Best year for the LS1 Trans Am
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 14
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Best year for the LS1 Trans Am Hey guys this might look like a silly question, but which year is the best TA with the LS1? And why?
Here is why im asking, I have a 94 TA and the Best TA LT1 for many, including myself, is the 95, it has a vented opti and ODBI.
Here is why im asking, I have a 94 TA and the Best TA LT1 for many, including myself, is the 95, it has a vented opti and ODBI.
11 Second Club
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,847
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From: Sandwich, IL
Originally Posted by PREDATOR-Z
2001-02
Looking back when I bought my car I wish I had gotten the 2001 TA that was on the same lot as my Formula. But I was a newb and didn't know about LS6 intakes. Now I feel compelled to buy one and that will cost me anywhere from 200-500 bucks. They are good for about 10 rwhp and shine even more after a heads/cam package. But noooo, I had to be cheap and buy the car with more miles and a smaller car payment
But at least I weigh less
2001 or 2002 WS6 or SS would be my advice for car shopping. That way you get ls6 intake, 17" rims and a cool looking hood.
Good luck
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 14
From: England
Originally Posted by magius231
basically get the latest year you can afford. 2001-2002 will come with the LS6 Manifold so thats one less thing you have to worry about unless your going realy radical.
Condition is the most inportant factor when buying a car.
If you can get a pre 01 for 1-2k less, then overall it will be cheeper to buy and add a ls6 intake afterwards.
To the thread starter.
There really isn't a 'best' year. 1998 models use a different ECU/PCM so tuning them can be more of a bother. However there are many people running highly tuned 98 models. So don't let it put you off.
Injector size varied over the years. I think 98 had the biggest injectors and 00 had the smallest, with 01/2 falling somewhere in between.
01/2 had the later ls6 style intake manifold, but as I already said you can buy one after market for like $450 new. So it's really not a biggy. Also 01/2 had slightly better exhaust manifolds, but in the long run ALL stock exhaust manifolds are pants and you will probably opt for some long tube headers.
EGR and AIR system also varied over the years, however neither affect BHP. So don't worry about it.
If you're planning on big mods then it's even less important. Is this going to be used at the strip alot? And is it going to be your only car.
As an option is to try and find one with a blown/broken engine and buy it for cheep. Then simply build up a new motor with the cash you saved on the purchase price.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Nortern Idaho
Originally Posted by TAQuickness
get the '00 it's right in the middle and very easy to remember how old the car is 
years after 98 model. If not then 01-02 or whatever you feel you can afford.
