I plan on buying an LS1 car when my 95 is paid off in about 2 months. I am finding some terrific deals on LS1's but probably 90% of them are 98's. I have absolutely no problem with this, but I'm just wondering if there's any difference between the 98's and 99' and newer? Any bad points at all, things I should look for or go after, etc? Just curious if it's similar to the 93' and 94' and up situation. Thanks for all the help.

Jason

 

That's what I know, as far as differences...

98s had 28.8 lb/hr injectors. 99-00 had 26.4 lb/hr injectors. 01-02 had 28.8 lb/hr injectors.

01-02 cars got an LS6 intake and thus have more HP than the earlier LS1s.

99-02 PCMs are different than the ones on the 98s.

... still didn't answer your question.

I really see nothing wrong with a 98. I'd probably opt for a newer car (the newest I can afford) but 98 would be good enough.
I bet you'll have better results if you post in the LS1 Tech section though.

 

This may not be true but.....
I have heard that the earlier LS1s had troubles with piston slap, and burning oil. I knew a guy named Mike with a 00 LS1 WS6, and he had the engine replaced twice due to piston slap, after the 2nd engine had the same piston slap, the Dealer told him that he had to live with it, and they wouldn't put in another engine due to it He said this was VERY common for that engine...

Have fun and I hope you get what you want

 

Yes, piston slap is very common on LS1s. I think it's present on all years, not just the early ones.

 

very true, i get the slap in the winter on start ups once in a while so its not just the Ls1's

 

Well he said he had all the time, enough that the dealer replaced the engine twice

 

98's had perimeter bolt valve covers, 99+ have center bolt valve covers.

 

That's the kind of information I was looking for. I wanted to make sure that there wasn't any year to avoid because of a certain problem here or there. So basically any year LS1 including 98' would make me pleased? Make sure I understand that right. Any other opinions would be appreciated also.

Thanks again,
Jason