Engine difference in years 97-98 vs 99-04
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 7
Engine difference in years 97-98 vs 99-04
I have a 98 C5 and these are the 3 reasons Kenne Bell says their system won't work on the eariler C5 vets. 
1. Front belt drive configuration
2. Heads
3. Fuel system
Who out there can tell me the difference in the 97-98 vs 99-04
And what does it take to make these changes?
1. Front belt drive configuration
2. Heads
3. Fuel system
Who out there can tell me the difference in the 97-98 vs 99-04
And what does it take to make these changes?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
Originally Posted by willig5
I have a 98 C5 and these are the 3 reasons Kenne Bell says their system won't work on the eariler C5 vets.
1. Front belt drive configuration
2. Heads
3. Fuel system
Who out there can tell me the difference in the 97-98 vs 99-04
And what does it take to make these changes?
1. Front belt drive configuration
2. Heads
3. Fuel system
Who out there can tell me the difference in the 97-98 vs 99-04
And what does it take to make these changes?
There are a few things- The cams were different, with the 2000 being the more aggressive one out of the newer bunch for the LS1....the fuel system on your 98 has two lines where as they changed this to one line on the later LS1's (you can see them both on the drivers side fuel rail cover) I believe you also have larger fuel injectors (but I can't see this being a bad thing)...some other internal block things as well with regards to oil passages and some say that the later LS1 has stronger internals...the heads also went to centerbolt vs. perimiter bolts that you have on your 98...in 01 all the LS1's used the newer LS6 design Intake manifold and they also changed exhaust manifolds from your two piece welded units to a cast design. I know on my 2000 I have the ABS module in the engine bay where I think yours is in the rear...but I doubt that has anything to do with it...my 2000 belt setup looks the same as my 97 did...also, there may be some ECM changes between the early ones as well...I had a 97 (same setup as your 98) and I know there were a lot of things I could not do that the newer ones could with regards to the ECM setting.
Hope this helps!
Last edited by byte_me; Aug 3, 2006 at 08:34 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
Originally Posted by willig5
Thanks for the information 
I don't yet see a big toe stuber with the differences. Anyone else out there know anything else?
Thanks again.
I don't yet see a big toe stuber with the differences. Anyone else out there know anything else? Thanks again.
I agree- either do I to be honest...
can you get them to elaborate on each one as to exactly whay it won't work? I am sure someone has a blown early C5 out there...What about the belt config-
Why not these heads-
Why not my fuel system-
Maybe you can ask ECS (a forum vendor) what they think...they have been known to do some pretty amazing things with these cars...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 5
From: Knoxville TN
the 97/98's vs latter blocks have different oiling passenges in the main block than the later blocks, 97/98's also have different fuel systems and tend to run richer than the 99+'s, in 2001/2 the bottom of the blocks were changed to allow better breathing
I have a 98 and when I was starting the engine build up, I talked with a number of tuners most suggested starting with a later block.
I have a 98 and when I was starting the engine build up, I talked with a number of tuners most suggested starting with a later block.
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Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 601
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From: Wa
Originally Posted by 3rdtoy
the 97/98's vs latter blocks have different oiling passenges in the main block than the later blocks, 97/98's also have different fuel systems and tend to run richer than the 99+'s, in 2001/2 the bottom of the blocks were changed to allow better breathing
I have a 98 and when I was starting the engine build up, I talked with a number of tuners most suggested starting with a later block.
I have a 98 and when I was starting the engine build up, I talked with a number of tuners most suggested starting with a later block.
