensive modding then I'd look for a 2001 with the best price tag I could find.

However if you are not objected to eventually spending $500 for ls6 intake or $700 for LSX intake (when it's finally available) then I'd definately get a 98 or 99 with low miles. It'll be a easier car payment as well as insurance payment.

Now that I got you more confused then ever,

Good Luck

 

Lol, well, me knowing how I am when I actually have a little power to work with, I'll end up going mod crazy eventually. Plus, the lower payment and cheaper insurance always sound appealing. It's just the fact that I've never owned a "new" car and would like to think that a prestine '02 model would be every bit as pleasing as a "new" car. I guess I'll just have to wait till summer and start the pricing game. Keep the comments coming, you're keeping me thinking, which is a good thing.

Joe.

 

if you can find a "diamond in the rough" type 98 model, id choose that. a nice clean one will still be cheaper than your average 01-02 car and has a few advantages over 99-00 cars, including a working temperature gauge and larger fuel injectors. add to this the fact that your extra money can go into your choice of mods, and you could make a 98 better than an 01-02. Sometimes i want an 02 car but othertimes people look at mine and think it IS an 02 which is a good feeling too...

 

IMO theres not a big enough difference btn the two. If your planning on driving it daily i would say go with the newest lowest miles you can find. Something that still has a warranty cause theses cars arent known for their reliability. Ive had my 01 for almost 6 monthes hadnt had a problem with it. My friend got a 99 with relitivly high miles on it and had a few problems with it but now its in pieces cause he slammed into a brick wall. Anyway just my 2 cents

 

Exactly what type of problems did he see before he crashed?? Just curious. Any problems these cars are known for?? I've read that the M6's use oil? I will definately be looking for an A4 car when it comes time to buy, just out of personal preference. So what should I look out for? I appreciate all the info guys, keep it coming!

Joe.

 

based on you last statement...
having had an A4 (6 of them in my last Z28) I went with the M6 for two reasons..

1. Its easier to find someone who knows something about it and can fix it..

2. It can handle more power stock..


Dont forget 01-02 M6's have a Z06 clutch.. the LS6 Intake as stated.. the "truck cam" that gives me a real good all around powerband..and in some cases, a WARRANTY..
hehe


I have had mine for 1 year 5 months and the only issue I ever had was the rear pinion seal. Fixed under warranty and was on my way.. That was over 1 year ago..


Another plus with the 01-02, well, 10% of the 01 and 25% of the 02 is you may get an LS6 block...I did...

hehe


Good Luck!

 

My M6 car doesn't use oil.

Just get which ever you think is the best deal. I got a 00 because it was a great deal at over $5k cheaper w/about the same miles as the 02s I priced. With that much difference, I could do a lot of modding and clutch up grade etc. The 01/02 cams are nothing but GM truck cams. It wasn't a specific LS1 designed cam.

I've seen the LS6 intake go for $350 on ebay. Texas Speed has them for $360. Oh, and the LSX intake is on the market.

I asked about the LS6 on a 00 once (since it has the most aggressive cam out of all the years) and a guy said he picked up .2 sec in the 1/4 by that alone. So, apparently the extra power of the 01/02 models are due to the intake.

 

The cars you are consdering are just like the shirts in your closet. They are all different but they are basically the same and none have any real advantages over another. I suggest finding the best VALUE in terms of condition, mileage, and model year and buy it. The differences between the years are all very minor. Between my son and I we have had one of every year since 98. The 2000 WS6 was the fastest stock. The 98 Z28 was the most reliable. My 2002 Z28 is the fastest modified. Personally I liked the 98 Z28 best. Johnnys 99 Z28 is running 7.65 with only cam, headers, and a LS6 intake for engine mods. You can't go wrong with any of the years.....just buy a clean, low mile car.

 

Go for the 01 or 02, newer and better performance stock.

 

All else being equal I would choose an '01-'02 car, but that would not be a priority. I would first look for a nice car that hasn't been ragged on too hard (yet).

 

if you look in the right place you can find a 98 or 99 w/low miles at a good price.i bought mine after my wife was stationed here in florida.car is a 99 and had 26 grand on it when i bought it.now it has right at 30 on it.car is loaded out.t-tops,auto,everything you could get on one.old guy bought it for him and his wife to ride around in on sunday.he decided to sell it cause the wife wanted a vette.so i snatched it up and i love it.it is an awesome car.if i had known thay were this much fun i wouldnt have driven mustangs all those years.

 

of course the 00 ws6 will be fastest

look for a lower mileage 99-00..... put the lsx intake on it and beat up on the stock 01-02's while still spending less than they did

 

i own a 99 and i love it but if i had to do it all over again id get a 01 02 car. it seams when everythings equal the 01, 02 cars tend to run stronger than the earlier ls1 cars