You can't really compare the base Camaro with a 350z. All models have the same engine, trans, and things like that so it is like a Z28 with just upgraded suspention and all that. The 350z is really just one model with different options.

I think a suspention package is good for the base car because there still are people out there that can not afford a Z28 for various reasons and have to get a base model. Also, there will be kids whose parents will buy them a car and since the kid has to get a base model, he/she can opt for a sporty package that will let them have a more pleasant driving experience. Before I got my Z28, I could not afford the inssurance and I had to get a V6. So I got a 94' M5(used). I loved that car and would have liked to have the Y87 package if it was available.

I just think it would be a good thing so people don't feel like they are "getting stuck" with a base model.

 

You're right it should. But I don't see anything wrong with offering an upgrade for about $500-$800. It would make the base model alittle special.

 

Wow, so many different opinions, but we see to be concluding that the base model should have 17" as optional.

Then, Z28/SS should have 17" standard, with 18" as optional.


On the topic of turning... What makes a wheel hard to turn is the width, not so much the rim height. The wider the front tire, the harder it is to turn.

 

I'd say that you're right.

Put that in the "DONE" folder.

 

Agreed!

 

when i say turn, you do know i mean like rotate?
not like going into a corner and turning

 

OK now I know what you meant. Well, you are right because I assume that as we go up in rim size, the weight increases. Assuming, though, that we could use some lightweight materials for the larger rims and if we could keep the weight increase to a minimal (if at all), then I do not see any impact when it comes to rotational/centrifugal forces.

Someone who went from stock rims on F4 to 315/35-R17 wheels measured a 6 or 7 HP loss on the dyno. That's at the rear wheels! But it does help with traction, no doubt about it. Check it out, looks good:

http://u2.netgate.net/~jshapiro/z28/315s/index.html

edit: pardon me, the loss was of 3.6 HP and 3.5 lb/ft. He widened his rims, not replaced them. Here's the link:

http://www.ws6.com/wheels.htm

 

The base model needs 17" wheels stock, a base V6 with a deal installed supercharger like with the ecotec. The SS/Z28 needs 18" wheels stock. The base model needs to be desirable and I also think that it could use a factory optioned sport suspension system.

 

Eh... I dunno about all this with 17"ers on a base model.

That is going to increase price of the base car (something everyone agrees has to hit it's target), plus make those who use the car shell out bigger bucks when they need to buy new tires.

16"ers are more logical here, IMO.

 

18" rims are too much and unneccesary IMO.

 

These 18's are too much?
http://www.tirerack.com/upgrade_gara...&autoYear=2002


EDIT: You must manually click on the 18" wheels.

 

Yes.

 

"What performance options should the "base" F5 have?"

To stay relevant to the post, 18's have no place on the base car.

17's maybe as an option. Standard should be 16's.

The base care shoudl have some sort of performance package that is better than what Y87 was. The only important thing you really got was a LSD, and 3.42's if you drove an auto. Some kind of engine enhancement would be nice. Maybe have a different cam. At least with the 3800 Series II (L36) there is much room to improve performace considering the wimpy cam it is given from the factory. A GM backed supercharger package would have been great. This is the application where it was needed moreso than on such cars as the Grand AM.

 

Wow, they actually do look awesome.

People, people. All we are saying is that 17" should be OPTIONAL on the base model, NOT standard. Hence if buyers want low cost base model they will not be charged for 17". But the ones that want those rims - well, they pay an upgrade fee and get them.

 

So what about a limited slip differential.....................should it be standard? I am thinking that with increased power and maybe a reduction in weight, this might be necessary. In my girlfriends 90' TBI Formula, the car does not have the limited slip and it really hurts the car. I can't give it any gas from low speeds around a turn without it spinning like crazy. Also, unless it is on a really good surface, you can't floor it from a standstill without the same problem. All of this from a car with an A4 and 2.73's. So if this is the case, a car with 50-600 more hp and probably the same level of torque would really benefit from this, especially for the manual.

I guess I am going to say that it should be standard. I am thinking that the added cost would only be about $100 if every Camaro had this. I don't like the idea of adding too much to the base car but this might be necessary...............or, they could make it part of the base performance package and try to get people to spend the extra dough on those options.