Is it worth the extra $ to get 01-02 rather then 98-00 WS6?

**5abi** · 07-26-2012, 01:05 PM

just wondering your thoughts on that?

my plan is to get one of those and keep it mostly stock except lower the front only, wheels and exhaust/intake and maybe electronic cutout.

**Too Fast** · 07-26-2012, 02:41 PM

Hard to say......it's mostly up to you. If you want a bit more power with the mods you say you will make, then yeah get one since it already has the intake done. From what I've learned, the aftermarket intakes for the LS1 don't really make much more power than the LS6 intake unless you are cammed/heads.

**FinZ28** · 07-26-2012, 03:10 PM

Biggest difference is that the 98-00 LS1 cars were equipped with EGR valves, while the 01-02 cars did not have EGR. The 01-02 cars got the LS6 intake from the ZO6, which was supposedly good for five extra horsepower. Those are the biggest differences that stick out in my mind, although I know there are others. All boils down to personal preference, and the best deal you can find.

**2002ssslp** · 07-26-2012, 03:48 PM

EGR and Intake is about it when you compare 98-00 and 01-02. I would look beyond those issues and get the better car. The overall condition and mileage will mean more then two items which can be changed on a Satrday afternoon.

***SMWS6TA*** · 07-27-2012, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by 2002ssslp

EGR and Intake is about it when you compare 98-00 and 01-02. I would look beyond those issues and get the better car. The overall condition and mileage will mean more then two items which can be changed on a Satrday afternoon.

In addition to this, I'll add that while the 98's and 99's have the odd quirks they also have positives over the other yrs to.

98's -

Some pros -Door panels don't crack unlike the following yrs, Sail panel doesn't get "chicken pocks" like the following yrs, only yr that has functioning gauges unlike the following yrs. Only year LS1 F-body to not contain the famous GM black box used in the event of an accident to record up to 5 seconds of pre-crash data.

Some negatives - 97-99's oil pumps had some quirks, 15.5* gal metal fuel tank vs 16.8 gal plastic tank,
(*- I call BS on that tank size, I've run my 98' dry and could only fill it to 14.3 gallons and that is with filling it up to the neck)

This thread has more details that should help you compare.
http://www.ls1.com/forums/f6/differe...y-years-27512/

IMHO, I'll take an older TA/Camaro that was taken care of well vs a newer one that was dogged out. For me when it comes to buying a used car, I look at the mileage but I use that as a gauge to how well the car was maintained. If I saw a car that had 30,000 miles but was on a second motor or transmission I'd be very skeptic vs one with 100,000 miles that was taken care of. When buying used you have to expect some unexpected issues that the seller didn't tell, hide, or lied to you.

- - - Updated - - -

In the end, it's what you want and plan to do. Find something that you like.

**lipsasaurus** · 07-29-2012, 03:55 AM

depends on the price really, you can get a fast intake for under 1k ported that is so if you find a 98 thats a great price go for it. or look for an 02 CETA

**98TransAmWs-6** · 07-29-2012, 04:27 AM

Me personally I will take having to deal with the negatives the 98s have over the negatives the other years have. I would much rather deal with a quirky oil pump which is easily replaced than getting cracks in my door panels or a bubbling sail panel. Just comes down to what you want. To me there isn't any reason to say away from the 98s. All the years have their own quirks.

***SMWS6TA*** · 07-29-2012, 08:32 PM

One more thing to add:

The difference between stock/WS6 package vs mild mods/fully built.

If you want a solid car and just want to do a few bolt on things then a WS6 car would be a good buy.

Now if you have plans for modding the hell out of it from the wheels up. Don't overlook stock TA's The extra $2000 you pay for a WS6 you can put $800 to a hood, and $1200 to parts that you'd replace anyways.

When I was shopping for mine I wanted a Firehawk, still want one, but I knew I wasn't going to stay with stock or simple bolt ons. So when I came across mine I was able to pick her up for much less and have put so much more into it. Once I get everything suspension and drive train done I'll turn my attention to the body. I am lucky because mine was baby so my paint and body is really good for a 14 yr old car.