I have a question for the LS1 owners
I apologize for the length but I have been going back and forth with this and would like other opinions.
I have been a loyal Chevy owner since I started driving and had the privilege of owning 5 Corvettes; the birth of my daughter forced the sale of my last Vette, a 99 Coupe. I currently own a very clean 96 Z28 t-top with only 30k miles. I really want a convertible and a fast one at that
Here is the question can a 6spd. SS convertible hit high 12s with a cat back and a free flow aid lid? I want a fast car with minimal effort.
I hate to say it but I have been looking into a 03 Cobra convertible and have been VERY impressed with the numbers with a CAI, cat back and computer tuning, low 12s. I would hate to go to Ford but it sounds pretty good.

I no I’m going to get killed for thinking this. I await your replies…

 

It would take more then a cat back and lid to get most coupes into the 12s. Keep in mind the Cobra would cost more, you trader.

 

I am not sure about the convertible part, but I have seen other F-body LS1's hit 12's. Most get mid to low 13's. A lid, Cat-back, headers, SFC's and some tires should get that SS to hit 12's.

Convtertible Cobra's go for about 38-40 in Central Jersey. IDK where Maple Shade is, but you should still be somewhere in that price range. An 02 SS shouldn't cost you more than 28 (which is way to much in the first place, but that is what dealers are asking).

 

Oh, and congrats on your daughter

 

Buy mine

 

I would say buy the SS, because the Cobra is going to cost you probably 10 to 15k more. I think putting some effort in your car is worth it.

 

i don't think you get any panache in a cobra

all the worm-mobiles look the same, i have to ask to figure out what year they are, if they are a REAL cobra

i let a mustang buddy borrow our SS convertible, and even he loved the folks just gaping at him (he took it on vacation to Jax/Savannah for week or so)

our car is an 00 (no LS6 manifold) and with a lid, filter, MAF ends, TB bypass and no other mods, it does all i want it to.

i just did the MAF ends and EGR trim lately, and it spins so hard (kumho's) now that the wife is actually scared of it.

i think it would run a mid to low 13, judging by a buddy who had the same car and drove like crap, but still ran 13.5

$$ will be key with the new kid, i'd find a used SS and bank the difference, and it'll hold it's value since they quit making them, i think.

here's a stupid opinion: the cobra loses value, because Saleen or Roush always makes a car this is more than the stock cobra.

 

I thank everyone for there input.
I am in the car business and have access to the auctions. A 03 Cobra convertible just sold at the sale for $26,900 with only 1k miles! I can get a 02 SS convert. for around $22-24 so there is a price difference. I have heard about some problems with the Cobra so I really have to look into it. I will have some thinking to do.

 

You probably all ready know this but just in case you don't I'm gonna throw it out. A convertable at the track needs a roll cage at 13.99 or better. Since LS1 SS's do 13's stock you can't run the car at the track without a roll cage. Unfortunately that will eat up your back seat and you can't put anyone back there.

That was the reason I went with T-Tops and not a convertable myself. I have a three year old that frequently rides in my Formula. A car seat kind of looks funny in my back seat but then again so does a roll cage.

But if you don't want to run at the track or don't mind a roll cage then get the vert and enjoy!

12's are easily obtainable with headers and a few other small bolt-ons. Good luck and Grats on the birth of your daughter.

 

"Roll bar mandatory in all cars running 11.00 (*7.00) to 11.99 (*7.49) and in convertibles running 11.00 (*7.00) to 13.99 (*8.59)"

so...you're not going to need a roll cage, but you will need a roll bar which still inhibits access to the rear seat somewhat...as far as i know...

 

Yeah ... what he said ... You'll have to install a roll bar to drive it on the track, even in stock form. Go for T-Tops. Nice open air while driving, yet no roll bar required at the track.

As for hitting 12's ... my WS6 weighs in at a heavy 3850 with a full tank of gas and me in it. I have pulled 13.0 and can pull a 12.9 with just a little higher RPM at launch.

My mods? cutout, lid, SFC's, LCA's, and 4.11 gears.


You can get an SS into the 12's for less than the cost of a Cobra.

 

My dad ran 13.37 @ 104 with his 2000 A4 SS Convertible with a lid as the only mod. The car definitely has s little more in it, but not too much. Possibly a 13.2 with some cold dry air (we don't get much of that down here in florida). So to answer your question...an M6 with a couple mods will DEFINITELY be in the 12's. His car is also the heaviest possible combination you can get in a camaro. Every single GM option is on that car along with the SLP CME exhaust. Anyhow, take an M6 vert, throw on air lid, a loudmouth with y-pipe, and some good air....and of course the good driver mod, and boom, you're in the 12's. Its as easy as that.

Oh yeah, my dad's times as well as mine in the sig. were done at Orlando Speed World, which arguably could be the worst prepped track in the country. Dad's car does not have a roll bar/cage......they'd probably let him run with the top down if he wanted lol. They just made him wear a helmet for the first time ever last time out.

 

My buddy ran his 03 10th anniv. Cobra Convertible at the track no mods, granny shifted and bogged off the line and ran a 13.4

My LT1 A4 has t-tops and runs 14.0 w/ only a cat back. I really enjoy a convertible and it's much easier then t-tops. The thought of high 11's, low 12's with a cat-back, CAI,computer tunning and a pulley is incredible

But I do love the look of the LS1 SS convertibles,

I will let you know when I get something.