HI..

I have started to look for a LS1 Camaro for my next project car.

Is there any big diff between the years?
- Engine is probably going to be sent to EPP for rebuild and procharged
- Automatic transmission would be nice, is there any LS1 camaros with 4L80E?

Any other reasons to get a specific year?

/N.

 

Well every year has there advantages, my biggest suggestion is the search button, you'll find more then you need to know about the different years. All autos in the f-bodies are 4L60E, unless someone changed it out. A quick breakdowm of +'s and -'s:
1998
-first year of production, smaller manifolds, largest injectors, harder computer to tune

1999
-smallest injectors offered over the last gen of f-bodies, easier computer to tune

2000
-mostly unchanged, some had knocking issues

2001 & 2002
-ls6 intake stock, smaller cam (But better over all), some got the ls6 block, typically tunes a few hp better on the dyno stock to stock, knocking continued to be an issue

There are obviously many other small differences, but overall you can't go wrong w/ any lsx ride

 

Check out the differance between years.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-owners-newbie-tech/213148-jrp-s-faq-commonly-asked-questions.html

 

2002 is the one to get. The later the build date the better. Mine was built in 3/02 and it has the LS6 block. LS6 block and intake are great building blocks. 241 heads are preferred.

However, the earlier '98 - '99's can proably bought at a considerable discount and the manifold/injectors upgraded for less money than purchasing an '02.

Don't be afraid of high milage cars. The LS1 engine is pretty built proof. The rear end is not, but if you will be making any kind of serious power, you'll be replacing the rear end at some point.

Good luck.

 

"project car" is a pretty broad term. Depending on your goals with it, it might be worth it to buy a cheap high mileage '98, and start with a new block. But like I said, it's all up to what "project car" means, and how far you want to go with it.

 

Years 01-02 and make sure it does not have T-Tops. All Trans Ams come with T's, some SS's did not. Formula's and Z/28's you could buy without T's.

TEE TOPS will leak over time and cause more body flex.

 

2001-2002 has the stronger and improved rod blts.

 

Alot of this is good info. If you weren't planning on a rebuild and going FI right off hand I would recommend the 01 and 02s.....I have had both. With your plans I would find a good condition whatever year for the right price and go with forged internals and all the other supporting items needed. No sense in paying more for a 01 or 02 for the parts your gonna be replacing.....that's my .02. Good luck!

 

From a tuning standpoint, don't get a 98. If it is a project car, and if you aren't happy with the power you have now (or will have) for long (as most of us aren't), it will become an issue that will come back to bite you. The 98 PCM has the least amount of support in the tuning community, and a good tune can make or break your car. Personally, I'd look at a 2001+, simply because they already have the LS6 intake and nearly all of the bugs worked out of the system.

 

The 2001+ has a couple differant oiling passages in the back of the block I would go with one of those years...

 

I would get the 2002, its the newest and the last ones made.

 

high mileage 99' IMO. the engine wont matter as its getting replaced with a forged unit, has the better PCM (99+); support and tuning wise, most likely you'll throw on some form of exhaust system (headers/catback), and an ls6 intake can be had for ~300 bucks. from a modding point of view it doesnt make much sense IMO to get an 01 or 02 as the "benefits" will most likely be moot when you go with aftermarket parts. the ls6 block isnt all that beneficial as the ls1 block is supperior in strength.

 

I've tuned my 98 to perfection, but its true 99+ have more paramaters to edit.

 

Ok thx!

By project car I mean
- Rebuild the engine with forged stuff, maybe a stroker, heads and a cam.
- Good exhaust
- 15psi of boost (procharger)
- A transmission/rear end to back it up, nbr1 choise is automatic but maybe a stick would be easier to handle the power?
- Some suspension mods..........

/N.