[BigMac76]

Steer clear of the 98's, it's the first year of the LSx in these cars and they were basically the bastard child such as the 93 LT1's were.

I know you have mentioned previously that you were looking for a t56, still going that route or looking for an auto as well?

Obviously you want to check all the common stuff, oil & pressure, coolant level & color, etc. and you will also want to verify what has or hasn't been done to the car. Let the car start up and get to operating range and check temp on the cluster. Usually if the car has been tuned or chipped the fans will trigger early, ~200ish. Stock I believe low kicks in at 220ish, not sure because mine was not stock lol. Also look for any signs of bodywork, right up your alley for any "forgotten" incidents, headlight/fender/door gaps.