95TAGary

iTrader: (4)

I'm looking to buy a 98 or 99 WS6 over the Winter and wanted to know if there's a difference in the 98 vs 02 WS6 as far as LS1 power or suspension or anything else that's important? I have a 95 but wanted a LS1 to mod. Don't know a lot about LS1's but would like to have more power. Has the Ls1 engine changed during 98-02? Thanks

WS6 Rampage

iTrader: (3)

...You can do a search on this. Its been spoken about in several threads already. There are a few differences but nothing huge in the power department. Biggest differences (if not only) would be the use of the LS6 intake and a slightly smaller cam in 01-02s as opposed to the LS1 intake and standard cam in the 98-00s. I think the power bump is a meager 10-15 advertised hp. ... Personally, from what others have said I'd stay away from the 98. Nothing but problems from what I've heard. Plus, the 98 heads are an inferior design to the 99-02 heads.

TheBlueKnight

iTrader: (4)

What he said ^^^^ Plus the 01'/02' cars got rid of the EGR, have an improved starter, have the upgraded LS6 hydrualics, and LS6 clutch which had 25% more clamping power than the pre 01' f-bodies. And as stated, 1998 trans ams are harder to find a tuner for.

1FASTBIRD

iTrader: (21)

If I was you I would just go with a 01 or 02 because then you don't have to worry about the EGR tube that goes into the intake... Also I think cam thing is overrated as more then likely you will upgrade it anyway....

JohnnyBs98WS6Rag

iTrader: (1)

HP rating is only 5hp higher on the '01-'02 than the '98-'00 f-bods (305 vs 310 on Z28, Formula, T/A, 320 vs 325 on SS, WS6).

I don't think the '98s have had any significant problems vs the later years. True, the '98 requires a different tuner. But the only difference in the head design is a different cover bolt pattern (combustion chamber is the same), no way is that "inferior". Fuel injectors on the '98s are larger than '99+. Also, the '98-early '00 WS6 suspension contains more upgraded 1LE parts than the later '00-'02s (it was softened down a tad). And all the LS6 hydraulics in the clutch are a wash if you get an A4. The stock '98 WS6 SOTL exhaust flowed better than the '99+.

JD_AMG

Read all the stickies:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-o...questions.html

jp74

iTrader: (3)

Yeah the stickies will give you all the info you are looking for. Not much difference at all. I have had a 98 for 3 years with zero problems and I run in the 11's without nitrous. Hopefully you can find a LS1 that has been well cared for, that is the more important. I bought my 98 for 7500 dollars with 56k on the clock. I was looking at a 2002 with 40k and they wanted 14500 at the time. I saved the 7000.00 and put some of it toward mods. Good luck

DVS99TRANS

iTrader: (7)

Well just to give you an idea of how they respond to mods. My plain jane 99 and 01 WS6 where dynoed with SLP Loudmouths only. My 99 put down 317whp/327wtq and my WS6 put down 309/320 on the same exact dyno with the same atmospheric conditions. They will make the same power and if you can catch a hell of a deal on a plain jane TA/Z28. You have to figure the intake manifold/clutch and hydraulics/air inlet(no lid) are better on the WS6. If you plan on big power, you'll end up swapping out the better parts that come on the 01 and 02 models. Just some food for thought.

2000Hawk

iTrader: (5)

I would shoot for 01-02 like everyone else has stated. LS6 intake manifold is a plus, especially when you have added a few bolt ons. The newer version slave cylinder is also a huge plus. Also the '01-'02 cars had the stronger connecting rod bolts from the factoty i believe. That and im sure you can find a low mileage LS1 for a very nice price. Not saying theres anything wrong with the '99 and '00, mine is a '00 and its great. But if you got the money then you might as well settle for the years that had the better factory equipment. The 98 were the first model year with the LS1 so they are prone to having more problems than other years. Nothing wrong with them either, but just so you don't go crazy when things are acting up.
-Joel

Bird Man

iTrader: (1)

Find an 02 --it's the last year model.

Texastransam

iTrader: (4)

My '98 is great! of course the GM crate LS6, two paint jobs, a new interior, suspension, wheels, hood, and other stuff helps. Yeah, maybe you should find a 2002.