in the market for an LS1...need some opinions
02-02-2009, 07:34 AM
#21
*update* the car i mentioned above someone beat me to it and dropped a deposit on it >.<
however my pop and I went to his local car dealer and took an 01 z28 a4 for a test drive. The area around there doesn’t have a lot of long straight-aways but I tried to get the 2-3 shift at wot. I only managed to get it up to ~80mph b4 running out of road. After we went back to the dealer I asked him if theres anything in both motor and tranny. He said that every so often, when the tranny temp’s at operating temp and getting on it that the 2-3 would stutter and that letting off the throttle then back in would get it to shift into 3rd gear. That was the red flag at this point. He said that if I get the car that I would need to get it serviced from him when I’d drive it more in the spring/summer. He said its most likely a valve body issue in the tranny, of course he said the car would have a 6-month 7500mile warranty. He wanted/asking price $10,500 and the car has 63,600 miles on it.
Im gonna pass on this car, but while this is on topic, what causes the 2-3 shift at wot to go? Is this in every LS1 or just the ones made on Fridays? Also the motor is fine and I noticed no leaks, but the dealer also said the low oil light comes on from time to time even after an oil change, I dunno what the deal is with that.
however my pop and I went to his local car dealer and took an 01 z28 a4 for a test drive. The area around there doesn’t have a lot of long straight-aways but I tried to get the 2-3 shift at wot. I only managed to get it up to ~80mph b4 running out of road. After we went back to the dealer I asked him if theres anything in both motor and tranny. He said that every so often, when the tranny temp’s at operating temp and getting on it that the 2-3 would stutter and that letting off the throttle then back in would get it to shift into 3rd gear. That was the red flag at this point. He said that if I get the car that I would need to get it serviced from him when I’d drive it more in the spring/summer. He said its most likely a valve body issue in the tranny, of course he said the car would have a 6-month 7500mile warranty. He wanted/asking price $10,500 and the car has 63,600 miles on it.
Im gonna pass on this car, but while this is on topic, what causes the 2-3 shift at wot to go? Is this in every LS1 or just the ones made on Fridays? Also the motor is fine and I noticed no leaks, but the dealer also said the low oil light comes on from time to time even after an oil change, I dunno what the deal is with that.
If that car was starting to do the whole BS where you had to let out then get back in it, then its on its last leg.
If the car is good other than that, and he is willing to warranty it if it goes out, it might not be a bad deal. Just run the ***** off it when you get it and make sure it goes out in those 6 months or less, lol. Then you will have a low mileage car with a fresh transmission.
I agree that if the car is just a weekend toy, looking into a 6-speed. THe automatics in these cars DO have issues, and you will eventualy have to deal with it if you want to mod it much. With a 6-speed all you have to worry about is a clutch, and its a lot simpler to invest in a good clutch than it is to worry about having to rebuild auto's every so often.
04-01-2009, 11:52 AM
#22
okay, im back for another round. the previous vehicles were either sold or not in best shape. i found this ad and i called the private seller. he said the following:
he bought it at 118K and it now has 128K all highway miles
i asked him if the 2-3 upshift had any known issues and he said it shifts crisp w/o issues
he wants $6500, but if i can get a loan out and get a bank check do u think i can negotiate for possibly $5700?
heres the link:
98 trans am
im gonna see if i can find time and head out there and check it out.
i also emailed this private seller too, but hes about 2hrs away:
White trans am
im thinking i can get a $4K auto loan from my bank and pay the rest myself just so that i dont take like $5-6K instead. whats your opinion? i tried looking for any M6's but theres none around my area. TIA
he bought it at 118K and it now has 128K all highway miles
i asked him if the 2-3 upshift had any known issues and he said it shifts crisp w/o issues
he wants $6500, but if i can get a loan out and get a bank check do u think i can negotiate for possibly $5700?
heres the link:
98 trans am
im gonna see if i can find time and head out there and check it out.
i also emailed this private seller too, but hes about 2hrs away:
White trans am
im thinking i can get a $4K auto loan from my bank and pay the rest myself just so that i dont take like $5-6K instead. whats your opinion? i tried looking for any M6's but theres none around my area. TIA
04-01-2009, 12:11 PM
#23
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If you really want a M6 youll have to be patient. Remember dont buy a car you arent happy with as youll just end up regretting it the whole time.
Even check on here. If you have to travel a few hours to get your car then so be it. I bought mine when I was over 6500 miles away from it.
Even check on here. If you have to travel a few hours to get your car then so be it. I bought mine when I was over 6500 miles away from it.
04-01-2009, 01:59 PM
#29
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I too am going to be in the market soon (once this semester ends) and am debating between A4 and M6.
So do the T56's rarely ever need more than a clutch? even at high miles?
I'm looking at a couple different f-bods that interest me.
98 A4 Trans Am, 125k miles, $5000
00 A4 Trans Am, 69k miles, $8000 obo
99 M6 SS, 110k miles, $7000
Does anything go wrong with the motor eventually, even if it was taken care of and had regular changes, has good oil pressure and good compression?
I like the first Trans Am because I can save a bunch and if the tranny goes I have enough to get a built 4L60E from FLT.
I like the M6 because it's an SS, but I don't know if that many miles on a T56 should scare me or not..
And of course I like the 69,000 mile Trans Am because low miles, hopefully shouldn't have any big problems soon, and could prob talk down the price a bit even..
What do you guys think?
So do the T56's rarely ever need more than a clutch? even at high miles?
I'm looking at a couple different f-bods that interest me.
98 A4 Trans Am, 125k miles, $5000
00 A4 Trans Am, 69k miles, $8000 obo
99 M6 SS, 110k miles, $7000
Does anything go wrong with the motor eventually, even if it was taken care of and had regular changes, has good oil pressure and good compression?
I like the first Trans Am because I can save a bunch and if the tranny goes I have enough to get a built 4L60E from FLT.
I like the M6 because it's an SS, but I don't know if that many miles on a T56 should scare me or not..
And of course I like the 69,000 mile Trans Am because low miles, hopefully shouldn't have any big problems soon, and could prob talk down the price a bit even..
What do you guys think?
Last edited by CHRRRIS; 04-01-2009 at 03:28 PM.
04-01-2009, 03:30 PM
#32
TECH Enthusiast
Edited the years in.
I don't mind A4 or M6, I just want whatever I get to have the tranny hold up at least for some tens of thousands of miles before going bad..
I could also get a 98 A4 Camaro that already has headers, ORY, exhaust, LS6 intake, and a few other bolt-on engine mods.. it has aboutt 110k miles and could prob get it for $7,000.
The SS is the most inciting to me right now.
I don't mind A4 or M6, I just want whatever I get to have the tranny hold up at least for some tens of thousands of miles before going bad..
I could also get a 98 A4 Camaro that already has headers, ORY, exhaust, LS6 intake, and a few other bolt-on engine mods.. it has aboutt 110k miles and could prob get it for $7,000.
The SS is the most inciting to me right now.
04-02-2009, 10:02 AM
#33
i'm hoping its my lucky day. i found someone selling his ls1 firebird with a 6-speed. awaiting a reponse frm him to set up a time for me to look it over.
heres the ad:
how much would you offer to him and what would be the maximum to go for this car? although he posted it dynoed 315rwhp/333tq, thats mainly stockish isnt it, since i have a friend who had a 02 that dynoed 313rwhp/325tq with only a lid
.
heres the ad:
title is in hand, partial trades and non insulting serious offers considered
v8 6sp, red ext, graphite (dark grey) int, hardtop, pw, pl, pm, power antennae, keyless entry, factory alarm, good tires on all 4 corners, newer brakes up front
car has inlay/overlayd kit, clear front marker lenses, trans am hatch/spoiler, aftermarket lower controls arms and adjustable panhard rod, hotchkis stb, K&N Fipk air intake, and Magnaflow stainless catback exhaust system...it put down 313hp/333tq last summer without the air intake (have the dyno sheet)
complete aftermarket stereo system with a pioneer flip out 7'' in dash dvd player, MA audio components in the doors, Memphis 2 ways in the sail panels, and an MA audio amp running it all (car is wires for subs but none are currently in the car)
i have sitting here uninstalled Kook's Longtube headers and ypipe, Weiand intake manifold, BBK 80mm throttle body, and a 160* thermostat
122k miles and is currently my daily driver..i can and do drive this car everywhere and anywhere w/o hesitation..but overall i've outgrown the car..i've owned it since 04 and have enjoyed it immensely
this car IS very fast (yeah, i know people say that alot but in this particular instance, its true..)
the only issue with the car right now is the condition of its paint, which you can see in pictures below, a deer hit me right behind the front pass wheel then spun around and caught the back of the door and the quarter panel last september..insurance covered the repair/parts but i didnt have teh $ to cover my deductible in order to get it painted also
v8 6sp, red ext, graphite (dark grey) int, hardtop, pw, pl, pm, power antennae, keyless entry, factory alarm, good tires on all 4 corners, newer brakes up front
car has inlay/overlayd kit, clear front marker lenses, trans am hatch/spoiler, aftermarket lower controls arms and adjustable panhard rod, hotchkis stb, K&N Fipk air intake, and Magnaflow stainless catback exhaust system...it put down 313hp/333tq last summer without the air intake (have the dyno sheet)
complete aftermarket stereo system with a pioneer flip out 7'' in dash dvd player, MA audio components in the doors, Memphis 2 ways in the sail panels, and an MA audio amp running it all (car is wires for subs but none are currently in the car)
i have sitting here uninstalled Kook's Longtube headers and ypipe, Weiand intake manifold, BBK 80mm throttle body, and a 160* thermostat
122k miles and is currently my daily driver..i can and do drive this car everywhere and anywhere w/o hesitation..but overall i've outgrown the car..i've owned it since 04 and have enjoyed it immensely
this car IS very fast (yeah, i know people say that alot but in this particular instance, its true..)
the only issue with the car right now is the condition of its paint, which you can see in pictures below, a deer hit me right behind the front pass wheel then spun around and caught the back of the door and the quarter panel last september..insurance covered the repair/parts but i didnt have teh $ to cover my deductible in order to get it painted also
how much would you offer to him and what would be the maximum to go for this car? although he posted it dynoed 315rwhp/333tq, thats mainly stockish isnt it, since i have a friend who had a 02 that dynoed 313rwhp/325tq with only a lid
.
04-02-2009, 10:42 AM
#34
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Is that a Formula with the high wing or a Trans Am?
I put down 316/330 with only a lid and catback so Im guessing it needs a tune or it was SUPER hot when he had his done or its on a mustang dyno.
What year is it?
I put down 316/330 with only a lid and catback so Im guessing it needs a tune or it was SUPER hot when he had his done or its on a mustang dyno.
What year is it?
04-02-2009, 11:17 AM
#35
its a 98 and the seller put a "trans am hatch/spoiler" from what he described in his ad. nada and kbb quoted the mileage, and year for a 98 f-body and it ranges from ~3500-4200. considering the mods hes included its ~$1K worth but i'd need to repaint the panels which cost ~$800-1000. i was thinking of no higher than ~$5K for everything. the other fact is i dont know anything (yet) whether the tranny parts were replaced or most likely it was beaten on.
edit-he did not install the LT, intake or tb yet. only parts he installed were the catback exhaust and a lid, thats it.
edit-he did not install the LT, intake or tb yet. only parts he installed were the catback exhaust and a lid, thats it.
04-02-2009, 11:43 AM
#36
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Offer him 3200 and dont go over 3800. Itll cost to get those panels painted and the fact its a 98 isnt too good either.
However, if it is a hardtop Formula thats something you dont come across too often. A total of 2123 Formulas were made. 652 had the manual. 556 had hardtops. Around 397 Formulas were made in that color. So do the odds and see how many can be made in that combo.
However, if it is a hardtop Formula thats something you dont come across too often. A total of 2123 Formulas were made. 652 had the manual. 556 had hardtops. Around 397 Formulas were made in that color. So do the odds and see how many can be made in that combo.
Last edited by bballr4567; 04-02-2009 at 12:01 PM.
04-02-2009, 12:04 PM
#37
from the pics it looks like it is a hardtop and not the t-tops. i dont think/assume he would settle for 3800. i just got off the phone with him and schedule to look at it this saturday. he said he is selling it because he has a kid and the f-body's too small/cramped. i imagine if i throw him the offer of 3800, he would most likely laugh in my face o_0.
04-02-2009, 12:15 PM
#38
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Get a quote for the paint and see how much itll cost to get done. Then laugh when he doesnt accept your offer.
Sorry but its over 10 years old with over 120k miles, its value isnt going to be very high. You usually get .10 for every dollar you spend on mods so that doesnt warrant a very high price increase.
Sorry but its over 10 years old with over 120k miles, its value isnt going to be very high. You usually get .10 for every dollar you spend on mods so that doesnt warrant a very high price increase.