Noob thinking about getting into an ls1
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Noob thinking about getting into an ls1 Hey guys, i have been on this site a few times reading up. Thinking about doing a demod on the 97 gtp i have and getting into an ls1 firebird or camaro. I have always really liked these cars and i know they respond very well to mods. Current project car the 97 gtp is decently modded, l36 low compression block, xp cam, intercooled, genv blower, tb, exc exc. It has been allot of fun building it but im just getting board with it and need a change. Anything about these cars i should look at before buying one? Do the 98s have anything about them that is a prob compared to the later years? Anyway looking forward to gaining more knowledge about these cars and hopefully owning one in the near future!
98s have the most limited PCM. 01-02 got the ls6 intake and don't have EGR. That is the basic stuff that sticks out the most
also most 98's dont have center bolt valve cover so if you ever change heads you need to get new valve covers and coil pack brackets.
also most 98's dont have center bolt valve cover so if you ever change heads you need to get new valve covers and coil pack brackets.
Also, 1998s built before about June/July 1998 didn't have the bubbling sail panel problem like all built after those did or will.
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Thanks for the responses guys, 97 gps had a different pcm then 98-03 and it makes tuning for me a huge pain and i'm still not seeing near what i should be out of the car allot due to the tuning. I was hoping 98 ls1s would not have this issue. Or is it just one tuning program they don't like?
It really is just that handheld tuners aren't compatible, and the ones that are are limited. Unless I am terribly mistaken, you can get the right software, or get it dynotuned just as well the '99+. If I am indeed mistaken, there must be a lot left in my car! Get in touch with someone like CMS, Texas-Speed or the like and ask them about the tune-ability of the 1998 PCM. If you do, post up their comments!
Sounds exactly like me. I've got a '99 GTP that I did an L32 swap to. CAI, ported TB, ported manifolds, 3" downpipe, and an NX kit. I went ahead and saved a little more cash and bought my TA and kept the GTP as my DD. I'm really happy I did.
In hindsight I sometimes think I should have held out for an '01 or 02, but I got a pretty good deal on my '99. Besides the '98's PCM, really not too much difference IMO.......not worth passing up a good deal
In hindsight I sometimes think I should have held out for an '01 or 02, but I got a pretty good deal on my '99. Besides the '98's PCM, really not too much difference IMO.......not worth passing up a good deal
