12secondDream

Hi. I live in so. cali and i have a chance to buy a 98 M6 Trans AM with 54K miles on it for $12,000. Now i've read that 98 ls1's are a little different than the other years (99 and up), such as the PCM is different, etc. Are they slower than other years? And are the bolt on's made differently too? I have plans for headers and a cam...i was just curious if this is an ok year to buy and build...thanks...

tim99ws6

iTrader: (31)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-owners-newbie-tech/213148-jrp-s-faq-commonly-asked-questions.html

Couldn't have said it better myself!!
Click on link above

Tiger2o69

iTrader: (16)

I wouldnt want a 98 you should be able to get at least a 99 with those miles for that price.

BlueSix

'98 was a good year, IMO.

ricekillman

Once you start modding, it's all the same.

Tiger2o69

iTrader: (16)

There not a bad car at any means but the for that price I think you could get a new year. And remember with anything that was the 1st year made and as they go along the bugs get worked out.

After modding they are about the same

SmokingWS6

iTrader: (1)

Mods are all the same. They are not slower and I wouldnt hesitate to buy another 98. I run mid 12's still on stock manifolds. Block construction varies slightly, it cannot be bored out as much as a 99+ block, but thats not a concern for most owners.

~RedLineLs1~

iTrader: (1)

Kinda...the 97 vette had it first.

But besides the point. I am very happy with my 98. As it was mentioned before, it doesnt really matter after you start modding. They all end up in the same place.

msbz_ls1

iTrader: (1)

1998's are AWESOME!!!>!>!>>!the best year IMO

5POINT7

And read the link in the second post.

zchgla

Dont listen to people that say not to buy a 98, if they say that, i bet you they havent owned one. They might be slower than 01-02, but once you get some mods, its all the same. Bottom line, if you like it, then go for it.

slow98Z

iTrader: (27)

I love my 98. I run 12.4's with stock rear end boltons and a stock converter. The price is kind of high thought IMO.

SmokingWS6

iTrader: (1)

And our temp guage works

black00TA

iTrader: (3)

like everyone says, after a few mods, who can tell the diffrence. one thing i would say though, choose more on the condition of the car. rather than year/mileage. remember, you dont know who owned it before you or how well they took care of it.
my .02

DrkPhx

iTrader: (15)

My 60K mile 98 has 130+ track passes (most in the 12's, some in the 11's) on the original bottom end, transmission and rear end with zero mechanical problems. It ran 13.27 @ 105 mph bone stock. Nothing wrong with a 98, at least you won't get piston slap.

luv2spd

iTrader: (1)

I've also kinda noticed that 98 fbody's have less problems with the M6 tranny. I think 98 was the last year it was a borg-warner before switching to tremec. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

LS1BlackBeauty98

i have a 98 trans am auto and i smoked a 99 M6 stock trans am (street) and a 00 M6 stock trans am (street)... my 98 wasn't slower there!! everyone has their own opinions. I love the 98s, i've wanted a 98 since i had my 95 firebird when i was 14.

that one peice of advice is really good though, look at the condition of the car..that's way more important than year or miles. If the car was taken care of 54k is not that many miles at all. Change ur fluids and be good to her she won't letcha down! i'd offer 11k tho... just because after tax/title/tags its gonna be 12..

Diolar Magnum

98's are fine. my baby just passed 71K with some mods and with no significant problems. I even put her through fourr feet of water and she dried out and is now fine! eitherway ls1 = good choice.

Keenov

iTrader: (5)

PCM is different, yes.

They are slower than 01-02 models because of the different intake.

They are all LS1 vehicles, so the bolt on's are the same.


I would buy any year LS1 F-body. Depending on the condition of the vehicle

RedDemon2

98 Trans Am's Rule! All LS1 engines are awesome! A few horses is the only differences in 98 through 02 LS1.