Kilo

Well, maybe. I've noticed this Firebird today and I'll be looking at/testing it soon. By the body, I know it's at least a 98 Formula or better/newer. What I need is to find out how I can tell if that's an LS1 under the hood, because it doesn't seem like the current owner is all that knowledgeable about the car's specs (her boyfriend is into FBodys, but is currently overseas). I haven't had more than a decent glance at the outside and a look at the interior yet, so I was just hoping to find out in advance what to look for.
Thanks.

LSWannabe

If you know for a fact that it is 98 or newer then it will be an LS1. I doubt that someone would swap the LS1 out for an LT1 or something. It is HIGHLY unlikely. [EDIT: So unlikely that you need not worry about it as long as the car is in fact a 98 or newer.] The drivers door jam will have a sticker listing all the cars option codes. LS1 should be one of those codes. [This wouldnt matter though if someone did an engine swap, which they almost guaranteed did not.] The search button is a useful tool on these forums. Try searching with different words to find what you want. Also read JRP's superfaq for people new to LS1's.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

theres no mistaking an ls1 for any other engine, just pop the hood. as for other options you'll need to check the RPO codes.

Keenov

iTrader: (5)

Open up the hood for comparing purposes. If you are sure it is a 98, then the only other thing it would be is a V6 and it looks a lot different from the pics below.

Here is a picture of a LT1



And the LS1

Kilo

Well, I got to take an up-close and personal look (and test drive) at it today. It's a full-blown WS-6 with just about every option I know of. It's got some paint flaws and a couple minor issues that I've seen so far (non-working window motor, turn signal that doesn't blink, subs are blown). Despite these minor issues, the asking price is currently $7,000 (and Blue Book tells me it should actually be more like $7500-8500)
Only trouble is, it's got 164,000 miles on it. Now, from what you all know about this car, what would you think? I'm kinda hesitant about that, because that's just how many miles my 89 Camaro had on it at the time of purchase, and it has been giving me all sorts of trouble all this past year. If I purchase this car, I intend to drive it until it cannot be driven any more (unless of course I strike it rich) and I'm gonna need it to last me more than just a couple years.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Tiger2o69

iTrader: (16)

Seems like a lot of money for that many miles. My friend purchased a 99 z28 in perfect condition except the motor had 180,000 miles for $4000. Maybe that was just cheap. He has taken it to the track and it actually did very good running 8.3's stock in the 8th.

How many miles do you plan to put on it in the next few years? Can you afford to pay a few more 1000?

Kilo

I should probably pass it up...the WS-6 is my ideal car, but this one will need alot of TLC, and I don't have the money to provide it.
Maybe in a few years...

DrkPhx

iTrader: (15)

Yep. The LS1 in bone stock form is pretty ugly. Check the option sticker on the inside driver door and look for "LS1" which is listed alphabetically.

MillaTK

If you don't have the funds to fix the stuff and have a little extra to replace random stuff thats going to go wrong with it, then wait. Price seems a bit high too.

ZigZagZ

164K is alot of mileage on a late model car. I'd shop around, or seriously haggle on the price.

just my 5 cents

ZigZagZ

164K is alot of mileage. I'd pass on it, and look for something else. There are quite a few f-body's out there.

Just my 5 cents

msbz_ls1

iTrader: (1)

pass it up..thats alot of miles i see LS1 with 80k+ miles selling for 9-10k

go for one of those.