StormesRacing001

iTrader: (5)

Hi, I am new to this board and new to the LSx motor. Somebody told me that the 98 LS1 motors were different than the 99-02 LS1s due to some problems. I was just wondering why they were different than the later ones and if there were an easy solution to the problem. Thank you in advance for explaining in advance.

HitmanLS1

iTrader: (16)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...years-ls1.html

chaman

iTrader: (5)

There are some differences like PCM programming, heads but if you have a good deal go for it! The differences dont make it worse per se...

HitmanLS1

iTrader: (16)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-o...questions.html

StormesRacing001

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for that link. So in all reality, there is nothing really "wrong" with the 98 LS1. The source to my confusion, a member on here(who will remain anonymous), said that there was some kind of oil pressure problem with them that the 99-02 did not have

chaman

iTrader: (5)

I personally never heard of any....

StormesRacing001

iTrader: (5)

You guys are great! Thanks abunch!

98z8uup

iTrader: (7)

The deal is that if you can get one for a great buy go for it. My 98 has over 200,000 miles on it, and still running strong.

firstinlastout86

iTrader: (4)

On another thread...Yes the LS1 blocks are all "good" but the 1998 version is defintly the weakest one. The only thing that engine builders are afraid of is the shallow oil galley in the back of the block. This limits the EQUAL flow of oil to the lifter oil galley. (behind the rear cover) The oil passage on the 99+ is noticably larger above the cam bore, behind the rear cover.

Someone correct me if im wrong but im also pretty sure the 98 blocks do not have a the supporting gussets of the 99+, making them more prone to cracking at HIGH hp numbers. but i may be mistaken on that one.

StormesRacing001

iTrader: (5)

Hey cuz. Now that finally makes a little bit more sense to me. If somebody backs that up, then I will fully understand. but it still wouldn't be bad if I found one for cheap.

LS1W66

The rear oil gallery issue is true later (99+) blocks had some casting changes and thicker cylinder sleeves. This does not mean that the `97-98 blocks are junk, if you have one use it until it breaks. As far as oil pump issues to my recollection it was a `99 model year problem. My `98 has 136K and still runs on the original pump with no issues.
Just get the best car you can for the money as an LS1 is an LS1.

firstinlastout86

iTrader: (4)

Ya Brian, like LS1WS6 said an ls1 is an ls1. but if the 98's do have any problems im sure a more common problem in the ls1's will happen first. When looing just be sure to lissen for piston slap or any kind of valvetrain noise and oil pressure. good luck and welcome to the forum

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

That is correct.

Take it from a person that has owned a '98, '99, '00, and '02. The '98 is just as good of a car. There are some advantages and disadvantages to a '98 vs other years, but it really all equals out.

None of the oil passage or block issues mentioned in this thread will ever be a "problem" for a stock or bolt-on car. They most likely won't even be an issue for a normal H/C level build. If you were going with a serious track monster, spinning very high rpms and/or heavy boost, maybe then you *might* have issues.

And don't let anyone feed you any BS about inferior oil pumps being a '98 specific issue. The same oil pump was used all the way through '00, it's not specific to '98.

z28camaro1090

I know alot of people with 98 ls1's myself included and I dont think they have had any issues like that. To my understand the 98 has alittle more agressive cam . So if you decide to put z06 intake on it . it would produce more power then the other years.

ae13291

iTrader: (8)

the same oil pump was used from 97-00 on the ls1 engines, mine just craped out at 92k miles and mine is a 99 i further inspected the oil pump and found the relief valve was stuff in the open position bore for the relief valve has some sharp castings inside and i think that was the cause for it. 98 motors have the knock sensor issue where it will retard too much timing and also coil packs are individually mounted, etc if i found a great deal on a 98 i would go for it, but if a 2001 or a 99 car is about the same price lean towards the newer one.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Personally, being well aware of ALL advantages and disadvantages of each model year, I look at the '99 as the least desireable overall. Not that I wouldn't buy another one, but all things being equal I'd rather have any other model year first.

StormesRacing001

iTrader: (5)

I have been finding some 00s on craigslist that have a few miles under there belt but the prices are unbeatable. When I sell my 91 Z28 and get the rest of my enlistment bonus in a month or so, I plan on looking real hard for a good clean LS1 Camaro.

Thanks Chris! I am enjoying being here! I will definitely call you when I go down to Florida. Texas doesnt have as many beaches as Florida does. I'm glad I have you as a cousin! Maybe a little bit of and hopefully none of when I come down.

chaman

iTrader: (5)

Thats interesting...why you reach that conclusion?

LS1TAUTO

iTrader: (1)

I got a 98 ta with the o2 ws6 engine in it..... The only thing I got from a 98 is the intake manifold and egr.......is that bad? I mean the PCM thinks it's got a ls6 intake on there?

chaman

iTrader: (5)

No the PCM dont know that but you have a stock LS1 manifold that flows worse than the LS6...the PCM adjusts settings according to what the LS1 manifolds flows. With a LS6 one some gains will be in order.