Cochise03

Im about to aquire and stock ls1 trans am thats been very well maintained with 148k miles an no oil leaks and a shift kit. What should I do to the car to benefit me most for the money? I dont want to waste it if 148k miles is too many. Thanks

777Shock777

iTrader: (5)

Hmm, well I'm unsure of mileage (i'm still on my first LS1 w/112k miles).

But I would definitely get your Intake & Exhaust done first.
Lid, Filter, cat-back or true duals.

After that you could go suspension or work on your transmission/driveline.

Rare96LT1Formula

iTrader: (32)

Basics first before mods imo. Unless the owner has records of recent fluid changes, that's where I'd start. Then I'd move on to new plugs, wires, fuel filter, and air filter. After that is complete, get the car in the air and take a look at all the bushings/ball joints. If any are bad/worn, time to rebuild the stock suspension imo. Moog makes quality parts and I believe you could rebuild the entire stock suspension for around $250 from RockAuto.

Once the car is mechanically sound to your liking, and if you have any additional funds left...thats when you start thinking about modding her up.

why87

Likke these guys said, get any due maintenance caught up first. With nearly 150k miles, it's sure to need something. Nothing worse than spending a bunch of money to mod your car, then a week down the road it's not running well and you can't enjoy it.

Cochise03

I know that he recently has done a full service including brakes, oil change, fuel filter, coolant flush etc. I was just wondering as far as performance mods that would net me a good hp increase. Also would I benefit from a gear change? And also if the car is mechanically sound would you suggest spraying the car with maybe a 100 shot? or do a cam swap? or do you think the block may be too tired? Im trying to get a feel for how long this engine will last if taken really good care of. Thanks for those of you helping me out. This is the first place i get advice. THANKS GUYS!

Tan327

iTrader: (15)

Frost mail order tune - $150
Lid - $~100 ..keep stock air filter
Replace stock muffler with bullet or whatever you'd like - $50ish + labor = $70-80?
Headers -Pacesetter + y-pipe = $450 + labor

There goes your $1,000 if you're looking to go the bolt-on route ..these mods are recommended to take full advantage of a cam swap. If you decide to swap in a decent sized cam, you'll need a new torque converter with a higher stall speed. As for a 100 shot, go for it ..some say a tune isn't needed for a 100 shot but I'd highly recommend it.

We can't tell you how long the engine will last, but there are plenty of people who have had success modding at 150k+ miles. Just depends on how well it was taken care of.

Rare96LT1Formula

iTrader: (32)

I'd make sure the trans has some fresh fluid in there and I'd definitely be curious to find out the condition of the clutch. When I bought my 110K mile WS6, I was shocked to find it still had the stock clutch in there!

As stated, worried about the essentials first, then worry about adding more power.

I was in your same shoes just last year. Thought I'd just buy a 100K mile fbody and be modding it right away. Didn't happen. I needed a new clutch package, rear axle bearings, new brakes, and full tuneup.

homerz28

dont forget new ball joints and tie rods. mine had to have new inner and outer tie rods and upper and lower ball joints right away. there goes $1000.

Cochise03

Its an auto...what about a gear change?

Tobias05

iTrader: (1)

if it has 2.73s i'd consider it...after maintenance, a lid, and headers.

Rare96LT1Formula

iTrader: (32)

This.


Didn't realize you were A4

DarkFox118

iTrader: (7)

check the door for gu2 or gu5.

if it's gu2 it's a 2.73 if it's gu5 it's a 3.23.

if it's gu6.. wellI don't know that that's possible on a stock A4 car but it'd be 3.42.

You can get a 10 bolt for fairly cheap and any shop can swap em considering the one you get is in good condition. i'd say you might be out $500 on that. Not the highest priority maybe at first but a gear change and a tune would make for a good start out of the box imo.

if you're not interested in that, or you plan to go with something nicer later like a moser or something.. I'd say don't worry about that yet.. stick with the headers/lid/tune idea, probably the best bang for the buck just starting out.

My motor has 135k on it and it's shot. I wouldn't even THINK of doing a 100 shot, 50 shot.. even driving too slow by a nitrous bottle on the side of the road with it... but it's all in how the motor's treated as to how long it'll last.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

Gears won't do much for you.

If it's an auto and you want bang for buck the first thing after you make sure the car is solid and maintained should be a 3200-3600 stall converter and trans cooler.

Cochise03

Thanks guy I really appreciate it. I still have a lid from my previous ws6 thats like new. I considered throwing a good cam in it if everything checks out ok. Is that a good idea??? and if so what is a good cam that will net me some good gains but still be very streetable??? Thats my last question i promise.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

stock converter + cam = drives like **** and is slow

Been there, done that, hated it.

Novaman

You cant wipe your ase with $1000 these days. If you want to keep the car and its paid for do maintnance. Then for a quick speed fix you cant beat nitrous.

homerz28

if you're on a budget, i wouldnt blow my (stock) motor on nitrous

DOG-TWO

Won't do you much good without traction though! Get some DRs if you do this.

Rare96LT1Formula

iTrader: (32)

Any chance you'll have additional funds for mods with tax season coming?

Cochise03

Possibly