Ok; This is my first post here. So heres my story...Recently I have decided to buy a Camaro. I will be buying one for sure in about 8 months so Im in a research/planning stage. My max bugdet will be around $13,000 Ive been on other non-related message boards so I know this is where the experts are at I want a 6 speed man. trans convertable, SS. The only reason I want the ss is because of the hood scoop and the performance suspension. So should I definatley go with the 98 and later for the ls1 or get a more modded older lt1? I would go with the ls1 but at $13,000 that will only get me a nice stock car. I think 345hp is a little weak and want more like 380/400rwhp in a car that can do at least 0.92ish on the skidpad; and thats a lot more $ with a ls1. I am not going to drag race it just want a good back road blaster. Since I like the SS, do you think the Z-28 with an aftermarket hood and suspension mods would do the trick(cheaper than SS badge)? I also like the 94-96 corvette, which might corner better stock but have ugly a$$ interior/Gauges and still anemic on power. I know $13000 would buy a really nice modded/low miles lt1 car but is it worth the extra dough for the ls1?

 

C4=ugly IMO. Don't waste your money on an old LT1 unless they are VERY low in miles and if its modded, make sure your confident in who did the work. If I had to do it all again I would have killed to start with LS1 and the new technology. (compared to my '93)

 

The LS1 is definitely worth the extra cash. Don't get me wrong, the LT1 is a great engine in its own right, but after having been in an LT1 and my car, I'd take the LS1 (plus no optispark). As for cornering, the convertible is going to have more flex so more suspension mods are going to be needed in order to make it handle similar to the coupe (I know from driving my car and then riding in my buddy's 2002 Z28). You'll definitely find a Z28 cheaper than the SS, but I'd try looking for the SS first and then a z28 that way you get what you want rather than waiting later on to add the cosmetic mods. A 6 speed convertible is going to be hard to find, but best of luck to you. I enjoy mine and I'm sure you'll enjoy the one you find.

 

for 13k, u could buy this z28
http://www.ksfba.org/forums/showthre...=newpost&t=847

that wins over an SS IMO, you could always buy an SS hood and have the looks and killer performance

 

Go with the LS1, I skipped right from an L98 to LS1s, big jump. Definitely a good time of year to buy, winter is coming on so most people have holidays on the mind, not perf car shopping. So anyone that needs to sell has fewer interested parties. Advantage to you.

 

Alright Ill be looking for a 98 and newer Camaro SS. I guess I would go for a coupe even though my wife wants a convertable. The Coupes seem to be more common in 6-speed SS and a little cheaper. The T-Tops is kinda like a convertable anyways. Im looking for somthing under 65,000 miles in excellent condition preferably red. I think Ill strive for a 2002 for the ls6 intake and the greater possibility of the ls6 engine block; (25%) just for kicks! My dream would be the 35th aniversery edition if I came across one of those I might scrape up $16000 or $17000 for a good specimen. I would definatley have to explain its rarity/value to the wife It would be hard because that price would be creeping up on my most wanted choice a 97 and newer vette. From reding about the ls1 in the tech sections it looks like it would be pretty easy to get at least 350 rwhp with some relatively cheap exhaust/intake mods. Thanks for the help.

 

I love the look of the restyled C4s, but vette replacement parts are sky high $$$. Mods are even more $$$. The LS1 camaro is as fast as a LT1 C4 (at least in straight line) and will cost much less overall

 

If you even remotely think you'll mod. the car, DONT buy the "35th Aniversery Edition". As these are collector cars and you will ruin the resale value. I would buy a nice low miles Z-28 and mod. away. I'm parcial to convertibles, but they are HEAVY!