New to the Lt1 world!

**Transam97** · 08-05-2011, 09:58 AM

Hello all I recently have been hit by the hot rod bug so to speak lol. My uncle has always been into fast vehicles and owns 95 Z28 and 00 Vet and im always constantly bugging asking questions etc. So finally I came across a great deal on a 97 trans-am and just could not pass it up. Any advice and tips on maintaining my vehicle I would def appreciate to prolong the life of it. I do not plan on racing but eventually may take it out to the strip as I learn more. Luckily my uncles Z28 has the same motor so he has been a huge help. It has 80,000 miles the body is in near ment condition inside has small wear on the leather seats but it is 13 years old but you wont notice unless your really trying to find it. T-top is in great conditon rubber around it is firm and does not look worn, doors shut with a simple touch, sound system is working strong and the factory 12 disc cd changer still works everything else looks practically brand new. Engine run's great no smoking no stalling the repairs I have had to make so far have been new exaust pipes which is being done today. Next is a new AC compressor and my right side drivers window other than that everything else is great. I will get some pic's uploaded.

Thanks John in Tx.

**huskv** · 08-05-2011, 11:39 AM

Welcome to the site!

**Transam97** · 08-05-2011, 11:43 AM

Thank you really appreciate it.

**KahanaReef** · 08-05-2011, 01:38 PM

Welcome to the site, John! Sounds like a great find. Looking forward to the pictures

**Transam97** · 08-05-2011, 01:42 PM

Thank you I'll get those up ASAP.

**pajeff02** · 08-05-2011, 03:07 PM

Welcome! The LT1 is no different from any other engine -- routine maintenance is a must. Regular oil changes, quality filters, flushing the cooling system, and replacing the hoses, belts, plugs, wires, and, of course, the dreaded Opti swap are all part of the routine.

**Transam97** · 08-05-2011, 06:11 PM

Do you wait for the opti to start causing problems or should you swap it out? I'm getting my compressor fixed next week so im curious should I ask them to possibly do those things now? And if so about how much normally is the labor cost?

**Edward-T** · 08-06-2011, 05:47 AM

if its not broke, leave it alone, lol...trust me with the LT1 you wont have to wait long to swap it, otherwise those are some strong motors. welcome to the site by the way!