HEy, im thinking of getting a trans am but cant decide between a 01’ or 02’. what are the differences if any, and why should i pick one over the other.
01-02 nothin major in difference… just try to stear way of the 98-00 because of the piston ring problems that they have. i got a 99 and its starting to smoke in the high RPM range. but its still a good runner.
nothing,o2’s may be worth more in time
if i was mistaken the t56 were better in one year
both are the same just dont buy a silver 00 ta w/ a dent near the spare tire well 
There is no known piston ring issue that spans '98-00. The '01 LS6 had issues though.
Any LS1 Fbody has equal potential with a few exceptions. The '98 to early '99 block has thinner cylinder liners and can’t be bored. Overall those blocks are considered weaker. They’re not an issue at all for a bolt-on car but if you plan forced induction or a serious motor build you’d want to use the later blocks. '01-02 you got the LS6 intake, but big whoop it’s a cheap/easy swap.
-TJ
no differance that i know of but i think 02’s are freaks, they always seem to run better et’s stock
here is a good link i found for the differences
Damn, that 01-02 link was detailed… bad ass.
02 are freaks and brandon aeroking got a great clean ws6 for sale
I say if you are getting 01 or 02 for sure then just get the best one you can find and not worry about the year. If you do find 2 one a 01 and the other an 02 and they are the same condition wise, ect and price then get the 02.
i seen some 5.3 & 6.0’s come with an oil ring missing!