I'd stay away from intro years (93-94 for LT1 w/o vented Optisparks and 98 for LS1)

Oil, plugs, wires, the usual.

A more restrictive intake, better muffler, spoiler, hood, and suspension upgrades. I don't think these justify the price increase.

Depends... auto or manual? LT1 or LS1? Z28 or SS?

 

Manual Z28.

 

With 6-7k you can most likely get a decent 99-02 LS1 around your area, they require the least amount of maintenance and are the best 4th gen you'll get your hands on

 

$7,000 and beyond if you want a 6 speed with less than 100k on the odometer for an LS1 car.
$5,000 for the 6 speed LT1 car with less than 100k.

Both in great condition.

 

Oh and be sure it's a buy and drive, not a buy, drive, and fix

 

Welcome to the board.
Good questions.
Include Premium fuel when projecting costs for an LT1.
Tight spaces working on any V8 f-body.
Window motors are a must-check.
Oil leaks as mentioned got me when I bought my otherwise-cherry '95 Z28 T56. I add a qt every 300-500 miles, and you could easily also need to do intake gaskets on any LT1 93-97 car you buy. I spent $2100 on the '95 at 155k miles, well kept by 2nd owner; wish I'd had $7k, I'd have gone LS1.

 

Sounds good.

if I get one then I plan on getting an LS1.

Another question. Are these cars easier to work on than a Mustang? More difficult? About the same?