The Camaro Club (UK)

Hi All,

Just joined and I'm looking to get either a z28 or an SS within a few weeks.
I tried to use the search function but I couldn't find a general thread so I thought I'd ask.

Can people give me a few tips of what to look out for when viewing the 5.7's and not the v6's.
Also any tips about Camaros in general.

Thanks guys

LS1 or LT1 V8?

Hi

Not sure if there is a simple answer. Due to availabilty, you may find that you don't have many to choose from. 5.7's are popular and you don't see that many ads for them. A fair number of 3.8s about but you have gone passed that decison by the sound of of it.

As for whether you go for LS1 or LT1 may again be driven by what you see available. There are a couple of LS1 versions in the small adds at the moment.

I got the LS1 at a low mileage and its a joy to drive. As for mechanical stuff, I'm sure someone will help out on the forum

Welcome to the Club and the forum.

Hi guys,

Thanks for the welcome

I have seen 1 LS1 and 1 LT1 so far, both very nice and I am lining up seeing another LT1 tomorrow. I have heard that the LT1 is easier to work on doing maintenance etc but the LS1 might have slightly more overall performance (not sure if either of those are true).

Yes I suppose my question was quite difficult to answer. I have been a fan of Camaro's for a long time now but I couldn't do anything about it but now I have a new job I decided to treat myself finally

Its a very interesting process for me buying a car as each one I see has got some very good points and then other points that I would change ideally and the perfect car is a combination of ones I have seen or heard about. I have only been to see 2 so far so I am being patient and looking around at all the options, I am in no real rush to buy but relatively soon would be nice.

I guess I am just looking for general tips about what the do's and don'ts could be when looking at the cars

Ie. the gearbox shouldn't clunk when changing gears, do rev the car up to the limit when stationary and see if it returns to smooth.
warning lights etc,
I think the good thing about these kinds of cars and the owners are that they will probably have been looked after quite well with regular oil changes and maintenance etc, not like some smaller cars with smaller engines that it seems the bonnet is never even opened let alone any work done on it.

I will be asking some more specific questions I am sure very soon so look out for them.

Thanks guys

I guess that really the LS1 is the one to go for if you can afford it.

It's lighter than the LT1. All alloy block instead of cast iron with alloy heads on the LT1.

Better brakes on the LS1. Lightened prop shaft. No stupid Optispark. More power, 20 ish brake.

However I've never heard a LS1 that sounds as good as my LT1!

If your looking at LT1's try and look and 1995 and later, they upped the power from 275bhp to 285bhp and changed from OBI to OBII.

If I was buying another gen 4, I would go for a late model LS1 SS. Hard to find though.

Good luck!

Hiya,

All very good points so thank you for that, I will certainly keep them in mind!
Yes I am very excited about seeing the different cars and although I am sure I would be happy with most of the models for sale I just feel I'd be kicking myself if I didn't get the perfect one if there was such a car available.

Anything else you can think of as to the differences between the years and the LT1 and the LS1 then please let me know


Thanks

The other thing to look out for is there are UK(european) spec and US spec.

The UK ones have the long normal UK number plates, Fog lights built into the rear bumper, different wing mirrors and slightly different order of buttons on the dash. The UK ones also tend to have smaller tyres. The UK wing mirrors are foldable, the US ones look stronger and mould more into the lines of the vehicle.

The US ones I believe have slightly more HP (around 5 more).

If prefer the look of the US spec ones but again am biased but thought I would mention it.

Its the same with the corvettes.

Also if going for the Z28 then ensure that the brakes have been upgraded. The standard ones are not really good enough for the weight and speed they are capable of.

Thanks all,

That is really good advice and hopefully I will be able to say "ta dah!!!, this is mine" officially on the forum


Thanks again

well ls1 are probably the best engine , provided you like the updated camaro front end exterior wise.

I know of a couple of ls1 for sale, one red one teal blue. both auto.

generally auto are cheaper than manual due to rareity.

give the car a quick rev when stationaty, (in neutral) but not to limit, you can tell it should feel smooth. Check gearbox (on auto) changes nice and smooth but definitly engages and doesnt hesitate or slip for ages.

Check for history, you'd be supprised there are still people who drive about and dont open the hood. Check oil to see if it's clean and full. Make sure electrics works, windows are notoriously bad, but can be sorted with a motor for £40 + fitting.

LS1 are easier to tweak later, if youre after a bit more umph.

Have a drive, theydo 'wollow' a bit in standard form but check for knocks and bands and very bad, noticable diff whine at in all conditions , accel, coast, cruise and decel.

PM me if you have any more questions

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'99 Z28 A4, 253 LS2 heads, 228R TSP cam, Patriol Dual Springs, Double roller timing chain, LS6 ported oil pump, OBX LTs, 3" True Duals, LS6 intake, 42lb/hr injectors, SLP lid + bellow, EFIlive COS 3 Speed Denisty Tune (self tuned), 3200 Circle D stall, CAI mod, KYB AGXs, Eibach Pro Front Springs, UMI panhard, LCA + Brackets, Strut Brace, Custom Subframe connectors, WS6 axle with 3.42s, 18" American Racing Rebels, US mirrors, 93 tail lights, 3.5 inch custom cowl hood. Mickey T's Street DRs on Vette-ZR1 wheels for the strip !
Best ET: 12.0 @ 116 mph (on a 0-60ft of 1.8 s)

If you are looking at mods dont get the 1998 LS1 the ECU is crap and doesnt have nearly as many features.

Any 99+ LS1 is good. Manual is best
I have an auto

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1999 Z28 Camaro TT, A4, Borla, BBK, LS6, Comp LSR, Efilive COS5 - 2007 VXR8 Darton, Comp, Callies, Diamond, DiFilippo