Guys,

Im looking at a 98 WS6 tomorrow and I was curious what issues exist with the 98s vs the newer LS1s?

Would you avoid a 98? What would you think is a fair price for a 98 WS6 with 60k miles?

Thanks!

-Jason

 

a 98 with 60k? 10,000 if its in real good condition.

 

but it all depends where you live too! That's a Dallas price I guessed at...

 

nothing wrong with a 98

 

98's are great

Offer what you would feel good about paying.

 

all depends on location.

for a non WS6, maybe 10 if very very clean. (seen them advertised at dealers for $9999 here)

$15,000 dealer, and like $13 private party is local book retail values for 6 speed WS6 cars,

I would laugh at a $10,000 offer on my 60K 98 Ws6

the Ws6 vs non WS6 pricing is VERY far spaced on the 98-99's locally, some parts of the country it is not far off

Ryan

 

So thats right at what he is asking 10.5k... Thanks guys. I was going to try to work up from 9k and see where that goes. I am pretty hesitant because the guy bought the car for his son (19) and his son did not pay the insurance and the guys selling it know that its been modded, etc.... Im kinda looking for a project though so we will see how it looks.

Thanks for the feedback!

-Jason

 

Love my '98 - no problems so far

Just make sure she hasn't been abused.

 

I have a 98 and i'm pleased with it BUT...have also had my share of problems in the 1 year i've owned it.

Here are some common things to check for that aren't all that important but are very annoying...
1.) Broken headlight actuators
2.) Broken hatch realase actuator (poorly designed in 98)
3.) Working power windows
4.) numerous dings/scratches/chips
5.) interior lights (overhead, radio, steering wheel buttons)

I know these aren't that important, but these problems are very common when you get an older car.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to check a spark plug (just 1 if you don't have a chance to look at them all) and of cource the BRAKES. Test drive it to make sure it feels ok and the brakes don't shake. Hope this helps a little.

Jason S.

 

agreed on the brakes, and checking a plug is not a bad idea.


1.) Broken headlight actuators
2.) Broken hatch realase actuator (poorly designed in 98)
3.) Working power windows
4.) numerous dings/scratches/chips
5.) interior lights (overhead, radio, steering wheel buttons)

are all things, i expected when i bought my 98, they are common problems with all f-bodys.

But i got lucky on #4, she was mint when i got her (just a few scratches in the inside, not a problem, i'm swapping in an ebony interior now )

and #5, had no problems with any lights (except the front turnsignals, again, another design defect from GM)

 

I like My 98 just fine.

Last year at the dragstrip in my area.My 98 was quicker than any other LS1 F-Body present with similar mods. That doesn't prove much other than all years of the LS1 powered F-Bodies are *similar* in their ability to accelerate.

That being said the LS6 intake and improved exhaust manifolds of the later years should make the cars slightly quicker.

Also,if you plan on using a predator don't get a 98. They don't make one for it as 98 PCM's are different. LS1Edit works as well as ony other year for the 98 and it's arguably better than the predator.

A stock metal gastank while adding around 15 additional pounds to the car allows you to use the racetronix plug and play fuel system which is a bonus.

there are a few other differences as well. If interested you should be able to find everything you need via the search function.

good luck!

 

i heard some other things.
guys who know better,
please shoot the false ones down.

98 had most agressive cam,
most agressive trans tuning,
largest injectors (28.6 vs. 26?)

and PIG RICH AIR FUEL RATIO

hey.. fat injectors and rich a/f.. does GM want me to spray?

 

I paid 12,500 for my 98 w/30,000 mi. A4,that was in WV, though. (at a dealer)

 

scratches and dings are obviously going to be more apparent on older cars. just check the body really well and make sure none of the imperfections that you find bother you any.

abusal of a car, on the other hand, can be defined in many different ways. try to find out the extent of the relationship the owner had with this car, that way you can know what you are buying.

also, 98-99 ls1s had the oil pump seizure problems. it was rare, but it was still existent. a friend locally had his pump seize on him at only 11k miles, and another friend's did not seize until 58k miles. so, it's something to consider, however seldom it may happen.

i definitely would not pay over 10k for the car. my 2000 had 33k miles on it when purchased for $12.5k.

 

you guys who are posting the replies on prices, your talking about cars you bougth, and i see Z28's in your sigs there is a little bit different comparing cars with base prices of $22K vs $32K when it comes to what they're worth down the road.

locally 98 z's are selling for as low as $6500 at dealers

the oil pump is true, i don't worry about it, but if i go in there, i'll replace if for peace of mind.

Ryan