considering LT1 camaro auto
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
considering LT1 camaro auto Hello I am new to these forums. I am sorry if this is the wrong section but it seemed more specific to an LT1 camaro and most of the topics I already found existed within this section but they are old.
So I am considering getting a LT1 camaro with auto transmission and 165k mileage. I expect the car will need work but the seller has not stated anything wrong with it. I have been reading some posts stating this kind of car is worth $2k-$4.5k and that was like 10 years ago. So I just want to get an idea of what would you pay for a 165k LT1 camaro with auto transmission, little or no service records and ok condition?
Another question is, is there an alternative transmission to the T56 that could be used for a manual conversion?
So I am considering getting a LT1 camaro with auto transmission and 165k mileage. I expect the car will need work but the seller has not stated anything wrong with it. I have been reading some posts stating this kind of car is worth $2k-$4.5k and that was like 10 years ago. So I just want to get an idea of what would you pay for a 165k LT1 camaro with auto transmission, little or no service records and ok condition?
Another question is, is there an alternative transmission to the T56 that could be used for a manual conversion?
Last edited by mynameispiston; Sep 2, 2020 at 11:49 AM.
12 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 294
Likes: 7
That price range seems normal for where I'm at, I'd offer 3k in my town for a decent looking one lol, but 165k is up there in mileage. What's the paint and interior condition? A/C and heater good? Stock or bolt ons? So many variables can determine the bottom line.
Tremec does offer the Magnum F series transmissions now as a upgrade from the T56 [basically a "TR6060/Magnum" swap] but at the least a T56 is all I would recommend for these cars [I wouldn't waste time with anything less than a 6 speed if you plan on swapping the auto out]
https://www.tremec.com/not_am_detall...-f-introduced/
Tremec does offer the Magnum F series transmissions now as a upgrade from the T56 [basically a "TR6060/Magnum" swap] but at the least a T56 is all I would recommend for these cars [I wouldn't waste time with anything less than a 6 speed if you plan on swapping the auto out]
https://www.tremec.com/not_am_detall...-f-introduced/
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
That price range seems normal for where I'm at, I'd offer 3k in my town for a decent looking one lol, but 165k is up there in mileage. What's the paint and interior condition? A/C and heater good? Stock or bolt ons? So many variables can determine the bottom line.
Tremec does offer the Magnum F series transmissions now as a upgrade from the T56 [basically a "TR6060/Magnum" swap] but at the least a T56 is all I would recommend for these cars [I wouldn't waste time with anything less than a 6 speed if you plan on swapping the auto out]
https://www.tremec.com/not_am_detall...-f-introduced/
Tremec does offer the Magnum F series transmissions now as a upgrade from the T56 [basically a "TR6060/Magnum" swap] but at the least a T56 is all I would recommend for these cars [I wouldn't waste time with anything less than a 6 speed if you plan on swapping the auto out]
https://www.tremec.com/not_am_detall...-f-introduced/
Last edited by mynameispiston; Sep 2, 2020 at 11:50 AM.
You will spend over 2k on the swap.
hold off for a 6 speed, ls or LT.
I purchased a 97 with a 6 speed in good shape (for 200k miles) for under 2k.
it was a 1LE also.
motor and tranny still going strong.
hold off for a 6 speed, ls or LT.
I purchased a 97 with a 6 speed in good shape (for 200k miles) for under 2k.
it was a 1LE also.
motor and tranny still going strong.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
12 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 294
Likes: 7
so you would offer $3k for 165k mile one? I know these engines can run strong if serviced properly. Paint is fine but I have not seen the interior yet. I asked for more pictures, if the dash is cracked and if the ac works but the seller hasn’t got back to me yet. Should I go lower than $3k if any of these problems exist? It’s a stock car with no mods. It’s going to be a 1 hr drive to see it so I wanted to get an idea before. People usually go for T56 as it can handle much more power but I really just wanted a manual V8 car which is why I was asking about the transmission swap.
Trending Topics
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 91
Likes: 14
From: STL
so you would offer $3k for 165k mile one? I know these engines can run strong if serviced properly. Paint is fine but I have not seen the interior yet. I asked for more pictures, if the dash is cracked and if the ac works but the seller hasn’t got back to me yet. Should I go lower than $3k if any of these problems exist? It’s a stock car with no mods. It’s going to be a 1 hr drive to see it so I wanted to get an idea before. People usually go for T56 as it can handle much more power but I really just wanted a manual V8 car which is why I was asking about the transmission swap.
My car is a 96 with only 69,xxx miles on it but I still went through it and replaced all of the worn out components - engine mounts, plugs, wires, exhaust, brakes, worn suspension parts, all fluids, cooling system, vacuum hoses, etc. These cars are old now, even with lower miles like mine, parts get worn out. Make sure to account for these things.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
thanks guys. I am definitely not looking for a manual swap now.
So the car has had accidents in the past, it says oil pressure too low (red) and temperature too high (red/260F) at idle but it is fine when driving (temperature gauge was in the middle). From listening to the engine and seeing how it performs, the engine seems fine, no knocking noises and smooth. It might be sensor problems? Drove it for around 20 mins, never went to red line but did floor it a few times to see if it overheats or acts weird and it pulled well and did not seem to overheat. No signs of head gasket failure, cabin heat stays hot but dirty coolant expansion tank. It has small cracking paint patches here and there and other than the problems, this car is rare in my area, I am too tempted because I do expect such an old car with so many miles to have some issues. What do you guys think of the value now? I am leaning towards an impulse buy
I don't know much about these cars though.
Work done to the car:
- Optispark issue fixed
- New brakes
So the car has had accidents in the past, it says oil pressure too low (red) and temperature too high (red/260F) at idle but it is fine when driving (temperature gauge was in the middle). From listening to the engine and seeing how it performs, the engine seems fine, no knocking noises and smooth. It might be sensor problems? Drove it for around 20 mins, never went to red line but did floor it a few times to see if it overheats or acts weird and it pulled well and did not seem to overheat. No signs of head gasket failure, cabin heat stays hot but dirty coolant expansion tank. It has small cracking paint patches here and there and other than the problems, this car is rare in my area, I am too tempted because I do expect such an old car with so many miles to have some issues. What do you guys think of the value now? I am leaning towards an impulse buy
I don't know much about these cars though.Work done to the car:
- Optispark issue fixed
- New brakes
Last edited by mynameispiston; Sep 2, 2020 at 12:45 PM.
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 91
Likes: 14
From: STL
thanks guys. I am definitely not looking for a manual swap now.
So the car has had accidents in the past, it says oil pressure too low (red) and temperature too high (red/260F) at idle but it is fine when driving (temperature gauge was in the middle). From listening to the engine and seeing how it performs, the engine seems fine, no knocking noises and smooth. It might be sensor problems? Drove it for around 20 mins, never went to red line but did floor it a few times to see if it overheats or acts weird and it pulled well and did not seem to overheat. No signs of head gasket failure, cabin heat stays hot but dirty coolant expansion tank. It has small cracking paint patches here and there and other than the problems, this car is rare in my area, I am too tempted because I do expect such an old car with so many miles to have some issues. What do you guys think of the value now? I am leaning towards an impulse buy I don't know much about these cars though.
Work done to the car:
- Optispark issue fixed
- New brakes
So the car has had accidents in the past, it says oil pressure too low (red) and temperature too high (red/260F) at idle but it is fine when driving (temperature gauge was in the middle). From listening to the engine and seeing how it performs, the engine seems fine, no knocking noises and smooth. It might be sensor problems? Drove it for around 20 mins, never went to red line but did floor it a few times to see if it overheats or acts weird and it pulled well and did not seem to overheat. No signs of head gasket failure, cabin heat stays hot but dirty coolant expansion tank. It has small cracking paint patches here and there and other than the problems, this car is rare in my area, I am too tempted because I do expect such an old car with so many miles to have some issues. What do you guys think of the value now? I am leaning towards an impulse buy
I don't know much about these cars though.Work done to the car:
- Optispark issue fixed
- New brakes
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
You state the car has had accidents. What kind and what was the previous damage? That can open a whole new can of worms. I don't know what you are wanting to pay for it, but with the issues described I personally would keep looking unless you got it very cheap. It has high mileage, previous accidents and current issues. You will be sinking money into it for maintenance and repairs above what you are paying. If you can do all the work yourself and get it for cheap, go for it. If not, expect to fork out additional money on fixing issues. In the end, your money and your decision. Good luck whatever you decide to do.