Hmmmmm, looks like I might never get a unanimous decision, which is cool with me. I like the idea of having a newer LS1, but I guess when it comes right down to it I'll have to do some shopping around. I'd like to find a nice low mileage car, no matter what the year, obviously the 98-99's will be cheaper, but who knows maybe I'll find the deal of the century on a '02..................we'll see. Thanks for all the replies gents.

Joe.

 

yea i guess it comes down to preference. we're all going to tell you why our particular model year is best and they all have good and bad points. look around, price a bunch, drive a bunch and pick the one that 1) presents the best deal and 2) seems to be the one YOU LIKE the best....i can't stress that enough....i wanted the SS SOOOOO BAD....at this point i love my Z to death because i had money to mod it but some part of me still kinda wants those SS badges on the fenders....other times tho, i realize i got a much better deal and mod money to burn.

just to sum it up, assuming you find a couple you like equally....

01-02 for unmodded daily driver, cruiser
98-00 for modded street strip/play car (lol its just cheaper)

 

Buy my 99

 

Close , But actually , the 98-99 have the biggest , 00 has middle size , 01-02 has the smallest ...

 

Rob, email some info on the TA. Is it a A4 or M6??? Leather? I cant remember. I'd love to have it, but like I said earlier, it wont happen until late spring, early summer. Love that red too!!! Get back with me!!

Joe.

 

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the improved hydraulic cylinder (slave cylinder) on manual trans equipped 2001-2002 cars. This is another difference from the 98-2000 models aside from the LS6 manifold on the 01 and 02 models. Another tidbit I heard is that all the 02 M6 cars came with SLP clutches. This info was word-of-mouth, so don't flame me if my source is screwed up! Finally, there is a 25% chance of finding an 02 model with an LS6 engine block (and 15% on an 01 model). There doesn't seem to be a HP gain with the block..... but better internal breathing would contribute to longevity, especially with mods.
Just some things to think about. As for me....I'd personally go for a 02 model. Hardtops can be found cheap. Of course, I'm biased.

Schantin
2002 Camaro Z28 M6

 

The only M6 cars that have serious oil problems, are the ones where the driver is at fault. Letting the engine rev down hard from say 5k to 3k, while slowing the car causes ring flutter. Synthetic oil especially squaks past the oil rings and is burned.

I dont do that, and in 3k my car burns less than 1/2 qt... 6.5 in, more than 6 back out ...

Oh, and I am biased, but the 00 cars are the perfect compromise when it comes to OEM cam selection... the 98-99 cars are more peaky, and the 01-02 cars seems to have more lt1 grunt, but fall off more at the top end in spite of making more power... Plus the piston slap problem is most prevalent in 01 cars...

 

I don't know about the rest of the country but here in Greenville, SC the dealer still advertises new 2002 A4 Z28 convertibles. There may be other unsold camaros elsewhere. I believe Bill Heard Chevy may have some at their stores.