Engine

**Arrison24** · 04-13-2007, 05:11 AM

whats the best/easiest engine to put in a 98 trans am
and is there any that would pretty much fit right in

**third_shift|studios** · 04-13-2007, 05:27 AM

an ls1, but some times you can find a car with one allready

**98formy** · 04-13-2007, 08:14 AM

Why do you want to change the engine, or are you thinking like an ls6 or something?

**sirenformula350** · 04-13-2007, 08:45 AM

I read in GM high tech they put an LS7 in a Camaro. That sounds like the way to go to me

well assuming the engine you have is no good. If its still good there is no reason to change it. The LS1 is an awesome engine.

If anyone else is interested in reading about it you could find it in the GM High-Tech Performance magazine the February 2007 edition Volume 13 NO. 2

**bigboykilroy** · 04-13-2007, 08:59 AM

ImportKiller24 - I have a 98 firebird that originally came with a 3800 II V6 in it. I have since swapped out the engine/trans for a 98 LS1. If you need help or want to know more about the swap PM me, I got lots of pics during the process. The 98 is a very special year. You cannot easily (though it can be done) put a 99-02 engine into the car without more work than the 98 swap will be. The 98 swap is still work, but putting a 99-02 ls1 is more work. I bought my 98 when I was 20 years old. With 2,000 miles on it. I did not want to give her up. She was always a good car to me (and paid for) I knew her history, so instead of selling her and buying one with an ls1 already in it, I decided I wanted to try to do something most opt not to do. It was difficult researching the different parts, what ones I would need, ones I could re-use, but after it was all done its great. I still have my baby just with more pep. Also it was a blast to do. It’s not cheap either @$4,000.00 in parts, engine, trans, wire harness, cluster etc and other misc stuff, that breaks and just needs updates.

**Arrison24** · 04-14-2007, 04:20 AM

well i have a piston tapping in my engine right now so knowing they would have to take my engine out to fix it, the thought of putting in a different one has crossed my mind. if [and this is most likely] i keep my engine and just get it fixed is there anything special i should get done to it in this process?

**bigboykilroy** · 04-14-2007, 05:51 AM

I missunderstood, I didnt think you had a ls1. But thats cool. The 98 LS1 really dont have that much meat between the cyl walls to bore it out more. I think that max on a 98 ls1 block you can go is .0040 but 99 and up allows for .010. I do believe that you can use a 99-02 bare block ls1 or ls6 and bolt up all your stuff to it. you have to use the 98 style connectors for the sensors, and the 99-02 block does give you more room to bore it out.

**Arrison24** · 04-14-2007, 06:21 AM

yea all trans ams '98-'02 are built with an LS1

**Mr. Luos** · 04-14-2007, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by sirenformula350

I read in GM high tech they put an LS7 in a Camaro. That sounds like the way to go to me

Not exactly the best way to make power though.
Remember, a lot of what makes that LS7 so mean is the light Corvette it is in. Don't get me wrong, it is flat out a badass performer. 427 cubes that lays down 450 RWHP bone stock in the Corvette.

But 450 RWHP isn't nearly as fast in a car 500 pounds heavier.
And the LS7 is a very expensive motor.