if it was a 96-97 i would say 5 k is a go if its very nice. if your looking for one for power and the track go ls. if not go with looks, you like the lt body style go with lt, if you like the ls style go with it. find a deal you can feel good about for sure.

 

I would go for the 94 as it should fall exsempt from emissions ,like my 95 ,if I had 96 or newer I could not have done the 406 swap in my state ,with 94 you could do ls swap one day too ,I do think is federal thing in states that have the test to plug in the car ,if you live in what some call the unsafe states with no inspection to speak of ,then I guess anything goes

 

On Paper the Lt1 and Ls1 are 15 hp apart. On Dyno's that number is over 40 hp. With the LS1 you can add headers/exhaust intake and tune and can hit 345hp at the wheels will good gas mileage and it still drive like a stock car.

If you really want the stick wait for the Ls1 6speeds. Even if that means you need to travel. In the fall prices of Camaros drop off a lot. You are 6-8 weeks away from that drop off. You can find amazing deals on Camaro in the November/December time frame.

 

if you did read the whole thread that was already talked about ups an downs of the lt1 to the ls1 ,an the hp difference,i meen the ls1 can have problems too though I do want to try one ,myself one day

 

I was in the same situation as you. I recently picked up a 95 LT1, Originally I wanted an ls1 but the prices people were asking were stupid high. I went with the LT1 Since I got it for 2500 bucks and leaves extra money left over to mod. I had an LS1 about 5 years ago and I cant say I'm disappointed with the lt1. Get what you feel is right for you

 

I would go for the ls1.I purchased a beautiful 1999 ls1 with 51,000 miles on it 3years ago for $6,000 for myself it has an A4 with SLP upgrades.My only regret is that I sold my very nice 1985 t-top because I planned on driving the 1999.Three weeks after buying the 99 I discovered my precious wife had become addicted to the ls1,which was quite a surprise as she has always driven pickup trucks claiming to hate cars.
Needless to say I now find myself driving a Subaru (yuck)or her pickup. I do laugh to myself every time I hear her ignite the ls1 as I know she loves that 99 even more than me.
Whatever you decide i'm sure you will be happy.