I'm still looking at cars, trying to find something interesting to drive. I found two 2002 Camaro Convertibles today. Both are automatics (sad), one has 46k miles on it and is $13,500-ish, the other looks to be an SS and has under 8k miles...for about $20k? I'm a little surprised at the prices they are asking for lowly F cars these days. I was looking through the classifieds and I realized that I have front and rear sway bars, a T56 and some other bits left....maybe I just need a 3rd gen? (and any third gens I find these days are ROUGH....).

I keep wondering if I should just keep the T56 to go with the engine that's coming out of the Corvette. Give it a freshening up and find something to stuff it in. My GF was pushing for an L98 powered Miata. Tons of torque and no real weight to push around...sounds fun, but I don't think it's going to fit. I thought about a truck (maybe even an older one) and doing an EFI conversion. Sadly most of those have rusted beyond recognition and the rest are expensive.

No real point to this post other than to say that for the first time in my life, I can't find a car I want to buy and drive??? This is unusual.

Edit:

Is it sad that I want to go buy this?

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/ve...72722&Log=0

I'm in no position to buy a car anytime soon, but I still can't help but to dream. I still wouldn't pass on a nice LS1 Camaro. I think an LS3 swap would be a lot of fun.

I think my next car is going to be a base C5. That would get me in the car sooner rather than later, then build it up over time. Ideally, I'd like over 400 to the wheels, but still very comfortable and driveable. I want this car to be something my wife and myself could take on road trips.

Orrrrr, if you want to have a lot of fun, get a mid 90's Dodge Ram 2500 with the cummins. For relatively little money, you can have 400 HP and something like 700 ft/lbs of tq to the wheel.

I daily drive my 99 F250 powerstroke. 6-speed manual, intake, exhaust, and a mild tune, I'm at about 300 hp and 600 ft/lbs at the wheels. 216,000 miles. It only burns about 1 quart every 8000 miles, oil changes every 10K. Blackstone reports show it's as healthy as ever. Around town I get about 17 MPG, and 19-20 on the highway depending on my speed. If I keep it no faster than 65 MPH, I get an honest to God 20 MPG. 36 gal tank, I can go 700 miles before filling up.

The best part is while towing either my 20 ft boat or my Camaro on a heavy Uhaul, I still get 15 MPG.

It's a whole different kind of hot rodding, but it sure is fun!

Just a couple of videos I found.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15skP7q3dLw...;feature=relmfu

This is awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_Aht61iS3M...feature=related

Spinning all 4 tires...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYrm_wakukY...;feature=relmfu


OK, I'm done with the diesel stuff now

Well, if your tired of building your cars and having to wrench on your daily driver, maybe you should think about getting something newer with some luxury to cruise around in?

I thought I'd never want to drive anything but a loud and fast car with a manual trans enough power to smoke the tires at will, but I find my CTS to be great daily driver. It handles very well, has decent power, awesome brakes, is very comfortable and I really like the looks. The automatic has grown on me. It's nice not to have to pump the clutch pedal in heavy traffic. Plus, with the AWD, I don't have to watch the weather everyday. I think I've been spoiled.

Coming of age in the 70s meant I had access to some great cars. 396 Chevelles, 440 Satellites, 340 Darts, 428 Galaxies and Mustangs ... man what a time to be a gear head.

Then the 80s rolled around and Mitch was sad.

The 90s finally saw a resurrgence and I gotta say today is an amazing time to be a gearhead.

I own two of the most amazing cars I've ever driven ... of course the CTS-V, but the Mazdz CX-7 never ceases to amaze me.

That little turbo motor will wind to the moon and pull like a truck. And we can haul just about anything ...

There are some cool platforms making for difficult decisions out there and I would really hate to be in the market right now.

I drove a C5 with a 6 speed, then we drove a new dodge dart (1.4 liters of turbo "fury" coupled to a 6 speed) and we went and drove a 2004 Miata and a 2008 Miata (2nd and 3rd generation). The C5 felt slow and sloppy. Sadly it was about like driving the GF's Honda Accord...but it felt a little faster (yes, we know what they actually run, but they sure feel slow compared to the "ton-o-torque" TPI motor in the C4...which isn't fast, but sure feels quick squirting around town). The 2004 Miata was a handling delight...but I really don't fit in them well. The 2008 Miata still handled well, but the new generation has added weight and changed the seating position to more of a Corvette style feel (you sit "in" the 2008 Miata, you sit "on" the 2004 Miata). And, there wasn't enough leg room in the new Miata.

Sadly, I'm the one person on this planet that just doesn't like the current styling from Caddy. They are great cars, I just hate the looks. It's a personal thing (I didn't like the looks of my 4th gen Camaro when I bought it either). And I'm enjoying having no car payment right now. So, I'm torn between buying something nice and buying a $1,500 POS to drive this winter and while the Corvette is getting the engine transplant.

I guess my desire to be a cheap bastard is at odds with my desire to go buy something nice...preferably with a warranty. Besides, I can fix a 3rd gen (typically with a hammer, a couple screwdrivers and some vice grips). lol.

Well, I have an '88 Park Ave that I'd let go for the right price...

Do yourself a favor and go test drive a VW GTI...you can get a cert used 2008-2009 with DSG tranny for 15-18k with decent mileage. You can figure 25-30mpg depending on how you drive. The fit and finish is very good, and its still quite fun to drive. It doesn't carry a rice conotation IMHO, and its certainly a less edgy ride than the Mazdaspeed 3, WRX or EVO (plus more affordable).

I have a 4 door, we have hauled 2- two door kitchen cabinets in the back, a 60" mirror, etc etc. Car is quick (not fast), is super fun to drive (not a race car, but not a truck or a slushwagon either), easy to manuver in parking lots and small spaces (ie compact car spots), and is very fuel efficient.

IMHO the perfect car is dependable, Fast, can haul stuff, has good amenities, and gets good gas mileage. While this car doesn't score a "10" on all of these, it does quite well, and I am very pleased with it as a Daily Driver...As long as I still have my hotrod to drive when I want to this car meets my needs VERY Well...I'd go test drive one at the very least (if it interests you at all).

I do like the Iroc tho...just wouldn't be a DD IMHO...I'd be great with an LS swap and modernization tho....

Not quite as cartoonish as this...but this is a nice job on the metal work anyway Heavily Modified Iroc

Put that drivetrain into E30-E36 chassis.

Like this one.

http://mobile.craigslist.org/cto/3242433547.html

I bought 3 (brand new) VW's in 2000 (2.0 liter Golf, 1.8t Jetta and a GTI VR6) and was dumb enough to buy a 2004 GTI 1.8t (also new). Those cars lived in the shop and were sooooo unreliable that I can't bring myself to do it again. I actually drove a 6 speed Jetta with the TDI (diesel) in it and rather liked it....but I just couldn't buy another VW. I've also had an '87 Golf GT, '86 Jetta, '87 Jetta and I forget what else. I really like VW...just as long as I don't buy a new one and expect it to work.



Hmmm.....

Nothing screams daily driver like LS1 RX-7

My sister in law had the same type stuff happen with her Jetta several years ago. So far i've really not had any issues with mine, don't know if I just got lucky or if their QC has improved.

I think if I were getting a performance car to also drive daily/regularly I'd go for an E46 M3. I looked at a few but I'm completely obsessed with the C6 cars, and since I wanted a fun weekend/hpde ride as opposed to daily comfort, I went with a Grand Sport. If you want a built LS1 fbody, pm me. I may possibly sell my Z since it doesn't see alot of action now that I have the Vette.

I found myself this:

http://www.wilsonmotor.com/used/Chevrolet/...4c39be5e255.htm

It is a 2001 which as far as I can tell is really only down on power compared to the '02-up (385 vs 405), which wouldn't be a deal killer for me since I'd cam it anywayss ... ANYONE have other reasons ???

BUT I'm in the middle of Re-Fi ing the house so I can't even go try and buy it (for now)

~DaVe

I've looked at Grand Sports and I'm just too cheap. I've found a few used C6's and I even found a brand new "base" (1LT) C6 on a local lot for $41k. I just can't bring myself to spend that kind of money these days (it never stopped me before). Maybe I should go drive it, I might change my mind.

Send me a PM with the info on your Z, where it's located and a ballpark price. I've been toying with another 4th gen (and about anything and everything else).




I found this one from a local dealer. I really don't want the 2001. I believe it's missing some "coolers" and other bits that made it to the later cars:

http://www.bobbylaymancars.net/VehicleDeta...l-OH/1787608233

Oh, one more thing. We went and drove a 1991 Corvette ZR1. I ALWAYS wanted one of those. It was red (like my current car) and in excellent condition. Sadly it didn't really feel fast. Actually, I think the secondary throttle bodies were stuck closed (or broken in some fashion). I was sure I'd finally buy one of my "childhood hero's" (as far as cars go)....but alas, it did not follow me home.

All this talk of Vettes ...

When I was shopping, I was actively searching for a 2000 to 2002 Vette, preferabbly a Z06 or FRC. Lots of choices around here and the prices were anywhere from 17K to 23K.

One day I was cruising through this tiny burg I call home and began noticing all the Vettes on the road around here. Dozens! And every one haad a blue-haired old man or woman behind the wheel. I decided then and there I didn't want to be just another blue-hair with a Vette.

So I bought a 06 CTS-V for the same money and couldn't be happier.

IIRC those had a "valet Key" that turned off the secondaries and the second injectors. Maybe the guy selling it put it in valet mode fr or your test drive?

Nope. It was a dealer and I had the valet key in the car, tried both settings...no difference.

I know they can be easily enough changed, but I REALLY DO NOT like those wheels (nor the jive, blingy, tailight 'louvers').

The problem is that the REAL, original, comp grey color C5 Z06 wheels are becoming VERY scarce.

That's why, all else being equal, I like the one Kevin found much more (I do like the silver on both of them though. )

I've got a interesting 4th gen if you want to pm me.

Why don't you take a fraction of the money you're planning on spending on a DD and put that into your C4? You could probably make it faster, comfortable, and more reliable.

How much would it take?

We have a local who autocrosses one of those. Drop-dead-gorgeous engine, IMHO, but yeah, I haven't been impressed with the performance. It seems to be great at converting gasoline to noise, but little else. I'm guessing they don't do much until you start putting cams and stuff in them. Not sure.

Check the Classified section now, C5 Z06 for sale.

I've been kicking that around for a day or so (I found the original ad elsewhere) and PM'd Mark last night for a little info...

Really tempting...

I'll have to second the E46 M3. Best car I've ever had. I've had it since new in 2003. Replaced a cam sensor, shocks, springs and a front hub since new. Lots of track days on the car. Keeps up with most of the other cars in the instructor group. Put on some race pads and rubber then go. SMG makes almost every shift bring a smile to your face.
Excellent daily driver. Comfortable enough for vacation trips.

Howdy,



:-) Its really a nice car. I don't drive it very much on the street (when we're not autoxing its my wife's car), but when I do its fun to play with all the gadgets.

The primary thing I don't like about it on the street is self inflicted... Because I run it in SS its pretty low and so its sorta a PITA with some driveway approaches or speedbumps or whatever. Not unliveable, just annoying. If it weren't for autox, I'd raise it up an inch or so and I think it'd be great.

Whether you go for mine or not, I think there's no question that the c5 these days is the budget performance car to have. Relatively cheap, damned fast, can handle track days without too much crazy prep, nice on the street, etc.

There are cars that do that stuff better (I spent a while in an Audi R8 that was freaking SWEET), but nothing anywhere even close to the cost.

Mark

Yes, they are the ONLY cars I know of (for almost ANY price) which can;

Run mid to high 10s at the strip with a few well sorted power and traction mods

And then be VERY quick, and well balanced, in the right hands at an open track day, or autocross with just a change of wheels and tires, some shock settings, and adding the front swaybar back to the car.

If you r wanting something rare car look up a 1999 Mitsubishi 3000 gt vr4. All wheel drive, all wheel steering , twin turbos, 6 sp trans.

http://www.3si.org/forum/f10/99-red-vr-4-m...y-stock-542932/


Well I was going to direct you to a link to show u what one looks like but I did not realize how rare they are. None on eBay or autotrader. 1999 was the last year of them and had a different body. Only the vr4 had the turbos and rear wing . the other models were non turbo and front wheel drive. The link above is my wife's car that I listed for sale for her. I am not trying to sell it to you that was just the only one I could find. I have autox it one time and won beginner class and had 2 nd fastest time of regular class. My wife is wanting a viper is why it is for sale in first place. I prefer the vr4 but its her car.

I drove one of those years ago...but I think it was "broken". It wasn't fast and didn't seem to be running as I expected. It was more of a high speed all weather grand touring car, but it was a neat concept (until they got super heavy).

Ultimately, I bought a 70th anniversary Jeep Liberty. It's pretty loaded and has 1.5 years/10k on the bumper to bumper and 5.5 years and 75k on the power train warranty. I was really looking at the 4 door Wrangler, but this seems far less likely to turn into another project vehicle. I think I'm going to add a Detroit Tru Trac to the rear axle and drive it.

Pic:

http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?act...ost&id=1004

And I missed this question when it was asked.

I paid $6k for the C4. I've bought about 8-9k in parts (and need about another $2,500 in stuff to finish). I added an in dash dvd player with bluetooth and ipod controls and fixed the AC (all new hoses, orifice tube, accumulator and 2 tries at getting it to seal up and all the associated freon for that). I freshened the engine (I have over $5500 in the shortblock and ignition/valvetrain parts and the HD brake package came off of the Camaro so I already had those parts) and swapped heads, intake, injectors and oil pan (and bought a Centerforce clutch and Fidanza flywheel). If I were to duplicate this car (buy it and all the parts, starting from scratch)...it would be something close to $21k (probably closer to $24k when it's done...I didn't pay that for my jeep). And it still needs paint???

So, I've probably already put "most" of my daily driver money into the C4. It will be reasonably quick when it's done and I hope it handles well enough. And restoring the interior of a Corvette is a whole new lesson in expensive. I need new leather for the seats....it's about $800. I could use a few parts for the door panels, there's a few hundred more. Overall, it's a comfortable and fun car to drive, though it's super tail happy in the current configuration (enough to make me nervous in the rain...and I LIKE a car I can drive sideways for fun).

I can't tell you how much money it would take, but I can tell you how much I've used...

Thinking I really should have just bought Mark's car....

Blackbird I bought a 96 vette brand new. It was fun to drive and handled pretty good. The dam thing was a rattle trap from day one tho, the electronics seemed to work when they wanted too instead of when I wanted them too. My point is those cars were not very well built when new as far as the interiors go and throwing money at it ain't t going to change how they were originally built.

Now with that being said, I bought a 1971 ls-5 corvette a few years ago. It was a running car with full interior, motor, trans, rearend all original, 70 k miles on car. I paid 5000 for the car and thought I had a great deal. After 2 years of rebuilding it and 19000 more dollars thrown at the car it is finally going to the body shop for paint. So I feel ur pain, but at some point u have to realize that no matter how much money you spend on the car it's still a corvette. It's still gonna rattle, shit is gonna not work, it still gonna have issues because these cars were built to perform and not be touring cars. Please don t think I am hating on corvettes because I am not, for what they are designed for they do great, and I love mine but they r not touring cars for sure.
Good luck with that jeep, they are nice looking vehicles