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10-26-2008, 06:01 AM
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#1
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 8
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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
Last edited by WhiteKnight; 10-26-2008 at 06:04 AM.
Reason: Add more
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10-26-2008, 07:33 AM
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#2
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11 Second Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Edison, NJ
Posts: 4,619
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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!
__________________
1999 Z28 Convertible. 6 speed swap, wide cowl hood, full hockey stripes, and a whining 10 bolt.
2008 Sierra Vortec Max. 6.2 swapped, headers, Magnaflow catback, GMPP CAI, NHT optioned tow package.
2006 GTO, 11.48 @ 118.3
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10-26-2008, 09:28 AM
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#3
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12 Second Club
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,923
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98's had weak rod bolts and limited PCM tuning compared to 99+ newer.
__________________
2016 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4
2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder
2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition
1999 Trans Am WS6
2000 Trans Am WS6
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10-26-2008, 02:59 PM
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#4
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10 Second Club; Has fan club
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Delmont nj
Posts: 4,369
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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.
__________________
01' Z06 62k miles. Vararam, Longtubes, off road xpipe, tuned by me. Times TBA
2001 Corvette, Bolt ons , tuned 10.75@124.56 mph 1.38 60' Sold
1997 Saturn Sc1 5spd DOHC swapped
Bolt ons, decked head, stock intake cam on exhaust side, lotsa weight redux
13.22@102.32 mph 1.93 60'
12's on moda? One day
Last edited by 98tadriver; 10-26-2008 at 03:00 PM.
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10-26-2008, 04:47 PM
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#5
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Co-Founder / Site Admin
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ewing, NJ
Posts: 22,473
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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
__________________
1999 Camry - Beigemobile DD
2002 Suburban - Wife's DD
2004 Grand Cherokee - Not running / Project / Selling?
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10-26-2008, 08:19 PM
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#6
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 8
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I'd like to spend no more than $9,000, I found a few so far, thanks for all the feedback so far.
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