Time to get back in a LS1...

[demonspeed]

I need some help finding my next LSX car. I'm very particular about it, so here are my requirements:

2001 or 2002 (prefer '02)
SS
Arctic White
Ebony (black) Leather
T-Tops
M6
PW, PL, PM, Cruise; prefer no 12-disc

Condition is more important than mileage (but I'm not looking for 100k or anything); I just want something clean and well-cared for. An original owner car and/or a documented history would be a plus.

The more stock, the better, but I'll consider a roller or something that needs some engine/transmission/rear work. A straight & clean body, and something not hacked up is most important.

I'm willing to travel -- it just needs to be the right car.

:driving:

[smokinHawk]

How about a turbocharged 1999 NBM transam that will go deep nines once its back together (have all parts)
has stuff like
th400 with transbrake
midwest fab 9 posi with 3.00 rear gears
PTE88 turbo
built 347 aluminum ls1 with 6.0 ported heads
made around 700rwhp on pump at about 15psi and should do 900ish with more boost.
also have alki kit installed but not used.
regular rims plus drag wheels and all the extra parts you need....

all for about the cost of the mods. cheap!

just wondering.....

[demonspeed]

Sounds fun, but it's not what I'm trying to do with this project. :)

[Z Fury]

I'd sell you mine, but I don't think it falls into any of your wants except "Z28" and "M6." I'll keep my eyes open around here though.

[demonspeed]

I'd sell you mine, but I don't think it falls into any of your wants except "Z28" and "M6." I'll keep my eyes open around here though.

Thanks! I peruse Auto Trader, Cars.com, tech, and eBay daily, but nothing exacting. I look at Craigslist as well, but I don't feel like checking every city.

[QuickSilver]

there was some wesite that searches all of craislist at once i saw onetime, dont remember what it was though.

[kerryt1]

Thanks! I peruse Auto Trader, Cars.com, tech, and eBay daily, but nothing exacting. I look at Craigslist as well, but I don't feel like checking every city.

Use searchtempest.com to search craigslist regionally or nationally. Alternatively, you can get the Craigspro app if you have an iPhone or iPad. Both work ok...

[Skill]

I'll keep an eye out. Enjoy the search...it's a big part of the fun IMO.

[demonspeed]

Use searchtempest.com to search craigslist regionally or nationally. Alternatively, you can get the Craigspro app if you have an iPhone or iPad. Both work ok...

Thank you!

I'll keep an eye out. Enjoy the search...it's a big part of the fun IMO.

There are two on tech that *almost* have everything. The one has t-tops, but otherwise perfect (and 15k miles to boot). The other is perfect except it's Monterey Maroon rather than bright red. There is also one local, but an auto. :doh:

It's halfway through the summer, and it'll be college football season before we know it, so I can wait it out. I just want to have something ready to go for next spring.

[Skill]

Pfft. That Monterey car looks like a great purchase. Plus, it's better than bright red!

[demonspeed]

I know... it's killing me how great it is, but I really want bright red.

[Jano4]

I believe I know of the Monterey car that you are talking about. He is actually a somewhat local guy and posted that car up about a year ago on MFBA. Very clean car and something I would probably spring for if I had the extra funds... would make for a good road course car :).

[demonspeed]

For those who are interested:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/vehicle-classifieds/1439178-f-s-2002-z28-m6-hardtop-36k-miles-tastefully-modded.html

It's perfect, and if it were BRR, I'd already have a deal worked out.

[Skill]

Suspension is done. C5 brakes. Great tires. Full Exhaust. I don't know what your plans are this go-round, but that's a damn solid base for an auto-x'er.

[Z Fury]

For those who are interested:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/vehicle-classifieds/1439178-f-s-2002-z28-m6-hardtop-36k-miles-tastefully-modded.html

It's perfect, and if it were BRR, I'd already have a deal worked out.

Great looking car. That thing is damn clean, nicely modded, and a pretty good price for all you get. I do absolutely hate those wheels though. I've never liked the black ZR1s on any car.

[demonspeed]

Suspension is done. C5 brakes. Great tires. Full Exhaust. I don't know what your plans are this go-round, but that's a damn solid base for an auto-x'er.

I'm looking to build my take on a "true" Z28 -- take care of what Chevrolet didn't do with the 4th gen Z28. I want something that I can hop in and drive anywhere, but I want it to sort of be in the line of what the C5 Z06 was to the base coupe.

I've got it all in my head, I just need the canvas. Sure, that one is a great start, but just not what I'd want.

Great looking car. That thing is damn clean, nicely modded, and a pretty good price for all you get. I do absolutely hate those wheels though. I've never liked the black ZR1s on any car.

No matter what you guys say, you're not going to be able to twist my arm :lol:

[Skill]

I'm looking to build my take on a "true" Z28 -- take care of what Chevrolet didn't do with the 4th gen Z28. I want something that I can hop in and drive anywhere, but I want it to sort of be in the line of what the C5 Z06 was to the base coupe.

I've got it all in my head, I just need the canvas. Sure, that one is a great start, but just not what I'd want.



No matter what you guys say, you're not going to be able to twist my arm :lol:


Fair enough. Get what you want, and you won't regret it later. Part of the allure of a car, for me personally, is having something kind of unique. That's why I dig that Monterey Camaro, as well as my MBM GTO.

Your plans sound like mine for the goat. Build what GM should have in the first place.

[demonspeed]

Don't get me wrong, I like the MMM color, just not for my Z28. I always thought it would have been a great color for the SS, but it was never offered.

[Skill]

Yea, I agree that it would have looked great. I wouldn't judge somebody for making a clone with a color that was never offered.

[demonspeed]

FWIW, I'm not trying to build something that "hasn't been done before" or anything spectacular. This is just something I had always wanted to do but was unable to do so for one reason or another.

I guess the easiest label to put on the car would be pro-touring. It will get driven [hard] on the street, at Pittsburgh Raceway Park (http://www.pittsburghracewaypark.com), and BeaveRun (http:www.beaverun.com) -- and shined up for events like Power Tour and LS Fest (I don't plan on winning anything, just going to enjoy being a part of them). Again, this isn't going to be anything ground-breaking, and will probably go through different iterations as time passes, but I will finally have the "do-it-all" LS1 I had always wanted.

I'll track my progress on the site for those who are still interested in 4th gens :lol:

[zx10r_07]

I'm still interested in 4th Gens. I will keep my eye out for something. It HAS to be a hardtop?

[demonspeed]

It HAS to be a hardtop?

Yep. I know it's a tall order, but...

[tones2SS]

I have been tossing the idea around in head about selling my '99 H.O. SS with white leather for a bit now. It has less than 15,000 on the clock and very clean. I never drove it in the rain, wet pavement or snow and it is always garaged. 100% stock except for a new AC Delco battery. (I DON'T need the money or need to sell the car, so I wouldn't "give the car away", so to speak. But, I do want to build either a pro-tour '69 Camaro or pro-tour '70 Chevelle.) I keep going back and forth about selling it or not.
Between the last 3 years, I think I put 100 miles on it.:eek2:

[demonspeed]

Well, that is something to tempt me! :lol:

Unfortunately, I'd have [emotional] difficulties modifying it as it's not just a run-of-the-mill Camaro.

[Skill]

Well, that is something to tempt me! :lol:

Unfortunately, I'd have [emotional] difficulties modifying it as it's not just a run-of-the-mill Camaro.

You girl. :thefinger:

[demonspeed]

A HO SS with 15k miles -- not to mention it has white leather -- is not something I'd want to tear apart. Not that my modifications are going to "ruin" a car, but that's a car to appreciate just as it rolled off the assembly line.

I believe Tony went through the same pain with his. I believe that's what happened with his Firehawk, too.

Gotta stick to my plan... :)

[Iroc313]

Eff it... I'll also consider a 00 and 01 as well if it meets my criteria, but I really want a 2002.

Don't settle if you have time to get what you want man.

[Jano4]

I have been tossing the idea around in head about selling my '99 H.O. SS with white leather for a bit now. It has less than 15,000 on the clock and very clean. I never drove it in the rain, wet pavement or snow and it is always garaged. 100% stock except for a new AC Delco battery. (I DON'T need the money or need to sell the car, so I wouldn't "give the car away", so to speak. But, I do want to build either a pro-tour '69 Camaro or pro-tour '70 Chevelle.) I keep going back and forth about selling it or not.
Between the last 3 years, I think I put 100 miles on it.:eek2:

Keep it for a few more years so I can buy it :p to add with my other one. A car like that I would keep stock.

[Nine Ball]

tones, your HOSS has an auto trans right? Your car would be a good ebay car, should you decide to sell it.

[demonspeed]

99 HOSS M6 18k miles for $18k in CT:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=68694105&listingRecNum=7&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20053%26stkTyp%3DU %26bsId%3D20203%26bsId%3D29599%26mdId%3D20770%26rd %3D100000%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-yrId-trId-bsId-clrId-transTypeId%26zc%3D16066%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-2%26stkTypId%3D28881%26clrId%3D27132%26clrId%3D296 37%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26yrId%3D20142%2 6yrId%3D20197%26yrId%3D20141%26yrId%3D20196%26sf2N m%3Dmiles%26transTypeId%3D28112%26transTypeId%3D35 984%26trId%3D25952%26trId%3D29632%26rpp%3D50%26fee dSegId%3D28705&aff=national

[Nine Ball]

99 HOSS M6 18k miles for $18k in CT:

That is a fair price for an ultra-rare and low mileage car. It is surely to be a collectable in the future. Looks stock, but hard to tell if clean by those photos.

[demonspeed]

Anyone near Tennessee?

99 Z, M6, hardtop, brr, 85k miles: http://tricities.craigslist.org/cto/2496480916.html

If only it didn't have those ground effects...

edit: it is a "no" on the ground effects. Here's what it looks like after removing them: http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/attachments/appearance-detailing/85445-removing-rs-ground-effects-cimg3203.jpg

Back to the search...

[tones2SS]

Keep it for a few more years so I can buy it :p to add with my other one. A car like that I would keep stock.
I don't need the money, so I will keep it, unless the right price comes along and someone really wants it. It is 100% stock, except for a new battery. I replaced it with an AC Delco battery to keep the stock look. BUT,....I really would love to start my pro-tour build.:naughty:

tones, your HOSS has an auto trans right? Your car would be a good ebay car, should you decide to sell it.
Yes, it is an A4. I am kind of mad at myself for buying an A4, but at the time I was planning on driving the car on good days into work in Boston. Never did though. Driving a manual on the "Expressway" into/out of Boston during rush hour is hell! If I had to do it all over again, it would be a M6.
Thank you for the info Tony.

[demonspeed]

Don't settle if you have time to get what you want man.

You're right. I found an '01 that matches all my criteria about 6 hours away. It's got 92k on it, though. It made me realize that it may not be so hard to find exactly what I want.

So, I'm sticking with 2002 and lower miles... for now :lol:

[Nine Ball]

Why the '02? Any specific reason?

[demonspeed]

Why the '02? Any specific reason?

Mostly because it was the last year for a Z28. I plan on keeping this one indefinitely and it will be the first of my "Camaro collection." The next one I pick up will be an '89 IROC-Z vert. If things go as planned, I'll also be picking up a 5th gen when I get my BA... in three years :lol: Aside from the IROC, I'd like to have a '97 SS, '92 1LE LB9/T5, and an '83 CFI Z28. I'm truly a Camaro dork :facepalm:

I've also already had a 2000 & 2001. I would not necessarily turn another year down, but it'd have to be mint, low miles, and an unbelievably great deal. I'm not going to actively look for other years, but if someone reaches out to me (or I've not found a 2002 by next Spring) I'll consider it.

The 2001 I found is $8000, but with 92k miles, I think I could find something with less miles for the same price, especially considering that '02 MMM hardtop with 30k for $11k.

I've also only been looking for about a week, so I don't need to hurry this (especially with the end of Summer approaching), but it's hard to have patience when I've been car-less for two years now. Good things come to those who wait... supposedly :)

[demonspeed]

While none of you guys are able to twist my arm, my wife, OTOH, has quite a bit of influence on me :lol: Taking a look at my original post, you'll notice it's changed substantially.

2001 or 2002 SS, M6, T-tops, black leather, white.

Knowing how things usually work in my mind, this may change and you'll all begin to not take anything I say seriously (if you already don't) :facepalm:

[Skill]

Arctic white? WTF? Buy the damn Monterey. Wait, better yet, no. You don't deserve it! :twak:

:p

[zx10r_07]

Wow, that is a big change lol. Should be easier to find one of those though.

[demonspeed]

Yeah yeah yeah...

[zx10r_07]

I like this choice better, personally. For some reason, I really like the look of a clean white SS. Throw some nice wheels and slam it down.

[demonspeed]

Ohhh the humanity:

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2506045073.html

Going to check it out this weekend. :lol:

My wife and I are visiting her sister who lives in Columbus this weekend. I thought I'd just take a quick look-see on craigslist, and wouldn't you know it, a Z28 that matches all of my original criteria -- after I made the decision to forgo the red Z28! :bomb: I know it's a 2000, but I'm fine with it since it's essentially brand-new.

I'm completely fine with the SS route at this point, but this visit will confirm my decision. I'm either going to walk away thinking it's SS or bust, or I'm going to be trying to convince my wife this is the one :D

I like this choice better, personally. For some reason, I really like the look of a clean white SS. Throw some nice wheels and slam it down.

My 2000 SS was white, but some rash decision making, and $9.25/hr with a $320 payment wasn't helping me any at the time. Now that I'm in the position to do what I was unable to do to the first one, I would be very happy. My wife is much further on-board with the SS than the Z28, and since she controls the $$$ (I'm not afraid to admit it; she's a CPA, after all), it will make the purchase a lot smoother :)

Memories (Spring 2004)...

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/734041781.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=41781)

[demonspeed]

Well, this weekend I determined two things:

I am [currently] over my whole hardtop Z thing. The car was perfect for my previous desires, but I didn't leave with the feeling that it was "the one" or that I had to have it. It met everything I thought I was looking for from my original post, but I just didn't "feel it." I seriously considered it, and aside from the fact my wife convincing me to find a white SS, I would have bought the car only to put it up for sale in a year or so.

and

Driving a car with 20k miles cemented that I'm not buying a well-worn car. I'll be spending a little bit more money, but having a practically new and unmodified car will be infinitely worth it.

[Pro Stock John]

Will this be a fun summer car?

I've had and driven a bunch of 4th gens, but the one that sticks out for me was a '98 Z/28 MN6 convertible with heads, cam, full exhaust, cai, and tune. It wasn't the strongest H/C package out there but I drove this car for a weekend, and it was a hella fun high 12 second car.

[Nine Ball]

I'd love to have a white SS or WS6 convertible. Not interested in ultra-rare showcars, more like something with 50K+ miles that can be driven without guilt. My black WS6 Formula was 1 of 18, the SOM Hawk was 1 of 16, always felt guilty about putting miles on those two. Never again!

[demonspeed]

Will this be a fun summer car?

Yes. Pretty much going to spend November through March under a cover in the garage (and avoid the rain the rest of the year). As long as it runs 11's at 120+, then I'll be satisfied with its performance for a bit. As I mentioned before, this will get miles put on it, as well as track time -- both straight and twisty.

I'd love to have a white SS or WS6 convertible. Not interested in ultra-rare showcars, more like something with 50K+ miles that can be driven without guilt.

I'm OK with 50k as long as it's been well-cared for, but that 20k Z felt good.

I thought about a vert, but I'm saving that for the IROC.

[Nine Ball]

Most of us that bought new 4th gens eventually ruined them with harsh suspension parts, loud exhausts, urethane mounts, lowering springs, etc... When you go drive a bone stock one, you sorta realize how nice those cars actually drove. LOL!

I'll probably pick up a 4th gen that needs some work, maybe a clean rolling chassis. It will eventually be my Son's car, he is 11 now. I want something I can teach him to work on and respect.

[demonspeed]

The guy with the 2000 said he's had (and still has) several Camaros, and is currently restoring a '69 he just bought -- he's selling the 2000 to create more space to work on the '69. Anyway, he said he likes how the cars are in factory form. He had a LT1 car that he modified quite a bit, but he says he "got that out of his system."

The only thing the 2000 had that wasn't factory was an Interstate battery which came from the original owner in Florida. It still has the factory GSC's, too. It's a very nice car, and I really don't think I, nor anyone else, would be disappointed with it.

[Nine Ball]

Tires are safety rated for 7 yrs. If there are any signs of dry rotting cracks, those would need to be replaced. They can last nearly forever, if stored properly and indoors though.

[demonspeed]

It would have received belly-button ZR1's as soon as I brought it home :D

I'd love a set of FM5's or SP550's when my money tree starts blooming, though.

[Z Fury]

Maybe I should pose this question in a new thread, but since you guys are already talking about it, how would you mod a 4th Gen if you started with a clean slate? I've got a picture in my head as to what I would do and it seems fairly similar to where I think you guys are leaning, but I'm curious to hear it.

[Richiec77]

I'd go somewhat mild. 224/224 cam and heads. Quiet like exhaust. Bolt-ons. Would make about 380-400 at the wheels and have good idle and torque. Subframe connectors and that's about it. Keep it simple.

Which is about the opposite of where my car has gone.

[Nine Ball]

4th gen mods for a driver:

smallish cam, 230/227 X1 was always a good one for me. 224/224 is also a good choice. I installed a few sets of Hooker headers, they always fit well, didn't leak, and were cheap. Then I'd get some good Gen 3 heads, still cathedral port. FAST intake and ported t-body, quiet catback (always liked headers + SLP dual dual or Magnaflow). Typical 425-450 rwhp setup, no drivability issues.

Although it might be cheaper to find a lightly used LS3/L92, slap a mild cam and headers on it. 450-500 rwhp then. If I bought a roller, it would get a Gen 4 engine.

[Z Fury]

So far we are in the same ballpark. I've always had a good vibe about the 224/224 cam. Heads would probably be some AFRs or some CNC worked 6.0 heads. I like my current American Racing headers/Magnaflow catback combo and the LS6 intake seems to be plenty for the power I'd be making. I'd probably finish it off with some Strano/Koni/UMI suspension pieces and a nice forged wheel (depends on the car - for my current car, I'd love to run some Fikse FM10s).

All told, I'd probably be in the same ~425hp range, which I think is a great ballpark for the LS1 to be in and still maintain good street manners and some strong reliability. I also agree with dropping the LS3 into a roller. Starting from a roller, that's definitely the route to take.

[demonspeed]

Grab a seat and a cold [alcoholic] drink...

Nearly immediately, I'll be going with a set of knock-off chrome ZR1's (11's in the rear), SLP SS grille, tint, Firebird power antenna, and black "CAMARO" rear panel fill-in. The roof will also be painted white to match the body. That'll be it for appearance until, as I mentioned, I can afford "real" wheels.

The interior will get black/white houndstooth inserts until I ditch the rear seats and swap in some front seats to keep me planted with a harness; 6 point will be welded in at that time. I have no ambition to do anything with the stereo except get an iPod and Bluetooth hooked up.

Brakes will be a C5 conversion from UMI (unsure between red or black calipers) until I can afford a "real" system. Suspension will consist of Strano springs & sways, along with Bilsteins. I'll be running UMI: strut brace, boxed weld-on subframe connectors, LCA brackets, single-adjustable LCA's, single-adjustable panhard, and their torque arm with DSL. In due time, I may upgrade to their k-member and a-arms, but that just depends on how serious I get with road racing (I'd upgrade to Koni's at that point). All suspension components under the car will be red, but I am considering black on the STB.

Transmission won't be touched except for a Pro-5.0 shifter and a factory non-Hurst leather shift knob. Clutch and master will be upgraded when necessary (same with the transmission). 12 bolt with 4.10s; unsure about diff (I know it won't be a locker, though). I'll be retaining ABS.

Under the hood, lid, crank pulley, tb, FAST intake (probably try to find a used ported 90/92 on the cheap), Kooks stepped LT's with cats, and a Mufflex catback with Spintech muffler -- no tips, just a single turn-down. I'll go cam-only for a bit with something to keep hp and tq even. I'd love a G5X3, but not sure if that will get old as it's been so long since I've driven a big cam. I will be keeping all emission equipment intact as well.

I'm thinking about buying HP Tuners and attempting it myself. I have *no* tuning experience, but I'd like to learn so that I'm able to tweak the car myself when I need to rather than send it out all the time. All other stuff will be done by myself except any welding (will be done at UMI; Ryan doesn't know this yet :lol: )

So, that's my build. Any comments, suggestions, insults, or hand gestures are welcomed.

[Z Fury]

I like the build overall. The only critique I have is the STB and the subframe connectors. Everything I've read from Strano and other road racers states that those are unnecessary items if you have taken care of the suspension on the car, which you definitely have covered. I'm currently running an SLP black STB and some black UMI 3-point bolt-in subframe connectors, but they will come off as soon as I can cover the Strano/Koni setup and some LCAs.

Exhaust is all personal preference as is the cam and heads. I like the inclusion of the 12-bolt, but a lot of road racers seem to lean toward just beefing up the factory 10-bolt (probably depends on the street:strip ratio and how much power you are making though).

All in all, I do like the setup though. Sounds like a lot of similar parts. I also like the 11" ZR1 wheels, but would rather just skip straight to the good wheels and not spend the $1K on the in-between step. Personal preference though. :cheers:

[demonspeed]

Thanks for the comments!!!

Honestly, the reason I have always liked the SFC's is due to the jacking points. It's nice to slide a jack anywhere under the side of the chassis and jack it up. This is why I've never gone with tubular SFCs. To be completely honest, I never noticed their affect on a chassis, and I had them installed on my '00 SS, '01 Z28, and '93 GT. I've been out of the scene for such a long time, so I will certainly do more research before finalizing that stuff, though.

As for the rear, I destroyed my factory 10 bolt at 20k miles in my last SS. It was just a lid, catback, and dr's, too. I went with Richmond 4.10s, Eaton diff, hardened studs, and a girdle on the rebuild, put another 10k on it before selling, and the rear went about 8k miles later (Jerry from UMI bought it; he later totalled it). I'd like to just throw the 12 bolt in while my 10 bolt is still together so that I can offset some of the 12 bolt cost. Honestly, I'd go with a S60, but I don't want the extra heft. I won't go 9" simply because I'm not putting a Ford product on my Chevy :redneck:

As for the wheels, I always wanted chrome ZR1's on my SS. I'll also be able to sell those when I'm done with them as well. It will be quite some time before I'm able to justify spending the money on Fikse or CCW's, anyway.

[Z Fury]

I like the thought on the jacking points - I guess I never looked at it that way. That's a damn good idea. Definitely read up on the STB though. While it isn't much, it is unnecessary extra weight on a car that is already nose-heavy.

My '94 Z28 has 3.90s in the factory 10-bolt, and I love the gear ratio (hate the 10-bolt). I'd probably go with a 12-bolt with 3.90s or 3.73s at the least. That would be plenty of grunt for road racing of the caliber I'd be content with, and I'd want to keep somewhat reasonable gas mileage.

The ZR1s will probably sell, but with OE Wheels selling them for next to nothing, it will be kinda hard to sell them (not impossible though). Tech has had quite a few sets of wheels for sale lately, which I'm attributing to the somewhat "disposable" cost of the OE Wheels. I'm a fan of the machine-faced black vented C6Z wheels in 18"x9.5" on all four, personally.

[demonspeed]

I've been seeing a lot the machined-on-black look. It's certainly a nice take on a great design. I'm a bit old-school I guess (as old-school as the late 90's/early 00's are, anyway), so that's why I'm sticking with ZR1's.

As for a road racing setup, any of the modifications I have planned won't be allowed in Camaro-Mustang challenge, so I'd have to go American Iron. The fact of the matter is, I don't have the time, nor money, to be competitive in such a series. Furthermore, the cars that race in those series' aren't really even "street" cars. While there are power and weight requirements, most aren't anything my wife would enjoy riding shotgun in :lol:

This car is going to be an all-around performer; Jack of all trades - master of none! Thus, it's why I went with the pro-touring label, though it's not really going to be a PT car.

[Ragtop 99]

I liked the SFCs but I had a vert so maybe it matters less on coupe. I did the STB too.

I've never been in a car with a Strano set-up, but your interest in handling makes me think you should have considered a C5 Z06. More expensive than an F-body, but a 4th gen needs a lot of mods just to keep with a stock Z06 that would retain the stock "unmolested" feel to it. I wouldn't mind having my 02 SS for when I need to haul the kids around, but I can't say I'm nostalgic about buying one to mod like crazy.

Sorry about wondering off topic. I look forward to watching your progress. Do you have a timetable to mod the car?

[demonspeed]

While I appreciate the C5Z (or any Corvette, for that matter), I'm just not a "Corvette guy." Camaros have pulled at my heartstrings since I was a little kid -- I don't know any other way to explain my obsession with them. I had a decision to make: Buy a new 5th gen SS and leave it stock, or buy a 4th gen and make it "mine."

That said, I don't mind molesting my next car, I just don't want someone else's sloppy seconds :lol: It's going to be done right, and if it ever gets sold, hopefully this site will still be around so that I may point prospective buyers to view just how much care I'll invest in it. While it won't be a high dollar build, I hope it to be full of quality and thought. With these cars becoming available for high schoolers, I hope such a build will be interesting to those who remember the "good ol' days" when everyone had Grots and a Whisper lid.

As for a timetable -- no, not really. I've found that being impatient with my car stuff has not led to anything but regret. This can be exemplified by the fact that I didn't jump on the Z28... I think I'm finally being a bit more rational than in the past! :) My wife would like me to wait until after the first of the year to pick a car up, so I've stopped looking (but you guys can still point me towards a SS ;) ). I will, however, be very disappointed if I do not have a car by April. Assuming that is the case, I'd like to have the appearance and suspension done by Memorial Day weekend next year. I won't be bummed if it's not, but I'd really like to head into car show season with my final look.

[Nine Ball]

I had a decision to make: Buy a new 5th gen SS and leave it stock, or buy a 4th gen and make it "mine."


Easy decision there, the 5th gen is just a better car. I'd rather drive a 100% stock 5th gen over a lightly modded 4th gen anyday. And don't BS yourself, you'll still find a budget and extra funds to modify that 5th gen too, it is just in our hotrodding nature. My 2010 pulled 400 rwhp with headers, catback, intake pipe. They drive 100x nicer than 4th gens do, are more comfortable, less road noise, and have all the fancy electronic gadgets found in a Corvette.

[demonspeed]

Easy decision there, the 5th gen is just a better car. I'd rather drive a 100% stock 5th gen over a lightly modded 4th gen anyday. And don't BS yourself, you'll still find a budget and extra funds to modify that 5th gen too, it is just in our hotrodding nature. My 2010 pulled 400 rwhp with headers, catback, intake pipe. They drive 100x nicer than 4th gens do, are more comfortable, less road noise, and have all the fancy electronic gadgets found in a Corvette.

I had full intentions of ordering a 2010 and trading my GTO (which was doing nothing for me). Then we moved to Pittsburgh and I sold the GTO and picked up a mortgage instead. Before selling my GTO, I drove a 1SS. It just felt like a quicker GTO -- too big, too soft, and too disconnected. When Ryan got UMI's 2010, I chose to clear my head of preconceived notions before driving it. Unfortunately, it felt the same as the last one I drove. That's when I knew it'd be another 4th gen.

Don't get me wrong -- I really think the 5th gen is great. Just as with my GTO, it would make a great daily driver. It's compliant, soft, and comfortable to drive every day, but it also has the ability to move. Unfortunately, such characteristics don't bode well for looking forward to the weekend.

[Z Fury]

If money weren't the issue, I'd take a 5th Gen or a G8 over a 4th Gen any day. Unfortunately, I can't print money like the Fed. I just inherited a nice $370/month student loan (girlfriend) and a pending medical bill for a wrist surgery, so a vehicle note is out of the question (as are mods, currently).

I wish that CPA firm would call me back...

[Pro Stock John]

Having had a 2002 Z06, I would say that they are not traditional Corvette guy cars. They are raw, loud, light, fast, road rockets. Find a bud who will let you really 'drive' the car and you might get seduced. I let a few friends drive mine cuz I'm cool and they all immediately liked them over the 4th gen.

Okay that said, my 4th gen would look like this for a friendly summer cruiser:

1999-2002 F-Body Convertible (Z/28 or SS for me)
Stock shifter base, just a short stick
Long tubes, cats, SLP dual/dual or something on the quiet side
A decent air lid
FAST 90/92 intake
CNC'd stock 243's
LS6 cam
12 bolt with 4.10's
Lowering kit, moderate
Adjustable poly/poly PHB and LCA's

Probably about 400-410rwhp, stock idle, will pull to 7K

[demonspeed]

Having had a 2002 Z06, I would say that they are not traditional Corvette guy cars. They are raw, loud, light, fast, road rockets. Find a bud who will let you really 'drive' the car and you might get seduced. I let a few friends drive mine cuz I'm cool and they all immediately liked them over the 4th gen.

This is one of the reasons I've avoided driving one -- I don't want to like it :razz:

Furthermore, the only person I "know" in Pittsburgh is Chris (LawmanSS). :emb:

[Nine Ball]

I still consider myself primarily a "Camaro guy". That doesn't mean I shouldn't buy other cars I like though. Even while owning a Viper and a Corvette, I don't really feel I mesh well with the typical owners of those vehicles. I actually own a full set of tools.

[demonspeed]

I don't necessarily mean that I won't buy because I don't fit the demographic -- I just like Camaros better.

[LawmanSS]

This is one of the reasons I've avoided driving one -- I don't want to like it :razz:

Furthermore, the only person I "know" in Pittsburgh is Chris (LawmanSS). :emb:

I told you before that you're welcome to drive my 5th gen. It's the only thing exciting in my stable. My 4th gen SS is long gone..and incidentally, has already been blown up. :) I've never had the pleasure of driving a Z06...or any C5 or C6 for that matter.

[LawmanSS]

On a side note, I'm hoping to hit the Starlite cruise tonight...provided it doesn't get rained out (again). I was also planning on hitting the huge cruise in Beaver, but it's supposed to rain all day on Saturday. If you're heading out to Starlite, look me up...

[demonspeed]

I'd like to make it to Starlite tonight as I've yet to go this year. I had full intentions of Camaro night, as well as Tom Henry on Saturday, but the weather (like last year) was uncooperative.

Can I ask you to please stop posting your signature? :lol: Your car looks amazing and could easily tempt me, especially if the suspension has made that much of a difference in the way it feels!

Care to elaborate on your '01 and it's unfortunate demise?

[Ragtop 99]

I was never a big Camaro guy, as a teen the vette was king for me. I liked the 69s, but the GTO and firebird were cooler to me, not to mention I liked the Daytona's with the SuperBee package.

[demonspeed]

I just recall seeing them in the 80's with the tops out (born in '83), but a red convertible always had me mesmerized (I was even reminded about how much I talked about them when I brought home my black t-top IROC when I was 16). Then there was the commercial in the mid-90's of the kids looking out of their bedroom guessing what the car was that drove by... "It's a Camaro Z28" -- "But what color is it?" http://youtu.be/NZwONYWUu0Y

See, I'm a Camaro dork. I also drink Genny, so I'll need to be growing out the "party" on the back of my head...

Back to Vettes -- the only one that I'd want to own would be a black C6Z. I'll need my SS and IROC first, though.

A Genny "pounder":

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRus7SGLqG3EC1g6uZQRvbgB3WdfUUnl WhGh6p_DT8oYq9lMq3l-Q

plus an IROC vert:

http://www.thirdgen.org/tech/images/88irocsolarheating_13x20_small.jpg

equals pure awesomeness:

http://media.heavy.com/media/2011/03/beer-drinking-mullet-kid.jpg

Happy Friday, ladies :D

[Nine Ball]

LOL!

I'd suggest you never drive a C6 Z06 if you haven't done so. 4th gens will disappear from your peripheral vision completely. Bone stock, they are as fun as a 10-second 4th gen. With a warranty.

[demonspeed]

I've only driven one Vette (2000 M6 coupe), so I've not experienced anything to taint my Camaro-love yet :)
But holy cow do those C6Z's look menacing :devil:

[Z Fury]

C6Z is my goal in life right now. Becoming debt-free will give me a green light for one, but that is about 20 months away still.

[demonspeed]

C6Z is my goal in life right now. Becoming debt-free will give me a green light for one, but that is about 20 months away still.

That's the perfect "guy" goal. I have a wife whose goal in life is to be pregnant this time next year, so I've gotta stick with plebian cars :lol:

[Ragtop 99]

That's the perfect "guy" goal. I have a wife whose goal in life is to be pregnant this time next year, so I've gotta stick with plebian cars :lol:
If she's cute I can work on getting her pregnant and you can focus on buying a car.
:jest:



http://www.thirdgen.org/tech/images/88irocsolarheating_13x20_small.jpg


I guess your love of that car is a function of age. I looked at that generation as a sad reminder of when the car was good. Kinda like watching an overweight out-of-shape 60 year old guy trying to play full court hoops with some college kids. The old guy was good in his prime, but now its just pathetic. :lol:

[Nine Ball]

Agreed with Joel. I grew up in the IROC era, and my high school years were 88-91. I was always a Camaro fanatic, drove a 69 Camaro back then. I couldn't accept what turds the 3rd gens had become, they were not favored at all among the gearheads my age. That is why the 87-93 Mustang 5.0 was so popular - it was simply a better car than the 3rd gen.

[demonspeed]

If she's cute I can work on getting her pregnant and you can focus on buying a car.
:jest:

Hm... Does that make you Robert Redford and me Woody Harrelson?



I guess your love of that car is a function of age.

The only car prior to my birth date that I'd actually truly desire is a '59 Impala. Sure, I like the muscle cars and Camaros of course, but I don't obsess over anything enough to want to buy one.

[demonspeed]

Agreed with Joel. I grew up in the IROC era, and my high school years were 88-91.

That was when the third gens were at their best! If you're comparing it to a Fox, do you honestly believe those Mustangs were better than their own fore bearers (before the II, that is)?

[Ragtop 99]

The only car prior to my birth date that I'd actually truly desire is a '59 Impala. Sure, I like the muscle cars and Camaros of course, but I don't obsess over anything enough to want to buy one.
By that criteria, I pretty much feel the same. Maybe a first year vette, but otherwise anything older than me doesn't have strong appeal.

I guess this means PSJ is ancient. :D

[demonspeed]

By that criteria, I pretty much feel the same. Maybe a first year vette, but otherwise anything older than me doesn't have strong appeal.

I guess this means PSJ is ancient. :D

Or lacks taste. :oldman:

[demonspeed]

Found this at the cruise-in tonight, but the driver was nowhere to be found...

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg29/scaled.php?server=29&filename=0805011845.jpg&res=medium

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg638/scaled.php?server=638&filename=0805011846.jpg&res=medium

[Z Fury]

Cleanest engine bay ever. Bonus points for the wheels.

[LawmanSS]

You were there? I was wondering around looking at cars with my wife, son, and in-laws. I didn't spend much time near my car until the end of the night. I was standing at the end of my row watching the cars leave the cruise...that's one of my favorite parts...getting to hear the radical cams, etc. leaving the cruise. Sorry I missed you.

Did you see the black 5th gen parked next to me? It seemed fairly stock until he started it up. It had a monster cam in it...sounded wicked.

[LawmanSS]

Cleanest engine bay ever. Bonus points for the wheels.

Wow...thanks! :cheers:

[demonspeed]

Did you see the black 5th gen parked next to me? It seemed fairly stock until he started it up. It had a monster cam in it...sounded wicked.

My wife and I were checking out your car when that guy pulled in. My wife was in the process of asking how much it would cost if we bought a 5th gen and added the wheels and lowered it when we heard a mean rumble. That's when she asked how much it would cost to make it sound like that! :lol:

He was eyeballing your car something fierce, too :) Your car looks great, Chris!

We were probably only there for about a half hour. It's hard for us to stick around at these things for too long since we don't have a car in them. We've never stayed when everyone leaves, but I've heard that's enjoyable. What time does that usually happen?

[LawmanSS]

People tend to start leaving when the sun goes down.

That's awesome that your wife can appreciate a bad-ass cam!

[demonspeed]

That's awesome that your wife can appreciate a bad-ass cam!

I am definitely a lucky guy :D

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/3783/68camaro003.jpg

[Ragtop 99]

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/3783/68camaro003.jpg

my earlier offer stands. :thumb: