At a crossroads......opinions, car dilemma Options

[BigEnos]

I like all of those cars. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

Isn't the new Camaro projected to release in the first quarter of 2009? I would hold on to my cash until the cost and weight numbers are released for the new Camaro.

Yes it is. I was in Detroit for a follow up to the focus group we did last year. Got to drive the IVER cars. Crawled all over 4 production ready cars. Got the complete rundown on specs, options, packaging etc. and had to sign a non-disclosure agreement. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Most of the information should get released at the end of July/early August as that's when the press reveal will take place. Pricing won't be released for some time yet but they're sticking with the line that it will be competitive with a similarly equipped Mustang.

Not sure if anyone here can answer this but what are the chances of the new Camaro ending up in FS when it comes to market with an IRS and over 400 HP?

Of particular interest to this group will be one likeable extra that should show up on the option list.

Bob Lutz actually has been quoted stating that the Camaro will be more $$$ than the 'stang, but that it'll be worth it. I am expecting it to be in between the challenger and the 'stang.

As far as FS, I expect that by 2009 or 2010 (when I plan to get one) that the 'stang will also be at 400hp and the challenger is already there. I think F-stock will just see a seismic shift in speeds compared to where it is now.

I hope that this "likeable extra" will be available with other options. I hate when they offer something like a Z0K but you have to get a no-option car to get that.

[poSSum]

Will it be an FS car in 2010

Sorry ... that was a typo. I meant to ask "will it be an FS car in 2009?". It'll be out spring '09 as a 2010 model.

This post has been edited by poSSum: May 27 2008, 02:49 PM

[GaryK]

I'm bringing this thread up because I'm in almost an identical situation right now. It's been two years since I've raced and the competitive bug is biting again. Due to the state of the economy, I don't want to make the commitment to road racing right now, and I'm looking to do some autocrossing next year to get my fix. Looking at the same choices as the original poster. Stock class. I considered an ESP Camaro also, but I want to keep the car very street driving friendly. Just the seats I'd need to run in SP make the car too much of a pain on the street...plus the last time I started an ESP Camaro I ended up at track days with it which quickly led to my last stint road racing. I really want to stick to stock class.

So, any new developments at this time regarding a choice between 2002 Z06, 2007 Mustang, or 1998-2002 Camaro SS?
-I'm really looking hard at getting a Z06. Prices are dropping fast, and I've actually passed up several 02's with less than 50k miles for around $20k...they typically have too many mods and I'd rather just buy one close to stock. I'm confident that one will come along with the right combo of no mods and a realistic price.
-I've been doing a lot of reading and I'm confused about the competitiveness of the Camaro. It seems that there are a lot of mixed opinions out there. That said, I'm a better road racer than an autocrosser so I don't plan on doing much at the national level. I just want a car that I can't use as an excuse (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
-The Mustang seems to me like a great car, but I think I can have a Z06 for not much more...granted, the Z06 would likely have more miles on it. I'm considering the Mustang because it does seem like the car to have in FS, and I really enjoyed that class several years ago. There's something cool about getting a muscle car around an autocross course in fast manner (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[mitchntx]

Due to the state of the economy, I don't want to make the commitment to road racing right now

An alternative viewpoint ... now is a fantastic time to get the road racing infrastructure and it's all due to the economy.

I might be preaching to the choir, but after you have collected the tools and toys you need to sustain a weekend's racing, for CMC, the operating costs are surprisingly low.

I make 6 weekends a year, meaning 20+ races, 10 qualifiers and 10 practice sessions, traveling to tracks that average 250 miles away and have an annual operating budget of $5000. I suspect an average AXer's budget approaches that. I am fortunate that I have a couple really great sponsors that help defray a lot of costs, but those kinds of "deals" are out there.

And due to the economy, tow rigs, trailers and even car and car candidates are at rock bottom prices for the same reasons those Z06s are becoming affordable.

NASA's mid-Atlantic region has a strong car count and seem to be great group of racers with good attitudes. Kent Lydic is very personable and energetic.

It's something to consider before writing off W2W racing, especially "due to the economy".

[GaryK]

Mitch, I'm considering some other things that sway my decision. There is also the time commitment per event. And the more incremental cost of attending autocross events. Road racing is more of an all or nothing commitment for a season to me, where autocross is more of a casual thing where I can go when it's convenient/affordable. There are a few events literally right up the street for me each year, and I can travel to other sites for more competition (DC area). And having automotive ADD, I'd kind of like to replace my current daily driver of 4 years, so why not get a competitive autocross car. But, you make a great point. Maybe I should reconsider what exactly I want to do. Hell, we still have the tow rig and enclosed trailer sitting here. Still have my race gear and hans device. All I need is a car and spares. I last raced in CMC Mid-Atlantic and I know Kent pretty well. If I race again, I want to do it in a class with the highest car counts, which rules out CMC. I'd probably do 944 cup or spec miata.

[CMC #37]

Wha? Here's the last event sign-up on the CMC board from Mid-Atlantic: http://www.camaromustangchallenge.com/foru...opic.php?t=3009 9 cars each in CMC and CMC2, that's not lacking for participants.

[GaryK]

Wha? Here's the last event sign-up on the CMC board from Mid-Atlantic: http://www.camaromustangchallenge.com/foru...opic.php?t=3009 9 cars each in CMC and CMC2, that's not lacking for participants.

Well, it would help if you'd look a little further than the number of entries for one CMC event. If you'll look at the turnout throughout the year, spec miata for example gets about four times as many entries as CMC. Most races had 25 to 30 cars entered, some even more than 30. CMC had at most 9, and usually less than that. Take a look for yourself.

[mitchntx]

3 or 8 or 30 ... you are only racing 2 at a time ... the one in front of you and the one in back of you.
I'm just not getting this fixation many have over racing in large groups ... on track, it just doesn't matter.

In spec Pinata and 944, the costs are significantly higher to field a competitive car. In a CMC car, motors, transmissions and rear difs last for years. Neither of those classes can boast that.

[GaryK]

Forget it. I was asking about the original topic, not trying to get into a debate about road racing classes.

[mitchntx]

sorry ... didn't mean to turn it that way. just conver-sating.

at the end of the day, we each have to do what's best for our own situation.

good luck!

[GaryK]

Just trying to keep it on topic (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[bowtieboy]

Thought that I would offer some insite from the research I've done since the start of my original post..........

I thing that the Mustang would be the better car for the "family" man ~ but to convert to a Shelby would cost you a few extra gran, even if you purchase the C/S......a trailer hitch is somewhat a pain, from what I'm gathering too.

The Z06 would be my top pick just for the shear fun factor. It's still competitive and trailer hitch is an easy install (if needed)......but the cargo space. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

As for the Camaro ~ I spoke to Caseye on his and if he felt that it was still competitive. His results did not show as well as he would have liked (I believe) as he tried the 1LE springs without any true testing ~ and they were too stiff for his driving style.......so I believe he could have shown better.

It is my opinion all three would need shocks and a front bar (topic of debate on the Z06) ~ with the Z06 shocks being about $200 more (depending on the tyoe you purchase).
All three have shown to be durrable as well.
The tire cost is pretty much a wash but, as stated in an earlier post, the Z06 tires are staggered and thus would be useless quicker.

Do keep in mind that the Z06 will probably be the hardest to set up, without screwing it up ~ and the front control arm bushings are something to keep an eye on.

All the above said, with the economy where it is, I'm going to "shoot" for a Z06. As you stated, the prices are becoming very reasonable ~ and the resale should hold up better than the other 2.........that and it will be a fun weekend street car to boot !

If you would like to read up more on autocrossing the Z06 and Shelby, you might try sccaforums.com ~ under the "stock" classes
(there is still a current thread on the Z06 set up in SS) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Best of luck on your decision

This post has been edited by bowtieboy: Dec 21 2008, 07:11 PM

[GaryK]

Thanks for the input bowtieboy. I'm really leaning towards the Z06, and I'm pretty sure I can find what I want within a couple months. As far as setup goes, I'll just get the necessary parts from Strano and leave it alone, regardless of which car I might end up with.

[Sam Strano]

And I appreciate that... Besides, I've prove to have some of (if not the) quickest setups out there for both cars. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

FWIW, I heard a SGT was on Ebay the other day for mid 20's....