Im looking for some advice here guys. When I get back from Afghanistan next year Im either pulling and selling my All original 37k miles L98 350 auto and dropping in an LS for reliability and fuel economy. Or seriously upgrading the L98 which will probably reduce my mpg and and still not be totally reliable. Its going to be a daily driver. What do you guys think I can get for the L98? Is it even worth doing? I don't think the Iroc-Z is considered a classic yet so keeping it all original shouldn't be a big deal. Money isn't a real big issue either.

1989 Iroc-Z

 

If money isn't an issue, save the IROC you have right now in one piece, and buy a "shell" of an iroc that someone has took the engine and trans out of it. You can get the shell for 500-750, and drive the L98 car until the ls motor is complete in the new car. An original IROC (L98 car) with its original engine is worth 4-5k right now, and i've seen L98's go for $750, and the iroc "shells" go for the above price. Not really worth seperating the two IMHO

 

Keep 'er whole is my thought on the subject. Too many butchered cars out there IMHO, but I like them the way they were.

 

You're not going to get a huge increase in MPG with an automatic behind an LS1. Reliability isn't an issue provided you do things properly the first time and do your "insurance steps".. no different than anything else, really. If I were you, I'd keep the motor you have now and put money into upgrades.

 

My opinion, the l98 is worth nothing. If you like the car, keep the engine in the car, or if you decide to pull it, keep it to the side.

How about a mild build with a turbo or SC? keeping it mild will help the mileage, the turbo or S?C will be there for the added boost!

 

Just an opinion from someone who's done a few LSx swaps... you flat out cant beat them for power, reliability, and efficiency all in one semi-cost effective package

That being said, a 37k mile car is extremely uncommon. If it were mine, Id keep that gem stock and mod a roller or whatever else car you come across

 

Lol, its funny the reaction everytime someone questions on modding a clean original car.
So long as its not butchered and cut up, it can be returned to original at a later date, I just modded mine! Under 50k miles, original everything, and factory stock!
I hummned and hawed about keeping it prestine 'save it for the future' keep it original. Than i thought..... for who? The next guy that will buy it from me at a steal? Cars make lousy investments, I would never look at one for that purpose!

We dont know if we will wake up for tomorrow morning , let alone 10 years from now!

I vote for a lsx swap, with a turbo!

 

Well, not quite nothing, but close enough that on the scale of paying for the swap, about all that selling it will do for you is clear some floor space.

Either do the swap or don't, or sell the L98 or don't; but don't hallucinate that you're going to finance anything by the sale.

As far as "keep it original", nobody cares. Probably never will. These cars simply don't have "that kind" of value and never will. They didn't excite the public's imagination the way the old muscle cars did; culture had kind of moved on by then. I wouldn't let that fiction of your imagination enter into your decision-making as it will do nothing but distort you away from common sense.

 

That's actually what I was thinking, just didn't feel like typing it out I guess. I seriously doubt these cars will be worth anything because the time period wasn't anything spectacular or special. Part of why those older cars are worth more is because they were "in the good old days". The only things I associate the 80's with are Russian paranoia, Weekend at Bernies, Neon-colored clothes with stupid hair-do's, and a LOT of ugly cars.

Bottom line: who are you saving your car for? You bought it, so enjoy it.. or sell it to someone else who isn't afraid to.

 

Dude, keep the car intact.

 

My father thought the same thing in the early 80s about his 69 Camaro. We see what happened there.

Clean originals are starting to go for strong money on places like eBay. Frankly, ads on TGO seem to bring the least money. I'd leave it stock. I'm wrestling with the same idea with my 86 TA. Sure, its only an LB9, but its got32,000 miles and after paint, it will be a pristine, original car. A shame to cut it up, I think.

 

i personally would kill for an LS swap with 37k miles... wtf wouldnt... guys saying keep it stock, what are u 50 years old? relax its worth the same if not more with a LS in it IF PROPERLY DONE... go for the swap modding the L98 will leave your pocket empty and your heart wanting more... a bolt on LS is pretty much on par with a SC L98... SC the LS even 5.3 and your gonna smoke just about every SC L98 you come in contact with... my car is rust free with 115k miles my dad bought it new... i stripped it, put a 350 in it now im building a 383 and the only reason i didnt go LS was because i couldnt get the big chunk of change all at once