1997 camaro

[elliottw]

<a href="http://s703.photobucket.com/albums/ww32/elliottw/?action=view&current=z28.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww32/elliottw/z28.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> This one has an ls1 6spd but its $9500 and theres no way I could afford that. The reason I want a newer car(newer than 89 is what i consider new) Is that I want a car that will start every time I turn the key and that has good power. But if lt1s arent that dependible ill keep fishing for the elusive 98 chevy with the 5.7 vortec and 5spd.

 

[Blake442]

LT1's are phenomenally reliable engines with a few small quirks.
By '95, they added a vent/weep hole to the Opti-spark unit, which helped prevent the build up of moisture inside them which is what kills them. Either way, rebuilt pieces are now available for cheaper than a brand new GM piece in case it comes to that.
And yes, beware of leaky rear intake manifold seals, as well as the rear-most exhaust manifold bolts like to shake loose.
The Opti-spark in my '96 Caprice was SOAKED in anti-freeze when my water pump cam-drive seal failed, and I've never had any problems, even after 119K miles. Maybe I just got lucky.
I say go for it, just don't be too rough on the 4L60-E, they don't like hard down shifting.

 

[elliottw]

Yea i want to take it for a test drive but i kinda have high standards. Is the mileage high for an lt1? And how low would you guys go on the offer, cuz im not afraid to just walk away on it if hes a hardass on the price but i am pretty good at bartering and he seems eager enough.

 

[Blake442]

Mileage isn't high at all.

I know of several LT1's that are well past 200K and still running strong.

There are quite a few people on impalassforum.com that pulled their LT1's apart for build ups past 150K, and they still had cross-hatch on the cylinder walls.

 

[CamaroAdam73]

Just my 2 cents man, you want a car that starts every time? Well whether the car is dependable or not doesn't matter on the model make or year, it depends on that car itself. My Monte carlo is an 88 with a basic Chevy 350, carbed, HEI ignition, and it starts every time.

4k for THAT car, is NOT a good deal. I'd tell him 3 or no go, and that picture you posted of the other camaro for 9.5k, you'd end up paying the difference in parts and labor to turn the one for 4k into something like that one.

I'd take brougham's advice, save up alittle more money and hold out for a LS1/ 6speed combo, or at least one of the two.

 

[elliottw]

Ok well if its possible ill take it for a test drive but it sounds like ill most likely keep searching for a pickup. Ill keep you guys updated.

 

[DRIVEN]

Is the mileage high for an lt1?

I swapped one into an El Camino that came from a taxi (ex cop car). Had over 225K on it. I replaced all the seals and gaskets except head gaskets. Put new plugs in it and it ran like a champ. Didn't tick, smoke, leak or burn any oil. Taxi maintenance guy I got it from said it was serviced religiously with synthetic fluids and was only pulled from service because the car was wrecked. Ask for maintenance records on that Camaro.

 

[elliottw]

Screw the camaro, the guy didn't return my phone calls so he must not need to sell it that bad, and I need a truck more anyways so thats what I gotta look for. Thanks for all the advice though and if I do go after another Fbody it'll be 98-02 with and LS1.