I am in the market of buying a newer trans am. I have decided I do want to get a LS1 powered trans am. Originally I was going to pick up a LT1 but decided I want to get the LS1 powered pontiac.
This is what I am looking for, one with 50k or less miles, non modified and I would prefer a stick not automatic.
What pros and cons do you guys who have owned or own have about the Trans Am? Is there anything I should look for when buying them that doesnt really stick out to a typical buyer?
I am looking for a 2000-2001, how were these years?
Well as stated i wouldn’t worry about mileage so much. LZ’s old one still has about 117k if i recall correctly and runs well. Things to look at: cracked door panels, cracked dashpads, rust forming in front of the rear wheels on the lower quarter, if it’s a 6 speed feel out the clutch pedal, hydraulics could suck but if you get an 01-02 they have better hydraulics. you can look for rubber in the rear wheel wells to tell if it’s been beat. On the test drive listen for the rear end to make any noises, the rears are our weak point. Other than that make sure general maintenance has been done and look for obvious signs of lack of maintenance (old oil filter, fluid leaks, pull the rad cap and see if the coolant is still orange and not sludgy).
no optispark. lt1 was more like the gen 1 i thought. i say go for the 6speed if you cant find it, and i believe you could order these with the “performance” option for the rears which had a zexel locker unit. check the codes when your looking at them, might have it.
The LTx motors are based on the old SBC designs; the LSx motors are from a fresh sheet of paper.
The plastic intakes are fine for a stock car; if you’re modding it, then that’s a different story, but plastic/composite actually does a better job of keeping the intake air cooler.
LS1’s are underrated, they all make 345hp if not more(factory freak) I bought my car 2years ago and put almost 20,000miles i drove down to florida and got back got 27mpg highway with ac on. cant beat a LS1 for the money!
Been sniffing around myself for a red 01 or 02 WS6 or clean 30th to keep me happy until they decide to make a new Z-28(hopefully a conv if made) if anyone knows of one for a good price.Must be red or black if 01-02.Mods are very welcome if done right
I would say 01-02 for sure. Miles isn’t too big of a deal as long as taken care of, I had a 02 with 147k, ran nitrous and ran 10s with a stock drivetrain :tup:
Just keep an eye out for one that hasn’t been abused and you should be fine. Can’t think of any other problems really.
