Red Orange 96

iTrader: (2)

Hello. Need some logical opinions out there in ls1 land.

Here's the deal. I've been longing for an ls1 for some time now, but never pulled the trigger. I've got a 96 TA w/71k miles in excellent condition, full suspension upgrades, paid in full , for 5+ years now. I love the car, but would like to upgrade to an ls1 for obvious reasons.

Now, I've found a 99 SS camaro in excellent condition. It is bright red, hardtop, cloth, m6, no other gm options except hurst, 53k miles, bone stock.
SLP options are bilstein, auburn, castrol, floor mats. Carfax shows 3 previous owners, private sale, took it for a ride and found no issues (rear end noise, clutch slip, etc...) only thing it could use is a coolant flush (resivoir dipstick is caked). Comes with uninstalled slp lid. $12k firm.

My big issue is adding a 3rd car now. Between mortage, bills, etc it would be tight. The TA would have to go, but it seems like a slow market for lt1's right now.

My big issue is whether to take on another car payment (i owe a small amount on my tacoma) to cure my ls1 fever or to take the extra cash and add some power mods to the LT1. This being LS1 tech, I can see where the majority will be, but lets see some honest opinions. I'm leaning towards keeping my paid for LT1...Thanks for your time

BriancWS6

iTrader: (18)

First of all that seems a bit high on the price, second, once you DO get an LS1, you won't regret it at all. Just make sure you get the color, tranny, and model you want. Don't settle at all, or after the new wears off, you'll regret it.

Sunset'01Z

iTrader: (10)

from a financial standpoint, i would keep your t/a. if you can spend some money and want something different, try modding your current car. put a nice heads/cam package on it, and the difference between lt1 and ls1 will diminish quickly. just put one of those msd optisparks on it, i know they are expensive, but they are worth it.

Sunset'01Z

iTrader: (10)

just looked at your cardomain.. i say keep that car. i've never seen one that color in person and i love it. everyone and their dog has a red camaro, that's why i waited for a som car to come into view.

BriancWS6

iTrader: (18)

Yeah, if your comparing it to STOCK LS1 cars....

Red Orange 96

iTrader: (2)

Well, thats exactly why I love my car so much, I've never seen another one like it. The power level of the lt1 is adequate for my needs, as I don't race it, and I am only the second owner. Red camaro's are plentiful around here. SOM is second best to ROM IMOP. The appeal of the camaro is the ls1, its a stripper, and an SS.

redchevcam

iTrader: (2)

I would keep you car it is a really nice car. I would get an MSD Optispark. i had one on my old 97 Camaro, and will swear by it....just, remember to locktite the rotor screws and install the gasket correctly or it will eat up the inside with the rotor. or, why dont you just drop an LS motor in it? i know thats kinda crazy given the fact your car is in great shape and has low miles, but thats just it. your car is in great shape. drop an LS motor with heads and a cam and it will scream. and you will still have your car.

ericn99

12k with no t tops and no leather you can find a much better deal IMO and id say trade away nothing like the ls1's

Sunset'01Z

iTrader: (10)

nothing says you cant get an lt1 to run like an ls1 with the right parts. sure you could put an ls engine in your car if you wanted to spend the money. just dont sell the car..

zuuhlsT/A

iTrader: (2)

Dude, Your car is sweet! Just drop a used ls1 into it and you got the best of both worlds. I see ls1 with trans, ecu, complete with wiring harness goin for 3 to 4 grand. That would be the way i'd go IMO.

INMY01TA

iTrader: (1)

Ya I'd put an LS1 in your car. I know of 3 guys around me that did that swap. I think they're pretty neat.

Red Orange 96

iTrader: (2)

well, I had the guy hold the camaro until this afternoon, and I'm not going to get it. I've got way too much love and time invested in this car to give up now. Thanks for your opinions and compliments on the TA. I'd rather wait till I can afford a zo6 anyways...c-ya

zuuhlsT/A

iTrader: (2)

Dude, look in the parts for sale thread. Someones selling a complete 2002 ls1 motor and A4 trans for $3400 shipped. Thats a great deal. Just something to think about...........

Red Orange 96

iTrader: (2)

Well, short term I'm planning full exhaust, some cooling system improvements, and a few misc. suspension pieces to finish that project off. Where it goes from there, we'll see. An LSx upgrade is quite appealing. I've driven an 02 Hawk, 04 GTO, 99 C5, and this 99 SS, and the C5 seemed to be the quickest. I came oh so close a few years back to trading mine in for that 02 SOM trans am hawk, but I couldn't pull the trigger. Too many odd things wrong for a 17k mile car, including price. Man was it sexy though w/the chrome hawk wheels. Wonder who bought that thing? Dan

odarabla

iTrader: (1)

I agree drop a LS1 in it or just mod the crap out of your LT1!! There are a few LT1 cars around hear that are real sexy and run in the 10's and DD!!!