1998 F-bodies?

[birdie2000]

So what's the deal with these? I'm completely new to LS1 cars, but I've always heard that the 98 cars weren't as desirable. Why is this? I know there are some differences in the computer, is it enough to steer clear of them? I plan to buy a stock LS1 car and boost the stock engine.

[c0ncEpT]

98 is kind of a bastard year. You will be limited to 14PSI if you boost it with the stock computer. If you have a competent tuner there are way around that tho

[birdie2000]

Good to know. Is there anything else that makes them undesirable? Is it possible/worth it to upgrade to a 99+ PCM?

[Boost Addict]

Aren't 98s known to stretch rod bolts?

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[landstuhltaylor]

Rod bolts are weaker and they have a steel fuel tank instead of plastic. It does have a working oil pressure gauge though.

[BP_Z28]

Bastard for sure. But I like my 98.. Especially the ticking sound now lol


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[1BADAIR]

Abs isn't tied with bcm, alternator is IP controlled, perimeter heads
, steel tank,
yes they can be switched to a 99 PCM by moving some pins in the PCM connectors

[birdie2000]

Abs isn't tied with bcm, alternator is IP controlled, perimeter heads
, steel tank,
yes they can be switched to a 99 PCM by moving some pins in the PCM connectors

Thanks!

Is the ABS or the alternator thing a bad thing? Is the block different on a 98 than 99+ because of head bolt pattern? I'm assuming the perimeter bolt heads don't seal as well under boost?

[c0ncEpT]

Perimeter vs center is just referring to the valve cover bolt pattern. 97-98 had perimeter bolt. If you ever want to upgrade heads you'll need to buy valve covers also.

[DETROITMUSCLE]

block is the same, the perimeter bolts just refer to how the valvecovers attach to the heads, they are def uglier.

[1BADAIR]

abs isnt a bad thing. The others have abs, brake and service vehicle lights if you remove it. 98 you just ground a wire to turn it off

[Superman09]

Jim, from the sounds of your goals I wouldn't pass up a nice clean 98'. That being said, the 99's have a few items that are a little more sought after. The biggest in my eyes is if your goals are to eventually at some point make a lot of boost, starting with a 99+ will make life easier down the road as it isn't a simple plug n play swap to a 99+ computer.

[c0ncEpT]

Basically unless your getting the 98 for dirty cheap just nab a 99+ car.

[birdie2000]

Alrighty, cool. Thanks guys!

[nascarnate326]

If your going to go that far just get a 01/02 so that you get the better black interior and the LS6 intake.