[trackbird]

I got up at 2am and drug a trailer almost 700 miles today to bring home a 2002 Z28 convertible (6 speed manual). It's a virtual twin (other than a convertible instead of t tops) to my original 2002 that I bought new. I actually believe every option matches right down to the color. It came with piles of service records, a receipt for a new GM installed engine (15k miles/4 years ago) as well as new clutch (with the engine), new window regulators and all kinds of other stuff. The previous owners spent a fortune at the dealer with this car. It was a summer car at the house on lake Michigan. I don't think it's ever seen anything beyond some occasional rain. The steering column is tight and there's no major wear on the seats or steering wheel. It has a few small door dings and I think the paintless dent guys can remove those. Overall, it's a solid and clean car that should be lots of fun. It was also dead stock, not so much as a lid on it.

I'm planning to swap on some larger wheels, lower it a bit, stiffen it a bit, sway bars, exhaust and a "lid". I just want a fun driver to enjoy on nice days. I've actually never owned a convertible in my life, I've always had t tops or targa cars....this should be a new adventure.

I don't have many pics, but I'll add a few before I crawl off to bed.

Attached File(s)

 IMG_5567.JPG ( 115.22K ) Number of downloads: 43
 IMG_5590.JPG ( 36.48K ) Number of downloads: 45
 IMG_5595.JPG ( 35.03K ) Number of downloads: 38

 

[trackbird]

I had to hold up on the modifications until my friend got to drive it for an article. Here's the article.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a2...he-best-camaro/

[landstuhltaylor]

I had to hold up on the modifications until my friend got to drive it for an article. Here's the article.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a2...he-best-camaro/

I got to chat with Jack at an event a couple days after he wrote that. It basically reinforced the fact I don't have much interest in 4th gens as street cars any more.

[trackbird]

I had to hold up on the modifications until my friend got to drive it for an article. Here's the article.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a2...he-best-camaro/

I got to chat with Jack at an event a couple days after he wrote that. It basically reinforced the fact I don't have much interest in 4th gens as street cars any more.

It's all in what you like. they have some weaknesses (actually, they are terrible in stock form), but we already know what they are (with me it's "the devil you know"). This one is well on the way to being "fixed". It's a reasonably quick "driver" that is in desperate need of some shocks. Once I get the shocks and springs on it and a fresh alignment, it will be as happy going to the drive in as it is at an autocross. It's a little heavier and more flexible than the coupes, but it will go where I point it. And no clunks or rattles. Honestly, it should have come from the factory this way. Installing all of the parts is a lot more work than I remember (I was much younger the last time), but it's not bad, it's a weekend of work and a small pile of parts from being a pretty decent way to enjoy nice weather. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

On the other hand, I'm not going to try to talk you into buying one to drive on the street (and there are a lot of overpriced cars out there that are BEAT, so you may not find you would actually want to drive anyway). When I'm done with this car, I'll have similar money in it to the average going rate of a 125,000-150,000 mile mostly stock C5 (Non Z06)...which will also need fresh shocks, tires and some bushings and such (I was seeing "junk" C5's for $11k, "decent" cars seemed to start about $15k and a "better than just decent" car seemed to run $17k+). In that context it seems like an OK deal for my uses. My wife recently said "I'm glad we bought this and not a Miata, this has a lot more room and is much more comfortable...and our cooler fits in the trunk". If the wife is happy and it's reasonably fun to drive, it will do nicely for my uses.

So far, the breakdown is:

$11,500 - Car
$199 - UMI PHB
$499 - UMI SFC
$389 - UMI Swaybars
$249 - UMI Aluminum sway bar mounts (optional, you can use the standard mounts and save $250 if you would like)
$1849 - UMI Shocks/springs (coil overs) (you could do Bilstiens and springs if that setup makes you happy....and save some cash)
$200 - B&M Ripper shifter
$150 - 10 bolt girdle (optional, you can save money here too)
$550 - 10 spoke wheels (or just run what comes on it)
$450 - new tires
$99 - iPod adapter
$99 - SLP "lid"
$79 - STB
$200 - Stoptech pads and new front rotors (again, anything you buy will likely need this done)

$16,512

I'm going to take the 10 spoke wheels to "wheel doctor" and have them fixed up and painted charcoal grey ($480 additional, but you don't have to do this either).

That puts me right about $17k. I could barely find a Corvette to buy for that price (that I actually wanted to buy), and then I'd have started on brakes, shocks, and other maintenance. Granted, this isn't a C5, but a C5 was the only other choice (or a C6) for me. Though I did miss a decent Z51 C5 in Michigan for $15,500 with under 100k miles on it. Those cars are out there, but they go fast and there aren't many.


I looked at buying a 2016 Camaro SS, but I really don't fit in it and I had serious issues with the rear visibility (3rd and 4th gen cars were bad, the new ones may as well be panel vans). I considered a new Mustang, and then the $39,999 670 hp Roush supercharged cars appeared. My wife told me to go buy one instead of a car like this. I was tempted. In the end, this one should be pretty cheap fun, but I actually like these cars....even with all of their flaws.

I'll take it back to Jack when it's done. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

As always, your results may vary.

[landstuhltaylor]

I had to hold up on the modifications until my friend got to drive it for an article. Here's the article.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a2...he-best-camaro/

I got to chat with Jack at an event a couple days after he wrote that. It basically reinforced the fact I don't have much interest in 4th gens as street cars any more.

It's all in what you like. they have some weaknesses (actually, they are terrible in stock form), but we already know what they are (with me it's "the devil you know"). This one is well on the way to being "fixed". It's a reasonably quick "driver" that is in desperate need of some shocks. Once I get the shocks and springs on it and a fresh alignment, it will be as happy going to the drive in as it is at an autocross. It's a little heavier and more flexible than the coupes, but it will go where I point it. And no clunks or rattles. Honestly, it should have come from the factory this way. Installing all of the parts is a lot more work than I remember (I was much younger the last time), but it's not bad, it's a weekend of work and a small pile of parts from being a pretty decent way to enjoy nice weather. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

On the other hand, I'm not going to try to talk you into buying one to drive on the street (and there are a lot of overpriced cars out there that are BEAT, so you may not find you would actually want to drive anyway). When I'm done with this car, I'll have similar money in it to the average going rate of a 125,000-150,000 mile mostly stock C5 (Non Z06)...which will also need fresh shocks, tires and some bushings and such (I was seeing "junk" C5's for $11k, "decent" cars seemed to start about $15k and a "better than just decent" car seemed to run $17k+). In that context it seems like an OK deal for my uses. My wife recently said "I'm glad we bought this and not a Miata, this has a lot more room and is much more comfortable...and our cooler fits in the trunk". If the wife is happy and it's reasonably fun to drive, it will do nicely for my uses.

Agreed, what I meant was more along the lines of it doesn't fit what I would want out of a street car any more. My E46 M3 does all of the things that you described much better (IMO) at a price point that (again IMO) is more than fair for all the improvements it offers. DIY maintenance is just as easy, there is just more of it and parts cost more. Now that isn't to say that everyone should do what I did, just that I really couldn't see myself street driving a 4th gen when I could be street driving the M3.

But maybe I'm a bit different. After all, I'm perfectly happy beating the snot out of my 1.0T Fiesta on a daily basis. That and I am enjoying the opportunity to go full retard on the ESP car with no regards for comfort.

This post has been edited by landstuhltaylor: Jun 20 2016, 07:07 PM

[Steve91T]

I had to hold up on the modifications until my friend got to drive it for an article. Here's the article.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a2...he-best-camaro/

I got to chat with Jack at an event a couple days after he wrote that. It basically reinforced the fact I don't have much interest in 4th gens as street cars any more.

It's all in what you like. they have some weaknesses (actually, they are terrible in stock form), but we already know what they are (with me it's "the devil you know"). This one is well on the way to being "fixed". It's a reasonably quick "driver" that is in desperate need of some shocks. Once I get the shocks and springs on it and a fresh alignment, it will be as happy going to the drive in as it is at an autocross. It's a little heavier and more flexible than the coupes, but it will go where I point it. And no clunks or rattles. Honestly, it should have come from the factory this way. Installing all of the parts is a lot more work than I remember (I was much younger the last time), but it's not bad, it's a weekend of work and a small pile of parts from being a pretty decent way to enjoy nice weather. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

On the other hand, I'm not going to try to talk you into buying one to drive on the street (and there are a lot of overpriced cars out there that are BEAT, so you may not find you would actually want to drive anyway). When I'm done with this car, I'll have similar money in it to the average going rate of a 125,000-150,000 mile mostly stock C5 (Non Z06)...which will also need fresh shocks, tires and some bushings and such (I was seeing "junk" C5's for $11k, "decent" cars seemed to start about $15k and a "better than just decent" car seemed to run $17k+). In that context it seems like an OK deal for my uses. My wife recently said "I'm glad we bought this and not a Miata, this has a lot more room and is much more comfortable...and our cooler fits in the trunk". If the wife is happy and it's reasonably fun to drive, it will do nicely for my uses.

Agreed, what I meant was more along the lines of it doesn't fit what I would want out of a street car any more. My E46 M3 does all of the things that you described much better (IMO) at a price point that (again IMO) is more than fair for all the improvements it offers. DIY maintenance is just as easy, there is just more of it and parts cost more. Now that isn't to say that everyone should do what I did, just that I really couldn't see myself street driving a 4th gen when I could be street driving the M3.

But maybe I'm a bit different. After all, I'm perfectly happy beating the snot out of my 1.0T Fiesta on a daily basis. That and I am enjoying the opportunity to go full retard on the ESP car with no regards for comfort.

I've got an E36 M3 for my daily. It's a 98 with the 4 doors. The car seat fits back there and it's an absolute blast to drive. My 2 yr old already says "daddy, go fast!" I love it.

But. I really like my 4th gen as a weekend car/track car. A 4th gen that can corner really gets some attention.