Chevrolet Camaro 1967-2002 - 98 lt1 vs 02 ls1

Hi, I'm looking at camaros and I've stumbled upon two and I dont know which one would be better. There is a 1994 (sorry meant 94 not 98) lt1 with 70k miles for 5 grand and a 02 ls1 with 112k miles for 5.2 grand. They are both in great shape and seem to have been well taken care of. Which one is the better deal?

The 1998 year came with the ls1. ,lt1"s stoped in 97 .i would take the 02 make sure everything Is working properly,seems kinda cheap for the 02 is it salvage tittle?

The 98 since it was the 2nd year the ls1 came out (came out on the 97 corvette) has more problems than the 02.the 2002 is already pretty much perfected. And come with a ls6 intake:)

I would pick the '98. I have both years, and there has been nothing wrong with my '98 that was specific to it's year, so I'd rather have the lower mileage car for almost the same price.

And yes, the '98 is also an LS1. Unless somebody swapped in an LT1 engine.

The '98 seems a bit cheap for only 70k miles.

Get the 02. Better intake,heads, no egr. Better for tuning pcm. Better resale value.
Or whichever is manual. I predict the manual 4th gens will be very popular again in a few yrs. By those who use to own one.

Out of those two, I'd get the '02 in a heartbeat. It's like mentioned above, better heads, intake ,etc... I hate the EGR on my 2000 and have been thinking about eliminating it. The '00 and up LSX engine have better oiling properties and such. With proper maintenance, these engines will last a good while. 112K miles isn't really much. Is it a 6sp or automatic?

The combo of improved heads, intake and exhaust manifolds is worth about ~10hp. There was also a cam revision (more duration, less lift - pretty much a wash in terms of performance). The "better" heads are just a matter of an improved casting process which will be negated if you ever plan to port them. The intake can be changed for something even better than an LS6, and the exhaust manifold difference is meaningless if you ever plan to install headers.

The PCM difference is a non-issue unless you plan an extreme/forced induction build. For your typical H/C car, any good tuner will be able to tune the '98 PCM just fine.

I guess if you plan to keep both cars 100% stock, then you might be just a tad ahead with the '02 in terms of performance. But if you plan any mods to the areas listed above, then many of the differences will be negated anyway. If both cars had equal mileage, then the decision would be harder, but with 40k less miles on the '98, I'd still pick that one (assuming both are in the same apparent condition).

My '02 has not been anything magical. It feels just like my '98, stock for stock and mod for mod. Any performance difference is so small that you can't feel it.

Furthermore, the '02 will develop roof bubbling (if it hasn't already) that requires removal and replacement of the entire roof panel to correct. This is a difficult and expensive repair, and is even more difficult and expensive if the car is a hard top. If the '98 was built prior to 05/98, then you won't have to worry about this. To me, the extra ~10hp of the '01-'02 cars isn't worth the hassle of a roof replacement if I can find a '98 for the same price in the same overall condition (and especially with 40k less miles of overall wear and tear).

sorry idk why i put 98 i meant 94 =/

that makes it much easier! lol go with the 02 the ls1 is a much better platform than the lt1. the ls1 will make more power mod for mod, and the aftermarket for them is huge. they also dont suffer from the optispark ignition problems the lt1's do. not saying the lt1 isnt a good engine the ls1 is just newer, better technology.

Ls1 without a doubt

On a budget build, that LS6 will do pretty good. Go for the '02. Overall, it's a more efficient motor as well. Auto or stick?

the 02 is an auto the 94 is stick

If that is a huge deal to you, OK, but the LSx models are much better cars.

The stock engine produces about 40-50 more rwhp to begin with and the potential is enormous.

I have one of each and as much as I love the LT1 (now a 383) I love the LSx (now a 402 LS2) more. And the extra 100 rwhp has something to do with it.

Of course my LT1 build is a nice upgraded street car and my LSx is a crazy track car.

Either way, welcome to the family.

Perry

Ive owned a 95 Z28 a 98 trans am and now own a 2000 z28 the 95 had 140k miles my 00 has 120 and my 98 had 200k on it the 95 left me on the side of the road more than a few times IMO its a trashcan motor compared to the ls1 with looking at those two its a no brainer go with the 02 much more reliable car in every aspect