5 Cars to Buy for LS Power on a Budget
If you are searching for your next LS-based project, this is the perfect article for you. Take a look at these early 00's LS classics, perfect for laying down some rubber at your next car meet.
06-07 Chevy Monte Carlo SS / Impala SS
Both the Monte Carlo SS, and Impala SS are some of the cheapest LS vehicles out there. You can pick up one of these for around $8-9k with roughly 70k miles. Unfortunately, it's difficult to find a low mileage example, as most of these have been well driven. Both are very similar platforms that contain a 303hp, and 323lb/ft torque LS4 engine. The Impala is the slightly faster of the two with a 0-60 time of 5.7s, while the Monte Carlo's 0-60 is about 6.3s. These two vehicles come standard with a 4-speed automatic and FWD. So don't expect to be doing doughnuts in either of them anytime soon.
98-02 Chevy Camaro Z28/SS
The 4th gen Camaro Z28/SS is a late 90's, early 00's, muscle classic, featuring one of the most aggressive body styles on this list. The difference between the Z28, and the SS, is that the SS has upgraded suspension, exhaust, intake, wheels, and much more. Both trim levels used a 5.7L LS1 engine, pushing about 320hp and 345lb/ft of torque. They are available in a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, or 6-speed manual, all in RWD. Despite the upgrades on the SS, both trims will run a similar 0-60 time of around 5.2s give or take. For an average example with around 50k miles, one of these bad boys will run you about $11-13k.
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04-06 Pontiac GTO
A rebadged Holden Monaro, the GTO is one of the more conservatively styled and fastest vehicles on this list, making it an excellent sleeper. In 2004, the GTO came with a 5.7-liter LS1 pushing about 350hp and 365lb/ft of torque. Subsequently, from 05-06, it came with a more powerful 6.0-liter LS2 which featured great power figures at 400hp and 400lb/ft of torque. It is available in a 6-speed manual option or a 4-speed automatic, both with RWD. The 0-60 time of a 06 GTO is a quick 4.6s. An average example of an 04-06 GTO with around 50k miles goes for about $15k.
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04-07 Cadillac CTS-V
The 1st gen CTS-V is an excellent choice for anybody looking for cheap LS power with a dash of luxury. Despite the poor handling, uninspiring cars coming off the line by '90s Cadillac, they had finally made something interesting in the new century. The CTS-V was one of the fastest production sedans in the world at the time. The 04-05 models came with a 5.7-liter LS6, and the 06-07 came with a 6.0-liter LS2. Both engines produced roughly 400hp and 395lb/ft of torque. A 6-speed manual and RWD comes standard in every 1st gen CTS-V. The 0-60 time is an unsuspecting 4.6s. Not quite your Grandpa's Caddy. An average example of the CTS-V with around 50k miles will go for about $18-20k as only about 10,000 were ever made.
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97-04 C5 Chevy Corvette Base Model
A vehicle that needs no introduction. The Chevy Corvette has been the poster child for LS vehicles for many years. A base model C5 Corvette with around 50k miles on it can be had for around $14-17k. You get the most bang for your buck in the Corvette, as it was easily one of the best overall performing LS vehicles in its day. It comes equipped with a 5.7-liter LS1, putting down about 345hp and 350lb/ft of torque. It is available in a 4-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual, both with RWD. The base model will do 0-60 in about 4.7s. If you want to get even a little more performance from the factory, take a look into the 01-04 Z06.
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Conclusion
Hopefully, this list provides some inspiration for your next project. There are other cheaper LS vehicles out there, but these are the ones we personally feel boast the best performance/power/style for your dollar off the assembly line. All of these vehicles have lots of supporting mods that can be done to make a project car that is truly your own. Let us know what your favorite budget LS vehicle is in the forum thread.
>>Join the conversation about these affordable LS-powered cars right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
For help with service and maintenance of your car check out the how to section of LS1Tech.com.