I went back through this thread and saw some misinformation that needs to be cleared up. I work part time in an LSX based shop so I figured I'd drop some knowledge for a second...

Quote Originally Posted by GhostRL View Post
01-02 WS6 had favorable gear ratios available (3.73 rear option) and decent factory ram air CAI and exhaust. 01-02 was also the best year for the ls1, with the move favorable cam specs and head flow numbers. They were also, however, the heaviest of all the 4th gen 4bodies fully optioned. IMO they're the best looking of all the 4th gens, and the anniversary TA is especially nice in blue and white.
There was never a "3:73" option for F-bodies. Autos with a steel driveshaft got 2:73's, Autos with an alum driveshaft and/or "performance axle ratio" option got 3:23's, and ALL 6 speed cars got a 3:42. There is no such thing as a factory installed 3:73 geared car in a regular LS1 powered F-body. You are correct on the 01-02's being the best years, but everything else is incorrect. 01-02 cars actually got a SMALLER cam than the previous years to compensate for intake charge due to lack of the EGR valve. They came with 241 casting cylinder heads, that flow the exact same as all the other years. There's no such thing as "extra flow" from 01-02 cars. Furthermore, ALL 98-02 cars weigh within a certain range of each other. The Trans Ams weigh about 150lbs (on average) more than the Camaro's due to the heavier lumbar seats and pop up headlights, but there's no significance in weight difference from year to year.

Quote Originally Posted by HypnoToad View Post
yeah I agree with you there,I think the GTO got the best LS1 if Im not mistaken.
LS1 GTO's got the same exact engine that 01-02 F-bodies got. Absolutely nothing is different, except the PCM controlling the engine.

Quote Originally Posted by GhostRL View Post
No. The first year GTO had a slightly more aggressive cam grind and a better intake/exhaust/manifolds then the f-bodies. The corvette actually had the most aggressive cam (borderline insignificant difference) and the best manifolds of all the ls1 cars.
No. Again, the cam is not "more aggressive" at all. 01-02 Fbody/04 GTO cams actually have less total duration than previous years, making it less aggressive.