Just looking for some inciteful opinions on what i should do. I like my car, but its an auto, not as fast as id like to be, and its not in as pristine shape as id like my car to be. If i were to keep it i would definitely convert to m6. I would want more power of course so i would probably do a full performance rebuild(383) when my engine craps out. Finally, i would want to eventually get a paint job to bring it back to showroom condition(not priority but in the back of my mind). Should i do all this? OR save for a ls1 z28 / firebird M6? In summary, i guess im in search of the most cost efficient way to a 11-12.0 sec NA car, thats not just a straight line beast, and maintains driveability. Buying a newer vette could be an option but im thinking the total cost will greatly exceed the cost of building up an fbody to equal specs & performance. Any cost estimations would be greatly appreciated.


thanks

 

Economically, it is almost always cheaper to build what you already have than it is to buy something else and start all over, unless the car you have is a heap of crap.

 

Here is what I would do:

I would sell your current car and put the $$ towards a really cherry low mile LT1 M6. They can be had for pretty cheap these days, much cheaper than most LS1 cars. I much prefer the LT1 style over the LS1 in the Camaro anyways. If you were a firebird type of guy, I'd recommend the LS1 style.

Both engines can be made to be really fast. I'd recommend going for the look you prefer.

Once you get the perfect LT1 M6 car go ahead and do all the little things to bring it up to your standard for cleanliness. You might decide to have the nose repainted to eliminate stone chips or to recover the drivers seat to fix worn leather... Whatever you need to do to make it perfect for yourself.

Then, what you'll have is a solid clean M6 car that you can mod with a clean conscience. You wont feel overwhelmed that there are a million little things you need to fix, it will just be fun!

My car is case and point. It is so clean and perfect it could be sitting on a dealer's showroom floor. When I think about it I am not at all worried about having to fix up anything, it is ready to play and mod. I get to have fun!

Getting into a LS1 car in a similar fassion would cost a bit more. Bottom line: do what you can easily afford. The hobby is more fun if you are not over-extending youself to own the car. I feel great looking at my car and knowing it is 100% paid for. It really makes driving it that much more enjoyable. I dont think I could say the same thing if it was a more expensive car and I had a payment to make every month. That would add stress to it all.

 

If u have alot of money invested in your car already than I would just keep it and build her up to your expectations. If not than I would do what what he said above. I'm in a similar boat and I think I'm just just gonna keep my baby and just build her over time....a very long time...lol.

 

My car looks like crap, cause the front bumper sags, is all chiped up, the ground efects on one side are broken, drivers side light has broken supports and bounces, bunch of scratchs on the rear bumper and a bunch or other little things....but i wouldn't trade if for the world and im still throwin money at it.

If you sell your car, you may regret it as i get really attatched to cars.

 

Im in your exact same position almost. I have a 93 Lt1 camaro, and its fine now, but I can tell stuffs about to hit the fan on a number of things. Its auto and I really want a 6speed. I figure it would be easier to start with a 6speed rather than swapping. Id rather get an ls1 t56 car and start there, then pour money into a platform Im not in absolute love with. Go test drive some 6spd LS1s, it'll help change your mind .

 

It sounds like it would take more than a few thousand dollars to get your car showroom. So, if you could sell your car and add an extra $1500 to get a really nice one why not do it? I understand what you are saying about loving your car and I do love all 5 of my old Camaros. I wouldnt trade my current car for any of them, though! You can love them and still look forward to getting the next, better car.

Why would anyone spend $3000 fixing up a car when they can just buy one with lower miles in great shape for $1500 plus the money from seeling their old car?? Just a quality paintjob alone is a couple grand! New leather seatcovers is another $800, carpet& floor mats $150... My car was in great shape when I got it with only 48,000 miles. I'm so picky i've still managed to spend $1000 on it to get it fully restored to showroom. I cannot even begin to imagine how much it would have cost if it required body work and paint in addition to what I did!

Don't waste your money fixing up your car. Depending on how picky you are it could cost more than your car is worth to fix it right. Move on to something better, look forward instead backward.

Lets say you sell your car for $5500. Add $1500 to that and go buy a $7000 M6 LT1 that is in really great condition. It would cost you way more than $1500 to get your current car looking that good! Make sense? Besides, the hunt for the new car is fun!

 

My problem is that its impossible to find a decent lt1 with an m6 around this area. Been looking for 1 and 1/2 years. SO thats why im leaning towards building up my car. Id love to find a good condition m6 around if i could.

 

Why are you limiting your search to local cars? I live in Wisconsin. I bought my car at a dealer in Texas, sight unseen except for a TON of pictures. The pictures were perfect, so I took the risk. I'm very happy with what arrived! For the money I got in it, minus mods, I could sell it and come out even. not too shabby! It needed a little TLC, like the intake manifold leaked oil, the clutch made noise from the oil getting on it and the tires did not all match. It also had an exhaust manifold leak and the sun visors were drooping a bit. The driver's seat had a little mark on the entry bolster. I've fixed it all myself sinse buying it and am modding away now! Try finding an LT1 M6 convertible with less than 55,000 miles on it in pristine condition! Whenever I look I cant find any for under $8,000.

 

eh, im not as trusting as you. :P i want to drive it, and inspect every inch of the car.

 

It's not a matter of trust, but a matter of really good close-up pictures. Pictures, a carfax report and verified low miles below 50,000 and you cannot go wrong if the price is right.

You'd be amazed at the variety and availability once you begin to search nationally. Also avoid cars from the salt belt. By forcing yourself to stay local you will never find the perfect car. It's your call, but trust me it is possible to feel confident about buying nationally using online tools. I've done it 3 times now and have yet to be disappointed. I got my 96 Oldsmobile for a song, and it is like new with only 46,000 miles on it. The dealer gave the owner $3000 trade-in and sold it on Ebay to me for $3200. It was a Lexus dealer that did not have a "used" lot but found this car to be way to nice and clean to auction off.

Give it a shot, at least look around and do some checking. Just looking around does not commit you to anything. What have you got to lose?

 

i may have to keep an eye out. did you ship your car or drive it home? if shipped, how much?

 

The Camaro was $550 shipped from Texas and the Oldsmobile was $700 shipped from North Carolina. I drove 300 miles to a dealer in Illinois for my wife's minivan. Each car was exactly as promised and shown in the photos.

 

I think you should pull any performance stuff you have on your car sell it and purchase a M6. It would be a lot more cost efficient. Plus depending on your asking price maybe Ill buy your car

 

yeah, you can check in Canada, pennsylania, even Mass., those would still be close enough to go drive and inspect