ecniv

iTrader: (1)

What's the general consensus on picking up a higher mileage LS1? I'm considering a '98 Z28 w/102,000 miles on the odometer. I haven't actually checked the car out in person yet, but before I devote any time to checking this thing out, I wanted to see if there are any issues I should be concerned with given the cars high mileage.

Thanks,
Vince

2000 TAWS6

iTrader: (1)

I just picked up an 00' WS6 M6 with 72K on it. Gave it a pretty good going over and all seemed well.

My judgement was right, other than a water pump I am in the middle of changing.

Just try to look for signs of neglect, obvious wear, leaks, and mods. I got one with all factory original parts and have not been disappointed.

These are pretty durable motors from what I have read, however neglect and continuous beatings will have their toll on anything.

Good Luck and be patient, the right one will come around.

MillaTK

Many guys have had little to no problems with higher mileage LS1's. There are people running pretty big horsepower on motors with much more mileage than that. Just expect to have to do some regular maintenance to the usual things that go wrong on any 100K+ car...

radio626active

Ive got 108,000 and just crushed another Z28 with 1/2 the mileage. Im installing a new engine not because this ones bad, its not by any means. Im just going the 402 route.

Reject

iTrader: (24)

if only i didnt have bills i'd have maybe made an offer to get the 346 out of your way

iwantanls1

iTrader: (1)

I agree with everything that was said above. Another thing to check out is to make sure the tranny is shifting well, no grinding etc. 102k miles on a tranny is a lot, especially with the power of the LS1, so just make sure everything seems to be working well. If it was rebuilt or something already, you should be good to go. Also inquire as to what motor oil has been used, especially if it was ever at the track. Engines that have run mobil 1 sythnethic or something similar literally show no wear way past 100k miles. Just to be safe, I'd make sure I have 500 bucks just laying around for stupid costs like replacing the belt, headlights, maybe a window motor, etc....just stuff that all LS1's have problems with. Good luck!

saleboat92

I purchased a ls1 with 120k and it is a beast, I dont think it is an issue if the previous owner took care of such a beautiful thing as an ls1

98_Formula

iTrader: (15)

the only thing i would worry about is the transmission, if it's an A4, the 3rd - 4th clutch pack tends to be weak, other than that the engine should run strong well past that mileage...

demonspeed

iTrader: (7)

The engine itself won't be a problem. I ran the crap out of my 01 Z28 before I sold it with 90k miles. It ran flawlessly for me, and as far as I know, it runs fine the for the new owner.

The rears are junk though.

radio626active

All the guys that say watch the tranny are 100% right! I did rebuild the tranny and upgraded it at the same time. $1500.00 sure beats replacing a engine.

Mindcrime

I ran my 98 Trans Am last week. It broke 128k while running the 1/4. Other than a lid, its bone stock. Ran a 13.80@104.6 . Car runs flawlessly. Right before I bought it last october, the previous owner had the tranny rebuilt. No problems since.

taintedmeat

iTrader: (1)

98 t/a here, 102k miles...runs nice and strong, and smooth as butter after replacing the spark plugs a couple of weeks ago.

waveoff

iTrader: (11)

I got a '98 Z28 back in June with 97k on the clock. According to carfax I'm the 8th owner of the car. The tranny (A4) went on it a couple of weeks after I had it. I got it rebuilt in July and I just took it to the track the other night. Bone stock it ran a 13.94@98 mph. I was pretty suprised...I didn't think it had it in her to break 14's with that many miles.

Just drive it hard and make sure it shifts fine at redline in all gears. Take note of the oil pressure too while cold and hot, driving and idling.

TroubledWine3

iTrader: (3)

Bought my 98Z with 96k miles in March, has 103k now. Put down the numbers in sig just this week.

777

iTrader: (21)

103k on my 98 and it's got a few mods

snketr

iTrader: (3)

I had 150k on my vette and I ran the juice through it for about 30k of that. It dyno'd at 339 to the wheels stock at around 130k. These are by far the best motors out there. It's still running strong.

Andy

200kTA

Its a gamble, it all depends on how the previous owner took care of the car, i bought my TA with 162K on it. Bought it in the middle on december started it up from a cold start no ticks no knocks. Just sold it a few months ago with 204K on it and I had it for 2 years and all i had to replace was water pump and then the front wheel hubs right before i sold it, other than that no problems.

777

iTrader: (21)

I believe you hold the record for highest stock dyno'ing car. I have never heard anyone dyno'ing ~340rwhp stock, ever.

Sharpe

iTrader: (7)

High miles are a benefit, not a problem!

95,000 here, and it runs and looks like it just came off the assembly line. Paid $9,000 and couldn't be happier.

The LS1 has no Achilles Heel, unlike the LT1's Opti Spark, though some may point out that the oil pumps in the 98s (and maybe 99 and 00, can't recall) are junk. When I do a cam swap (after LT headers, ORY and cat-back), I'm going to change mine.

In my humble opinion, it is more cost effective to purchase a high mileage LS1 car than a low mileage LS1 car. There is more than one person who posts on here with over 200,000 miles on their stock bottom end. Many are taking theirs to the track with 100,000+ miles on a stock bottom end. I know I will.

You will hear conflicting opinions about the transmissions and rear ends on this board.

If you like the car, buy it and be happy that is has high miles, since that should mean you paid less.

snketr

iTrader: (3)

The tuner was impressed also. He said it was one of the highest he's seen also. If I still had the sheets I'd post them but, they went with the car.

Andy