what are some common things that go out?
07-31-2012, 06:19 PM
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
what are some common things that go out? hey all, so i finally may be getting myself into an ls1 fbody, and had a couple questions.
first off what should i look for when i go check it out? is there anything specific thats a common problem with these cars (is an 01 firebird t/a btw) other than general wear of course.
second, it does have a lot of miles, which im ok with seeing as i'll be rebuilding it anyway, but with age are there any real concerns as they get the miles on them?
i think that should do it for now, i'll definitely be posting pics if i do get it, from the pics its a beauty so i'm hoping i do but we'll see lol
first off what should i look for when i go check it out? is there anything specific thats a common problem with these cars (is an 01 firebird t/a btw) other than general wear of course.
second, it does have a lot of miles, which im ok with seeing as i'll be rebuilding it anyway, but with age are there any real concerns as they get the miles on them?
i think that should do it for now, i'll definitely be posting pics if i do get it, from the pics its a beauty so i'm hoping i do but we'll see lol
07-31-2012, 06:27 PM
#2
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Lexington KY
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some of the common problems: the power windows. Big heavy windows really crappy power window motor and regulators. The power antenna: tends to get stuck a lot. Usually can just massage it with wd40 and its good. Stripped gear on a headlight making it sound horrible for a couple seconds after closing. Luckily thats an easy fix. Only takes about 15-20 minutes. Welcome to the wonderful world of the ls1! Theyre tons of fun and hope you enjoy your bird when you get it!
07-31-2012, 06:40 PM
#3
TECH Enthusiast
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Pocatello Idaho
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some of the common problems: the power windows. Big heavy windows really crappy power window motor and regulators. The power antenna: tends to get stuck a lot. Usually can just massage it with wd40 and its good. Stripped gear on a headlight making it sound horrible for a couple seconds after closing. Luckily thats an easy fix. Only takes about 15-20 minutes. Welcome to the wonderful world of the ls1! Theyre tons of fun and hope you enjoy your bird when you get it!
07-31-2012, 06:44 PM
#4
Staging Lane
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: 'Merica
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Electronics in general I'd say are the biggest issue with these cars, especially the Trans Ams with their pop-up headlights. Mechanically, the cars hold up extremely well. I've seen stock LS1's go above 200k on a regular basis.
Also worth noting is the stock transmission tends to die before 100k for a lot of people. If you are looking into an automatic, I'd pay a lot of attention to how it shifts.
Also worth noting is the stock transmission tends to die before 100k for a lot of people. If you are looking into an automatic, I'd pay a lot of attention to how it shifts.
07-31-2012, 06:48 PM
#5
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Lexington KY
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Electronics in general I'd say are the biggest issue with these cars, especially the Trans Ams with their pop-up headlights. Mechanically, the cars hold up extremely well. I've seen stock LS1's go above 200k on a regular basis.
Also worth noting is the stock transmission tends to die before 100k for a lot of people. If you are looking into an automatic, I'd pay a lot of attention to how it shifts.
Also worth noting is the stock transmission tends to die before 100k for a lot of people. If you are looking into an automatic, I'd pay a lot of attention to how it shifts.
07-31-2012, 07:01 PM
#6
TECH Regular
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Manalapan, NJ
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
the auto trans aka "A4" is known to be a fairly weak trans. if you have the manual T56 trans aka "M6", youll likely have to worry about the weak 10-bolt rear end breaking. the body control module also has issues wit a solder point comingundone causing the interior lights to flicker intermittently. the pcv system could use an upgrade to the ls6 version or get a catch can as a good amount of oil ends up in the intake manifold.
i think all the other things i know of have been mentioned already
i think all the other things i know of have been mentioned already
07-31-2012, 07:04 PM
#7
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
wow, thanks for all the feedback so far. the car is an m6, which what i've seen is a decent bit sturdier than the a4 these had. obviously i'll still need to pay attention to the clutch to see how well it shifts.
what about the a/c system? are there any notorious bugs there? i live in florida and well... its hot lol, a/c would be VERY nice to have, hopefully this one's is working ^_^
thanks again, and like i said i'll keep everyone updated if i get it!
what about the a/c system? are there any notorious bugs there? i live in florida and well... its hot lol, a/c would be VERY nice to have, hopefully this one's is working ^_^
thanks again, and like i said i'll keep everyone updated if i get it!
Last edited by blindcyde; 07-31-2012 at 07:10 PM.
Trending Topics
07-31-2012, 07:20 PM
#8
wow, thanks for all the feedback so far. the car is an m6, which what i've seen is a decent bit sturdier than the a4 these had. obviously i'll still need to pay attention to the clutch to see how well it shifts.
what about the a/c system? are there any notorious bugs there? i live in florida and well... its hot lol, a/c would be VERY nice to have, hopefully this one's is working ^_^
thanks again, and like i said i'll keep everyone updated if i get it!
what about the a/c system? are there any notorious bugs there? i live in florida and well... its hot lol, a/c would be VERY nice to have, hopefully this one's is working ^_^
thanks again, and like i said i'll keep everyone updated if i get it!
07-31-2012, 07:28 PM
#9
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
no, im just kidding, what part? im a lil north or orlando, in seminole county
08-01-2012, 08:30 AM
#13
check clutch (feel and fluid)
check all fluid levels and colors
check rear for leaks (pinion mainly, which there's a 90% chance it will be the question is how much)
check all vaccum lines (PCV valve and line, dry rot here mainly)
check brake pad wear (to see if it's sticking) and on the test driver feel for warped rotors
check power windows (especially the passenger side)
listen to stereo (blown speakers extrememly common)
the t-tops will leak, question is how much (check for water damage)
check head lights (movement and sound on a firebird)
you will heard some valve patter while running, make sure it's nothing excessive
piston slap is common while cold (it should disappear when up to temp)
during test drive listen to the suspension (rattles squeaks and creaks - suspension not body)
squeaks, creaks and rattles are common in the body
how smooth is the trans? how easy is it to shift (especially at higher rpm)? does it pop out of gear when under low rpm high load (especially 2nd)?
That's all I can think of, stuff in () are things I've had to deal with. The good news is all these things are easy to fix and/or are things you'll probably upgrade anyway. It just helps to not have to deal with them asap. The only redflags are excessive valve chatter and piston slap/knocking, smoking and transmission shifting/staying in gear; those mean rebuild time and $$.
check all fluid levels and colors
check rear for leaks (pinion mainly, which there's a 90% chance it will be the question is how much)
check all vaccum lines (PCV valve and line, dry rot here mainly)
check brake pad wear (to see if it's sticking) and on the test driver feel for warped rotors
check power windows (especially the passenger side)
listen to stereo (blown speakers extrememly common)
the t-tops will leak, question is how much (check for water damage)
check head lights (movement and sound on a firebird)
you will heard some valve patter while running, make sure it's nothing excessive
piston slap is common while cold (it should disappear when up to temp)
during test drive listen to the suspension (rattles squeaks and creaks - suspension not body)
squeaks, creaks and rattles are common in the body
how smooth is the trans? how easy is it to shift (especially at higher rpm)? does it pop out of gear when under low rpm high load (especially 2nd)?
That's all I can think of, stuff in () are things I've had to deal with. The good news is all these things are easy to fix and/or are things you'll probably upgrade anyway. It just helps to not have to deal with them asap. The only redflags are excessive valve chatter and piston slap/knocking, smoking and transmission shifting/staying in gear; those mean rebuild time and $$.
Last edited by Kurt D; 08-01-2012 at 08:45 AM.
08-01-2012, 09:24 AM
#14
On The Tree
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Im in winter park (Orlando) just moved here from Maryland, good luck on purchase. Girls down here LOVE LS1s lol, Been here two months had at least 5 screaming girls out of the window of the car next to me. Let me know if there is some sort of meet in FL Id like to meet some fellow LS1 owners down here.
08-01-2012, 12:10 PM
#15
TECH Enthusiast
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
08-08-2012, 09:15 PM
#16
TECH Fanatic
Kurt D pretty much nailed it. Make sure the coolant isnt all gunk, as all 4th generation F bodies should have had the coolant flush AT LEAST twice. I'd also like to mention front lower control arm bushings are a BITCH (the vertical bolt ALWAYS siezes to the bushing inner sleeve).
