Just posted up part 1 of an article about this topic on LSXtv...

http://www.lsxtv.com/features/car-re...muscle-part-i/

If you had to give somebody advice about what LS-powered car to start with, what would it be?

 

Advice? Depends on their budget.

 

an ls1 camaro

 

98-02 V8 fbody if there into speed and all. more affordable than vettes and newer camaro but not really thaaaat cheap. when you add up gas and mods its easily the cost strain of a newer vehicle. plus those that get em for 6 and 7k are not gettin nice ones imo. you need round 9-10k to play the stock, clean, low miles, t-top game

 

I agree, A Fbody is most cheapest way if you want to get into LS scene.

A z28 and trans am are probably the cheapest when it comes to trim levels.

Firehawk, WS6 T/A, SS you will pay a lil' more.

 

You can find Formulas even cheaper than Trans Ams.

 

z28 Camaro 98-99 will typically be cheapest as long as the mileage extremely low.. Formulas too but they're usually a little harder to find than the Z28s

 

I was told asking $9k for my h/c and full bolt-on t-top Z28 with 58k miles wasn't far off. The general consensus is I should get that easily.

But yeah. And LS1 is the best bargain right now. If u can get an LS6 or 2 block for cheap, just throw h/c at it with maybe a 4" crank and have yourself a monster. (w supporting mods also)

 

i agree w the fbody being the cheapest way into the lsx game. i paid 6 for my one owner ttop 64k mile ss camaro and have since installed full bolt ons a cam and a fti 3600 and it runs like a bat out of hell

 

an A4 98-99 z28

 

Agreed. Cheapest way to go fast? F-body. LSx with a more modern feel? GTO for a coupe and G8 for a sedan. Luxury? CTS-V. Looking to stand out on a budget? Stuff it in just about anything else on 4 wheels. That's what I chose.

 

I'd say a C5, especially the first ones (1998-99). I found one with around 50k miles for around $12,000, and that price was negotiable. Unfortunately I still need a backseat, otherwise I'd be that right now.

 

Earlier LS camaro hands down

 

Got my ws6 with 20,000 miles for 12k. Cant beat that.

 

Just picked up a 1998 TA in great shape for $7500. Kinda hard to beat the performance/dollar ratio of the LS1 F-body. They are taking that crown from the old 5.0 Fox-bodies.

 

C5 z06

 

They took that crown MANY MANY years ago my friend

 

Funny, I never thought about it that way but you're absolutely right. The fact that you can get 300 hp car for around $5k to $7k that will still hang with cars ten years younger says a lot.

 

I paid 8500 for my trans am..

70k miles, perfect shape garage kept.. ran 7.4@93 with 1.5 when I bought it.. pewter..
Custom cam ported heads kooks full suspension built trans etc etc etc..

You just have to wait for a deal. Fbody is the best to start with, if you don't like it you arent out a lot and if you do you can keep it or move to a vette gto caddy etc

 

Don't forget about swaps in older cars/trucks. Do it yourself or you can pickup one that is done. An older S-10/LS would make a fast and cheap ride that can still haul the trash!

Dan-O