I'm looking at purchasing an LS1 powered 4th gen. Most cars in my budget are in the 95k-120k mileage range. Having 0 experience with LS engines ( I owned a 97 LT1 car for several years), I dont know how reliable they are or what problems they experience when the mileage gets up there. What things should I look for when test driving a higher mileage car?

 

I have a 2000 Z28 w/ 114K for sale. It's my daily driver. I kinda baby it (mostly) & never had any engine problems. With an LS1 engine you never have to worry about an opti.

 

Yes, no optispark is definitely a nice advantage.

 

If it's well taken care of and maintained properly it's probably fine. These cars are pretty strong and can take alot of abuse. Just check for SES lights and if there are any pull the codes and see what they are. Is it stock or modified ? Because if it's modified with longtubes or no cats or something and was never tuned that will set the light off.

 

I have a 98 SS A4 with over 188K. I blow the doors off new mustang GT's, so its hasn't lost any power. No leaks, but I can smell oil burning. Good luck with your purchase.

 

My first LS-1 had over 225,000 miles on it when I sold it this spring. It ran/runs great, and I sold it to a friend if that tells you anything. It burned no oil, and and a couple of tiny little oil leaks. The buyer removed the intake and there was some sort of small oil leak in that area (can you tell I am not a mechanic?) He straightened that our and it is running quicker than ever and clean to boot. I replaced the car with another with 114,000 miles with no worries whatsoever. I never did much to it beyond FTRA, replaced H20 pump, and regular oil changes. I am not a racer, never at a track, but I love my on-ramps.

Personally I would not purchase anything over 100K miles that has had N20, and maybe even a cam, race clutch, race shifter, rear end, other bolt-ons that indicate heavy use. But a relatively stock motor, I have no fear, but have a mechanic check it over before forking over hard-earned cash.

 

mine has 103k. i swapped for an LS6, and a friend is rebuilding the LS1 for a project of his. it ran fine, but the oil pan was leaking.

 

My brother's '98 T/A has 181k on the clock. No mechanical problems with the drivetrain.

When it comes to high-mileage LT1s/LS1s it isn't the drivetrain you have to worry about, it's the other little nuissances (power window motors, headlight motors on the Pontiacs, etc.)

 

My LS1 has 93k on it. I take good care of it but drive it hard, and I've never had any engine issues whatsoever.