[Tommy R]

Hey you all,

I'm looking for information on 4th Gen F-bodies. Specifically, I'm interested in the diff options, gearing differences (rear end and tranny), 1LE vs. base model specs, and any other differences from model year to model year.

For example, I know the '93s are speed density, not mass air. Are there any differences there from a performance or maintenance standpoint? The '93s also had a slightly different T-56 tranny, as I understand it. Were '93 and '94 models not available with 3.42 rear gears? Would a 150 mph speedo indicate that the car has 3.42's? No governor? I remember my old roommate's '94 T/A didn't have the "GT" package and as a result had the 115mph speedo, governor, and maybe even 3.23 gears (instead of 3.42s).

I know in '96 they went OBD-II with dual cats. They're also rated at an insignificant 10 hp more than the '93-'95 models. Of course, in '98 the LS1 came out with much more power. However, the LT1s are obviously still very compeitive in F-Stock, despite the power deficit, iron block, and smaller front brakes. Any particular reason for this? Or are the right people just not running LS1's? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

So, needless to say, I'm intersted in LT1 vs. LS1 differences, too. But, I'll likely stay with the cheaper candidate, i.e. the LT1.

I should point out that I'd mainly be interested in F-Stock, so update/backdate concerns are of less importance. I'm not sure if/when I'd move to ESP.

Thanks in advance,
Tommy

[Soma07]

Tommy,

I recognize you from CC.com (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I am a frequent lurker/occasional poster there. A few months ago when I was semi-looking for an E36 you posted some good info so I wanted to try and return the favor.

A few random thoughts:

93's are the redheaded stepchild of the 4th Gen F-bodies but they don't differ from the other LT1s by that much and most of it is trivial crap. The brakes use different pads but they are really no better or worse than the 94+ cars. Sam probably knows better than I but I don't think its that big of a deal to find decent pads for them. I'm almost sure Hawk HPS & HP+ are available.

Don't sweat the timing chain, I just replaced mine at 190k and it really looked no worse than the new one.

Fit and finish is typical GM, in other words not that great. With nearly 200k and 11yrs on mine it has more squeeks and rattles than I would like but its far from falling apart. As long as you find a car that isn't beat to shit (which can be a challange) I don't think you'll have any problems.

Power steering pumps can and do die but its not that common. Mine will start to whine if I have to do more than 2 back to back runs or if its really hot outside. No damage so far but it does make a little fluid leak out of the resevior.

If I had my choice of a year to pick it would probably be a 95. It had the vented optispark (cheaper & supposedly more reliable) but not OBDII. That said I would probably buy the cleanest car you can find regardless of the year. IMO the differences from year to year are very minor when you consider the big picture.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!