New LS1 Owners - Newbie Tech - buying WS6 friday any common problems to look for?
Elev8rsh0es
08-22-2012, 02:20 PM
so im buying a 1999 ws6 with 100k miles on it friday I have been in love with 98-02 WS6 trans ams since i first saw this exact car back in the 6th grade in 2002 and somehow it came up for sale
unfortunately its an A4 car but im still in love with it
are there any issues to keep an eye out for i get to see it friday when its owner gets back from out of town
i believe its completely stock and it doesnt leak anything at all
thanks for any help in advance
JD_AMG
08-22-2012, 06:12 PM
Check out the stickies:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/pontiac-firebird-1967-2002-73/
Two big ones are window motors going out, and headlight motors eating gears.
Omega Doom
08-22-2012, 06:52 PM
so im buying a 1999 ws6 with 100k miles on it friday I have been in love with 98-02 WS6 trans ams since i first saw this exact car back in the 6th grade in 2002 and somehow it came up for sale
unfortunately its an A4 car but im still in love with it
are there any issues to keep an eye out for i get to see it friday when its owner gets back from out of town
i believe its completely stock and it doesnt leak anything at all
thanks for any help in advancethe A4 car isnt a bad thing at all! get a stall and eat up the M6's at the dragstrip!:judge:
autogeek23
08-22-2012, 06:56 PM
Yeah check windows. Check oil pressure when warm. Check operation of everything. Look for leaks. Pinion seal, any oil leaks. MAKE SURE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WORKS. Not just that it isn't on but you see it when you turn the key to on. Mine is covered up and has been since I bought it. The ash tray door. The power seat things work on both seats
ULTIMATEORANGESS
08-22-2012, 07:11 PM
clean car but 100k is a lot of miles so expect it to need some repairs. possibly drive train related.
garygnu
08-22-2012, 07:51 PM
check the trans fluid .and try to listen for any excessive valve train noise caused by missing rocker arm bearings.look for any leaks from the rear trans and pinion seals.make sure the coolant is the correct color,if it has a PS cooler they can leak.
msydow
08-22-2012, 07:58 PM
check all fluid levels, listen for lifters ticking, look for body panel bolts that have missing paint. paint marks on engine or trans usually indicates it came from a salvage yard. i can tell you already want the car. take someone with you who will look it over with you and see things you will miss.
lsmaxxed
08-22-2012, 08:32 PM
headlight motors cracking door panels window motors and cheap 10 bolt rear end
Elev8rsh0es
08-23-2012, 09:38 AM
thanks for the info guys, i do think im going to have to take someone else with me so i dont make a huge mistake as i have little trans ams in my eyes, but now i know what to attempt to look for
Sladester2
08-23-2012, 11:08 AM
bought mine with over 100k on it.. still perfect 3 years later. depends how well they were taken care of
pewter2002
08-23-2012, 12:15 PM
A second set of eyes is beneficial I find. Especially if they're familiar with the F Body. One guy can ask while the other is looking etc.
Previous posters have given good advice, nothing to add from me... Oh yeah, bubbling sail panel ( unless convertible haha! )- not a simple paint issue to correct...
wooddaniel
08-23-2012, 01:10 PM
All of my cars have lasted to well over 100K miles, because I take care of them. I sold a Cammed WS6 A4 to a board member on here and he has driven it for the last 5 years still has the 10 bolt and the 4L60E in it, I am not sure of the mileage but it had 140K when I sold it to him. 100K miles is nothing to be scared of as long as the car was maintained.
Just go over it with a fine toothed comb and you will be fine. They are fairly easy to work on too
Elev8rsh0es
08-24-2012, 01:23 AM
bought mine with over 100k on it.. still perfect 3 years later. depends how well they were taken care of
All of my cars have lasted to well over 100K miles, because I take care of them. I sold a Cammed WS6 A4 to a board member on here and he has driven it for the last 5 years still has the 10 bolt and the 4L60E in it, I am not sure of the mileage but it had 140K when I sold it to him. 100K miles is nothing to be scared of as long as the car was maintained.
Just go over it with a fine toothed comb and you will be fine. They are fairly easy to work on too
yeah ive known the guy who owns it for years he has money and has had the car maintained with paperwork to back it up so im quite hopeful im bringing a mechanic with me hes not specialized in f bodies but you win some you lose some lol
Jus10tyme05
08-24-2012, 01:52 AM
where do you guys shop for parts? ie clutch and rear coil overs
WarbirdLS1
08-26-2012, 10:31 AM
becareful with that 4l60e get you an aftermarket trans cooler and change fluid often..will help it live longer..i've also read a shift improver kit helps as well but never tried it
WarbirdLS1
08-26-2012, 10:33 AM
where do you guys shop for parts? ie clutch and rear coil overs
I buy from Vengence Racing..
Zlow28
08-26-2012, 11:49 AM
a lot of bodywork details are bound to occur even if the car was taken care of. For example the window motor, headlight gear, etc... That stuff can be fixed easily. Its the engine related problems you want to stay away from.
JD_AMG
08-26-2012, 07:32 PM
where do you guys shop for parts? ie clutch and rear coil overs
Check the sponsor links to the right >>>>>
Also don't waste your money on rear coilovers...
Ozzy16
08-26-2012, 07:36 PM
take a good look at the roof sail panel... from what im told, '98 on GM had latent defect with there new glue formula and in many cases it starts bubbling and looking like shit especially when exposed to the sun for great periods of time. Also check the t-tops out (if equipped) and make sure they are in proper functioning order.
wooddaniel
08-27-2012, 05:54 AM
take a good look at the roof sail panel... from what im told, '98 on GM had latent defect with there new glue formula and in many cases it starts bubbling and looking like shit especially when exposed to the sun for great periods of time. Also check the t-tops out (if equipped) and make sure they are in proper functioning order.
Actually 1998 I don't think had the sail panel issue; 1999 and on did. My 98 Z28 has 165K miles in the Florida sun and sail panel is not bubbled. Same with my old 98 WS6
Ozzy16
08-27-2012, 03:11 PM
Actually 1998 I don't think had the sail panel issue; 1999 and on did. My 98 Z28 has 165K miles in the Florida sun and sail panel is not bubbled. Same with my old 98 WS6
I looked into it a bit more and you are correct.