New Around Here - Questions =)
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 266
New Around Here - Questions =)
Hey all!
Well, tomorrow I get my first -real- car. For the past year I've driven a 2001 Cavalier (Dont laugh), and now I can afford a 2002 Camaro SS. Red, T-tops, and only thing it's missing is a leather interior. I can get that re-done someday anyhow!
I'm 19 years old, and the insurance isnt much more than my Cavalier believe it or not. Crazy. And nope, my parents didnt buy it for me - I can afford it myself.
I have a few questions.
1) - Break in - Just dont drive it rough most of the time, for the first 500 miles, right? Other than that it should be fine? I mean, as long as I'm not abusive... like WOT for 300 miles straight, sound acceptable? Correct me if I'm wrong.
2) - Gas - 93 octane or higher only, right? Or is 87 just as good? You let me know...
3) - Ram Air - How well does the Ram Air work on these things? The inlet looks pretty small...
4) - Let me know if theres anything -you- think about that I should know. Naturally this will be the first time I'll have a 6-speed (I can drive a manual, just never driven 6!), first time I'll have a damn fast car (Going from my 18 second Cavalier to this 12-13 second Camaro kicks ***), etc...
Anything else I should know?
Thanks guys.
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-2002 Red Camaro SS
Chesapeake, Virginia
http://www.HeadRushPerformance.Com
Well, tomorrow I get my first -real- car. For the past year I've driven a 2001 Cavalier (Dont laugh), and now I can afford a 2002 Camaro SS. Red, T-tops, and only thing it's missing is a leather interior. I can get that re-done someday anyhow!
I'm 19 years old, and the insurance isnt much more than my Cavalier believe it or not. Crazy. And nope, my parents didnt buy it for me - I can afford it myself.
I have a few questions.
1) - Break in - Just dont drive it rough most of the time, for the first 500 miles, right? Other than that it should be fine? I mean, as long as I'm not abusive... like WOT for 300 miles straight, sound acceptable? Correct me if I'm wrong.
2) - Gas - 93 octane or higher only, right? Or is 87 just as good? You let me know...
3) - Ram Air - How well does the Ram Air work on these things? The inlet looks pretty small...
4) - Let me know if theres anything -you- think about that I should know. Naturally this will be the first time I'll have a 6-speed (I can drive a manual, just never driven 6!), first time I'll have a damn fast car (Going from my 18 second Cavalier to this 12-13 second Camaro kicks ***), etc...
Anything else I should know?
Thanks guys.
------------------
-2002 Red Camaro SS
Chesapeake, Virginia
http://www.HeadRushPerformance.Com
Moderator
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,881
From: Chelsea, MI
one thing.. never put less than 91-93 octaine in that car!
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DaveD
1998 WS6 #207
-ARE Stage II Head/Cam
1998 Regal GS
-It Has Boost
The Phantom of CamaroZ28.com
Http://PhantomTA.cz28.com
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DaveD
1998 WS6 #207
-ARE Stage II Head/Cam
1998 Regal GS
-It Has Boost
The Phantom of CamaroZ28.com
Http://PhantomTA.cz28.com
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 109
From: Bremerton, WA.
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Desolate_Flux:
Hey all!
Well, tomorrow I get my first -real- car. For the past year I've driven a 2001 Cavalier (Dont laugh), and now I can afford a 2002 Camaro SS. Red, T-tops, and only thing it's missing is a leather interior. I can get that re-done someday anyhow!
I'm 19 years old, and the insurance isnt much more than my Cavalier believe it or not. Crazy. And nope, my parents didnt buy it for me - I can afford it myself.
I have a few questions.
1) - Break in - Just dont drive it rough most of the time, for the first 500 miles, right? Other than that it should be fine? I mean, as long as I'm not abusive... like WOT for 300 miles straight, sound acceptable? Correct me if I'm wrong.
2) - Gas - 93 octane or higher only, right? Or is 87 just as good? You let me know...
3) - Ram Air - How well does the Ram Air work on these things? The inlet looks pretty small...
4) - Let me know if theres anything -you- think about that I should know. Naturally this will be the first time I'll have a 6-speed (I can drive a manual, just never driven 6!), first time I'll have a damn fast car (Going from my 18 second Cavalier to this 12-13 second Camaro kicks ***), etc...
Anything else I should know?
Thanks guys.
</font>
Hey all!
Well, tomorrow I get my first -real- car. For the past year I've driven a 2001 Cavalier (Dont laugh), and now I can afford a 2002 Camaro SS. Red, T-tops, and only thing it's missing is a leather interior. I can get that re-done someday anyhow!
I'm 19 years old, and the insurance isnt much more than my Cavalier believe it or not. Crazy. And nope, my parents didnt buy it for me - I can afford it myself.
I have a few questions.
1) - Break in - Just dont drive it rough most of the time, for the first 500 miles, right? Other than that it should be fine? I mean, as long as I'm not abusive... like WOT for 300 miles straight, sound acceptable? Correct me if I'm wrong.
2) - Gas - 93 octane or higher only, right? Or is 87 just as good? You let me know...
3) - Ram Air - How well does the Ram Air work on these things? The inlet looks pretty small...
4) - Let me know if theres anything -you- think about that I should know. Naturally this will be the first time I'll have a 6-speed (I can drive a manual, just never driven 6!), first time I'll have a damn fast car (Going from my 18 second Cavalier to this 12-13 second Camaro kicks ***), etc...
Anything else I should know?
Thanks guys.
</font>
1) Vary the speed/rpms for at least 500 miles, don't use the cruise control for at least 700 miles!! As I've been reminded of a few times, use acceleration (going through the gears UP) and deceleration (using the gears to slow down) for the first 1000 miles or so, it's real fun!!
2)Use the HIGHEST octane available, NEVER use regular, my SS got almost 28 mpg on the third tank of premium, I'd never feed her a lesser fuel!!
3) The RAM air seems to work GREAT, ya gotta love those GM technicians, I haven't done any mods except a K&N filter and she's fast enough to get me in all kinds of trouble!!
4)Put Mobil 1 in her after 3000 miles and enjoy the hell out of that baby!!!!
GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!!........Brent
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'02 35th anniversary edition camaro SS, 6spd, hurst, t-tops...K&N filter
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 266
Hey,
I'm a High Speed Data Technician for *** Communications - I make $12.99/hour full time, and I live with my parents.
The car will be about $500/month at max, the insurance will be $380/month. That's about half what I make, but from sounds of it it's worth it!
------------------
-2002 Red Camaro SS
Chesapeake, Virginia
http://www.HeadRushPerformance.Com
I'm a High Speed Data Technician for *** Communications - I make $12.99/hour full time, and I live with my parents.
The car will be about $500/month at max, the insurance will be $380/month. That's about half what I make, but from sounds of it it's worth it!
------------------
-2002 Red Camaro SS
Chesapeake, Virginia
http://www.HeadRushPerformance.Com
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13
From: Fairmont, WV
Having just picked up mine on the 18th I'm in the same field as you. 18yrs too! Worked my butt off literally for this car! Brent is right on with varying the Rpm's and running throught the gears. Give the gears a good work out the first 1K miles. Only 93 Octane! Period! Finally ran out the dealer filled 87 and refilled with 93 and noticed a huge difference in acceleration. Coming from a lifted 4 cyl Jeep it's hard to even except how much power is now under my foot! 
Break her im right and be careful!
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Mine- 02 Silver SS #8774 M6Hurst, Factory Loaded, T- Tops, SLP Lid and Center Mount Exhaust "345" Option and Chrome 10 spokes! No Times Yet but hope to be Dynoing Soon! Bought-
7-18-02
Little Bro's- 95 3.4L A4 Green Camaro, T-Tops, Factory Loaded,
02SS Cat-Back, K@N, TB Bypass
Break her im right and be careful! ------------------
Mine- 02 Silver SS #8774 M6Hurst, Factory Loaded, T- Tops, SLP Lid and Center Mount Exhaust "345" Option and Chrome 10 spokes! No Times Yet but hope to be Dynoing Soon! Bought-
7-18-02
Little Bro's- 95 3.4L A4 Green Camaro, T-Tops, Factory Loaded,
02SS Cat-Back, K@N, TB Bypass
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 109
From: Bremerton, WA.
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Ryan00TJ:
Having just picked up mine on the 18th I'm in the same field as you. 18yrs too! Worked my butt off literally for this car! Brent is right on with varying the Rpm's and running throught the gears. Give the gears a good work out the first 1K miles. Only 93 Octane! Period! Finally ran out the dealer filled 87 and refilled with 93 and noticed a huge difference in acceleration. Coming from a lifted 4 cyl Jeep it's hard to even except how much power is now under my foot! Break her im right and be careful!
</font>
Having just picked up mine on the 18th I'm in the same field as you. 18yrs too! Worked my butt off literally for this car! Brent is right on with varying the Rpm's and running throught the gears. Give the gears a good work out the first 1K miles. Only 93 Octane! Period! Finally ran out the dealer filled 87 and refilled with 93 and noticed a huge difference in acceleration. Coming from a lifted 4 cyl Jeep it's hard to even except how much power is now under my foot!
Break her im right and be careful! </font>
Don't you just love these BEASTS!!! Later..
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'02 35th anniversary edition camaro SS, 6spd, hurst, t-tops...K&N filter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 85
From: S.F. Bay Area, Ca
The break in period varies depending on who you talk to I would wait at least 1,000 miles til you start flooring it. I have a 99 SS the Ram Air is better then nothing but I can't imagine it does a whole lot. By the way I hate you, my insurance is 4k a year even though I have a clean record, it's 4k cuz they can get away with charging anything where I live plus I am almost 18.
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white 98 V6 Camaro with bolt on mods (sold 7-13-02 to my brother) now my car is a Black 99 Camaro SS with all factory options except steering wheel controls (not sure if it was an option).
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white 98 V6 Camaro with bolt on mods (sold 7-13-02 to my brother) now my car is a Black 99 Camaro SS with all factory options except steering wheel controls (not sure if it was an option).
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,697
From: Bay Area, CA
Hey, V6white98, you live in Fremont right? You should come to our meet and cruise up to Sac raceway on friday. Check it out in the Events and Cruise Spots message board. Click on Bay Area Meet. We are having a BBQ and cruising to Sac Raceway for Test n' Tune. Its a lot of fun, you should come!
-Jeff
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1998 NBM Z28, RK Sport ground effects, QTEC, Flowmaster, CAI, LS1 Motorsports Lid, K&N, MSD wires, custom painted interior.
**On Order:
10-spoke chrome SS rims.
275/40/ZR17 Kuhmo tires.
SLP Ultra-Z Ram Air Hood. **
-Jeff
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1998 NBM Z28, RK Sport ground effects, QTEC, Flowmaster, CAI, LS1 Motorsports Lid, K&N, MSD wires, custom painted interior.
**On Order:
10-spoke chrome SS rims.
275/40/ZR17 Kuhmo tires.
SLP Ultra-Z Ram Air Hood. **
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 82
From: fort bliss, tx
Congrats on your new toy!!
Here's how ram air works, BTW:
Ram Air is basically a forced induction system. What that means is as your forward momentum (speed) increases, the air charge to the cylinders becomes denser, literally "packing" in air molecules throught the intakes. The faster you go, the more air is "packed", giving you a richer,denser air/fuel charge, giving you more horsepower, giving you more speed, etc. It's a nice vicious circle!! Ram Air won't come into play until about 60-70mph. That's when you begin to overcome the turbulent effects of your nose cone, and the air passes cleanly through your front nacelles. The passages inside your hood(from the openings back) get progressively smaller, allowing the air pressure to build. that's what you are overcoming at speed.
"Thus endeth the lesson".
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2000 Pewter Camaro SS, K&N, SLP lid, Flowmaster catback, 160 stat, Hurst short throw, and SLP springs!!
2001 T/A WS6, K&N, SLP lid, Flowmaster catback, A4 tranny, best time of 13.24 with Mickeys!! Lookin for more!!
Here's how ram air works, BTW:
Ram Air is basically a forced induction system. What that means is as your forward momentum (speed) increases, the air charge to the cylinders becomes denser, literally "packing" in air molecules throught the intakes. The faster you go, the more air is "packed", giving you a richer,denser air/fuel charge, giving you more horsepower, giving you more speed, etc. It's a nice vicious circle!! Ram Air won't come into play until about 60-70mph. That's when you begin to overcome the turbulent effects of your nose cone, and the air passes cleanly through your front nacelles. The passages inside your hood(from the openings back) get progressively smaller, allowing the air pressure to build. that's what you are overcoming at speed.
"Thus endeth the lesson".
------------------
2000 Pewter Camaro SS, K&N, SLP lid, Flowmaster catback, 160 stat, Hurst short throw, and SLP springs!!
2001 T/A WS6, K&N, SLP lid, Flowmaster catback, A4 tranny, best time of 13.24 with Mickeys!! Lookin for more!!
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 109
From: Bremerton, WA.
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Camaro00_ss:
Congrats on your new toy!!
Here's how ram air works, BTW:
Ram Air is basically a forced induction system. What that means is as your forward momentum (speed) increases, the air charge to the cylinders becomes denser, literally "packing" in air molecules throught the intakes. The faster you go, the more air is "packed", giving you a richer,denser air/fuel charge, giving you more horsepower, giving you more speed, etc. It's a nice vicious circle!! Ram Air won't come into play until about 60-70mph. That's when you begin to overcome the turbulent effects of your nose cone, and the air passes cleanly through your front nacelles. The passages inside your hood(from the openings back) get progressively smaller, allowing the air pressure to build. that's what you are overcoming at speed.
"Thus endeth the lesson".
</font>
Congrats on your new toy!!
Here's how ram air works, BTW:
Ram Air is basically a forced induction system. What that means is as your forward momentum (speed) increases, the air charge to the cylinders becomes denser, literally "packing" in air molecules throught the intakes. The faster you go, the more air is "packed", giving you a richer,denser air/fuel charge, giving you more horsepower, giving you more speed, etc. It's a nice vicious circle!! Ram Air won't come into play until about 60-70mph. That's when you begin to overcome the turbulent effects of your nose cone, and the air passes cleanly through your front nacelles. The passages inside your hood(from the openings back) get progressively smaller, allowing the air pressure to build. that's what you are overcoming at speed.
"Thus endeth the lesson".
</font>
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'02 35th anniversary edition camaro SS, 6spd, hurst, t-tops...K&N filter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,308
From: Oshawa - Home of the 5th-gen
That's awesome man, you will definitely love your car!!! I just picked mine up about 3 weeks ago, and I still get the same good feeling every time I get into it!
Your question about break in?? OK, here it is, plain and simple: don't beat on the car (ie: 300 miles WOT), but don't "baby" it either (ie: 500 miles at 55 mph or less). I really disagree with what the book recommends for the "proper" break in procedures, so I've basically been driving my car how I'm going to drive it. I now have about 3500 km (2200 miles) on the odometer, and the car is running excellent so far, and yet before the initial 500 miles were up, I had the car going much faster than 55 mph, so trust me, it won't kill it.
Secondly, I know that higher octane gas (when required) is technically better, but, since I'm only 20 years old myself, I'm on a tight budget (since starting a new full-time job, I'm waiting for the pay cheques to roll in) and I can't afford yet to constantly fill up with 91 octane or higher gas. But do you know what???
..........my car runs fine!! 
87 octane gas is NOT going to "kill" the LS1 
, so for now, that's what my car gets, and it runs just fine. YES, I hear a little "pinging" or "knocking" when I accelerate gently to moderately, but once the knock sensor picks that up, it adjusts the timing accordingly, and the knocking stops. Higher octane fuel will prevent this, but if the car only needs 91 octane, there is no need to give it anything higher - it's truly a waste of time.
Anyway, be safe with your car (don't pull a Cap'n Pete and get busted for drag-racing!), but most of all, enjoy your car and congrats!! Again, you'll love it!
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2002 Z28 - A4, 2.73's, Blk/blk, leather, T-tops, sport appearance package - just bought on June 26, 2002! - Pics
1981 Z28 - 383, TH350 trans., 3.42 posi - sold August, 2000 - Pics
1973 Camaro - Dad's & my project in the works - to be built: 355 Chevy, 11.5:1 pop-ups, "camel hump" heads (w/2.02 valves), solid cam, 4-speed.....it should be quick! - No Pics yet.
Your question about break in?? OK, here it is, plain and simple: don't beat on the car (ie: 300 miles WOT), but don't "baby" it either (ie: 500 miles at 55 mph or less). I really disagree with what the book recommends for the "proper" break in procedures, so I've basically been driving my car how I'm going to drive it. I now have about 3500 km (2200 miles) on the odometer, and the car is running excellent so far, and yet before the initial 500 miles were up, I had the car going much faster than 55 mph, so trust me, it won't kill it.
Secondly, I know that higher octane gas (when required) is technically better, but, since I'm only 20 years old myself, I'm on a tight budget (since starting a new full-time job, I'm waiting for the pay cheques to roll in) and I can't afford yet to constantly fill up with 91 octane or higher gas. But do you know what???
..........my car runs fine!! 87 octane gas is NOT going to "kill" the LS1 , so for now, that's what my car gets, and it runs just fine. YES, I hear a little "pinging" or "knocking" when I accelerate gently to moderately, but once the knock sensor picks that up, it adjusts the timing accordingly, and the knocking stops. Higher octane fuel will prevent this, but if the car only needs 91 octane, there is no need to give it anything higher - it's truly a waste of time.Anyway, be safe with your car (don't pull a Cap'n Pete and get busted for drag-racing!), but most of all, enjoy your car and congrats!! Again, you'll love it!
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2002 Z28 - A4, 2.73's, Blk/blk, leather, T-tops, sport appearance package - just bought on June 26, 2002! - Pics
1981 Z28 - 383, TH350 trans., 3.42 posi - sold August, 2000 - Pics
1973 Camaro - Dad's & my project in the works - to be built: 355 Chevy, 11.5:1 pop-ups, "camel hump" heads (w/2.02 valves), solid cam, 4-speed.....it should be quick! - No Pics yet.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 47
From: Louisville
Ouch,
I am paying $613/month for my 99SS
It was like 32,000 with the tax added and I had no down payment or trade in heh.
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Chris Anderson
--------------------
Black 99SS M6 all SLP Options
Mods - Cutout, Direct-Flo Lid, GMS MAF.
Best ET 13.60 @ 104.31
Best MPH 13.92 @ 108.81
I am paying $613/month for my 99SS
It was like 32,000 with the tax added and I had no down payment or trade in heh.
------------------
Chris Anderson
--------------------
Black 99SS M6 all SLP Options
Mods - Cutout, Direct-Flo Lid, GMS MAF.
Best ET 13.60 @ 104.31
Best MPH 13.92 @ 108.81
