Hi, I dont really know what to title this, so just kinda bear with me. If all of my plans go accordingly I will have an LS1 car before this summer arrives. I was just wondering, what kind of things go wrong with higher mileage LS1's? For instance, on LT1's the optispark is a big thing. I am just wondering because I dont really want a high mileage car, but if I find a good deal on a clean car with around 100,000 miles, im just wondering if there is anything in particular that i may start to be concerned about? Thanks guys.

 

I've heard oil pumps,but I haven't had any problems with anything other than the headlight motors.

 

Well, rod bolts are a known problem in any LS motor. Also if you are planning on spraying or boosting it the 4 bolt per cylinder design can hamper your efforts.

 

Okay, thanks guys. Anything else? So if I had the motor out for any reason, then I should definately put in a ported LS6 oil pump and some new rod bolts??

 

Best is to get a 01/02 motor, better intake, better pump and better rod bolts with bigger njectors.

But as flaw is concerned, I think the biggest flaw is the sleeves that are too thin and can't be bored to increase displacement without resleeving. (346 motors)

 

Hey,98's have 28#'s too and a better cam,but ya no LS6 intake.

 

Yeah, but they have the old block design, that was revised in mid 99 for better oil cooling passages and block integrity.
If I had to pick a block (even for free), the 97/98 would be my last pick, for anything 500 rwhp or above.

 

Yup,I can't bore it at all.

 

My 1998 Formula with 72,000 miles had a leaking water pump when I traded for my 2002 SS. Some say the Firebirds retracting headlites can be a problem also.

 

I have a 2000 and haven't and any problems like the above, but I'd try to find an '01 or '02 for the intake. I've been planning on replacing my rod bolts with Katechs. At 90,000 miles, I'm looking replacing the lifters, too. I'm swapping the oil pump and timing chain with a new (F14) cam next month. I have the 241 heads, which is lucky for 2K; are there any other differences between '00 and later?