big_g

Ok, this forum looks like the best one around so here goes. I'm looking at a 1998 LS1 Trans Am with all the options (first LS1 I've looked at). 59K miles. Exterior is very nice and interior is immaculate. I test drove it and it runs like a champ. $8800 is asking price, and the guy won't go much lower. Here is the catch...

It is throwing codes, P0135, P0153, and P0155. It has long tube headers into straight dual exhaust, which sounds like a culprit for at least some of the codes. No cats or mufflers. Rear O2's seem to have been tuned out. I live in AZ and I'll have to put cats back on to pass emissions and to have a clear conscience (shop quoted me at $450 installed for hi flows).

Is this a steal, decent deal, or am I getting into a mess? I have semi-limited funds and even more limited time. I need some advice as I have no idea... Please help me! Thanks guys!!

big_g

Nobody, huh? I'm just looking for a fun car to be my DD. Was hoping to get some advice from the guys who already own one. I know the error codes are common (with long tubes, it sounds like?), and I just want to know if they can be fixed so I can pass emissions...

38DD2436

Buy a stock, low mile, 98 and build it up as funds allow

Z28RS

I'd be curious to learn what those three codes signify before I felt comfortable making a decision. I know that when the good folk at Autozone or O'Reilly's here in town have scanned my vehicles with a code reader, they always write down the code number and look up an interpretation on a store computer. Perhaps you might try this avenue to gain insight into the situation, if you haven't done so already. I truly wish you the best in whatever route you take!

Capricio

98 was the first model year of the major 4th Gen revision (LS1, body style, etc). There are a few differences from other model years, such as the PCM and valve covers. ...but nothing too substantial.

It's a low mile car with a few bolt-ons. It's a bit of a high price for the Phx area (assuming that's where your at, or Tucson) for a private party sale. I got a 2000 WS6 with 62k from a dealer two years ago for $10k. It was in excellent condition. What you're describing is not a bad deal, but I think you can do better for the money if you're patient.

I'd have to look up the codes, but plan on probably spending money on some new 02 sensors and possibly a visit to the tuner. Add in the expense of the cats... You're probably getting close to $10k total, but you get some free headers (hopefully they have the airpump bung since you're concerned about emissions).

Personally, I'd pass and hold out for something better, unless the seller lowers his price or fixes the emissions issues first.

Zlow28

iTrader: (11)

p0135- Oxygen O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 1)

p0153- Oxygen Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank2, Sensor1)

p0155- 02 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 1)

Could be a bad ground, bad O2 sensor, exhaust leak, etc..

big_g

Yeah that would be ideal, but this is the first ls1 with under 90k miles I have seen here in Tucson in the past 2 months of looking... Not a lot of nice low mile sports cars here... At least not without lots of sun damage.

Ok, I contacted the seller and he is interested in adding the cats himself and maybe fixing the codes. If he did that, I think it sounds like $9k might not be unreasonable? Looks like the rear O2's were tuned out. The codes, from what I have researched, seem to be related to the long tubes causing the exhaust to run too cool, which cause some/all of those codes. Sound about right?

Here's the link:
http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/3101199766.html

Jdsls1

If the rear o2 sensors were really tuned out it shouldn't be throwing those codes. But the simulators can be had for 100$ or a nice mail order tune for a little more.

crazyelf

iTrader: (21)

Does not sound like a good deal too me. Come look around the phoenix area for better deals, I picked up my 2002 ta 2 years ago with 80k miles for 7k and absolutely zero problems with it.

big_g

I believe the codes it is throwing are related to the front sensors (sensor 1).

He did say the "car was re-programmed for performance" which is 70-year man speak for "tuned"...

crazyelf

iTrader: (21)

Also check out azfullthrottle.com its a local forum and there are some ls1 guys in Tucson that may be able to help you look.

big_g

Wow. That sounds like a great deal! But was the paint and interior in like perfect shape? I mean, it doesn't even look like anyone has ever sat in this car...

crazyelf

iTrader: (21)

Car was in pretty great shape, interior was 9/10 exterior 8//10. For that much money I believe you can find a clean 01-02 fbody.

big_g

Ok, so maybe I'll offer him $8k after he adds cats and fixes the codes. He most likely won't go for it, but hey, that's his call.

Thanks guys!

Capricio

Be patient, watch the Phx CL, get white if you don't want faded paint.

I live in AZ and all 3 of my cars are white, zero fade.... Give it 3 months on CL, something will come up. On the other hand, if you like the car and the seller is willing to clear up the issues, go with what makes you happy. In the end, that's what matters.

big_g

Was just looking at Phoenix cars... Talk about 50 times more selection!!!! $8k looks reasonable, maybe still just on the higher side.

What I don't want is an $8,500 car that sits in my front yard because it won't pass emissions...

Thanks for all your help fellas, hopefully I'll be on this forum in the near future with an LS1 of my own...

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Those codes are typical for anyone running long tube headers. Not a big deal. You can find manifolds and cats on here for cheap and and it'd be a matter of bolting them on and getting the exhaust hooked up. Not a huge deal.

I think the price is reasonable for a clean low-mileage car like that, and if he'll knock off several hundred for the work you'll have to do, I'd go for it.

crazyelf

iTrader: (21)

also don't worry about cats. You can get the codes tuned out if they are being set from the headers for sure.

2win_SS

iTrader: (1)

Hell that's a nice ride! Low miles! I would pick it up. I dnt even wana tell you how much I paid for my 2000 SS or how many miles I have.... I got my 01 back in 07 with 56k for 15k It was from 1st owner and it was showroom condition. I would get that TA If I wer you. I'm from CALI I might just head east and pick it up lol. Goodluck keep us updated

big_g

Well the guy said he'd take $8375 for it. I'd have to put in $400 just for cats. Plus mess with the other codes from the headers. It really is a nice car though. One heck of a blast doing the test drive. It won't pass emissions with those codes though. And it sounds like they are very difficult to fix.

UPDATE: He says he has already found a buyer. Oh well, I'll just keep looking...

This is a sick car too, but I don't know if I want to mess with the NOS system... Seems like that would be terrible for your engine, no?
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/3082738416.html