1998-2002 Trans Am Problem Areas?
 

Hey guys, currently looking to buy to 98-02 T/A WS6. I plan on purchasing within the remainder of this year, and am going to check out a few cars later on this week. All the cars I am interested in have about 80,000 miles and up. The reason being is that these cars are cheaper, and I want something I can use daily. Does anyone know what specific places I should check on these cars? I know cars pretty well, so I have all the basics covered, but are there any certain leaks or mishaps the LS1 has in particular? Also the car will be a 6 speed, I have heard mixed reviews about them, do they have any typical problems? I also heard that the 01 & 02's are better because the intakes are different, could someone explain this a little more in depth for me, is it actually worth overlooking a 98-00 for this difference? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
-Vinny

The 01/02 Models came from the factory with the LS6 style intake, better flowing exhuast manifolds and "241" head castings whcih do flow better.

The rears are "glass" rears, 6 speed cars to have a tendancy to hurt them more so then auto cars.

Check for maintiance records, piston slap on startup...

Good luck!

98's had weak rod bolts and limited PCM tuning compared to 99+ newer.

yeah 98's like to blow up, it happened to me at 56,000 miles. rod bolt/oil pump issues.

late 2000-2002 came with LS6 intake which normally go for $300-350 online

they also had the 241 casting heads, which flow a little bit better

01-02 also have the updated slave cylinder (if its a 6spd car)

01-02 steel 3-4 shift fork less likely to bend (6spd car)

the 10bolt rears are a ticking time bomb when u go to the track or race with DR's, i went thru 3 of them

i believe the differentials are different as well, i know my 98 had an auburn unit, while the newer ones had zexel-torsens. i blew the auburn diff in my car, and broke teeth off of my ring and pinion with the zexel torsen unit but did not break the diff.

I would avoid a 98 completely unless you find a killer deal, 01-02 are definitely the preferred years, but they are also usually priced higher.

What's your budget?

- Justin

I'd like to spend no more than $9,000, I found a few so far, thanks for all the feedback so far.