Lightemup08

Im not sure if this is the right thread, but can anybody tell me how reliable an LT1 Trans Am is. Im wondering because there is a 96 silver WS6 for sale, but it has 99k but it looks like it is in good condition. It has a loudmouth exhaust so im suspicious it was driven hard. I know theres nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to know how a LT1 would hold up at 100K after people drive it hard.

wrd1972

iTrader: (12)

Yes they are but like anything else it has weak points. The big one is the optispark distributer which is very tempermental. Outside of that it is as reliable as any other modern SBC.

I suggest you do a search on optispark and you will find plenty of information.

chemicalstylez

At 100k..... water pump and opti-spark are the first to go. Than window motors. I'd find one in the 50k mile range. You'd prolly pay 6-7 grand, it'll save you all the money for future repairs on something high milage.

Ironxcross

iTrader: (8)

they're fairly solid cars besides the optispark issue. people have had them go to 250k+ and still running decent times (some of them even spraying 150 shots).

96lt1m6

iTrader: (31)

seen it myself,Lt1s are very dependable,just like any other engine it is how it is maintained

speed_demon24

iTrader: (6)

Save up some money and wait until you can afford an LS1.

little Red Camaro

iTrader: (14)

167,000 miles and still running strong...and I don't baby it! If the price is right on the T/A don't let the LT1 scare you away from it!

ws6chicken

I can't say my car was reliable when I first bought it, I think this was mainly due to the previous owner. If you decided to go with it make sure have like $3k in slush money should something go wrong with the car. Despite a few short falls I would without even hesitating by my firebird again.

Formula93

My Car seriousally has 243,000 on the stock long block. General maintence and TLC is the key!

Formula350

iTrader: (3)

I really don't have to chime in here, but, yes they are lol

burnzilla

iTrader: (3)

One exhaust mod and you think it was drove hard?

Here's a way to tell if the car has seen its share of the heavy pedal:
-curb rash worse on rear wheels
-rips in seat, cracks in dash,
-several imperfections in the paint
-Car feels 'loose' 'when you drive it
-rearend/suspension has a couple sqeaks/noises


My car has a small bird when I hit a nice bump, and a little itty bitty noise from the hatch, but its still a very solid tight car, and it wasn't hard to tell.
These cars loosen up pretty easy, one bad owner can be the end, but they are made for some fun and can handle plenty of beatin-on.

99K is not alot of miles for a 1996.

TheTransporter69

iTrader: (5)

i think they are good, my problem i had with both mine was coolant problems, leaking on my old v6 and now i had to get a new water pump on my 96/ ta other than that its good. i don't like how they run hot though. 96 and 97 were bad years if you idle a lot it can heat up cause the fans kick on really late. i got a manual fan switch so i cna turn it on erlier.

nomoneyz

iTrader: (15)

I bought my 95 with 106k on the clock and at 120k now and the only thing wrong is the tranny is going out cause I drive it hard and it gets HOT out here. Always reliable for me (knock on wood).

fuzchunk

generly it is less expensive to buy, mod & maintain a lt1 with the x-ception of the opti, ls1 tend to need alernators more often, they bolth have weak rear ends so ether will benifit from a gurdle,if the price sounds resonable, Im biased twards the ltx 2nd gen, bang 4 bux, sbc heritage, sound, lsx also has some nice points,we are on the LS1 forum so xpect alot of votes for the gen 3

chromeplated500

iTrader: (10)

well they used them as Cop car engines.... I have a 94 caprice with 258,000 and no problems... had 180,000 when I got it from the police aucton... driven hard put away wet.. no problems...

but remember it is just like everything even if it is babied **** breaks/fails. it happens to everything mechanical..

1996Formula

iTrader: (2)

my formula has 178k and runs like a raped ape.

LT1MAN

iTrader: (6)

ill put it like this, i got 190K out of mine with me driving the **** out of it every single day, and even at 190K it still ran perfect. i just couldn't wait any longer for the 383.

DubyaSsixTA

iTrader: (1)

Watch your opti and put in a fan switch if it's a problem. Other than that, they're good engines that have great torque.

Hot94Z28

I have a 170,000 miles on my car. I have had a new head gasket,starter,and opti,since I bought the car three years ago when it had 130,000 on it. The car also sit for a year before I got it.

TwoFast4Lv

iTrader: (8)

Wifes car has 157K miles on it. Wins bracket races all the time running 13.0 flat all day long.

Besides the cam, valve train and bolt on's it is bone stock.

Have replaced the opti at 78k miles and the water pump when we did the cam at 130k miles. A fuel pump at 98K. I did the trans at 120k miles. It was not dead yet but starting to make noise. Added a 2,600 stall when I did

Over all if you ask my wife it is the most dependable car she has ever owned