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  1. #1
    Member vannatte's Avatar
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    1998 Pontiac Trans Am A4

    Problems with 1998 LS1's?

    I've heard that there are problems (internal issues, etc) with the 1998 LS1's, is that true? I'm going to look at a high mileage 1998 T/A tomorrow and I want to know what I'm getting into. The 98 seems like a cheap way to get an LS1. From what I've read, the 98 has some advantages over some of the other years (28 lb injectors, smaller throttlebody cams for quicker WOT, a real water temp gauge, etc). Thanks.

  2. #2
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ATCharming's Avatar
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    2000 Camaro SS

    subscribed. id like to know also

  3. #3
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    artic white
    1998 Pontiac Trans Am

    I have a 98 with 107k and I haven't had any major issues at all. The problems I have had is the needle bearings fell out of 1 rocker arm, 1 bad o2 sensor, rear tranny seal, and pinion seal, but these problems are not year specific. I've heard 98s also have weaker rod bolts, but that has'nt slowed me down any. Alot depends on how the car has been taken care of. Do not be afraid of a 98.
    Suncoast Creations hood, p&p throttle body, LS6 intake, Dart 225cc 2.02/1.60 heads, TSP 233/239 cam, Hooker headers, 3" duals, Yank SY 4000 stall, LS6 oil pump, double roller timing chain, iridium plugs, Moser 12 bolt with 3.73 gears. Vizage body kit.
    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2658525

  4. #4
    Member vannatte's Avatar
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    1998 Pontiac Trans Am A4

    I expect some issues, but I just don't want any serious internal issues that could be avoided by getting a 99+. Maybe what I've heard is just B.S.

  5. #5
    Senior Member M-Ten's Avatar
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    1999 TA M6/03 GSXR 600

    i was actually going to make a post about this a few days ago.. from what i understand the 98 T/A had some issues with the block.. or something like that. i asked a few ppl on here and they confirmed it. not exactly sure what it was .. but it was something that was fixed in 99

  6. #6
    Member vannatte's Avatar
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    1998 Pontiac Trans Am A4

    I guess that's what I was referring to. I'd definantely like to know more about those issues.

  7. #7
    STAY PUFT thecorrectformula's Avatar
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    Navy Blue Metallic
    98 Formula

    Mine wasn't cause of the year but Mine had the valve keeper snap off so it dropped the valve into the engine and destroyed it. Got a new one. Could've happened to anyone though

  8. #8
    Senior Member M-Ten's Avatar
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    1999 TA M6/03 GSXR 600

    Quote Originally Posted by vannatte View Post
    I guess that's what I was referring to. I'd definantely like to know more about those issues.
    yeah not really sure but i guess it was some what serious you might just wanna skip that year totally lol.. i'm lookin for a 99 ++ T/A

  9. #9
    Member VTR99's Avatar
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    2002 TA WS6

    I've heard that there are problems (internal issues, etc) with the 1998 LS1's, is that true? I'm going to look at a high mileage 1998 T/A tomorrow and I want to know what I'm getting into. The 98 seems like a cheap way to get an LS1. From what I've read, the 98 has some advantages over some of the other years (28 lb injectors, smaller throttlebody cams for quicker WOT, a real water temp gauge, etc). Thanks.
    As many of these as I have seen with over 150k miles, I find it hard to believe there is anything worth worrying about.

  10. #10
    Senior Member M-Ten's Avatar
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    1999 TA M6/03 GSXR 600

    Quote Originally Posted by VTR99 View Post
    As many of these as I have seen with over 150k miles, I find it hard to believe there is anything worth worrying about.

    yeah well on the other hand they might have had them fixed the 150 thousand miles before you seen it

  11. #11
    Double Tap Heartbreak1's Avatar
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    Montego Blue
    '07 BMW 328Xi Coupe

    This should answer all your questions.
    http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showpo...80&postcount=2

  12. #12
    Member VTR99's Avatar
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    2002 TA WS6

    yeah well on the other hand they might have had them fixed the 150 thousand miles before you seen it
    I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 98' if the price was right. I haven't seen any evidence that they had any problems. About the only thing that bothers me is the single exhaust WS6 that year.

  13. #13
    Junior Member 02TransSD's Avatar
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    Burgandy
    2002 Pontiac Trans Am

    Quote Originally Posted by VTR99 View Post
    I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 98' if the price was right. I haven't seen any evidence that they had any problems. About the only thing that bothers me is the single exhaust WS6 that year.
    wow i didnt know that it was only a single exhaust. i was looking at a 98 ws6 at one point. glad i didnt go that route now i know that.

  14. #14
    Veteran 0rion's Avatar
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    98 Formula
    06 duramax

    98 > 99+

    The 98's don't have the windows in the mains, the 99+ have a better design in the back of the block for moving oil, and the rod bolts were upgraded twice after 98. That being said the 98's are still a pretty rock solid motor in my opinion. Lord knows I have 90k extremely hard miles on mine. It may spin a bearing tomorrow but for what I've put the car through I still got my moneys worth out of it. It helps if you keep up on maintenance, watch your oil level, and don't spin the motor real high. Do those things and you'll be more than happy with your 98.

  15. #15
    Senior Member M-Ten's Avatar
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    1999 TA M6/03 GSXR 600

    so they couldn't have a dual exhaust in 98?

  16. #16
    Veteran 0rion's Avatar
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    98 Formula
    06 duramax

    yes, the 98's can have the same exhaust set up that the other years have.

  17. #17
    Veteran 0rion's Avatar
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    98 Formula
    06 duramax

    another blatant pimp of my cam idle video

    98 with regular exhaust on it and 228 cam

  18. #18
    Senior Member M-Ten's Avatar
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    1999 TA M6/03 GSXR 600

    well somebody just said they had a single exhaust... and 99+ didn't.

  19. #19
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    04 GTO

    My 98 has 119,000 on it and the only major repair I had to do was to replace the clutch and I daily drive it and it runs great!!!

  20. #20
    Gearhead TransAmcoupe98's Avatar
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    gold
    1998 Trans Am Formula

    re

    The 98 had weaker rod bolts and typically hold about 450HP at the crank before they shit on you. The ws6's were the only ones that had a single exhaust. (OOTL) "One on the left". Nothing to be scared of considering that all of the LS1 years had fairly weak rod bolts. Just upgrade to ARP 2000 or if your looking for serious HP, L19's. You can get eagle forged rods with ARP 2000 rod bolts for 499.99. GOOD INVESTMENT

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