Im considering of adquiring another lt1 and giving my current one to my lil brother, what is the best year for the lt1 camaro to get? i dont want a ls1 or a pontiac f body, i don't like them. thanks

 

I allways liked the 95s best as far as having everything and easier interaction.
But that was before OBD2 software became more available.

 

I dont think it really matters, they were the same motor from 93-97 with minor changes throughout the years. Granted the 96-97s put out 285hp compared to the 93-95s 275, I dont think that is very noticable. The idea is to find something that is solid in the body, has a good interior, and a sturdy motor and supporting drivetrain.

 

I know I'm biased, but the 97's are the 30th year, and mine has the "30" logo stitched into all the seats despite not having the hugger orange stripe package. I'm assuming all 97s are like that, could be wrong. Also, the 97's have the newer interior and the taillights with the amber in them. All improvements, if you ask me.

I say 1997 my friend

 

"Best" threads ususally just turn out to be what a person likes (usually whatever they have). Arm yourself with all information about the difference in years and buy whatever suits you.

 

ding, ding, ding, nicely put.

 

I would say 96-97 due to the OBD II. You can run longtubes and whatever else ya want and just program everything out. In my opinion that would be the main reason to go with the last 2 years of the LT1.

 

unless he lives in a state with strict emissions....ie NY Then obd1 shines. Depending on what you are doing the 95 may be the best to purchase because it still has the meatier heads(if you wish to port stockers) but also has a vented opti and doesnt have to pass the sniffer. But if you have bigger plans then just pick what you like.

 

Why does OBD I shine? Here OBD I is on the treadmill and OBD II is through the computer. Therefore everything can be tuned out. Also i thought the vented opti was 96 and up?

 

vented opti came in 95

 

TO be quite honest, if emissions are involved and with in your state, all you need to do is have the PCM scanned to basically pass (also have emission equipment in place). That also includes having all the pcm monitors set and no SES codes. Then 96-97 would be the best year.

Yes odb2 is a PITA, but i have a 94 z with a 383 and I am so limited on camshaft selection it sickens me. A 96 and newer (including LS1) can have a retarted camshaft profile and as long as they have no SES lights and the monitors are in "Ready" mode. Then they pass.....

I on the other hand go on the roller and I need to actually pass emissions.

Otherwise 95 gets my nod as the 2nd best year followed by my year the 94.

My best bud did own a 94 t/a GT as well currently a 93 t/a and 02 z28 and by far the 93 was the worst. Basically the same but different, and generally broke my ***** in every catagory.

 

I say if emissions are a concern go with a 95. They have the better heads for porting, vented opti, better emissions legal header options, OBD1 pcm. The only down side is the old ugly interior. If emissions aren't a concern i say go with a 97, so that way you get the good interior. Then just ditch all the emissions crap and get what ever headers you want.

 

96-97 had the ugly interior. id go with 95.
thats just me though.

 

so lemme get this straight, 95,96,97's have to pass emissions, but not the sniffer? i'm looking to get another LT1 but i want to go longtubes, no cats, and maybe a muffler. Will I be able to pass with 95,96,97?

 

95, had the vented opti, and Obd1
For 96+ years to pass emmisions they plug into the computer and perform the test that way, in other words,96+ has stricter emmisions. OBD1 is less sensitve to mods compared to a obd2