Such a hard decission.

[I want something fast]

For most of you that really know me well you know that I like to make my mind up and have a plan of attack. I hate uncertainty and I hate not knowing what direction to go in.

I am faced with a very large decission ahead of me...even larger than when to get married, where I will work after school....no sir...this has to do with but one word and that is..............Car

I have been watching patiently as auction prices on new C6 Z06's come down. It is anticipated to see them around 54K by next year's time especially after the next generation Z comes out. I love the car but reaslisticly I don't want to be in any kind of financial bind if something was to happen. I have looked long and hard at them and could make the payments with no problem but with the payments being as high as they are it will not allow me to be able to do other things like travel or purchase stuff for a house until I am graduated and working full time.

Conversely I have also been following the new Camaro. It is still a year and half away and more than likely 2 years before we see a special performance model. I am very excited about the car but I know that when I buy it I am going to leave it stock for a while not to mention it could be close to 2.5 years before one is availible to buy.

I had followed the GT-500's since they first were talked about 4 years ago, and really like the cars alot save for their portly stature. I like the way they look, and have always promised myself that I would buy it when it came out. Problem here is that they are selling way over sticker right now, and even so they are around 43K if not marked up. I can make the payments on a 43K car but might have to wait a year before I can even get my hands on one. Then their is the weight slash mod issue...I know if I mod and drop the factory powertrain warranty I can get the car to run high 10's for very cheap, but I will loose a warranty and that sucks.

Then we get to cars that I can afford but am not happy with the performance out of the box.

On my list of cars to consider are the following:
05-06 GTO
03 Cobra
1999-2002 Camaro with an LS7 Transplant or some built 427
RX7 with an LS7 swap

I like the LS7 swap because it will have a warranty, be left alone internally, will get good gas mileage and in a small light chasis will lay waste to 99% of cars on the road. If I can could get a rolling chasis for around 5 I could pick one up for around 15K with all accessories.

I will be willing to spend around 25 for the car and possibly a bit more depending on the circumstances but sheesh is this decission getting hard. I hate having been spoiled by faster cars than I have owned because it is making me set the bar aweful high.

[Anderson]

Out of that list, I would order it as follows:

1.RX7 with an LS7 swap
2.05-06 GTO
3.03 Cobra
4.1999-2002 Camaro with an LS7 Transplant or some built 427

What about the Sky Redline? Would you consider a 4cyl? or are you wanting to stay purely displacement? You could always do a Lexus GS300 Turbo. Perhaps something from Germany like an RS series Audi.

[VR4Rob]

All things considered my vote has to go for the GTO. You can get one with low miles, probably with a warranty still, that will run for a long time with no problems. LS2 power, good looks (IMO the GTO is a fine looking car), lots of room, lots of comfort, and a pricetag that's a lot more appealing than some of the other cars you mentioned. Theres a good aftermarket for it and you can make excellent power with typical heads/cam modifications.

EDIT: And you could always swap in an LS7 in the future ;)

[Inspector]

1. LS7 RX7 (hard time putting this on top, but that warranty sounds good)
2. '03 cobra (cough*turbo*cough)
3. GTO
4. LS7 F-body

why is the C5 Z06 NOT on the list!?! seriously, that would be the car i would buy. cheap(er), fast, looks, handling... it has it all. AND you wouldn't have to swap in a new motor (unless you have an unnatural attraction to the LS7.. understandable:P ).

..or maybe a sc'd or turbo'd M3/M5.. just throwing idea's out there.

[Jess]

I think the GTO is fuglay and I'm usually right.

[Swine]

Rob=right, Jess=wrong.

Define exactly what this car is going to be used for Mike. Daily driver/combat anything and everything(from rainy roads with a trunk full of groceries, to long hual trips to Main, to the Fri track nights), more of a weekend car so you dont have to compromise, what?

For a dd, i would be all over an LS2 gto. Good power, good mpg, easy to come by for low 20k, Lazy boy meets Recaro seats, fun car to drive with plenty of rear end play.:pics:

For a weekend car geared towards performance, and the new z06 isnt an options, the FD with an LS7 would *insert some explicitive hear of how insanely insane an FD with LS7 would be*.

I wouldnt ever suggest a swap vehichle for a dd until you have had several months for the teething process.

[easy2speed]

I have been watching patiently as auction prices on new C6 Z06's come down. It is anticipated to see them around 54K by next year's time especially after the next generation Z comes out.


They are already in the mid 50's. The C5 Z06 or the GTO would be perfect for a daily driver, and the LS7 RX7 would just be nasty.

[I want something fast]

You know I forgot to add the 2002 C5 coupe. I didn't put the C5 Z06 for the simple fact that they are still auctioning off for more than I want to spend on a used car. Right now their price is sitting at around 34K and that is for one that is out of warranty.

A 2002 C5 Coupe is right around 23K and I could spend another 5K to get it to where I would be happy for a while.
Up sides are: Targa top, better resale/trade in value later, styling, low insurance, great gas mileage.
Down sides: Small Corvette specific issues are out of warranty, mods are more expensive.

05-06 GTO:
Upsides: Very affordable insurance, great gas mileage, very affordable for a relatively new car, LS2, awesome interior and solidly built, warranty, great gas mileage.
Down sides: comparatively heavy to other vehicles, needs more power to do 11's, resale/trade in declines very quickly.

2003 Cobra:
Upsides: Affordable price, holds value well/great resale, easy and cheap to mod, looks great, parts for repair are cheap easy to get into 11's.
Downsides: hard to find one that hasn't been ragged, not in warranty, insurance is double what it is to insure a Vette and almost triple what it is for a GTO, horrible gas mileage, tons of squeeks, and rattles due to IRS being a total piece.

200X Camaro/RX7:
Upsides: Light and very affordable, easy to make fast, an LS7 would be awesome and almost un-beatable in both, warranty on LS7, fun project, great gas mileage, low insurance, fun long term project.
Down Sides: Un reliable...both cars will have unexpected issues and bugs, drivetrain components will all have to be beefed up i.e. tranny and rear-end, if totalled insurance might not cover everything. Rattles/ squeeks, unexpected fabrication costs due to swapping in a motor i.e. brackets, AC, powersteering, and other parts that might break due to power, low to no resale value/trade in....very long term project with constant issues that will have to be addressed.

[easy2speed]

You know I forgot to add the 2002 C5 coupe. I didn't put the C5 Z06 for the simple fact that they are still auctioning off for more than I want to spend on a used car. Right now their price is sitting at around 34K and that is for one that is out of warranty.

A 2002 C5 Coupe is right around 23K and I could spend another 5K to get it to where I would be happy for a while.
Up sides are: Targa top, better resale/trade in value later, styling, low insurance, great gas mileage.
Down sides: Small Corvette specific issues are out of warranty, mods are more expensive.

05-06 GTO:
Upsides: Very affordable insurance, great gas mileage, very affordable for a relatively new car, LS2, awesome interior and solidly built, warranty, great gas mileage.
Down sides: comparatively heavy to other vehicles, needs more power to do 11's, resale/trade in declines very quickly.

2003 Cobra:
Upsides: Affordable price, holds value well/great resale, easy and cheap to mod, looks great, parts for repair are cheap easy to get into 11's.
Downsides: hard to find one that hasn't been ragged, not in warranty, insurance is double what it is to insure a Vette and almost triple what it is for a GTO, horrible gas mileage, tons of squeeks, and rattles due to IRS being a total piece.

200X Camaro/RX7:
Upsides: Light and very affordable, easy to make fast, an LS7 would be awesome and almost un-beatable in both, warranty on LS7, fun project, great gas mileage, low insurance, fun long term project.
Down Sides: Un reliable...both cars will have unexpected issues and bugs, drivetrain components will all have to be beefed up i.e. tranny and rear-end, if totalled insurance might not cover everything. Rattles/ squeeks, unexpected fabrication costs due to swapping in a motor i.e. brackets, AC, powersteering, and other parts that might break due to power, low to no resale value/trade in....very long term project with constant issues that will have to be addressed.

'02 C5 Z06 can be had for >$30K easy and an '01 Z06 can be had for $25K with 40-50K miles.

[I want something fast]

They are already in the mid 50's. The C5 Z06 or the GTO would be perfect for a daily driver, and the LS7 RX7 would just be nasty.

Not very many of them. I check Manheim regularly and the last auctions they have recorded every one went for between mid to high 60's.

I have seen them at 55K but still that is a ton of money and a huge financial leap. I can afford the car payments but it won't leave me much money left over for other things...that is unless I buy one at 55K and sell it at 70K and then buy another with the extra cash in hand.

[I want something fast]

'02 C5 Z06 can be had for >$30K easy and an '01 Z06 can be had for $25K with 40-50K miles.

Yeah that is true, I would look at an 02, rather than an 01. Honestly I think I could be happy with a Z06 at around 23-25K so long as I had some money to do some mods to it like what Greg has done.

Hey what does it take to get your dealers license here in the state of Alabama?

[Inspector]

I think the GTO is fuglay and I'm usually right.

its not the best looking car on the road, but its still a good looking car.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j116/z71burb/newstance1.jpg

simple and sleek.. yea, its kinda boring and "pontiac-ish", but the LS2 makes up for that.
jess = wrong.:happyFU:

[dixond]

RX7:
Upsides: Light and very affordable, easy to make fast, an LS7 would be awesome and almost un-beatable in both, warranty on LS7, fun project, great gas mileage, low insurance, fun long term project.
Down Sides: Un reliable...both cars will have unexpected issues and bugs, drivetrain components will all have to be beefed up i.e. tranny and rear-end, if totalled insurance might not cover everything. Rattles/ squeeks, unexpected fabrication costs due to swapping in a motor i.e. brackets, AC, powersteering, and other parts that might break due to power, low to no resale value/trade in....very long term project with constant issues that will have to be addressed.

Why do an LS7?
402 Stroker with LS7 (or AFR) heads is much more realistic $$-wise.
A true LS7 RX7 has not yet been done. It was actually an LS2 block with LS7 Heads that is competing in the Ultimate Street Car Challenge, even though it is touted as an LS7 RX7.

Unreliable? Granted, I've had my share of troubles b/c of sketchy motors but otherwise these cars can be built to dd. Beefed up drivetrain? If you're going to go through the trouble of swapping out the entire freaking motor, why would you complain about having to swap out the tranny and rearend. You're already getting your hands pretty dirty so you're not taking it that much further.
Powersteering isn't really an issue.
Air Conditioning I can't really speak on, but I've talked to a few people and apparently all I've got to do is mount the stuff in the car, get a few lines fabbed up at an AC shop and then work with 4 relays.
Resale value? yeah.... This car hopefully won't ever leave my hands as I know that in quite a few years it will eventually turn into a track car.

Time is probably the biggest issue as it takes most guys about 4-6 months to get the car reasnoably done (a lot of waiting on parts).

P.S.
If you're wanting to do an RX7 that is built to the teeth (402 w/ AFR heads, Mild cam w/ valve train supporting mods, nitrous, LS7 clutch, built T56, carbon driveshaft, KAAZ rear, 300M seals, replace all the bushings to rid wheelhop) you're probably going to spend >$35 when it is all said and done. You can't forget the price of a good clean roller which is getting harder and harder to find. Wheels/tires. Suspension.... and definately a roll cage.

[Pegasus_Red]

To be honest, wait and buy something you REALLY REALLY want, kinda like that mairage thingy, find the right girl, think about it, date them for a while, then marry them. Id stick with the C5, Ive seen to much of those things to not be able to resist their aura and general kick assness. Im almost positive that they WILL be the colector car of our kids generation. All your choices are good, but its about what you want in the end.

[I want something fast]

Why do an LS7?
402 Stroker with LS7 (or AFR) heads is much more realistic $$-wise.
A true LS7 RX7 has not yet been done. It was actually an LS2 block with LS7 Heads that is competing in the Ultimate Street Car Challenge, even though it is touted as an LS7 RX7.

Unreliable? Granted, I've had my share of troubles b/c of sketchy motors but otherwise these cars can be built to dd. Beefed up drivetrain? If you're going to go through the trouble of swapping out the entire freaking motor, why would you complain about having to swap out the tranny and rearend. You're already getting your hands pretty dirty so you're not taking it that much further.
Powersteering isn't really an issue.
Air Conditioning I can't really speak on, but I've talked to a few people and apparently all I've got to do is mount the stuff in the car, get a few lines fabbed up at an AC shop and then work with 4 relays.
Resale value? yeah.... This car hopefully won't ever leave my hands as I know that in quite a few years it will eventually turn into a track car.

Time is probably the biggest issue as it takes most guys about 4-6 months to get the car reasnoably done (a lot of waiting on parts).


With me now being engaged, I can't have a money pit that I am having to be constantly fixing or working on. This car will for a short time become my daily driver, and thus I would want it to drive accordingly. 402 is cheaper, but will not have a warranty, not to mention will not be free from issues via constant tuning needs, or drivability issues. If I were to do a motor I would do it as stock. I don't want to fool with building a motor and all the head aches that come with that. I have been down that road before and I don't ahve the time or funds for it right now. An LS7 crate with complete accessories is about the only way I would want to go. It is reliable, strong, and will have a warranty associated with it, not to mention it is plenty enought to keep me satisfied for a while. The problem I have with this project is this though: 15K for the motor and another 6-7K for a rolling chasis. A standard T56 and LS1 clutch will "not" hold the power relialby, and neither will the RX7 rear end. So a beefed up rear end and tranny are going to add about another 3-4 K to th project. I would then need the proper conversion components and those are going to be a bare minimun of 2K. At this point I have about 28K invested and then I have to invest who knows how much time getting it running right...not to mention little things that will break and or need attention.

I am not going to go that route unless Ron over at GMMG can give me some direction on what he can do as far as parts and engines. If he can help me get things together for a reasonable price then I will consider it heavily.

The main thing here is that I don't want a project car yet...I am going to be giving my mother back her Maxima after December and I want a car that I can drive and feel comfortable about driving long distances without having to worry.

Also realize this guys, I am more than likely going to either trade this car or sell it when and if the new bad boy Camaro comes out or if the price on the Z06 becomes reasonable.

[dixond]

Then C5 Z06 FTW
http://www.efiunlimited.com/gallery/data/516/DSC06181.JPG
http://www.efiunlimited.com/gallery/data/516/DSC06481.JPG

[VR4Rob]

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/10854UGIpx/951845.jpg

http://www.3si.org/forum/images/smilies/new/scared.gifhttp://www.3si.org/forum/images/smilies/new/scared.gifhttp://www.3si.org/forum/images/smilies/new/scared.gif

[adam p]

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/10854UGIpx/951845.jpg

http://www.3si.org/forum/images/smilies/new/scared.gifhttp://www.3si.org/forum/images/smilies/new/scared.gifhttp://www.3si.org/forum/images/smilies/new/scared.gif

You know...some people drive their cars more than polish them :steering: :rolleyes:

C5 Z06 FTW

[Sole Maverick]

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/10854UGIpx/951845.jpg

http://www.3si.org/forum/images/smilies/new/scared.gifhttp://www.3si.org/forum/images/smilies/new/scared.gifhttp://www.3si.org/forum/images/smilies/new/scared.gif

Haha that made me laugh.

Turbo GTO FTW

[gangsta coupe]

I would get a gto...

[TransAmDriver]

Well I'll throw in the buy a practical affordable car(like a 99-01 C5, LS1 GTO) that will get you to the point where you are finacially stable with your new wife at your new job in a house before you start the horsepower quest. :D

[easy2speed]

Not very many of them. I check Manheim regularly and the last auctions they have recorded every one went for between mid to high 60's.

I have seen them at 55K but still that is a ton of money and a huge financial leap. I can afford the car payments but it won't leave me much money left over for other things...that is unless I buy one at 55K and sell it at 70K and then buy another with the extra cash in hand.


I would never try and sell one for $70 when people are buying them for low $60's retail, but I get your point. Manheim is the place to take a Z06 because the dumbass rednecks will pay all the money for one. We could have bought a few right when they came out and taken them to the auction to make money, but the risk-per-investment ratio wasn't worth it. However, we will still buy a $130K Gallardo and sell it for a $1,000 profit.:nuts:

[Swine]

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1094247

[helo pilot]

i say buy something cheap, reliable, low miles, untill you can afford what you really want so that youre not unhappy with what you have.

[Swine]

i say buy something cheap, reliable, low miles, untill you can afford what you really want so that youre not unhappy with what you have.


Bullshit he drives a truck on the street. Anything even slightly resembling a car with decent performance would be a teh win.

[I want something fast]

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1094247


Yeah...uh no way am I buying someone else's project especially for that kind of money.

You just never know what you are getting when you do that.

[Swine]

Yeah...uh no way am I buying someone else's project especially for that kind of money.

You just never know what you are getting when you do that.

I know someone who knows first hand of what you speak of.

[gangsta coupe]

I dont know how much they go for but I also love the caddy CTS-V!

Curb Weight 3,509 lbs.
400 hp @ 6,000 rpm/395 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm 6.0 LS2

[VR4Rob]

You know...some people drive their cars more than polish them :steering: :rolleyes:

C5 Z06 FTW
And some people are just lazy :patriot:. That is why I am here :)

[I want something fast]

I know someone who knows first hand of what you speak of.
I believe we know and have helped the same person.

[JohnSS]

I believe we know and have helped the same person.

:rolleyes:

[Drew]

Nothing says "I can't afford a Corvette." like a GTO.

Get a Z06 and be a man.

[Swine]

Nothing says "I can't afford a Corvette." like a GTO.

Get a Z06 and be a man.


Nothing says your dumb more then that statement.:snipe:

[Drew]

It may sound dumb but I'm right.

[VDUBNDizzy]

And some people are just lazy :patriot:. That is why I am here :)

I'm lazy, but I'd have plenty of time to wash the car if you come over and do my homework for me. :cool:

[helo pilot]

Bullshit he drives a truck on the street. Anything even slightly resembling a car with decent performance would be a teh win.

mike was right though about being spoiled by fast cars. even though he's driven a truck/maxima for a daily driver for his driving life, he knows what a real fast car feels like, like im talking 10s street car/ 500hp fast. im not speaking for him but i know what ever he gets, will be quite fast. i was only suggesting getting a cheap, comfortable, nonsports car, so that he would have extra $ to spend on life and on the car he really wants a few years down the road. but i also know mike has a 6th sense for how to make $ from almost any situation. so if this dealers license thing works out, he might end up with something not fast enough for his taste but could turn it around and make $ off of it.

speaking of dealers license, if you get one mike, i may have to hit you up for a car in about 7 months 20 days.

[VR4Rob]

Nothing says "I can't afford a Corvette." like a GTO.
I have to completely disagree. It's a totally diffrent animal. The GTO is definately more practical for a DD than a Corvette. If you want something thats all about status then buy a 3 series convertible or something.

[I want something fast]

I drove both a C6 Vette and GTO yesterday. I have to say I like both cars but if I am going to buy a Vette I am going to for the gold. The GTO has a sweet interior in it...I like it better than the Vette.


I basicly have come to this conclusion, and that is I want to wait till I can buy the C6 Z. I am saving money right now and I plan to continue saving. At the end of my work I am going to put all of my money in a CD and forget that I even have it.

I have so much going on right now, and adding a car to the mix is just something that I can't do until I am working again next summer and have enough cash to make a large down payment to the bank.

[helo pilot]

could still get something cheap and reliable as a dd

[Drew]

I drove both a C6 Vette and GTO yesterday. I have to say I like both cars but if I am going to buy a Vette I am going to for the gold. The GTO has a sweet interior in it...I like it better than the Vette.


I basicly have come to this conclusion, and that is I want to wait till I can buy the C6 Z. I am saving money right now and I plan to continue saving. At the end of my work I am going to put all of my money in a CD and forget that I even have it.

I have so much going on right now, and adding a car to the mix is just something that I can't do until I am working again next summer and have enough cash to make a large down payment to the bank.

Don't foret about those rock paymnents :(

[JohnSS]

so if this dealers license thing works out, he might end up with something not fast enough for his taste but could turn it around and make $ off of it.

I doubt he would be able to get a loan for enough money to buy a car at auction, from my own experience they (the bank) want to see what you are going to spend the money on and know that there is collateral there.

[AccoRdINlySlo]

I heard U can get some crazy deals at auctions. I was in training last week at one of the main salvage yards here. Pretty much all the total, flooded or repo cars goes there, its like Progressive,Allstate and State Farms yard, there were like over thousands and thousands of cars there and like 200 bikes that didnt even look fuked up.

We have so much access to auctions and all but we can have relationships with buying salvage and auctions and all:(