i was looking to buy an LT1, but now it looks like i may have a chance at getting a '98 LS1...i know the common problems with these are oil consumption and piston slap. the particular one im looking at has 92K miles, and looks to be in real good shape. is 98 a year to stay away from, or if it seems to run good and be in good shape then can i assume it should be safe to buy? basically, am i better off buying a 97 LT1 or a 98 LS1 from a reliability stand point? (from a performance stand point i think the choice is obvious)

 

http://web.archive.org/web/200112181...regg/gmsi.html


I think the 98's were the ones that had potential oil pump problems, but if this guy made it to 92K I'd say that issue never cropped up.

I also thought that the slap issue was in later cars, not the early ones.

You would have the larger injectors ,and a working temp gauge - good things.


And, no opti ala the LT1.



Britt

 

agree with the above.

i think you'll be good to go...there are small things for each year that could be potential problems.

i say go for what you like better (car exterior style) and what you can afford. both will be good performers.

 

Just the fact that you don't have to worry about the Opti can easily offset the problems of the LS1.

Go for it. Then mod the heck out of it.

 

I'd look at mileage factors, what can you get the cars for (price and mileage of both) and which do you like the looks of better. Performance wise the LS1 would win stock but theres a huge aftermarket for both cars so they can be equally as fast.

 

Oil pump is a cinch to replace, if you're handy with hand tools. That was a known issue, but still a fairly uncommon case. Most of the piston slap problems were from 2000 up I believe. The larger injectors, and more aggressive cam is a plus with the '98. Put an ls-6 intake on there and you're ready for some fun. There's also a tad more working room with the LS-1s, not much, but every little bit helps when we're talking fractions of an inch toward completing a header install.

 

thanks for all the input...hopefully my car will sell so i can get the LS1.

 

i'll agree with the above. a lot of people are afraid of 98s because of 1st year reliability issues but they actually have some nice features...

 

97 'vettes had the first year.

 

lol yes, i know that....i meant in f-bodies.

 

We have a 98 SS and it has been dead reliable for almost 28,000 miles except for the junk coolant level sensor.

 

Where is the oil pump and how do you replace it?