Recommendations for potential LS1 owner
Recommendations for potential LS1 owner Hello all,
I have tried a few searches, and did not end up with too much concrete data. I apologize if these questions have been asked repeatedly.
I currently have a 1997 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 A4 with about 106k on it. I bought it when I was going into my senior year of high school. Eventually, I'm hoping to upgrade to a 98-02 WS6 because I just love the look of them and the functionality of the LS1 motor.
The questions:
I've heard to avoid 98 LS1's due to their blocks being "weak" or having problems. Can anybody verify this statement or shed some more light on it?
I'm considering PRC stage 2.5 ls6 heads/cam if I do get an LS1 with maybe the MS3 cam but am not sure yet exactly what I want. Need to get the car first. How do people like the MS3? Maybe top it off with their forged 347 rotating assembly.
My goals for the car on motor are 11's. Low-mid-high - I don't care. Hell if I got into the 10's I'd be estatic. I do enjoy going on 20 minute cruises to the local lake, so I would like to still be able to do that.
Budget could include the cost of car, tranny built, rear end, and engine stuff. Maybe $20-$25k altogether eventually. Keep in mind that I am a college student working on disposable income and have money saved up for a new DD (maybe a nice 2010 SS Camaro or something) once I graduate college
Let me know guys!
Thanks!
Marc
I have tried a few searches, and did not end up with too much concrete data. I apologize if these questions have been asked repeatedly.
I currently have a 1997 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 A4 with about 106k on it. I bought it when I was going into my senior year of high school. Eventually, I'm hoping to upgrade to a 98-02 WS6 because I just love the look of them and the functionality of the LS1 motor.
The questions:
I've heard to avoid 98 LS1's due to their blocks being "weak" or having problems. Can anybody verify this statement or shed some more light on it?
I'm considering PRC stage 2.5 ls6 heads/cam if I do get an LS1 with maybe the MS3 cam but am not sure yet exactly what I want. Need to get the car first. How do people like the MS3? Maybe top it off with their forged 347 rotating assembly.
My goals for the car on motor are 11's. Low-mid-high - I don't care. Hell if I got into the 10's I'd be estatic. I do enjoy going on 20 minute cruises to the local lake, so I would like to still be able to do that.
Budget could include the cost of car, tranny built, rear end, and engine stuff. Maybe $20-$25k altogether eventually. Keep in mind that I am a college student working on disposable income and have money saved up for a new DD (maybe a nice 2010 SS Camaro or something) once I graduate college
Let me know guys!
Thanks!
Marc
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 525
Likes: 3
From: Saint Joseph, MO
Im not an expert by any means but I think 98-00 had weaker or more likely to have problems with theconnecting rod bolts, so it's recommened not to be shifted as high as the 01+ There might also be minor differences in the block itself, nothing to durastic though.Im sure someone else will chime in and be more of help. Good luck!
Thanks for chiming in. Your ws6 looks 
awesome also! The most I would really do is rebuild the engine with a TSP forged 347 kit maybe. I am not really expecting a whole lot I think with wanting anywhere in the 11's. My current platform is easily capable of that; I just want the 11's is a more liveable standard and a sexier looking car
awesome also! The most I would really do is rebuild the engine with a TSP forged 347 kit maybe. I am not really expecting a whole lot I think with wanting anywhere in the 11's. My current platform is easily capable of that; I just want the 11's is a more liveable standard and a sexier looking car Trending Topics
01-02 ls1 have stronger rod bolts, ls6 intake, better crankcase ventilation, no egr, different cam wich gives better low end tq... 98's have a more limited pcm and perimiter bolt valvecovers. No years have ecms or chips lol... Id stay away from the ms3 for any kind of driver, if you buy an a4. M6 would prolly be ok with a good tuner... Imo I would contact geoff @ eps for a grind, or stick with a cam around the 228 range! prc 2.5 5.3 heads are a nice choice tho!!
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Brett Foote TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 525
Likes: 3
From: Saint Joseph, MO
Yeah I have read so much information about different blocks and maybe I am confused with an LS6 blocks that are different. Something to do along the lines with different passages in the block for oil to get through for better lubrication.
If you have an option get the 01-02.. It should be an all around better car (rust/parts going out/interior and exterior condition/etc etc etc).. I made 425+rwhp on my stock block/rear/trans 98 TA and beat the hell out of it. Never even had a dead battery.
Forget the Ms3.. You don't have to have a cam that big to hit bottom 11s or even 10s if you pay attention to what you are doing and don't just "toss" parts together. Plus you will have just that much more satisfaction running faster than the "donkey dick" cam guys with your "baby cam".
Forget the Ms3.. You don't have to have a cam that big to hit bottom 11s or even 10s if you pay attention to what you are doing and don't just "toss" parts together. Plus you will have just that much more satisfaction running faster than the "donkey dick" cam guys with your "baby cam".
Thanks for your input everyone!
