What to do with my 99 Z28 Daily Driver.... Options

[Ynnek888]

It seems like every winter I start wondering what to do about the fate of my 99 Z28 Daily driver..

quick background:
black, t-top, cloth interior (interior is in great shape, front has some paint chips from rocks and stuff)
6 speed with pro 5.0 shifter
17" GM SS wheels (16" wheels still in my garage!)
SLP loudmouth exhaust, air lid
revalved bilsteins all around
35 mm st bar up front
3.73 and a T2R out back
-0.5 camber, 4.6 caster, 0 toe
60k miles, always garaged at night
I think the rear bumper is sagged just a little bit (only noticable if you look carefully at, although alot of 4th gens seem to have this?)
and the driver side fender bulges out ever so slightly if you look closely (the bent fender tab when raising mistake)
everything else is stock
runs great



I'm thinking, perhaps a "refresh" the bushings and suspension on it? I dunno if its in my head or the age is catching up, but I think it needs it.. It definitely feels it needs new motor mounts and possibly another new trans mount. You think going through and checking the stuff like the hubs, bushings, mounts, tie rods, other suspension bits and everything will bring back/give it a better feel? I never did get around getting a PHB either.. How much do you think it would cost? labor effort/costs?

Or, should I keep it as, and maybe revist this all next year or so?

Whats also catching my eye are the new GM sedan's coming out.. The ones that Holden just released.. Check out the "Lumina SS" over in Chevy Arabia.. http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=491000
Maybe considering trading in my 99 Z28 in a few years as part of a downpayment for one of those when they arrive in the US (09 maybe?) Although it is nice not having a car payment, so I might even still keep the Camaro for the sake of $ and still having fun, as long as it still runs well.


Also, whats recently change is I've been getting my performance kicks out from my motorcycle I just bought a few months ago.. a 06 SV650S. Ironically, I find myself only driving my Camaro to run errands that can't fit in a bag, or when the weather is nasty outside. I hope to get a future track-day bike, after I get some more experience overall.

Oh converting the Camaro to more of a track car is out of the question.. A little tempting, but no. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

My wife has her own comfy Avalanche. Only reason why I don't want to trade the Av for a new car like that 4 door SS, is because then that would become her daily driver, not mine.. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This post has been edited by Ynnek888: Dec 27 2006, 07:21 PM

[atakacs]

I didn't see a SFC or STB on your list. If it's your DD w/ T-Tops, I'd recommend these. It will give you a totally different feel to the handling. They are reasonably priced and you can install the STB or the PHB in a matter of minutes each. The SFC will take more work. SLP has some good diamond bolt-ins if you're not interested in getting them welded. IDK if you auto-X or RR but STB will put you in ESP while SFCs will put you in DSM. You could also get some good brakes. Baer Eradispeeds are a direct replacement and have the only limited lifetime warranty against warpage. The fronts are 2-piece (w/ hats) cross-drilled and slotted. And I can tell you from ultra-aggressive driving on the autobahn, nurburgring, auto-X events, etc, these brakes RULE! Pair them up w/ some good pads like maybe Hawk HPS and you could have a much higher performance car.

[trackbird]

You could also get some good brakes. Baer Eradispeeds are a direct replacement and have the only limited lifetime warranty against warpage. The fronts are 2-piece (w/ hats) cross-drilled and slotted. And I can tell you from ultra-aggressive driving on the autobahn, nurburgring, auto-X events, etc, these brakes RULE! Pair them up w/ some good pads like maybe Hawk HPS and you could have a much higher performance car.

Uh....hmmm. I figured we'd manage to skip this topic here.

The bulk of the performance gains will be found with just upgraded pads.

[marka]

Howdy,

Dude, cross drilling and slotting together?

You can't touch that!

Mark

[jensend]

Don't forget the washer mods!

[Rob Hood]

Don't forget the washer mods!

uh oh.....here we go....

[kookamunga]

spend a bunch of money on some track days.you guys in the mainland have access to all those kewl tracks.

[trackbird]

Don't forget the washer mods!

uh oh.....here we go....

Standing by to split this topic..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[98_1LE]

coughdrivewayjewelrycough (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/whip.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

If I were in your shoes, subframe connectors, a double rod end PHB, 1LE LCA's and some stickier tires would be what I would do. Giving the suspension a once over is a good idea, but I doubt anything is worn out.

[Ynnek888]

coughdrivewayjewelrycough (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/whip.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

If I were in your shoes, subframe connectors, a double rod end PHB, 1LE LCA's and some stickier tires would be what I would do. Giving the suspension a once over is a good idea, but I doubt anything is worn out.

Oh yea, I do have subframe connectors (BMR square) but I'm not entirely pleased on how they are put on way back in 99.. I may get a shop to grind them off, and put new ones on.

Oh, and I have the ah, no name regular rotors replacements on with Hawk HP+ pads up front, and i think out back too now?

Yea, I should probably do another open track day and get back into another AutoX session... Although I also get that inconsistant pedal feel problem that spooks me out occasionally. Not confidence inspiring at all. I already know of the threads in this forum of how you can try to eliminate it.. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Ah, looks like a pain to try to figure out.

I think when its just a little bit warmer outside, so I don't freeze my fingers off, I'm going to check the motor and trans mounts and replace them. I think I have the last known 1LE trans mount that I bought in 99, and installed in around 2004.. heh.

Do they even make 1LE LCA's anymore? I thought when you ordered them now, they just give you the stock LCA's with the stock bushings?

I dunno man, the money I can spend on the car, could be spent to for track leathers and a track toy bike.. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Whats probably going to happen is the first good day of spring will come around, and I'll take it out through the back roads on a fun drive, and I'll remember why I really like it. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

This post has been edited by Ynnek888: Jan 11 2007, 12:45 AM