Based

Ok so I am looking to buy a Camaro. I will have about 3k to spend on it maybe more. I see lt1 z28s on c list and it's tempting but I'm thinking maybe I should save a little more for an LS1? I've driven an ls1 z28 and it's pretty fast with the right tires and I am wondering how an LT1 compares to it... I know the lt1's have about 50 less wheel hp but can't that be easily made up for with bolt ons?

Are there reliability/strength differences between the engines?

This will be the first car I've actually bought all by myself and I plan on modding it a little.

Fry_

Keep saving your money. Yes you can make up the power difference with modifications but then your just playing catch up and those same mods on a LS1 car would put you even farther ahead. LS1's respond to basic mods like headers, exhaust, and CIA better than LT1 cars because the LS1 is a more efficient motor so the stock parts are more of a restriction to it. And one more big thing is that the LS1 is a more popular platform so parts are more plentiful and affordable, in the long run a LS1 car will be faster for less money than a LT1 car. You honestly need to double your budget, yes you can find LS1 cars for 3-4k but the ones that are 6-7k are a lot nicer and will need less work and will be cheaper in the long run. I'm sure this isn't what you wanted to hear but it the truth.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

the lt1 sucks to work on due to the cooling system and the POS optispark (and not a damn person on this site will convince me "optispark isn't as bad as people make it out to be"...because it is) among other things

you would have to pay me to own a lt1 car, I sure as hell wouldn't buy one

predatorz28

This. Save your money for an decent ls1 car. Yea, you can find an ls1 in your budget but you'd likely be spending all of your mod money on repairs.

Based

hmm to get an ls1 I will have to save quite a bit more... And even with more money I don't see a convertible anywhere in my c list area... .

There is a 98 for 4500$ but it's hardtop idk i kinda want a convertible.

idahoz28

iTrader: (2)

You may just have to be patient, They are out there.... http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/4745247658.html http://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/4759229892.html Just a little above your range probably. But if you get up into the 6500.00 + range that is where you will see a lot nicer cars.

Based

damn that ss is a great fricken deal... if it was manual i'd drive from louisiana to california to get it...

edit: WOW!!! A convertible 98 z just got posted in my area for 3500$.... but it's auto!!!!!

idahoz28

iTrader: (2)

Here is a vert closer to you in your price range http://neworleans.craigslist.org/cto/4787392941.html

Nothing wrong w/ auto's both of my Z's are autos. no changing clutches every 20,000 miles.

Based

that's the one I was just looking at lol... I've never driven a manual and I wanna try it out... same thing with a convertible. I think manual convertible would be so much fun in the summer that's why I want one.

idahoz28

iTrader: (2)

That may be a pretty good deal for a convertible Z28 in your area..... when compared to the others that are offered http://lafayette.craigslist.org/cto/4773753067.html

Fry_

Just a thought, if you ever want to take the car to the drag strip you don't want a convertible. Even in stock form you'll likely get thrown out for going to fast (<13.99 in the quarter). I'd go for a t-top car if it was me.

Cajun ELESS-ONE

the two cars posted are crap. the on on the west bank "real crappy area" -trust me- is probably so ragged out and poorly taken car of. id take a lt1 car over the ones listed any day. i dont see a big problem with lt1 cars. yes they have less power, part are not as available but theres a pretty good after market for them. i owned a cammed ls1 and own a lt1. both are hard to work on in some ares cuz there is no room to work. the opti is over rated as crappy. get a good oem replacement and a Mitsubishi(stock)opti sensor and it will last 100k. mine worked fine with 64k miles and 18 years old. i changed it because i changed my water pump. look for a 96-97 because obd2 and low miles. full bolt ons will net over 300 hp and plenty of tq. it is your first car so dont want a car with too much power. its gonna lead to more trouble. is a ls1 car better yes. if you find a clean, stock low miles lt1 for a better price, i wouldnt hesitate to buy it.

little note- i raced my friends full bolt on and tuned 6 speed camaro (ran 12.7 1/4 mile). i have the mods listed in sig. didnt have the spray. from a 20 roll i got over 1/2 car on him from the start. up until 70 i had him then he slowly reeled me in. simple mods will surprise many people .

93Z2871805

iTrader: (5)

My vote is to save for an LS1 car.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

ls1,youll be happy you waited.

Based

ye this thread can be locked. I am now looking for an ls1 lol. It makes sense because even if I have to spend 5k on an ls1 I'll still be ahead of where I'd be with an lt1 lol.

scotty2000ss

iTrader: (2)

Why not just get a mustang?

98CayenneT/A

Like said already, save and be patient for a ls1 would be the way to go in my opinion

Based

I've thought about it, I have no bias towards either. But I've researched and the mustang gt of the early 2000s is still slower than the lt1 z28...

scotty2000ss

iTrader: (2)

I had a 96 camaro lt1 that ran 13.6 with gears and Borla cat back. Miss that car!

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

We don't really need another LS1 vs. LT1 battle here, and all the facts have already been stated and plenty of these threads can be researched via a search.

IMO, as it's your first car purchase and your budget is so tight, worrying about which of these two engines to go with is the wrong priority. The best move would be to prioritize condition, meaning get the nicest car you can for your money so you aren't burdened with the cost of a restoration project on someone else's worn out junk. I'd personally rather have a nice condition, lower mileage, well cared for LT1 car than a lesser condition, lesser cared for and higher mileage LS1 car for the same money.