[Cheap Guy]

The 1997 Z28 that I owned was the biggest piece of crap I ever bought, definitely the worst of the four Camaros I've owned. Before buying it I was warned that the LT1 was a terrible engine, especially the optispark, and people encouraged me to spend a few more bucks and get the later models with the LS1 engine but I was so in love with the front end I disregarded their opinion. After a few years I finally gave up on the LT1 after pouring thousands of dollars into it and dumped if for a 1999 Z28, which was faster, smoother, and never caused me a major problem for the eight years I owned it. I just sold it with 105k miles for $6,500, only because I got tired of paying for storage after buying my 2011 SS.

I know you love the car but I'd get rid of it while it's running right and get an LS. Although the prices are stabilizing right now, you can still get a very nice 1998-2002 for about $9000 and it will likely be a much more reliable and enjoyable car. Just my .02.