ls1newbie98

iTrader: (4)

So from what I have read and talking to people, the 98's have a weaker block and crappy comp system in them. I plan on building my car slowly, most likely doing an ls2 swap. Am I wasting my time starting with a not as good platform? Thoughts?? Thanks

ttranssam

iTrader: (10)

well if your doing an ls2 swap then why worry??? the only diff in the car that i can think off hand is the fuel system, its a return system + i think a sttel gastank...ulless your talking about intake heads off an ls2....i would not go that route...read more post more and learn more on this site then re think what u wanna do, youll prolly change your mind a couple times...an f body is an f body

shaolink9

from what ive heard and seen 98 and 99 are actually stronger integrely.Also the comuter system is a bit hrder to tune but if you or the tunner know what they are doing you wiol be ok. there are alotta 98 makin sick power.

fbodyman1026

iTrader: (11)

a ls1 is a ls1....

if you want to know what the exact differences are then check the stickies and if you plan on an ls2 swap why even worry???

crossroads

iTrader: (5)

I talked to a few tunner's when I got my 98, they said its more of a challenge, but they would charge me the same as any other LS1, but if your pulling the motor why worry?

MattIROC

iTrader: (19)

Coming from someone who owned 2 98's, I loved them both. Never had any major issues with either, and daily drove both hard sometimes. Find what you like, and what you can afford

kharmichead

I have a 98 also, love mine. If you can get a newer year go for it but I don't think you'll be wasting your time/money with a 98. Especially if you're gonna swap motors in it. Yes the tank is metal instead of plastic and the computers reguire a little more 'expertise' to get right, but other than that there isn't much difference. Don't know about the blocks being weaker in them but the rod bolts are the weak link in them, but that's if you're spinning them well past 6 grand.

import_raper

I guess I'm with everybody else. If you’re doing a LS2 swap why does it matter how strong the block is??

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

98 is less prone to a bad sail panel I think.

Havok2

iTrader: (118)

98s have weaker oil pump
98s have weaker rod bolts
98s have one of computers (not interchangebla to other years)
98s have the sucky 806 casting heads
perimeter bolt valve covers

but my 98 ran 11.46 with a mild only cam setup. so i was happy, till i blew it.

z28mccrory

iTrader: (7)

The 98 PCM is different than the rest of the years. You wont really ever even notice, unless you decide to go forced induction and want to run a speed density setup... then it will be an issue if you own EFI Live... you hit a brick wall at a certain power/boost level.

It just so happens... that i ran into that exact problem.

ls1newbie98

iTrader: (4)

If I do an ls2 swap I will still be using the 98 computer system. I am less worried about the 98 block itself, that was more just out of curiousity.

Mean87SS

iTrader: (21)

My 98 is fine.

z28mccrory

iTrader: (7)

If you dont have forced induction in your future, the 98 PCM will get the job done.

You can swap over to a 99+ PCM, but the wiring side of it is a bit involved.

Honestly, if i had it to do over again, i would probably try to find a 99+ car just so i could avoid that. Its not like they are any more expensive.

BYE RICE

iTrader: (2)

The only problem with a 98 is that it's been around longer & probably has more miles.
A 98 is hardly a waste of time if you already have one.
Someone said something about 806 castings being somehow inferior to other LS1 heads.
It's as good as the 99 head..Just with an ugly valve cover.
Yes..I broke rod bolts..thats how the original engine was ruined.
I did the 99pcm swap & the car is better for it.
PCM swaps have been made much easier since the 1st attemps.
I still have my stock cluster & gas tank.
So anyway..There are easier ways of doing things than LS2 swaps.
If I could go back in time,I would've replaced my rod bolts(can be done in-car),swapped on a Mamo ported FAST 90 when they became available,with a Pat G cam & AFR205's.
making the same RWHP numbers I do now but with the stock short block.

philsblwnz28

iTrader: (10)

Well, I have a 98 Z28 w/ 155k and ran a 12.9 @ 108.9 with ported throttle body, gutted cats, 3:23 gears stock, and slp airlid.......I think thats pretty darn good if you ask me.....Don't you say? Oh yeah and I only paid $700 for it.....Sorry just had to throw that in there.

98Camarod

iTrader: (43)

You can get HP Tuners and use their custom operating software for the 2 bar setup. EFI live doesn't offer that.

I haven't had a problem with my 98. Had it cammed for a while and now a turbo kit is installed.

chadaclysm

If you're doing an LS2 swap, why even bother putting money into an lS1 you're just going to pull?

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

I hate you.

Dan Stewart

There is nothing about a '98 that makes it a "red flag purchase".

The one in my sig will happily rebuttal any negative remarks about '98 models.