98-99 ls1 problems???
11-09-2008, 09:51 AM
#21
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i have been doing a lot of looking about and reading, seeing as how im getting ready build a new motor. The 98 and 99 are just as good as the 00-04 LS1. They made changes in late 2000 including the rod bolts, heads, cam, intake. Gm started putting the 241 heads on which is a much better flowing head, but the detuned it with the cam. In 01 they started putting the ls6 intake on and they put much stronger rod bolts in. Thats it other than a few minor changes such as egr and this and that.
The exahust manifolds and cats were updated for '00 as well.
The 241 heads aren't a "much better flowing head". 243s (LS6 head) would be much better flowing, but the 241s are only slightly better than an 806 ('98) or 853 ('99-'00) due to the casting process.
11-09-2008, 03:16 PM
#25
Don't listen to these guys, the 98s are junk, ticking time bombs ready to go off if you even think about getting on the gas pedal!!!
J/K. I just love how some of the disinformation on the 98s tends to keep their prices lower... so I can buy them for cheap.
I like to go by condition/price when I shop. i.e. a 98 w/18k on it priced at 8.3k is a better buy than an equivalent condition 01 w/45k for thousands more. Leaves me with more money in the bank, or the money saved could pay for a lot of mods if I chose to go that way.
Good luck with your search, be patient and you will get a good buy, lots of deals out there right now.
J/K. I just love how some of the disinformation on the 98s tends to keep their prices lower... so I can buy them for cheap.
I like to go by condition/price when I shop. i.e. a 98 w/18k on it priced at 8.3k is a better buy than an equivalent condition 01 w/45k for thousands more. Leaves me with more money in the bank, or the money saved could pay for a lot of mods if I chose to go that way.
Good luck with your search, be patient and you will get a good buy, lots of deals out there right now.
11-09-2008, 03:46 PM
#26
theres no real big difference. i have a 98 t/a with zero problems.
the only thing i would be worried about the different years is the pcm. go for a 99 and up if you can. 98's have a pcm thats hard to tune and only few tuners will actually touch it. but then again, the only tuner who i would allow to tune my car is someone whos familiar with ls1 fbodies and vettes. but all in all, it doesnt matter what you pick. you will pay $3k more for a 2001 or 2003 over a 98 or 99, but but who can easily swap in an ls6 intake and still have $$ left over for other stuff
the only thing i would be worried about the different years is the pcm. go for a 99 and up if you can. 98's have a pcm thats hard to tune and only few tuners will actually touch it. but then again, the only tuner who i would allow to tune my car is someone whos familiar with ls1 fbodies and vettes. but all in all, it doesnt matter what you pick. you will pay $3k more for a 2001 or 2003 over a 98 or 99, but but who can easily swap in an ls6 intake and still have $$ left over for other stuff
11-09-2008, 06:09 PM
#28
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i had heard about the boost thing, also ive heard one of the years you have less control as to how much you can turn timing up or down, that maybe the 98's.
11-09-2008, 06:49 PM
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There aren't many handheld tuners for the '98 PCMs, but in terms of custom dyno tuning it's no problem at all. LS1 Edit, HP tuners, etc. will all work on a '98. Any shop that dyno tunes can do a '98.
For major FI applications, it is a bit harder to tune a '98 PCM though. But how many people are planning to build a huge boosted motor? Most will do bolt-ons, maybe heads/cam and that's it. '98s are just fine for that.
For major FI applications, it is a bit harder to tune a '98 PCM though. But how many people are planning to build a huge boosted motor? Most will do bolt-ons, maybe heads/cam and that's it. '98s are just fine for that.
hehe
11-10-2008, 02:39 PM
#32
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I was under the impression that the gear ratios in the 6 speeds as well as the autos were stouter in 98 and were changed after for the 99 models. Not the engine itself but this would definitely effect you on how you feel the car is performing.
11-11-2008, 10:00 AM
#33
I have a 98 and i love it man. With full exhaust and an intake i'm at a 12.6. I have never had a problem with the car since i have owned it. She does take a beating but she can handle it! There all great years don't be scared of a 99. All the differances were stated above in 98 and there stupid little things that are easy to change. Good luck man. Let us know when you get the car
11-11-2008, 12:16 PM
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Remember, '98s have some advantages too. Bigger injectors than '99-'00, stronger flex plate (A4) than '01-'02, working temp gage (rather than the '99+, which is little more than an idiot light), less issues with torque management after a converter install on the stock tune, and some minor cosmetic stuff (which is subjective I guess).
Most '98 haters are people that have never owned one. Those of us who have, know how cool they are.
Most '98 haters are people that have never owned one. Those of us who have, know how cool they are.
