J2Pharren1

iTrader: (1)

I have often been told not to get a 98 LS1 Fbody, but as I continue my search for a trans am I notice that EVERY ONE I find that is exactly what I am looking for, for just the right price, with the right amount of miles...is a 98. Just why is it that all the hardcore guys claim that 98's suck so much? It's my opinion that once you start modding it doesn't really matter, since you go big or you go the hell home.

What do you guys think, is a car being a 1998 enough to pass on it?

Slacker

I feel my 98 is doing just fine 11.8's in +95 degree weather (+2500DA).

SSDoubleK

iTrader: (100)

I have a 98SS, great car no oil pump problems, only electric window replacement which I did myself. Car runs like a raped ape and I dusted a 02 Z28 Automatic, he and his buddy thought I had a cam. Just a few bolt ons and a set a 3.73's. Get the car, mine has 32,000 and if I ever figure out my cam install, I'll be sitting really pretty. Also I have plenty of performance parts for a 98 for sale. Intake,Exhaust,Gears,MAF Ends,Hpp3.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

bad no, different yes.

at this point in time i wouldnt even consider a 98 IMO, due to the PCM if nothing else.

check the FAQ in my sig for the differences.

kp

iTrader: (34)

Only thing I really dont like on the 98s is the PCM, but I'm getting by. I didnt want a 98, didnt want a trans am and definately didnt want black the last time I went project LS1 shopping. Look what I ended up with.

My car also has the original 98 block and heads it came with, they arent so bad I prefer the 99+ PCMs and center bolt valve covers but it really depends what you want the car for. For mild modding and drivers they are just fine, the PCM options are limited for a forced induction car compared the 99+ cars but other then that they arent THAT much different..

J2Pharren1

iTrader: (1)

Well its a daily driver, but it will see some mods and it will see some track time and definantly a few skreet races, at this point I just want a car, and work around its limitations.

Thanks guys, and Ill check out that FAQ

felton316

They're great except for the bastard PCM.

30thanniv

iTrader: (2)

I think the 98's get a bad rap because you can't overbore the blocks or something along those lines. In 99 you could bore them over but it wasn't much.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

you can hone 98 to readily except a 3.905 piston, can go to 3.910. regardless of year you dont "bore" an ls1 block beyond a basic hone as there is simply not enough material in the sleeve to keep the integrity intact.

J2Pharren1

iTrader: (1)

What is it about the pcm that is so bad? In a bolt on maybe cam case, does it make a difference, or is when you try to go radical that it gets in the way?

MakoLS1

The 1998s arent bad, I wouldnt recommend not getting one becaus performance and driveability wise they compare the same as newer LS1s. The only thing is there are alot of differences between them and later year LS1s and in return some parts arent interchangable. The only thing I wish mine had were the 99+ coil packs. And when I put my 255lph fuel pump in I broke my fuel pump harness and drove 2 hours to a junk yard to pull out of a 99+ LS1 and it did me no good becaus it was different.

What exactly is different in the 98's pcm then the 99-02? Myself and a friend bought an hp tuner for our cars and hp tuner tech people said somethings different but I just got it and havent played with it much yet.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

for one, the support or lack there of. were always last to get tuning programs and add ons because the 98's have have different or additional programming and for some companies its not worth the R&D to spend for just a small segment.

as far as whats different; Pin outs, Maf table, and other little **** that im sure you can find out by searching the PCM section.

i've got HPT for 98 and it works but im looking to get into FI and i dont get all the cool **** (2 bar SD, ect).

all the other things; heads, gas tank, ect can be swap over from the 99 cars if you so choose. you can swap PCM's and wireharness too but thats a bit of a pain IMO.

blkZ28spt

For most people a 98 is a perfectly viable option. Happy with mine.

CrawlinWS6

iTrader: (41)

I like the 98's, hell most of the freak ls1's i have seen (running in the 12's bone stock) have been 98 Z28's.

One of the guy's that were in my car club was running 12.7 in the 1/4 in his 98 Z28 m6 with just a 4.10 gear, stock otherwise down to the stock air lid. O ya he also had a redneck borla catback exhaust set up.

mark306ci

stock otherwise? he's got freaking 4.10 gears. that's not a simple little mod like an air filter. that's a big step in daily driveability, reliability and performance gains coming from stock gears.

but get a '99 rather than a '98. prices shouldn't be that much different.

Mr Incredible

I don't expect to do much with my 98. I'm happy.

777

iTrader: (21)

I like my 98, it's modded and doesn't give me many problems (anymore )

ZeeQuick

iTrader: (2)

Got a '98 Z28 here with 101K on it and things are going swell. Only problems I have are a slow passenger power window, the usual squeeks and rattles, and some general wear and tear on the interior......nothing major though. Car pulls like crazy. Keeps up with the "newer" LS1s just fine. I'd say if you find a nice '98 go for it.....and enjoy your working temperature gauge. Also remember.....its cheaper to fill up at the pump with that 15.5 gallon tank

LS1_2NV

iTrader: (3)

Haha, ZeeQuick is right. Two perks of the 98 is the working water temp and the smaller fuel tank (especially right now!) although that is more psychological

Diolar Magnum

agreed. And it was the last year wihtout that irritating black box, so I will continue to purchase 98s.