Completely STOCK
TECH Resident
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
I would get the car, go through what it needs for maintenance FIRST then decide on the order of mods you want to go. Personally speaking, I would hit everything 1 for 1, 1 suspension mod for 1 engine mod. But do the maint first, otherwise you'll be back in here in 2 weeks complaining how your TA is "ALWAYS" breaking down lol
I would take into consideration everything everyone has said. I'm fairly new here but not new to the LS1 scene (cz28.com nastyz28.com ls1.com camaroz28.com) and have had my fair shares of Camaros....and so far basic bolt-ons and suspension are a must...I read alot on this forums and have picked up a few good ideas before I even bought a lid for my car!
Eibach springs, Koni yellows, vert SFC, strut tower brace UMI LCA n PH bar were first purchases before I got a lid header y-pipe catback and tune. These cars are stout... I had to do a 383 in my 73 camaro and tons of Hotchkis suspension before I had a good enough drag time and roadcourse time to keep up with my suspension only (at the time) Vert. LS1tech will be your best friend...and worse enemies at times!! LMAO Thanks LS1tech guys.
Eibach springs, Koni yellows, vert SFC, strut tower brace UMI LCA n PH bar were first purchases before I got a lid header y-pipe catback and tune. These cars are stout... I had to do a 383 in my 73 camaro and tons of Hotchkis suspension before I had a good enough drag time and roadcourse time to keep up with my suspension only (at the time) Vert. LS1tech will be your best friend...and worse enemies at times!! LMAO Thanks LS1tech guys.
Listen super close. I know it is hard to imagine (at this point) that doing suspension first (or at least very soon) is going to be good, but I speak from experience. Do not just go trying to add power. If you do this, you will regret it. Especially if you go adding too much and your trans or rear decides it doesn't like you. Speaking from experience again, it's not good on a date to have your car take a crap.
Last edited by kdick91; Jan 19, 2011 at 03:39 PM.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,603
Likes: 2,505
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
If you stay on top of maintaining the LS1, it will reward you greatly with power and reliability. But it's not a Honda. If you let it go 50k without an oil change, it will die. If you let it overheat, it will warp. If you don't install parts correctly, they will cause damage.
Guess all the honda dealers can close their service departments now. Sounds like those cars are indestructible!
You can always find an F-Body with less miles. Always. The price on yours is right, but a modified LS1 around that mileage takes special attention. Now, the LS1 is VERY reliable and can be run into 200k EASY. But if you're racing on it and modifying it, it will be harder making it last. If you stay on top of maintaining the LS1, it will reward you greatly with power and reliability. But it's not a Honda. If you let it go 50k without an oil change, it will die. If you let it overheat, it will warp. If you don't install parts correctly, they will cause damage. I have been doing my own work on my car since I got it and have zero complaints. Just don't expect to get the car, add a ton of power and drive it till the wheels fall off without caring for it. Be sensible.
good advice though as was said i wouldnt neglect any car and expect it to last.
First read the dyno section, and come up with an expectation of the power that you are eventually trying to reach. If you are on a budget then keep a search and the parts for sale forums on here and other ls1 forums. You can pick up good used parts from people that are demoding there cars. Suspension parts can be brought back to new with some paint and replacing the bushings. Try and keep track of the little things, fuel pump and injectors if you plan on doing a H/C car. Good luck with the car.
Hey guys! Im about to pick up a 1999 trans am. It has the ls1, 130000 miles and is completely STOCK. I have prob a $3500 budget. And i want to go fast on the street and on the track. Id like to be in the low 12s on the track and spank some gt500s on the street. Will 3500 do it. Come on guys give me a build list of what i should do!
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
if i could do it all over again i would do the stall first then lcas then lt's 3' ory cutout and if u go to the strip alot some et streets thats a budget build forsure but deffinatly a runner. also i ran a low 13' on the 1/4 mile with 2.73 gears bone stock!
I would spray it with a 150shot of nitrous (laughing like a hyena the whole time) for $600 (plus refills) until something let go, then rebuild/replace/improve that part as needed. Investing a ton of money into a $5K car seems kind of crazy to me...
If I could start over with my car the first and prob only thing I would of done was front and rear sway bars and a nice set of Strano Springs and Koni's.
And of course a nice set of wheels
My car has been sitting under the car cover with a spun bearing since August. I have a whole pile of wasted money in my closet everything brand new in box! PRC 2.5 5'3's, SLP Under Drive, FAST 90/90, ARP Bolts, Lifters, Custom Cam, etc..
I bought everything before it blew up. You never know when something is going to go. Make sure you have some money put away for when it does.
Last edited by smg267; Jan 20, 2011 at 05:37 PM.
So if you own a honda, you can extend oil change invervals to 50k miles, overheat the engine, and install parts incorrectly without any damage? I guess when an engine only makes 80hp it can take a lot of abuse.
Guess all the honda dealers can close their service departments now. Sounds like those cars are indestructible!
Guess all the honda dealers can close their service departments now. Sounds like those cars are indestructible!
I only exaggerate details to make a point, though i don't know how some of them survive... A buddy of mine had a Honda CRX that he never changed the oil on... He drove it over 30k before he bought something new. It wouldn't die... 
I started with a lid and CAGS delete. Went on to my MGW. Did brakes. Did rear shocks. Front shocks. PHB. LS6 intake. This is over the course of over a year. Soon on to a catback, then probably P&P TB, then sways, LT's....yada yada yada.
Is it taking a while? Yes, but I don't owe any money on my mods, and I'm learning a ton from this site and my car in the process, while making sure I spend my money on the best things I can find for the price.
