bigb916

I'm currently in the market for a camaro/firebird ls1... 6 weeks of searching within my sub $6k price range has been tough but I have finally found something for the right price?

98 Trans am A4 139k miles, 4l60e rebuilt at 133k, 1 owner car. I plan on doing bolt ons and a stall, maybe a cam down the road.

With 139k is that ls1 getting a little tired to hot rod? and if not, what are some key things(problems) to look for that is Ls1-specific? I am pretty mechanically inclined but havent touched on these motors before(messed with mustangs/4x4s for the last few years)

Any and all pointers are welcome! thank you

gocartone

iTrader: (4)

Are you looking for an A4 or an M6? If you want an M6 I wouldn't settle for a A4. You didn't say how much it was, but if it's close to your $6k budget I would look harder. I seen a few under 100k A4's going for under $6k before I bought my car, not nearly as many people looking for them so the prices are much lower. Unless this car is really cheap I would look for more, it's the oldest LS1 you can find and has a few miles on it.

Heres a 130k M6 for $6200 in your area-
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2006651715.html

As far as what to look for I couldn't help you much, although if it knocks when it's cold (only!) don't worry at all as that is very very common. Other than that check it over like you would any other car.

bigb916

I originally wanted an M6, but i'd glady take an A4.

Idk where you are geographically but it seems everyone here in northern cali wants an arm and a leg(7-10k is a common price range) for very whooped and tired ls1s regardless of it being an m6 or a4.

The guy who has the TA im looking at wants $4400 if that helps, well under my budget

bigb916

Saw that one.. but thanks for making note of it. The guy doesnt have the cats for it.. kinda sketchy being as smog is a pain in the *** in this area. Also its the very top of my price range

garygnu

the ls1 is a good high mileage motor.

gocartone

iTrader: (4)

Well if it's only $4400 that's a pretty good deal. And what people are asking isn't always what they are getting. I live in Northern Wisconsin, probably one of the worst places to try to find a car. There have always been deals that pop up though, even saw a few under 100k M6's for around $6k, although they would fall under the sketchy area, or needed body work. Up until I got my car I was pretty much living on craigslist and the autotrader sites haha.

bigb916

It kind of makes me mad what some people expect for their camaros, dealers seem to be the worst with wanting outrageous amounts of money. Craigslist is pretty much my only option here, autotrader is a joke! luckly sac/bay area craigslist has a high volume of cars moving through constantly though

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

with any kind of high mileage id plan for a stroker up build.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Thing is, these are not like other 8-12 year old used cars. They are a specialty car for a specific type of buyer. There really isn't anything else out there that can be had for much cheaper that's as fast stock, and has as much potential and aftermarket. Add the fact there was no 2003-09 Camaro, and you're stuck with either buying a $30k+ new SS or an 8+ year old one, if you really want a Camaro. Had they been building them all along, then the '98-02 would be mostly forgotten by now. The 4th gen is also a solid axle and lighter weight than a 5th gen, which will keep them popular among drag racers. All these things keep prices higher than what they would be otherwise.

Michael Crisp

i just bought my z28 about a month ago, but when i was looking...dealers wanted retarded amounts of money for cars, one dealer tried to charge me 12 grand for a 00 ss m6 with 150,000 on the clock dirty as hell. but after a while of looking, i found a 98 z28 m6 with 106,000 on the clock replica c5 z06 wheels, short shifter, and some other goodies for $7,950 id keep looking if i were you dont settle for less when you know when you can get your moneys worth.

01 CamaroSS SLP

i was looking for an M6 and found a really good deal on a A4... i told the guy i will go home and sleep on it and call him in the morning... i thought of how good the deal was and had close to everything i wanted but it was automatic... Then i thought that every time i drove it i would wish it was a manual, that would bug the hell outta me so bad so i passed on it and a week later i found my dream camaro that had everything i wanted plus a m6... Just saying theres always something else and dont settle on something you dont 100% want. Although you could always do a swap later.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Why does everyone keep pushing the OP into waiting for an M6? After reading this:

....it sounds like he'd be happy with either trans type. As hard as it may be for some of you to beleive, an M6 is not a "must absolutely have" for everyone. Some people will like either. And, dare I say it, some people actually prefer an A4.

While I agree that you should pick the trans type you really want, if you're the sort that isn't picky about that, then focus your hunt on whatever aspect is most important to you (price, miles, condition, color, trim level, etc.)

Finkledbody

Same for me. I wanted an m6 when I was looking around for an Ls1 f-body but ended up with a stalled a4. Now I'm much happier with what I got. Theres no way an m6 would put a mile on my face like the a4 does. Ya just can't beat never missing a shift, ever. Also knowing that my 10-bolt will last way longer than any m6 will is reassuring

desertLS1

iTrader: (8)

IMO, I still think You over payed.

Michael Crisp

really? i figured i did good since all the ones in my area were WAY higher than what i got mine for.

gocartone

iTrader: (4)

For $8k you can usually find 70kish cars. They don't always pop up, but most people ask to much. You didn't way over pay, but could have stuck out for a better deal I'm sure.

bigb916

That TA fell through, guy sold it before i could take a look. Oh well. Cruised some used car dealers for no good reason, only halfway decent find was pretty clean pewter an 02 M6 z28 with 83k, the dealer wanted 11k(originally 13k!) plus tax and such. heh movin on...

Still nothing out there, but im determined as ever!

zamora7

iTrader: (4)

Don't settle for less than what you want because if you do you will find the best deals after you bought a car that wasn't what you really wanted, trust me, I know.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is ALWAYS going to be a better deal somewhere eventually if you wait long enough. If that's what you're holding out for, you'll never get a car.

So long as you find a car that you truly like at a price that's fair/good/reasonable, I see no reason to wait forever. Life is too short.

bigb916

After being through 12 cars in 4 years, most of which I settled on.. I would like to find the exact car I want, be it an A4 or M6, and my expectations arent too high being as I can't afford the top dollar Ls1 cars.

I definetly agree, if I find a fair deal I will go for it I really can't hold out forever.