LETZRIDE

iTrader: (6)

Well, I'm looking at possibly buying an LS1 camaro....just curious as to some of the problems or signs of something being wrong that I should look for before I buy....

I have a 3800 camaro right now, so I know about intake gaskets...what are some problems with the ls1 that I should be aware of or check for?

aNuBiS

iTrader: (25)

Bald rear tires, and empty gas tanks?

Pesticide

iTrader: (8)

I would go for a 2001 or new if possible. Ls6 intake, better manifolds, possible LS6 block etc. Same as most cars, look for leaks, sludge under the oil cap.
Great deals can be found both in Canada and the US. check car fax, autocheck. Do your research and don't rush.

Sizzlenut

iTrader: (1)

If you've cared for your 3800 and everything is still in great shape, you might want to look into a swap. You'll pay less insurance too (if you forget to tell them).

Pesticide

iTrader: (8)

I think by the time you do the swap and source the parts you would be cheaper with the factory ls1 car. You have to consider breaks, exhaust, fuel, and emission crap since he is in Ontario.

SladeX

Don't count out 98-00 either just because of the LS6 intake, possibility of the LS6 block and the better manifolds, and if m6 the Ls6 clutch.

Who keeps the stocker manifolds on the car when modding seriously???

LS6 intakes go for $350 while the difference in price of a 98 and 02 can be $3000.

The LS6 block has better bay breathing. So what. If a 98-00 is still running strong with any sort of mileage up to this point, odds are it's fine. 98's still pulled off 300rwhp and hold the record of the 12 sec pass off the showroom floor.

Remember a LS1 is a LS1 is a LS1. If you plan to mod it, go for the lowest priced, BEST condition car you can afford. Once all bolt ons are done, they ALL end up running the same levels of power.

Pesticide

iTrader: (8)

True Slade, I was just saying if you can have your choice, new is usually better.

Spd-Kilz

iTrader: (35)

Quoted for truth.

And I put down 297rwhp.

LETZRIDE

iTrader: (6)

thanks for the replies guys...insurance is only a 13$ difference which is really weird considering my age...I was looking more for what types of problems should I look for when buying them, like known problems...for instance the 3800 are notorious for there intake gaskets so I look for oil in the coolant....

jeff2380

iTrader: (4)

If I was looking for an LS1, I would get one that is already modded, save thousands, You'd be kicking your self if you at the very least didn't even look at Barry's car...

https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...=1#post9754874

warp10

iTrader: (5)

Totally agree with this one.

If your plan is to mod it, get one that's already modded. You'll save on the long run.

If your plan is to keep it stock, look for an 01-02.

LETZRIDE

iTrader: (6)

ahhh....little rich for my blood still...only thing Im concerned about with already modded cars is whether or not the mods were done properly...I have friends that have bought modded cars (integra) and have had nothing but problems with them, simply cause stuff wasnt done properly...

RAMPANT

iTrader: (17)

Modded cars will always have some problems, no matter who did the work.

More power means finding the weakest link.

-transmission
-clutches
-drive shaft
-diff

The list goes on and on, even if you upgrade one of the above does not mean it will last. personally I have blown up my Moser 3 times, my McLoed Twin 3 times and rebuilt my T56 twice. all big bucks.

If you can get a well maintained modded car you will save a ton.

I have had H/C 429rwhp, 412 ci LS2 512rwhp and sooner or later a 455ci LS7 rwhp unknown.

If I had it to do again I'd buy a car close to what I want.

jeff2380

iTrader: (4)

Barry is a very good mechanic, he build this car for himself, then decided to sell it. I am sure it is done properly as he would have taken the extra time to do it 110% right for himself.

Yes, as Dale said, all heavy modded cars have some issues but I'd put money on the fact that Barry's car is done right as the complete package and any issues would be very minor. Dale's car is a lot more extreme and expensive.

RAMPANT

iTrader: (17)

augiedog77

iTrader: (3)

Good gains will cost you $$, the more mods done WILL save in the long run. My brother dropped quite a bit modding the SS in my sig with only good names to avoid any hassles with fit or etests. Hell the car passed the etest with the cam/headers and the egr turned off with stale gas in the tank. No "etest" or other tuning was done to the car before it passed. It was only after it was done that we realized it didn't have the egr turned on.