jinxedz

iTrader: (5)

I will be taking a look at several LS1 F-Bodies this weekend and would like to be well prepared for things to look for/at.

I've done several searches on this topic here and over at LS1.com and didn't find anything. Sorry if it is a Repost.

Does anybody have any advice on what I should be looking at when inspecting a used, most likely high milage, F-Body?

Thanks for any input,

Swang

iTrader: (3)

well, the obvious. look at who's owned it and see if its been ragged. do the test drive, listen for rattles. also if looking at A4's. make sure it isnt shifting superhard. thats kind of an indication that it might be going out soon.
besides that man. i really dont know what else to tell you, check the paint on the bumpers to the paint on the doors and hood because they fade differently. so if that bugs you, dont buy it. ask about the service records, cuz an LS1 isnt the most low mantenience motor. hopefully someone else will help me out with the recalls that were out on a most likely 98-99 fbod.

StoleIt

iTrader: (3)

id say, after reading the "whats this switch" thread you should make sure your car doesn't have any aftermarket switches in it.

Swang

iTrader: (3)

good call.

98boxer

iTrader: (7)

I have to disagree. When I first bought my A4 Z28, it used to shift superhard -as you describe- and it kicked ***, downshifted and screamed like a fning beast. I put 5 thousand miles, then a mechanic took the hard shifts away when he did a trany service -he was later found in the river. I put another 15 thousand miles before I blew my tranny 3-4 clutch paks driving my car as it was ment to be driven, very fast and launching hard.

I would say as long as the car shifts good and tranny doesn't slip, fluid doesn't smell burnt, tranny fluid is red, then the hard shifts are nothing to worry about. But im speaking from my experiance.

Swang

iTrader: (3)

mine did the shift hard for 10k on my 95, then at once i lost 1st, and 4th

jinxedz

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the Tips so far guys.

The cars are all M6's.

KrazyDan

chunks of rubber inside the rear wheel wells

30th droptop

iTrader: (-1)

Hard shifts can also mean that the car's got a tune. I've got my Hypertech settings on 100-percent shift firmness. It shifts hard and quick.

NoSlowSS

If it's a manual, make sure it doesn't kick out of gear while downshifting. If it does, you will need a new/rebuilt tranny soon due to a bad synchro.

ls1fbod

All these tips are good plus make sure the tires have at least 70% of tread (IMO), Interior obviously isn't thrashed, check the steering wheel srs deployment (u could tell), Look at the paint from different angles to see if they tried to cover anything up, pop the hood and check for any leaks, check brake fluid, coolant and motor oil... If it has over 60K, ask if it has had any major service? Factory clutch? Factory Parts? If it was modded i would pass, but that's my opinion. Check the stereo also...and if everything passes ur good to go...As far as the price is right...

blkZ28spt

Personally I would be weary of something with all brand new rubber. A quick wheelwell, underbody crawl around should help with that. Rubber will stick down there for a long, long time.

stange567

make sure panels like up.. when u pop the hatch... feel the edge on the quarter.. if there is a lip it very well could ahve been painted.. get the bitch on a rack and check for leaks... listen on the cold start up for a knock... makesure it has no problem going into reverse... before u put it into first.. check the brakes.. makes sure they are smooth, no ridges.. um... if its a t top.. maybe put a hose on the roof...

00badfnta

iTrader: (5)

The most important one check any accident or prier damage. Carfax...vin # check.

jinxedz

iTrader: (5)

Thanks a lot for the suggestions guys.

I will be sure to incorporate them all into my inspections...

prince xizor

iTrader: (2)

Here is another one, check the windows to see if they go up and down at the same speed. See if it hesitates anywhere as it may mean your power window is on its way out. Listen for clanks bangs and see if the skip shift light comes on if m6 if you want stock. Also look at the wear on the seat to see how much wear there is. Also look at the speaker panels for blow speakers and pry marks. Take the T tops off and see how much gouging is at the ends. Also look at the trunk spare wheel to see if they have had to open it and it is rounded. Just a few ideas.