I am looking at a Camaro SS Sunday, I have Questions!

[minameisricky]

I am going to look at a 1998 Camaro SS with the M6 and 75,000 miles on it. I was just looking for some suggestions on what is most important in looking the car over. Any ideas on problems I can look out for and important things to check out before buying it?

[conny9784]

Make sure that the doors align correctly and straight with the front quarter panels. alot of people jack the cars up improperly and bend the body lips where the front quarter meets the frame body lip. this causes cracking and bending of that body lip intern screwing up the alignment of that panel against the door panel.

[9t8z28]

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33145

Check this out

[INMY01TA]

I'd just make sure the body and interior look good and the car drives well. Little things can and will go wrong with a car that old but for an SS Camaro it's worth it. Check out the rear brake calipers and make sure they were never grinded down to fit drag rims on the car.

[minameisricky]

Thanks for the help guys. I wouldn't have thought of some the things you suggested. Hopefully I can pick it up for a good deal and join the ranks of LS1 owners. (My 84 corvette is just not cutting it!)

[KageSS]

I am going to look at a 1998 Camaro SS with the M6 and 75,000 miles on it. I was just looking for some suggestions on what is most important in looking the car over. Any ideas on problems I can look out for and important things to check out before buying it?

I would not buy a 98SS, go with a 99 and up.

http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213148&page=6&pp=10

[KageSS]

And WELCOME to the Forum!!!!!! :seesaw:

[SpeedAddict38]

I am going to look at a 1998 Camaro SS with the M6 and 75,000 miles on it. I was just looking for some suggestions on what is most important in looking the car over. Any ideas on problems I can look out for and important things to check out before buying it?

talk to the owner about racing, see if he has run the crap out of it. just chat in general see how hes driven the car. some hot rodding is fine but if he had been all out racing jerking it around u will be looking at expensive repairs on down the road

[mystic-z]

Ask + look to see if Any paint work has been done.
Then find out why. Car fax is good idea also.
Ask if it has a clear title, I've had people hide it till the last minute + then say "O by the way". That salvage/flood/recovered theft title follows it forever,+ really affects value + saleability.
I actualy boughta mustang, drove over an hour to get there, decided i wanted it. He had met me at a mall,+ didnt have the title wth him, I never thought to ask about salvage. He followed me back to my house with the car + was going to get the title when i gave him the ride back to his house, we get there, and its a salvage title, The car had been totalled in the past. Needless to say I was not a happy camper.

Also be careful if there is a payoff on the car.
Because you are handing somebody a whole bunch of money + not getting a title on the spot,
you have to make sure the person can be trusted to pay that car off + get you the Title. THAT is a situation I have never trusted. without a title you are screwed
Also any cross outs or scribble overs on atitle canvoid it + cause problems. Dont just be blinded by the car
pay very close attention to the title.

[shady milkman]

run the car and go through all the gears. at that milage the t-56s sycs and forks can give you some prob. oh and the clutch. check the t-tops and look for any gaps from flexing. um, look at the rear end of the car and see if their is any exessive leaking..some moisture is expected but if it puddles or is dripping then make sure you talk him down a bunch..or just pass it up. check the door tags and make sure its a real SS. make sure the trunk latch works proper. if it doesnt then talk him down on the price. while you are down under the car look for any fluid leaks around the tranny. um make sure you let the car run and get up to op. temp and then check stuff. ask what he puts in it(fluid wise) ask about the fuel filter and if he changed it. make sure again to take it through all of the gears. dont be affraid to run it hard too. you need to see how the ls1 is holding up. um ask him/check the air filter. if its a k&n or a oil based filter ask him when he bought it and when he has oiled it. and lastly check the AC controls and see if they are working proper. and if the guy really doesnt know alot about ls1s. mention to him about the piston slap at start up and try to talk him down. :seesaw: if you want to. hope this helps. biggest things to look for is body flex.(and type of gaping) (dents on the quater panels is a sign of body flex) transmission stuff(listen and watch for grinding and shitty clutching) :) good luck.

[shady milkman]

I would not buy a 98SS, go with a 99 and up.

why? just curious?

[SpeedAddict38]

run the car and go through all the gears. at that milage the t-56s sycs and forks can give you some prob. oh and the clutch. check the t-tops and look for any gaps from flexing. um, look at the rear end of the car and see if their is any exessive leaking..some moisture is expected but if it puddles or is dripping then make sure you talk him down a bunch..or just pass it up. check the door tags and make sure its a real SS. make sure the trunk latch works proper. if it doesnt then talk him down on the price. while you are down under the car look for any fluid leaks around the tranny. um make sure you let the car run and get up to op. temp and then check stuff. ask what he puts in it(fluid wise) ask about the fuel filter and if he changed it. make sure again to take it through all of the gears. dont be affraid to run it hard too. you need to see how the ls1 is holding up. um ask him/check the air filter. if its a k&n or a oil based filter ask him when he bought it and when he has oiled it. and lastly check the AC controls and see if they are working proper. and if the guy really doesnt know alot about ls1s. mention to him about the piston slap at start up and try to talk him down. :seesaw: if you want to. hope this helps. biggest things to look for is body flex.(and type of gaping) (dents on the quater panels is a sign of body flex) transmission stuff(listen and watch for grinding and shitty clutching) :) good luck.

piston slap at start up ???? explain please

[mystic-z]

yes! Why not a 98, not a big difference between them.
You really should explain why, so he knows, BECAUSE,that is the year he is looking at.

[shady milkman]

piston slap at start up ???? explain please

ls1s slap more at start up then ike did tina.(oh man i'm going to hell for that) um listen at start up. you can hear it untill it warms up. they fixed it on the ls2 and such. they changed to a floating pin design to eliminate it. yea its normal but listen sometime on a cold start. its like a ticking noise sorta..but you can deff tell.

[shady milkman]

well kage and i are like bros so i'll try to explain his post. he could be refering to 98's hard ass pcms. and the water pump (i think that or the fuel pump) tend to just magically die on 98s. not as much low end grunt in the 98s becuase of their big ass cams. and for the ss..maybe he was just referring to the single exhuast tip. but personally i love the 98s for insurance reasons and just becuase i like them. did i get it right kage? :hug:

[SpeedAddict38]

ls1s slap more at start up then ike did tina.(oh man i'm going to hell for that) um listen at start up. you can hear it untill it warms up. they fixed it on the ls2 and such. they changed to a floating pin design to eliminate it. yea its normal but listen sometime on a cold start. its like a ticking noise sorta..but you can deff tell.

mine does that i been thinking crap shes going to blow up ! so it is normal, also very funny ike joke " whats love got to do with it ? "

[shady milkman]

mine does that i been thinking crap shes going to blow up ! so it is normal, also very funny ike joke " whats love got to do with it ? "

lol yea its normal if it goes away at op.temp...lol not a damn thing

[SpeedAddict38]

lol yea its normal if it goes away at op.temp...lol not a damn thing

sweet thanks 4 the info i been really worried about that

[9t8z28]

run the car and go through all the gears. at that milage the t-56s sycs and forks can give you some prob. oh and the clutch. check the t-tops and look for any gaps from flexing. um, look at the rear end of the car and see if their is any exessive leaking..some moisture is expected but if it puddles or is dripping then make sure you talk him down a bunch..or just pass it up. check the door tags and make sure its a real SS. make sure the trunk latch works proper. if it doesnt then talk him down on the price. while you are down under the car look for any fluid leaks around the tranny. um make sure you let the car run and get up to op. temp and then check stuff. ask what he puts in it(fluid wise) ask about the fuel filter and if he changed it. make sure again to take it through all of the gears. dont be affraid to run it hard too. you need to see how the ls1 is holding up. um ask him/check the air filter. if its a k&n or a oil based filter ask him when he bought it and when he has oiled it. and lastly check the AC controls and see if they are working proper. and if the guy really doesnt know alot about ls1s. mention to him about the piston slap at start up and try to talk him down. :seesaw: if you want to. hope this helps. biggest things to look for is body flex.(and type of gaping) (dents on the quater panels is a sign of body flex) transmission stuff(listen and watch for grinding and shitty clutching) :) good luck.

Just curious, Shady Milkman do you own an LS car and where do you get all of your information from? (I am not putting you down or trying to offend you!) JUST CURIOUS

[shady milkman]

Just curious, Shady Milkman do you own an LS car and where do you get all of your information from? (I am not putting you down or trying to offend you!) JUST CURIOUS

i used to but then i had to sell it and get a grand am :( but i have always loved ls1s and for a long time i was just a member and listen to the seniors of this site and what they say. I am also the ls1 guru around here, and people come to me if they have questions about f-bodies and i've went with people looking for f-bodies. its fine. alot of people probbally just brush me off becuase of my age. but i know some stuff about the ls1s and f-bodies :yup:

[mystic-z]

well kage and i are like bros so i'll try to explain his post. he could be refering to 98's hard ass pcms. and the water pump (i think that or the fuel pump) tend to just magically die on 98s. not as much low end grunt in the 98s becuase of their big ass cams. and for the ss..maybe he was just referring to the single exhuast tip. but personally i love the 98s for insurance reasons and just becuase i like them. did i get it right kage? :hug:

What are the hard ass pcms?
I believe its the fuel pumps that have a problem from time to time, but I,m not sure if thats a 98 only thing ?
As for low end grunt; I've had everything from ls6 chevelle's,hemi cuda's,440-6's,boss429's,L78,L72,428cj,well you get the pic. big strong big blocks,And my 98-z is at least as much of a tire burner as those,dead stop with
a very mild converter,(max of 2400 stall,) absolutely
smokes the sticky soft compound tires, through 1st, second, + i bet if i short shifted 2nd while spinn ing hard,it would keep burning third Any more low end
would be useless, so dont be afraid of lack of low end on a 98. Unless there was a 98-99 cam change idon't know about,(which is possible) The only cam change I,ve heard of was in 01, Along with the intake (ls6 Intake i believe) + a better clutch.
I wouldn't be afraid of a 98 Especially if the price is right. Basically the same 98-2000 maybe minor upgrades. If you can afford 2001 -02 I would say there is some worthwile upgrades that were made. but even then "Basically" same car. I drove an 01 z the same day that bought my 98, + there was no question I liked mine SOOO much better, but not really a fair comparison, the 01 was a bone stock, 273 gear car,
+ i didn't really want that color, + mine was the color combo,I wanted + had just the right amount of mods, + was $4000 less.
Iguess the moral of that story would be,If its the right car at the right price,grab it.The diff between the years is negligable, + price makes up for lack of the 01-02's small advantage, + as i recall price was a factor, or was that another thread, I've been babbling on for so long on this reply i forgot.

[NHRAMAN]

the '98 computer is different than '99-02.

[mystic-z]

Just looked in the 01 brochure,to read the comments on the upgrades. Here they be.

"One of the things the 2001 SS really has going for it is that we,ve changed the ls1 camshaft + Intake manifold to really fatten up the midrange torque- and the SS driver is going to feel that, especially in the 2000-5000 range." The same mods were done to the Z.
Ive never really been able to feel a difference between the years, I drove a m6 01 ss acouple of diff times before i bought mine,+ there is no question mine is faster then that one, but i do have a few mods also.
+ the ss was stock.

[mystic-z]

the '98 computer is different than '99-02.

Just for general knowledge, can you elaborate?
In what way is it diff?
Does it affect anything,?
Any problems?
Harder to work on?
Is it better or worse or of no consequence?

Thanks

[Y2KPewterSS]

The 98 LS1's have different heads for starters. They have the perimeter bolt valve covers instead of the center bolt that is the standard for all LS based motors now.

The knock sensors are different on 98s and a lil more difficult to come by.

The coolant sensor is also different and again, more difficult to find to replace.

The steering wheels in the 98s are different from the 99+.

I think the PCM is different from the 99+ as well, it might be the 98 & 99s are different from the 2000+ up though. I cant remember for sure when the change occured on the PCM.

I know there are more differences out there, these are just the ones I can recall off the top of my head at the moment. All this being said, none of them are anything that I would let prevent you from getting the car if it has a clean title(run a carfax on it) and is what you are wishing for. If possible, it would be a good idea to have the car looked over by a mechanic before you purchase it, I know this isn't always possible though. I would find out about maintenance schedule, what motor oil used, and drive it to see how the tranny/rearend acts. Good luck on the car, and hopefully it will be what you are wanting. :)

If you do purchase the car, will you be modding it, or keeping it close to stock?

[shady milkman]

its the 98 pcms that are diff then 99+. as others have posted there are differences. you feel more and have a lil more low end grunt with 99+ and even more with the 01+. man i'm not making this up mystic. i dont doubt you can burn the rubbers quicker then paris hilton. i personally love the 98 ls1s. but dont even waste time with a 3200- tc 3200 or higher is the only way to go. but once again the tc has nothing to do with the engine it self. the 01+ have the ls6 intake. i hope i answered all your questions

[KageSS]

Here's a link that will help you understand. I hope. :dunno: :D

http://www.lastofthebreed.com/ServiceInformation/FbodyDiff.htm

[mystic-z]

its the 98 pcms that are diff then 99+. as others have posted there are differences. you feel more and have a lil more low end grunt with 99+ and even more with the 01+. man i'm not making this up mystic. i dont doubt you can burn the rubbers quicker then paris hilton. i personally love the 98 ls1s. but dont even waste time with a 3200- tc 3200 or higher is the only way to go. but once again the tc has nothing to do with the engine it self. the 01+ have the ls6 intake. i hope i answered all your questions

If you can tell the diff in power between a 98 + a 99 then you are a better man then I. If there is any diff at all in power, It would be so small + trivial It wouldn't be of any importance, A diff tire height or air filter would counter it. And thats if any diff at all, the dyno #'s i posted on another thread from the july - GM High Tech Performance issue actually show 300 hp + 317 tq for a 98 m6 SS + 295 hp + 311 for the 99 m6 SS, so you could then say don't buy a 99 the 98's have more top end, The power is so close A strong 98 could make a little more or a little less , given any little circumstance.
The original thing that got this conversation going was someone said he wouldnt buy a 98, +to buy a99 or up, but then gave no reason why, so the why question was asked,hoping for some light to be shed, because it is actually a 98 he is going to look at + asked for help, some one else pointed out a couple little things that Might be harder to get maybe at a parts store, but wouldn't stop him from buying one, (good Info).
Now if someone said,yaeh! dont buy a 98 because the computer is different + is a piece of junk + has all
kinds of trouble, That also would be good info.
Dont buy a 98, with no reason why is not good info.
And a possible tiny bit of low end power in an already very torquey motor,that someone else,thought he might have meant,also would not be good reason to not buy the car he is going to look at which is a 98.
There are so many other variables to look at, like miles, condition,history,mods,etc. etc. 1.5 ftlb tq @ 1500 rpm when it was stock, doesn't figure into buy or not buy equation.
Now if someone said if you can afford the 01 + up Its got the zo6 intake,diff cam for extra midrange torque
+ an upgraded clutch setup. Valid point + good info.
On the torque converter thing: I know the tc has nothing to do with the actual motor output, my point was that even with my mild converter, the low end power was overpowering my tires to the extreme,so a possible ftlb or two extra would not matter at least
on launch. I think on AN 01-02 Which did get a new cam
+ intake which Chevy says "Fattens up the -Midrange Torque- in the 2000-5000 range could mke a difference,
I think it would be felt most on highway cruising loping along, step on the gas + it lobs you forward harder then an earlier one,not just highway but cruising in that torque range, but all out acceleration runs its hard to tell a diff.

As far as 3200 or HIGHER stall being the only way to go.
Not for me not on this car anyway,Its an every day driver, I've read other posts where people say it drives like stock until you boot it, Not true,yes you can drive it every day,But It will not want to begin to move + get up to speed with out stepping more on the gas + getting the rpm's up,causes heat,more engine noise especially with aftermarket exhaust, eats more fuel,etc. Even with my mild converter I feel it as i'm pulling away from a dead stop not bad but its there, prett much just right.I,ve had the 10 second cars + after taking them out for a blast, after a little while its nice to get in the maxima for everyday to +froms, And for now this is my maxima, nice + streetable but still runs 13.1 + shreads the tires when i want, What more would the 3200 give me on the street, nothing, make it spin even more under full throttle, + the other 99% of the time make it more uncomfortable. Even on the strip, which it may see Acouple times a year if at all.I,m not so sure a 3200+
stall is going to be better then what i've got, considering iv'e got a stock cam,(might even slow me down) certainly not enough to make me want to live with it on a daily basis.
Don't get me wrong I Love all out machines too,had 671 blown hemi's,383 vega's,etc.then got into buildng + supercharging the stangs, Had some REALLY nasty stuff but they get old real quick if you have to drive them all the time, this one is just right.
What I really want is a BONE STOCK ragtop SS m6 + a really built sreamer W/a high stall auto.
Ps. Still cracking up over the Ike + Tina things.

[KageSS]

Why are you taking this shit so personally mystic-z ? :rock:

[mystic-z]

After rereading that last novel (thread)
I need to clarify: I wasn't saying the 98 computer was junk and problem prone in 98's. I meant to say If they were, for example + somebody pointed that out, that would be good info, for someone going to look at one to buy.

[mystic-z]

Not personal at all.
I'm always afraid it will come across that way when I write something, but its really not personal or mad or anything like that, I think i try to explain a certain view or point too much sometimes, + it comes off that way. I should have reread that last one before i sent it, I probably would have edited it down a few chapters, Sorry got carried away,shorter posts from here on in.
This is my 1st message board. I'm a message board Newbie.

[mystic-z]

Here's a link that will help you understand. I hope. :dunno: :D

http://www.lastofthebreed.com/ServiceInformation/FbodyDiff.htm

Thats a great link, I love data + info like that.
Great info!

[SpeedAddict38]

Not personal at all.
I'm always afraid it will come across that way when I write something, but its really not personal or mad or anything like that, I think i try to explain a certain view or point too much sometimes, + it comes off that way. I should have reread that last one before i sent it, I probably would have edited it down a few chapters, Sorry got carried away,shorter posts from here on in.
This is my 1st message board. I'm a message board Newbie.

u r fine. great info :yup:

[chukb]

Here's a link that will help you understand. I hope. :dunno: :D

http://www.lastofthebreed.com/ServiceInformation/FbodyDiff.htm

thanks. being the noob that I am, I just learned a lot from that link. Is it 100% correct?

[9t8z28]

i used to but then i had to sell it and get a grand am :( but i have always loved ls1s and for a long time i was just a member and listen to the seniors of this site and what they say. I am also the ls1 guru around here, and people come to me if they have questions about f-bodies and i've went with people looking for f-bodies. its fine. alot of people probbally just brush me off becuase of my age. but i know some stuff about the ls1s and f-bodies :yup:

AWESOME!

[SSPORT]

Make sure that the doors align correctly and straight with the front quarter panels. alot of people jack the cars up improperly and bend the body lips where the front quarter meets the frame body lip. this causes cracking and bending of that body lip intern screwing up the alignment of that panel against the door panel.


You're so right about that -- I just did it to my own car a couple of weeks ago while changing a flat in a parking lot (I had to use the stock vehicle jack rather than my floor jack, and with the SLP SFCs installed, I couldn't get a good grip on the stock jacking point. !

[KageSS]

Here's more info.

Good Luck.

http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213148&page=6&pp=10

[COYOTE SS]

Make sure that the doors align correctly and straight with the front quarter panels. alot of people jack the cars up improperly and bend the body lips where the front quarter meets the frame body lip. this causes cracking and bending of that body lip intern screwing up the alignment of that panel against the door panel.

It is not always caused from jacking them up. I've had the car since new and they have never lined up, Had a body shop line them up and shortly after they were back to normal. The car has always been put on a drive on lift or a four point lift.

[02 WS6 TA]

Buy the '98 If it's a good car, and don't get too caught up on the little stuff.

[conny9784]

It is not always caused from jacking them up. I've had the car since new and they have never lined up, Had a body shop line them up and shortly after they were back to normal. The car has always been put on a drive on lift or a four point lift.

They slammed those cars out of the factory, not every car's panels lined up perfectly but almost every camaro i've owned and seen has been jacked up improperly in some way

[SPECOPS94]

Piston slap... Here's your answer....
http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?p=466187#post466187

[shady milkman]

Piston slap... Here's your answer....
http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?p=466187#post466187

:thinkin: didnt i already explain it?

[minameisricky]

I called the guy the day before we were supposed to meet and explained to him that I didn't want to waste anybody's time (he had to drive close to 150 miles to meet me). He said I missed him when he was out in vegas looking at a "drag car". That kind of told me he beat on the car plus he wouldn't budge too much from his $10900. There will be others I guess. Thanks for all your help, I feel like i might actually know what I'm looking for on LS1's now when I am shopping for my SS.

[chukb]

I just missed a mint 100% stock pewter/black leather 6 speed 02 z28 with 10k miles at the local chevy dealer for $15,500.:dunno:
that was a good deal, right? almost a car to buy and leave alone as an investment, no?