1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 LS-1 from North America
Summary:
Excellent durability given high mileage and abuse
Faults:
Rotors constantly warped. After GM turned and replaced rotors as they felt fit, I replaced with cross drilled rotors, not to race, but to prevent warpage.
Pinion seal leak. Fixed twice at dealer, still leaks. Dealer replaced stock differential finally, made a mistake and replaced with the high performance differential, since it was an option I did not complain. The differential is making odd noises now, figure it is low fluid.
Power steering fluid is on low, no leaks noticed, have not diagnosed this.
Crap Goodyear tires made me wipe out a few times, replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport, night and day difference.
Drivers side mirror shakes since it was replaced by dealer, it was initially replaced as it stopped working (power mirror)
Replaced battery.
Belts squeal badly in high humidity.
I went camping and since this time, seem to have the "dead body" look. This is seen normally on older Camaros where the back sits so much lower than the front - as if you had a dead body in the trunk.
Dealer oil change produced a garage full of oil since they did not tighten the filter.
Something went wrong behind the radio with a connection to the headlights. The battery went dead, the headlight switch melted itself. It was night and I had no lights. I figured the part that was behind the radio was the auto-sensor (detects if it is dark out) which shorted somehow the headlight switch, once this melted, the whole car was without lights. No fuses blew though! Replaced under warranty, no problem since.
I forgot to lock down T-Roof, a $600 mistake.
Both front calipers have seized, replaced.
Front pads replaced twice.
General Comments:
All in all a good car. It still drives like it is brand new. Pending the constant rotor and rear differential problems. As with any GM cars, replacing with OEM equipment just leads to the same problems over, I suggest upgrading to racing equipment.
I drive this car year round, on winter tires and rims, have slid off the road and been winched out by tow trucks twice. The body still has no rust, and the car is no worse for wear having been thrown off the road in ice. With winter tires on, I have no problems driving around in most conditions, the icy days get me still.
I have high mileage on the car, and for that, I figure I have gotten a lot of mileage out of the car. The main problem has always been with the dealer. One charging me $1000+ for a new roof, another one (Pontiac) charged me $500 (+ taxes), it was easy to install myself. Dealers do make a big difference!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th July, 2003
16th Jul 2003, 21:10
Most of your problems are isolated incidents, I drive my LS1 like I stole it, and at all times I have at LEAST one pedal on the floor be it the gas clutch or brake. I have had no problems with my brakes, and as far as losing one of the t-tops, that's your own fault. I can understand complaining about the melted switch, but it's a 5 year old daily driver that's been ditched twice what can you expect. As far as I'm concerned American muscle is the ONLY way to go.