DAlanS

I am considering buying a 4th gen Firebird/Trans Am and was chatting with a friend about it and he said that the 1st LS1 4th gen(98s) had a lot of bugs further down the line so I was wondering if I was better off buying a later model. I am looking at a 98 Trans Am w/ 21k miles for 16,998 and an 01 Trans Am w/ 21k miles both manual v8s. I would be willing to get the 98 for the price drop but not if I am going to have mechanical trouble later on.

Any ideas or thoughts let me know. Sry if my lingo is off im new the whole performance car scene and I only know a little bit.

ActionJack

The first year of any big change will have some bugs.

But the just less than 17k price tag on a 98' seems a bit steep.

Myself, I would opt for a little higher price tag on the 01' and get the LS6 intake as well.

Angus

iTrader: (2)

Go get an 01 or 02 model.

compuvision02

The Corvette C5 started in 1997, so technically, the first year of the LS1 was 1997. They than put it into the 1998 F-Bodies. I have experienced no technical problems with the way the motor runs. I wouldn't care what year, but the 2001 and 2002 with the LS6 intake and Z06 clutch if manual would be better.

y2k_ta

iTrader: (80)

I have a buddy that's got a '98 'bird, and the only troubles he has had are with the car going through fuel pumps. I'd have to agree that the '01 would be your better choice.....LS6 intake, no EGR, a little more stock HP, etc....Besides it's been on the road three years less too....

01 Red WS6

iTrader: (4)

here are some links that can answer a few questions that you may have.


https://ls1tech.com/forums/showpost....80&postcount=2

https://ls1tech.com/forums/showpost....81&postcount=3

DONAIMIAN

iTrader: (18)

If you get a early, Id put an LS6 oil pump in it for cheap insurance.

DAlanS

Thanks for all the info guys and I now see why the listed cars differed in HP by 5 from the different model years(that always confused me ). I have another question though, how is it possible to tell whether or not a certain model is a WS6 if not otherwise listed? What are the exact upgrades the WS6 gets that the normal Trans Am doesnt? Is there somewhere in the manual you can check to see as well?

T/A Daniel

The WS6's will have the Ram Air hood and a WS6 emblem on the passenger side rear bumber under the tail light. Also look at the RPO codes on the inside of the driver's door for the WS6 code. The major differences on the WS6's are the Ram Air and a stiffer suspension package including different shocks and springs. I think there are a few more I can't think of right now.

LT1Burnout

i strongly suggest on getting an LT1 instead of the LS1, just my 2 cents..

JD_AMG

Why? Im kinda in the same situation as the person who started the thread. Im kinda new but know a few things. I really want a t/a or formula but dont know weather to get an LT1 or LS1. The main reason im considering an LT1 is because of cost though, im on a collage budget. The tops i can spend is like 10K.

LT1Burnout

why!? holy cow.. u musta not read the whole thread.. i suggest reading through it.. also remember, just becuase its newer does NOT mean its better!!

T/A Daniel

The LT1/LS1 debate has been going on since the LS1 came out. As someone who has owned both I say it depends on what you like. The LT1 has excellent low end torqe from idle and is excellent for daily driving and having fun on the streets with. But at the track it starts losing power around 4800 RPM. On the other hand the LS1 doesn't have as much lower RPM power but once it hits about 2600 RPM it puts you back in your seat hard and pulls hard untill the 5700 red line. So it all comes down to personal preference. I say drive both kinds and choose the one that suits you best.
Daniel
PS. I know you can mod the LT1 to get the same and more power as the LS1 but I'm talking stock vs. stock.

soljhaboy2c

i have a `98 tranny and ive had no problems with it so far bought it with 54k on it, runs like a champ

WS-Sick

I would get the 01 if I were you. Like said earlier, you will already have the LS6 intake etc. LT1Burnout, do you not like LS1's? Just curious, why would you get an LT1 over an LS1? Not bashing the LT1, it's a great engine when modded.

slow

iTrader: (7)

The 98's have good and bad parts.

Working temp gauges, Borg Warner T56's, Auburn differentials.

Bad, 1 year computer system, 1out the left exhaust. Perminter Bolt heads unique to 97-98 only

Dalana

I have a '99 Firebird and have had nothing but problems with it. No major engine problems, but everything else breaks on it. Both signals have gone out at least 8-9 times a year. I have replaced the window motors on both sides about 6 times each. The antenna motor quit working, got it fixed and it has quit working again. Everything seems to have eventually formed a leak that had to be repaired. My gas gauge problem has been fixed four times and has still not read accurately. It's been a real hassle and a major money pit. With all the money I have put into just repairing things on that car I could own a nice Benz - paid in full.

ActionJack

Sounds like a money pit.


I have been very fortunate. I have a bad catalytic converter and a bad engine module and then a motor replaced in the driver side door for the window. Otherwise, problem free. Except about 10,000 miles ago I started burning more than a quart every 3000 miles and the car has some minor piston slap. The dealership had it 3 times and they claim it is normal for these cars to burn a quart every 2000 miles and that my piston slap is not there because they checked it next to another LS1 F-Body at the dealership and that one was louder than mine....

But, even with all that said. I love this car. Sometimes a love hate relationship but mostly a "I love to drive this car" relationship.

IMHO the 01' and 02' are the best years and I would highly recommend those. I am partial though since I have a 01'.

Firehawk0220

I bought a 2002 car and I'm glad I spent the extra money.

soljhaboy2c

need advice, i got a 98 trans am. wanting to get ls6 intake. i heard that the vette ls6s have different throttle body hookups than the camaro and firebird ls6s. so i need to know this so i dont buy the vette ls6 and it not work. help me out guys.