Reedy17

Alright im looking to sell my truck and get something with an LS1 in it, right now i have my eye on a 98 trans am with an LS1 in it, and im just coming to you guys for opinions on the engine, and common problems with the year, model, engine etc. Any suggestions for me to ask the seller before i consider this?

Basically i know nothing about the LS1, or trans ams for that matter.

myk

iTrader: (4)

They're all the same really, from '98 to '02.

There aren't significant differences between the years to really make on year stand out more than another. Just check the overall health of the car and make a decision based on that and how much you like it. Also, I'd check and see if the seller has any maintenance records, 'mods, etc.

skopers3

iTrader: (3)

The 01-02s come with an LS6 intake stock. Much better than an LS1 maifold.

PontiacFan

iTrader: (104)

Go for the 01-02 models if ya can, ..., they won't have the damn EGR crap in the way either.
And read, read, & read more on LS1Tech.com.

metalmilitia606

iTrader: (8)

Agreed the one small thing that sets the 01-02's apart from the rest is the intake manifold. There are also some slight differences with emissions control things, different EGR stuff things like that.

NeedaV8foundation

iTrader: (4)

here ya go
http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27515

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Any year LS1 is a good year. The '01-'02 are really nothing special, they probably make 10hp more stock based on the combination of the LS6 intake, slightly better flowing heads, and better exhaust manifolds (this actually started in '00). There is nothing magical about the later years, although some of the '01+ owners like to think there is. Coming from a person that currently has both a '98 and an '02, the power difference is so slight that you can't even feel it.

Personally, I'd be more concerned with mileage, overall condition and price than with model year. All the years have some very subtle advantages and disadvantages over the other years, so there is no "perfect" year that offers the best of everything stock.

WS6 Rampage

iTrader: (3)

.... 98s have heads that are a bit different from 99-00 & 01-02s. Something pretaining to to bolt patern being different from it's future years. Meaning, if you need new heads or upgrade to different heads, you need to search for 98 specific heads. Can be a bitch if your not accustomed to part hunting.

.... Oh, it uses a different PCM. So if you ever god-forbid have PCM problems that requires a swap, you need to specifically find the 98 version whereas if you had a 2000, you can swap to a 2002 version without any issues. ...

.... 98s have metal tanks whereas 99-02s use lighter, hard plastic tanks.


Hope this helps!

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

I would avoid a 98 if you plan on modding. The 98 pcm is different than every other year and the electrical wiring is also different because of this, so it's not like you can just swap it out.

I agree, look for an 01-02.

Joshiedoom

iTrader: (4)

Avoid the 98 if possible, 00-02 IMO.

Im having those pcm problems...

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I would not avoid a '98. I have zero PCM problems with mine. A '98 PCM is no more likely to fail than any other year.

Joshiedoom

iTrader: (4)

That is yours though. Mine has been a nightmare. And I have read credible tuners complains of random knock on 98s as well, there was a thread just started about it a while back.

I do believe Frost posted a while back about maf issues affecting the trannys on 98s a while back.

I have drove mine everyday for a long time, I would still buy it but I wouldnt look for a 98.

Avoid= be very weary of one

desertLS1

iTrader: (8)

Doesn't your 98 have like 10k miles? And it's most likely immaculate.

Joshiedoom

iTrader: (4)

Then again mine kicked the bucket at 172k of DDing. I really really cant complain... lol

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

These are the '98 knock sensors. Change them to newer knock sensors to cure this problem.

The only real issue with the '98 PCM is that it's a little harder to tune for serious forced induction setups. But it can still be done by any decent tuner, and more basic setups are really no problem at all for a good dyno tuner.

This is not '98 specific. MAF inputs have an effect on A4 trans operation on all years. I remember having some trans weirdness on my '00 when messing with the MAF, I think it was effecting line pressure.

Again, I just disagree. Most of the things people complain about with '98s are false rumors, misleading info, or not even specific to '98.

jts98z28

iTrader: (18)

i beat the ***** off of my 98 and its still a tank....i love it

MikeWS6

98-00 have a more radical cam, 01-02 have the ls6 intake manifold. Never saw any real proof that a certain year dynoed higher. M6 cars will dyno 300-315 at the wheels, and yes they were underrated. All ls1's are around 350hp at the engine.

ssjTAdriver

iTrader: (4)

There is a head casting number if you are looking at a 2000 to get. I think it's 241 is what you want. My gf's car was one of the unfortunate 853 heads which are not horrible I've just heard 241s are better stock for stock. At least the 2000s have the more aggressive cam in it. If you plan on making NA power I'd at least get a set of 243s or some aftermarket.... I'm sorry, I'm rambling, what to look for now.....

Make sure if it's a t-top it seals in the rain (pour water on it) and the window seals as well and sit inside while a friend pours. Might save you a lot of headaches. It's the little things that kill. Good luck.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

It's not that you have to avoid 98's, but there are imporovements that make the 00-02s more desireable in my oppinion.

sscamaroburn02

iTrader: (14)

basically what everyone else says. 01 and 02 have upgraded to ls6 intake and don't have EGR on them. Also I'm sure since the 4th gen was for 4 years the latter years have more of the bugs worked out than the 98 and 99's had. My cousin has a 98 and everything was great no issues with his it all. so its really a hit and miss. just check mileage and background on the car and listen for any weird motor noises. Piston slap commonly occurs on cold startup but should die out after a few minutes. Lifter tap(slight) is pretty normal. Mine does it every so often and goes away. Nothing really to worry about. these cars arent' exactly "QUIET" so don't be too alarmed.