S.reef

Im in the research process of purchasing an LS1, what are some weaknesses and strengths that i should look into? I know that the LT1 can have a few problems, just wondering LS1 specific things I should keep in mind. Also my budget is probably lookin close to $10000, what would you guys consider too high of milage.

Asmodeus

The engine is strong. Biggest weakness is the connecting rod bolts in 98-00 years. Can't really spin it real high as with aftermarket cams. 98's have a different computer and metal gas tank. 99's have smaller injectors. 01-02's have the LS6 intake and 241 head castings. 00's can have either 853 or 241 head castings, but have a slightly bigger cam than the 01-02's.

Milage.. I'd look around 60-80. I have 95k on mine and it runs like a champ, noproblems at all. Lots of guys over 100kon these motors, modded, spraying.. just take care of it and it will run a very long time.

The M6 trans is stronger than the A4, but breaks rear ends easier (not that those aren't glass rears anyways).

staringback05

iTrader: (8)

oil pump

ChocoTaco369

water pump. as me how i know

LS1 water pumps are on NATIONAL BACK ORDER right now at all dealerships. that goes to show you to take care of your coolant. change it frequently no matter what you use, green or red. i just switched to green coolant after 4 complete coolant flushes.

Camaroz

iTrader: (2)

Jesus Christ... Taco is the water pump guru now

I have 124K on mine I've had it since 104K or 106K only thing I have had to replace was the fuel pump. My clutches in my posi-unit are pretty much toast though.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I wouldn't call that a weakness. It's not a common issue at all. Only a very (and I stress VERY) small percentage of these have failed. I've known dozens of people with LS1 motors, only 1 person that I've met had an oil pump failure.

A weakness would be something like the power window motors, those seem to break for almost everyone once you get into higher mileages. Some times even at low mileage.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Really? Wow. Never heard of something like a water pump being on National backorder from GM. Maybe a bad batch went out and needed to be recalled??

Either way I agree about keeping the coolant changed often. After owning many, many GM cars over the last 12 years, I've learned that there is nothing wrong with Dexcool so long as you change it out often and keep the system properly filled. Screw that 5 years or 150K crap that GM states. The coolant isn't the problem, the recommended change interval is the issue.

Also, don't let a Dexcool system run low on coolant. Corrosion issues tend to arise when significant amounts of air are allowed into the cooling system for extended periods of time.

aaron653

iTrader: (1)

trans am/firebird headlight motors(I know you asked about the ls1)

chaman

iTrader: (5)

Yup! Headlights motors as well as window motors are crap. I recently changed the passenger headlight motor. Also got the Autozone window motors with lifetime warranty....I laughed also but as soon as they break up my *** will be at their counter for a new one.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

The Autozone window motors are actually pretty good. The older ones were made by Siemens which were very good. And the newer ones are made by Doorman and I hear they are even better.

carado1984

I need 2. Do you know how much they are.. generally.. 75$ ea?

TAtoad

iTrader: (22)

they're pretty cheap on ebay, but i dont exactly know how good they are. you get your moneys worth i suppose

hebdog7

iTrader: (1)

I just bought a new window motor at AutoZone and it was $49.99 W/Lifetime warranty.

chaman

iTrader: (5)

Thats the price alright....

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

^^^ Like stated above, about $50-55 each.

BLKWS.6

Strengths:Very Fast
Weaknesses: Some are very high maintenance. Others arent, hope you get lucky!(visual condition and how it was taken care of dont always mean anything in this reguard).

Problems I have/have had:

Randome dying(no clue yet 5K miles later why)
Wheel bearing
IAC motor

Problems others have most often:

Fuel pump
wheel bearing
rear end
window motor
shitty GM speakers
oil consumption via PCV system

Revelation Z28

iTrader: (10)

the weakness is the owner.

the strength is.... beercan block! FTW

Red Hot T/A

I have to say the sqeaks and creaks it makes are the major weakness so far for me.

Cindy T

BLKWS.6

Well, add fuel pump. Mine is being finicky and getting replaced. FYI Autozone's are backordered, if that says anything. Same with waterpumps according to Choco.

LS1_K1DD

iTrader: (3)

From what i've heard and seen on these forums these motors (if well maintained and taken care of) can be strong for up to 250,000 miles before being rebuilt, etc. Also the main problems my friends have had with theirs are as stated above, window motor and headlight motor..