What is the difference between the 98 and newer f bodies motors?

**Lawnman** · 08-14-2006, 11:37 AM

I am new here so bear with me. Why does the 98 ss make less hp than the 99 and ups? Also what would be the best upgrade for a 98, cam, gears and heads or forced induction? Thanks.

**BlwnCamaro** · 08-14-2006, 01:52 PM

Power is about the same on 98 engines vs 01-02 models however the differences are that the o1 and o2 models got an ls6 intake, slightly larger cam, and some got a stronger ls6 style block. Heads and cam is a nice set up and you can see close to 500rwhp with the right set up, forced induction is really nice especially if your area has higher altitude, you can see 500rwhp on a stockish motor with low boost 6 pounds pump gas, 8 pounds with methanol injection. Boost must be kept kinda low considering the high compression of the ls1 (10/1) but with methanol you can boost more and still run pump gas with no detonation. You could also put on the truck heads that have bigger chambers 74cc and lower the compression therby allowing more boost on the stock motor. However there are limitations to the stock bottom end. Good luck

**Lawnman** · 08-14-2006, 03:41 PM

What cam and heads for a stock block and internals? It would still have to be streetable.

**BlwnCamaro** · 08-14-2006, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by jeff priest

What cam and heads for a stock block and internals? It would still have to be streetable.

Well the patriot stage two ls6 style heads are good heads for an ls1 and not a bad price either. If your budget is higher you could consider Air Flow Research. In regards to the cam that depends on what your idea of streetable is. With the right computer tune you can run some pretty big cams in an ls1 including the tsp magic stick 3 or 4,Magic Stick V.4 239/242, .649"/.609" Camshaft With Your Choice of Lobe Seperation (111 LSA Standard). On the more conservative side people run comp cams with a duration in the 224 to 232 range at .050 and lift in the range of .550 to .581 with lob separations ranging from 110-114. Any of the cams in this range of specs are all pretty good choices with good street manners and solid power curves throughout the range. However the magic stick cam is pretty radical cam but can see some pretty high peak numbers and has a solid curve, especially when you match with the right heads and exaust and tune. Just make sure you have good matching high lift valve springs and hardened push rods also. They also make better roller lifters but they will cost you.

**Lawnman** · 08-14-2006, 04:43 PM

I should say streetable to me is anything that is street legal.
I should also say that I would like to have a low 12 second car on drag radials. I would also like to keep all the factory creature comforts working properly. Thanks for any help.

**Hurley711** · 08-14-2006, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by BlwnCamaro

Well the patriot stage two ls6 style heads are good heads for an ls1 and not a bad price either. If your budget is higher you could consider Air Flow Research. In regards to the cam that depends on what your idea of streetable is. With the right computer tune you can run some pretty big cams in an ls1 including the tsp magic stick 3 or 4,Magic Stick V.4 239/242, .649"/.609" Camshaft With Your Choice of Lobe Seperation (111 LSA Standard). On the more conservative side people run comp cams with a duration in the 224 to 232 range at .050 and lift in the range of .550 to .581 with lob separations ranging from 110-114. Any of the cams in this range of specs are all pretty good choices with good street manners and solid power curves throughout the range. However the magic stick cam is pretty radical cam but can see some pretty high peak numbers and has a solid curve, especially when you match with the right heads and exaust and tune. Just make sure you have good matching high lift valve springs and hardened push rods also. They also make better roller lifters but they will cost you.

Where can you get the Patriot heads and for how much?

**Danger731** · 08-15-2006, 05:01 AM

Do they smog in Ohio ?

**greatwhitess** · 08-15-2006, 05:35 AM

Be careful going FI on a stock bottom end 98. Most builders will tell you to replace the rod bolts at a minimum.
From 2000 on they have the upgrade rod bolts so this less of a problem for them.
Also the 01-02 models had a slightly smaller cam and smaller injectors than the 98-99 models.

As for the patriot heads I have a set of them and they are definitely a good head for the $. There are better out there but you will also pay upwards of $2400 for a set . Here is the link to there site http://sites.reachtheworld.tv/waterN...05234&DID=1225

Is your car an auto or 6 spd. Get a torque converter for an auto or gears for the 6spd. and you will see a major difference in performance.

I have a 236/238 .605/.609 cam and 4.10 gears in my 6spd. and I think it is very streetable, yet it still is good for mid 11's at the track.

**Lawnman** · 08-15-2006, 09:50 AM

No smog tests where I am at { central Ohio}. Their might be smog tests around Cleveland, but I am not 100% sure.

**BlwnCamaro** · 08-15-2006, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by Hurley711

Where can you get the Patriot heads and for how much?

Patriot heads ls6 style stage II or III heads sell for $1195 fully assembled from patriot performance. That makes them a pretty good deal plus they flow 310cfm.

**CandyRedZ28** · 08-15-2006, 09:23 PM

who in the hell really thinks that the 99 and up makes more hp than the 98's especially the 99-00 which I think they are the weakest of all f-bodys since they have smaller injectors. Yall people got to realize that they are about the same and stop thinking a 98 wont beat a later f-body just because of an intake. So if u think your 98 SS is weaker than the later f-bodys then just get the ls6 intake and for sure youll beat the later f-bodys.

**1fastcamarosss11** · 08-15-2006, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by jeff priest

No smog tests where I am at { central Ohio}. Their might be smog tests around Cleveland, but I am not 100% sure.

yes up here they do. i a selling some heads and cam that got me to 12.59 with ls6 intake. and 2,800 stall. it could be low 12's easy with a good tune. the guy who had it before had a mail in tune. get a better cam and be in the 11's all day. pm me and look for the parts in the for sale section. if interested we can meet half way 1 hour each.

**Nitrous** · 08-16-2006, 02:51 AM

[QUOTE=BlwnCamaro;366399]Power is about the same on 98 engines vs 01-02 models however the differences are that the o1 and o2 models got an ls6 intake, slightly larger cam, and some got a stronger ls6 style block.

Actually the stock cam is smaller in the 01-02's. I've got 2 of my old 02 cams and they have less duration and lift.

1998 - 2000 Fbody
202/210 int/exh @ 0.05" duration
0.496" / 0.496" int/exh lift
116 LSA

2001 - 2002 Fbody
197/207 int/exh @ 0.05" duration
0.467" / 0.479" int/exh lift
116 LSA