GTeater

I need to indulge on yalls experience

I got a 2008 silverado, nice daily driver but I want something a little funner...

So I'm looking into getting a ls1 camaro, unfortunately I'm a poor college student and only looking to spend $6-7K.

Seems that all I can get for that is a LS1 with 100K+ miles. Is that a horrible investment?? I'd hate to spend $6 or $7,000 for a car that may break down in the next year. What do yall recommend?

I can't think of a better "Bang for the Buck" then a ls1. What other car can you spend $6,500 and get a 13 second ride? Ideas are warmly welcomed!

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

That is typical mileage really for an LS1..alot of them now are higher mileage. If it's stock or slightly modded, that's not a bad deal.

How much do you know about them.. as in what do you think you can handle fixing if it does break?

LSWon00

iTrader: (3)

You should be able to get a decent LS1 98-99-00 for around 7K. Like any car be smart take it to your usual technician and have it put up on a lift. I bought my 00 in 2004 with 46,000 miles for an unusual $8500. The car needed the AC recharged, new belts, tires, and a window motor. Just look around and don't be in a hurry to buy the first car you find. Look for private sellers.

I think the LT1 is a bad choice do to the age which brings more problems.

LS1_K1DD

iTrader: (3)

LS1's can last well well into 200k miles. Just depends on how you take care of it, and how you drive it while you take care of it. These motors were built to be hot rodded and to be beat up on. No matter what anyone tells you, they were ment to be. There should be a sticky around here of things to look for. But anyhow, check for grinds in the transmission, check all fluid levels, check underneath car for rust/oil, check under oil cap for milky residue, check transmission fluid for a burnt smell/discolored fluid, there is alot to watch for when buying any vehicle. Also check for slow window motors/headlight motors etc etc. Anyway, good luck, some other members will chime in on here! And a piece of advice. Buy off LS1tech. Cheap, mid mileage, modded LS1's on here. If you buy slightly modded that saves you some money since your in college. G/L

GTeater

"How much do you know about them.. as in what do you think you can handle fixing if it does break?"

I was a tech HELPER for a year for Champion Chevrolet. So any small maintenance (spark plugs, water pump, belts, etc.) won't be a problem. But tranny problems and engine internals are WAY out of my league.

And yeah, sometimes I forget LT1s are 12+ years old now, hard to believe. But good call there, definitely don't have the auto experience to work on a LT1.

GTeater

Just printed your post off for a check list.

Was thinking about searching/buying off of craigslist?

bluestrat

iTrader: (7)

I bought my car off craigslist. Just make sure you go check the car out in person before you commit. I passed on a few that I test drove before I bought mine.

Good luck!

GTeater

Your cars SICK, I'm jealous

Optimus_Prime

iTrader: (4)

I'd say go for it, if the engine takes a crap there are a number of wonderful sponsors who sell nice shiny shortblocks

GTeater

Here's an example of about what I'm looking to spend/get. What do you think of something like this? To many miles?

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/858796261.html

Of course that one is an automatic so its a no go.

Sunset'01Z

iTrader: (10)

what's wrong w/ auto's??

DeepV

iTrader: (1)

x2 An auto with a stall will destroy a 6 speed preformance wise, plus your going to be less likely to destroy your rear end.

Martin HD-28

iTrader: (16)

I've had both, 6-speed is just flat out more fun to drive. Period.

bottlefed98

iTrader: (2)

if you shop around you can find a good deal on one. you may have to travel to go get it but it might be worth it.

GTeater

Exactly. I'm not looking to build a 11 second corvette killer. Just want a FUN mid to low 13 second car. And a 6-speed is way more fun

DeepV

iTrader: (1)

Not to put down the f-body but have you looked into an older mustang lx? If you can find a nice notch you can build those up for next to nothing! hell, get a shell and do a motor swap into it. 5.3 + boost anyone?

Even with the 5.0, get heads, intake, a cam, LT's, and spray it like hell!

slowbird98

i got my car on craigslist too. i paid 5700 for it and the guy threw in the brand new z06 wheels too. it had 140,000 miles when i got it and it's been like 2000 miles since then and it runs great, ran good at the track, (would have ran better if it wasnt my first time.) and it's my daily driver. it seems to be that with an ls1, just make a mental note of how the car has been cared for instead of saying that 150,000 miles is way too much. people always tell me how clean my engine bay is and i've never cleaned it. they're absolutely amazed when i tell them it has 142k on it. make sure to drive the car on the highway and to listen for the rear end humming since the 10 bolt in the ls1 cars is known to be a little weak.

bene

iTrader: (16)

There is a 98 black Z28 M6, stripper model on my base that is for sale for $7500. It has only 45K miles. Only thing wrong w/ it as far as I know is the driver side mirror is messed up.