ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0
- Thread starter zmotorsports
- Start date
OP
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thanks. I'm sure I'll enjoy the new toy but more importantly, I like all of the comradery this forum has. GREAT group of people.
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You’re buying a horse?
Seagoon
Well-known member
I think it's a bicycle - probably a tandem so he can take his wife with him
gearhead1960
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Mike, it is all in good fun. My next guess is a VW Karman Ghia Convertible in orange..... .
.Finallygotit
ALLIANCE MEMBER
PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
1975 AMC Pacer X...
OP
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Ok, ok, ok, I guess the suspense has gone on long enough. Actually, I know you all have better things to do than concern yourselves with what I purchased but all of the harassing has been entertaining and in good fun.
As you know, I am a GM guy through and through and as I mentioned earlier, I "thought" I liked Corvettes but after much soul searching and reflecting I had discovered that my good friend and mentor is actually the one who really liked Vettes and had about 6 or 8 of them over our 30 years of knowing each other. Each car nicer than the previous one. He was hands down THE most meticulous and best mechanic I have ever been privileged to know and better yet, call my friend. I think I liked the "idea" of one day owning a Corvette because of my mentor but in all honestly, since I was young I have always been a closet Camaro guy. Yep, I said it, I LOVE Camaros, always have, especially 1st and 3rd Gen's, with the early 2nd gens in the mix.
I was fortunate to have been able to work on quite a few over the 20 years I had my speed shop for clients so I guess in some way that allowed me to get my "Camaro fix" for the time being. I had a client that had a '67 and '69 that I was able to work on quite a lot as well as other clients with Fourth Gens. Second Gen's were "ok" but I really did not care for the 4th Gen Camaro at all. Sorry if there are Fourth Gen lovers out there, I apologize. When GM decided to drop the Camaro from their lineup in 2002 I was sad, but then thought if the fourth gen was the best they could do maybe it was for the best.
When they reintroduced the Camaro for the 2010 model year I was impressed. I felt like GM did their homework and brought the best of the old design and styling into a modern muscle car. I wanted one but couldn't justify one so dismissed it, but have seemed to continue to drool over them for the past 10 or so years now. That is until several months ago when my son sold his Harley and I started waffling on selling ours. That is when I began to weigh the options of a car vs. a bike and seeing as how my wife and I hadn't ridden the bike much in the past year and a half I started leaning heavily towards buying my dream car. When I mentioned it to my wife, to my surprise, she was ALL in and thought it was a great idea. Not that she didn't like the bike, in fact she said she loved riding the bike but we hadn't ridden it much and could see us using a car for our Sunday drives that we love taking together.
I started looking about the time I put the bike up for sale but quickly learned that the SS (V8) version of the Camaro is quite rare around northern Utah as most seem to have the V6 version. Of those SS trimmed Camaro's I was also finding that many had been modded or "cobbled" together in some aspect or another and I wanted a virgin or unmolested car so I could start with a blank canvas. Being that I was being even more picky by wanting a 2012 or 2013 made pickings even more slim. This is obviously a personal choice but I liked the early fifth gen with the larger grille opening on top and the rear taillights better than the later fifth gen (2014/2015) when they redesigned the body slightly. I also was somewhat picky about the color I was looking for. I wanted something more "classic" than "in your face bold" and that made things a bit harder. My color choices were charcoal gray, metallic red, black or even white but dependent on the interior color. I found a bright yellow one here locally that was just what I was looking for, right down to the RS package and gray interior but I couldn't get past the color. I really wanted the RS package to get the various trim pieces and halo HID headlights but found that made the selections yet even more slim. I looked at a couple that did in fact have some engine mods but one wouldn't pass our strict emissions here in Utah and the other was obvious it was a hack job and I didn't want anything to do with it once the owner popped the hood. I started to think I may have to lower my expectations a bit or just continue to wait and maybe something over the winter would turn up.
The week before last, just before leaving for vacation, I broadened my search criteria from my 100 mile radius to 250 mile radius and got a few more hits. Some of the results were similar to what I was seeing locally as far as either beat on or cobbled together, except one that caught my attention. It was a couple hundred miles away and appeared to be very clean. It was at a car dealership so I printed off the information and then we left for vacation. While on vacation I looked at it again online and noticed that they just lowered the price about $790 and it was already about a thousand or so less than along the Wasatch Front here in Utah. One morning while having my coffee and before the day's trail run was to start I thought I'd call and talk to someone about it. After a few phone conversations, multiple texts back and forth with various very detailed pictures we started talking turkey. Over the course of the next couple of days it was looking more and more like this was the one but not seeing it first hand I was skeptical and concerned but the gentleman seemed to be honest with me in answering my questions and even sending me multiple photographs of very specific things I was asking about. I was feeling better and better but told him it would this week sometime before I could get there to view the car and if it was everything he said, take delivery. Well yesterday was the day......
Originally I was going to borrow a trailer and run up to Idaho and grab it but my son insisted he drive me and follow me home. I am so grateful that he offered and insisted because yesterday was freakin' AWESOME! The drive up and being able to spend several hours in the truck together just the two of us talking, laughing and even a bit emotional, the drive couldn't have been better. I miss our time spent together and yesterday reminded me again of what a fine man he has turned out to be.
As we arrived at the dealership, we found it freshly washed and full of fuel as per our verbal agreement over the phone. The salesman had found the second key that I inquired about as well, which I really didn't think he'd even take the time to look but he came through. After a thorough visual inspection, plugging the scanner in and checking for any issues, crawling around under it the best I could and most importantly, about a 12-15 mile road test, I handed over the check and he handed over the keys and we were on our way back home.
The drive home was just as fun. I had thought enough ahead of time to charge up our small two-way radios the night before so we had constant communication and as we drove home we laughed and joked along the way which made the drive smooth and actually the miles went by rather quickly. I arrived home just around dusk and as I was snapping a few pictures of the car my wife pulled in the driveway. I was nervous as hell because I wanted her to like the car. Last week she kept saying red isn't her preferred choice of color even though I tried to explain that it was a nice classy looking red and not the bright red like we had on our street rod. When she saw the car she lit up and really liked it which made me happy. She loves the color both interior and exterior.
So there you have it. I am now a Camaro owner.
As you know, I am a GM guy through and through and as I mentioned earlier, I "thought" I liked Corvettes but after much soul searching and reflecting I had discovered that my good friend and mentor is actually the one who really liked Vettes and had about 6 or 8 of them over our 30 years of knowing each other. Each car nicer than the previous one. He was hands down THE most meticulous and best mechanic I have ever been privileged to know and better yet, call my friend. I think I liked the "idea" of one day owning a Corvette because of my mentor but in all honestly, since I was young I have always been a closet Camaro guy. Yep, I said it, I LOVE Camaros, always have, especially 1st and 3rd Gen's, with the early 2nd gens in the mix.
I was fortunate to have been able to work on quite a few over the 20 years I had my speed shop for clients so I guess in some way that allowed me to get my "Camaro fix" for the time being. I had a client that had a '67 and '69 that I was able to work on quite a lot as well as other clients with Fourth Gens. Second Gen's were "ok" but I really did not care for the 4th Gen Camaro at all. Sorry if there are Fourth Gen lovers out there, I apologize. When GM decided to drop the Camaro from their lineup in 2002 I was sad, but then thought if the fourth gen was the best they could do maybe it was for the best.
When they reintroduced the Camaro for the 2010 model year I was impressed. I felt like GM did their homework and brought the best of the old design and styling into a modern muscle car. I wanted one but couldn't justify one so dismissed it, but have seemed to continue to drool over them for the past 10 or so years now. That is until several months ago when my son sold his Harley and I started waffling on selling ours. That is when I began to weigh the options of a car vs. a bike and seeing as how my wife and I hadn't ridden the bike much in the past year and a half I started leaning heavily towards buying my dream car. When I mentioned it to my wife, to my surprise, she was ALL in and thought it was a great idea. Not that she didn't like the bike, in fact she said she loved riding the bike but we hadn't ridden it much and could see us using a car for our Sunday drives that we love taking together.
I started looking about the time I put the bike up for sale but quickly learned that the SS (V8) version of the Camaro is quite rare around northern Utah as most seem to have the V6 version. Of those SS trimmed Camaro's I was also finding that many had been modded or "cobbled" together in some aspect or another and I wanted a virgin or unmolested car so I could start with a blank canvas. Being that I was being even more picky by wanting a 2012 or 2013 made pickings even more slim. This is obviously a personal choice but I liked the early fifth gen with the larger grille opening on top and the rear taillights better than the later fifth gen (2014/2015) when they redesigned the body slightly. I also was somewhat picky about the color I was looking for. I wanted something more "classic" than "in your face bold" and that made things a bit harder. My color choices were charcoal gray, metallic red, black or even white but dependent on the interior color. I found a bright yellow one here locally that was just what I was looking for, right down to the RS package and gray interior but I couldn't get past the color. I really wanted the RS package to get the various trim pieces and halo HID headlights but found that made the selections yet even more slim. I looked at a couple that did in fact have some engine mods but one wouldn't pass our strict emissions here in Utah and the other was obvious it was a hack job and I didn't want anything to do with it once the owner popped the hood. I started to think I may have to lower my expectations a bit or just continue to wait and maybe something over the winter would turn up.
The week before last, just before leaving for vacation, I broadened my search criteria from my 100 mile radius to 250 mile radius and got a few more hits. Some of the results were similar to what I was seeing locally as far as either beat on or cobbled together, except one that caught my attention. It was a couple hundred miles away and appeared to be very clean. It was at a car dealership so I printed off the information and then we left for vacation. While on vacation I looked at it again online and noticed that they just lowered the price about $790 and it was already about a thousand or so less than along the Wasatch Front here in Utah. One morning while having my coffee and before the day's trail run was to start I thought I'd call and talk to someone about it. After a few phone conversations, multiple texts back and forth with various very detailed pictures we started talking turkey. Over the course of the next couple of days it was looking more and more like this was the one but not seeing it first hand I was skeptical and concerned but the gentleman seemed to be honest with me in answering my questions and even sending me multiple photographs of very specific things I was asking about. I was feeling better and better but told him it would this week sometime before I could get there to view the car and if it was everything he said, take delivery. Well yesterday was the day......
Originally I was going to borrow a trailer and run up to Idaho and grab it but my son insisted he drive me and follow me home. I am so grateful that he offered and insisted because yesterday was freakin' AWESOME! The drive up and being able to spend several hours in the truck together just the two of us talking, laughing and even a bit emotional, the drive couldn't have been better. I miss our time spent together and yesterday reminded me again of what a fine man he has turned out to be.
As we arrived at the dealership, we found it freshly washed and full of fuel as per our verbal agreement over the phone. The salesman had found the second key that I inquired about as well, which I really didn't think he'd even take the time to look but he came through. After a thorough visual inspection, plugging the scanner in and checking for any issues, crawling around under it the best I could and most importantly, about a 12-15 mile road test, I handed over the check and he handed over the keys and we were on our way back home.
The drive home was just as fun. I had thought enough ahead of time to charge up our small two-way radios the night before so we had constant communication and as we drove home we laughed and joked along the way which made the drive smooth and actually the miles went by rather quickly. I arrived home just around dusk and as I was snapping a few pictures of the car my wife pulled in the driveway. I was nervous as hell because I wanted her to like the car. Last week she kept saying red isn't her preferred choice of color even though I tried to explain that it was a nice classy looking red and not the bright red like we had on our street rod. When she saw the car she lit up and really liked it which made me happy. She loves the color both interior and exterior.
So there you have it. I am now a Camaro owner.
Last edited:
Seagoon
Well-known member
And now to make us pay for all the teasing you are making us wait for the photos. You are a wicked,wicked man MikeOk, ok, ok, I guess the suspense has gone on long enough. Actually, I know you all have better things to do than concern yourselves with what I purchased but all of the harassing has been entertaining and in good fun.
As you know, I am a GM guy through and through and as I mentioned earlier, I "thought" I liked Corvettes but after much soul searching and reflecting I had discovered that my good friend and mentor is actually the one who really liked Vettes and had about 6 or 8 of them over our 30 years of knowing each other. Each car nicer than the previous one. He was hands down THE most meticulous and best mechanic I have ever been privileged to know and better yet, call my friend. I think I liked the "idea" of one day owning a Corvette because of my mentor but in all honestly, since I was young I have always been a closet Camaro guy. Yep, I said it, I LOVE Camaros, always have, especially 1st and 3rd Gen's.
I was fortunate to have been able to work on quite a few over the 20 years I had my speed shop for clients so I guess in some way that allowed me to get my "Camaro fix" for the time being. I had a client that had a '67 and '69 that I was able to work on quite a lot as well as other clients with Fourth Gens. Second Gen's were "ok" but I really did not care for the 4th Gen Camaro at all. Sorry if there are Fourth Gen lovers out there, I apologize. When GM decided to drop the Camaro from their lineup in 2002 I was sad, but then thought if the fourth gen was the best they could do maybe it was for the best.
When they reintroduced the Camaro for the 2010 model year I was impressed. I felt like GM did their homework and brought the best of the old design and styling into a modern muscle car. I wanted one but couldn't justify one so dismissed it, but have seemed to continue to drool over them for the past 10 or so years now. That is until several months ago when my son sold his Harley and I started waffling on selling ours. That is when I began to weigh the options of a car vs. a bike and seeing as how my wife and I hadn't ridden the bike much in the past year and a half I started leaning heavily towards buying my dream car. When I mentioned it to my wife, to my surprise, she was ALL in and thought it was a great idea. Not that she didn't like the bike, in fact she said she loved riding the bike but we hadn't ridden it much and could see us using a car for our Sunday drives that we love taking together.
I started looking about the time I put the bike up for sale but quickly learned that the SS (V8) version of the Camaro is quite rare around northern Utah as most seem to have the V6 version. Of those SS trimmed Camaro's I was also finding that many had been modded or "cobbled" together in some aspect or another and I wanted a virgin or unmolested car so I could start with a blank canvas. Being that I was being even more picky by wanting a 2012 or 2013 made pickings even more slim. This is obviously a personal choice but I liked the early fifth gen with the larger grille opening on top and the rear taillights better than the later fifth gen (2014/2015) when they redesigned the body slightly. I also was somewhat picky about the color I was looking for. I wanted something more "classic" than "in your face bold" and that made things a bit harder. My color choices were charcoal gray, metallic red, black or even white but dependent on the interior color. I found a bright yellow one here locally that was just what I was looking for, right down to the RS package and gray interior but I couldn't get past the color. I really wanted the RS package to get the various trim pieces and halo HID headlights but found that made the selections yet even more slim. I looked at a couple that did in fact have some engine mods but one wouldn't pass our strict emissions here in Utah and the other was obvious it was a hack job and I didn't want anything to do with it once the owner popped the hood. I started to think I may have to lower my expectations a bit or just continue to wait and maybe something over the winter would turn up.
The week before last, just before leaving for vacation, I broadened my search criteria from my 100 mile radius to 250 mile radius and got a few more hits. Some of the results were similar to what I was seeing locally as far as either beat on or cobbled together, except one that caught my attention. It was a couple hundred miles away and appeared to be very clean. It was at a car dealership so I printed off the information and then we left for vacation. While on vacation I looked at it again online and noticed that they just lowered the price about $790 and it was already about a thousand or so less than along the Wasatch Front here in Utah. One morning while having my coffee and before the day's trail run was to start I thought I'd call and talk to someone about it. After a few phone conversations, multiple texts back and forth with various very detailed pictures we started talking turkey. Over the course of the next couple of days it was looking more and more like this was the one but not seeing it first hand I was skeptical and concerned but the gentleman seemed to be honest with me in answering my questions and even sending me multiple photographs of very specific things I was asking about. I was feeling better and better but told him it would this week sometime before I could get there to view the car and if it was everything he said, take delivery. Well yesterday was the day......
Originally I was going to borrow a trailer and run up to Idaho and grab it but my son insisted he drive me and follow me home. I am so grateful that he offered and insisted because yesterday was freakin' AWESOME! The drive up and being able to spend several hours in the truck together just the two of us talking, laughing and even a bit emotional, the drive couldn't have been better. I miss our time spent together and yesterday reminded me again of what a fine man he has turned out to be.
As we arrived at the dealership, we found it freshly washed and full of fuel as per our verbal agreement over the phone. The salesman had found the second key that I inquired about as well, which I really didn't think he'd even take the time to look but he came through. After a thorough visual inspection, plugging the scanner in and checking for any issues, crawling around under it the best I could and most importantly, about a 12-15 mile road test, I handed over the check and he handed over the keys and we were on our way back home.
The drive home was just as fun. I had thought enough ahead of time to charge up our small two-way radios the night before so we had constant communication and as we drove home we laughed and joked along the way which made the drive smooth and actually the miles went by rather quickly. I arrived home just around dusk and as I was snapping a few pictures of the car my wife pulled in the driveway. I was nervous as hell because I wanted her to like the car. Last week she kept saying red isn't her preferred choice of color even though I tried to explain that it was a nice classy looking red and not the bright red like we had on our street rod. When she saw the car she lit up and really liked it which made me happy. She loves the color both interior and exterior.
So there you have it. I am now a Camaro owner.
OP
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
And now to make us pay for all the teasing you are making us wait for the photos. You are a wicked,wicked man Mike
EXACTLY!!!
jbmatth
Well-known member
Well done Mike, I'm looking forward to seeing the photos of the car. Congrats to you and your wife.
JB
JB
Funny, I just can't envision you with a mullet Mike 
Congrats bud, that's a fun ride. I find it funny you and I are exactly the same when it comes to picking a used high performance ride. Even though we both have the ability to correct all the previous owners hacks or mods, when shopping I don't even want to see a CAI as it makes me nervous. When the boy wanted a SRT charger, it was impossible to find a 6.1 that hadn't either been messed with or wrecked so he settled for a fully loaded 5.7 road and track model, complete with heated and cooled cup holders. AND weeee took from there so the next guy can be worried about the mods...lol
Congrats bud, that's a fun ride. I find it funny you and I are exactly the same when it comes to picking a used high performance ride. Even though we both have the ability to correct all the previous owners hacks or mods, when shopping I don't even want to see a CAI as it makes me nervous. When the boy wanted a SRT charger, it was impossible to find a 6.1 that hadn't either been messed with or wrecked so he settled for a fully loaded 5.7 road and track model, complete with heated and cooled cup holders. AND weeee took from there so the next guy can be worried about the mods...lol
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Congrats Mike, from a fellow F-body owner! I'm a white or blue guy 90% of the time, but my wife LOVES red, so I've come around and learned to like it, haha.
I'll expect pics and full rundown on equipment...maybe Justin @rattle_snake will be able to help you with future modification suggestions
I'll expect pics and full rundown on equipment...maybe Justin @rattle_snake will be able to help you with future modification suggestions
gearhead1960
ALLIANCE MEMBER
That's awesome. Always have been a closet Camaro admirerer. Finding that used car with the optioned like you would have ordered it from the factory is hard. Hopefully, this has all you wanted. Looking forward to the pics!!! 
OP
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thanks JB. I think we'll enjoy it.
Funny, I just can't envision you with a mullet Mike
Congrats bud, that's a fun ride. I find it funny you and I are exactly the same when it comes to picking a used high performance ride. Even though we both have the ability to correct all the previous owners hacks or mods, when shopping I don't even want to see a CAI as it makes me nervous. When the boy wanted a SRT charger, it was impossible to find a 6.1 that hadn't either been messed with or wrecked so he settled for a fully loaded 5.7 road and track model, complete with heated and cooled cup holders. AND weeee took from there so the next guy can be worried about the mods...lol
Agreed Cam. I like mods, as long as I'm the one doing them. I think it's mostly because I just don't trust others to do things correctly.
Congrats Mike, from a fellow F-body owner! I'm a white or blue guy 90% of the time, but my wife LOVES red, so I've come around and learned to like it, haha.
I'll expect pics and full rundown on equipment...maybe Justin @rattle_snake will be able to help you with future modification suggestions
Thanks Marc. Red was in the top 3 choices of color and this is a gorgeous red. My wife's name is Chrystal and I told her I loved the color as it is called "Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat". She thought I was joking until I showed her the GM paint code spec. Now she loves the color even more. Although she pointed out that GM spelled the name wrong.
That's awesome. Always have been a closet Camaro admirerer. Finding that used car with the optioned like you would have ordered it from the factory is hard. Hopefully, this has all you wanted. Looking forward to the pics!!!
Thanks Mark. Yes, this is spec'd out EXACTLY the way I would have ordered it. The only thing I was indifferent on was the moonroof. I really didn't care whether the car had the moonroof option or not. I was actually quite concerned because I hadn't driven one with a moonroof before and I had heard that they take away several inches of headroom. With me being 6'2" tall I was quite worried, until I drove it. I do have to lower the seat all the way down and then when I tilt it back just enough to be comfortable my head clears the headliner by a couple of fingers width so I'm good with that. My wife likes the moonroof but she loves the one in her Acura. She said it will be nice cruising through the canyons with the roof open. Again, I was indifferent but if she likes the moonroof I'm good with it now that I now I fit comfortably.
Thanks for all the comments guys. I appreciate them and pictures will follow promplty.
OP
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thanks. There was no chance of a Ford occupying a spot in my shop, that much I can guarantee.
OP
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
OK.
So now the pictures of our new ride. Travis has been texting me and appears to be getting anxious. Here you go.
Our new to us 2013 Camaro SS/RS. The car only has 61,500 miles on it when I took delivery of it yesterday. Tires are in great condition but I may do tires/wheels next spring or summer after these wear out. There are a couple of spots of road rash on a couple of the wheels but very minor. There are two small rock chips on the front clip and one on the rear lower valance just below the left back up light. There are a few very minor and fine scratches in the paint but should come out with some polishing. My guess would be a garden hose or car wash hose brushed against the paint but should come out without issue.
The gray/black leather interior is nearly flawless with only a small scratch in the driver's bolster area. The car is loaded with about every factory option that was available at the time. It was ordered with the RS package as well as ordered with the color matched engine cover. The only two things that I could find that the previous owner did that wasn't factory was had the windows tinted but I think they look great and actually add to the car rather than detract and added an aftermarket fuel door. Personally I don't care for the fuel door and will be replacing that with a factory one as soon as I can locate one but will then have to paint it to match. I can put up with this one for the short term. The car is in great condition but definitely needs some detailing as far as door jambs, trunk and underhood areas such as the perimeters that need a good cleaning. I will probably hit those once I get the paint polished out. For starters I have to pick up fluids and filters to zero it out then I can move on to cosmetics.
I love the color matched door handles, roof ditch trim, mirrors and the halo headlights that the RS package comes with. After driving the car for several hours last night I found it to be quite comfortable even for a big guy like myself. It doesn't ride like a Cadillac of course, it rides like a sports car but it is smooth, tight and quiet. All in all for a 10 year old car with just over 60k miles I am very pleased and I think it is as close to showroom condition I could find. I am so blessed to finally be able to own a Camaro after being a closet drooler for 4 decades now.
I need to get a cover coming so I can keep dust off the car while being parked in the shop and then I may start with a couple of minor mods but they will be very few. I wanted a touring car/cruiser not a race car so I am more looking forward to just maintaining this one and driving it than building it.
Thanks for looking and I appreciate all of you following along.
So now the pictures of our new ride. Travis has been texting me and appears to be getting anxious.
Here you go.Our new to us 2013 Camaro SS/RS. The car only has 61,500 miles on it when I took delivery of it yesterday. Tires are in great condition but I may do tires/wheels next spring or summer after these wear out. There are a couple of spots of road rash on a couple of the wheels but very minor. There are two small rock chips on the front clip and one on the rear lower valance just below the left back up light. There are a few very minor and fine scratches in the paint but should come out with some polishing. My guess would be a garden hose or car wash hose brushed against the paint but should come out without issue.
The gray/black leather interior is nearly flawless with only a small scratch in the driver's bolster area. The car is loaded with about every factory option that was available at the time. It was ordered with the RS package as well as ordered with the color matched engine cover. The only two things that I could find that the previous owner did that wasn't factory was had the windows tinted but I think they look great and actually add to the car rather than detract and added an aftermarket fuel door. Personally I don't care for the fuel door and will be replacing that with a factory one as soon as I can locate one but will then have to paint it to match. I can put up with this one for the short term. The car is in great condition but definitely needs some detailing as far as door jambs, trunk and underhood areas such as the perimeters that need a good cleaning. I will probably hit those once I get the paint polished out. For starters I have to pick up fluids and filters to zero it out then I can move on to cosmetics.
I love the color matched door handles, roof ditch trim, mirrors and the halo headlights that the RS package comes with. After driving the car for several hours last night I found it to be quite comfortable even for a big guy like myself. It doesn't ride like a Cadillac of course, it rides like a sports car but it is smooth, tight and quiet. All in all for a 10 year old car with just over 60k miles I am very pleased and I think it is as close to showroom condition I could find. I am so blessed to finally be able to own a Camaro after being a closet drooler for 4 decades now.
I need to get a cover coming so I can keep dust off the car while being parked in the shop and then I may start with a couple of minor mods but they will be very few. I wanted a touring car/cruiser not a race car so I am more looking forward to just maintaining this one and driving it than building it.
Thanks for looking and I appreciate all of you following along.
OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Very sharp!
Seagoon
Well-known member
That is a sharp looking car! And in one of my favourite colours.
I always knew you were a man of taste,Mike!
I always knew you were a man of taste,Mike!
Trapps
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Disappointment is not possible with any motorized vehicle you own. History proves it will be well cared for, better than new once in your hands and probably very cool too. An inspiration for most of us and an education for many of us.
While not quite the agony and the ecstasy, the suspense is killing us with pleasure and pain.
EDIT: never step away from a reply and finish later without reading what occurred while you were gone…
Nice ride!
While not quite the agony and the ecstasy, the suspense is killing us with pleasure and pain.
EDIT: never step away from a reply and finish later without reading what occurred while you were gone…
Nice ride!
jbmatth
Well-known member
Well done Mike, that is very sharp looking for a 10 year old car, I'm sure once you put your touch on it it'll be even sharper.
JB
JB
XJSuperman
Well-known member
I'm glad you were able to snag something you've been looking for Mike. Especially one spec'd exactly the way you wanted. It looks very clean for being 10 years old, as JB said.
4 FN 27
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nicely done Mike!!!
Nice platform to start...now what?
I love my Gen5 Z28...best car I have ever driven!!! Even with the Stereo and AC delete package.
Nice platform to start...now what?
I love my Gen5 Z28...best car I have ever driven!!! Even with the Stereo and AC delete package.
Jehannum
Well-known member
I was hoping for a Cadillac CTS-V wagon when you said it was a GM product.
rattle_snake
Well-known member
Congrats Mike. As you may imagine I'm not exactly a GM guy but I have respect for their better offerings. I also Like the early 5th gen over the later.
My close friend has a 2012 SS/RS in orange/white. T56. He removed the janky/damaged CIA and put in an OEM intake.
No Cam, it's El Camino <-> Mullets.Funny, I just can't envision you with a mullet Mike
AND weeee took from there so the next guy can be worried about the mods...lol
Stereotypical Camaro guy has 1980s long uncut hair and looks to have just left a Megadeth concert.
I'm in same boat, I buy the perfect untouched mustang and do the molesting.
Why that is a fantastic idea Marc. I'm sure Mike will appreciate my tasteful modifications....maybe Justin @rattle_snake will be able to help you with future modification suggestions
Suggest a 'Fireball Camaro'-ish theme:
-Back half, tubbed, 4-link to fit steamroller width drag radials.
-5"+ bore space EFI BBC in the 700+ ci range. pump gas. 2 stages of nirtous.
-Flat hood to disguise what is underneath.
-Tight cage and chassis/suspension improvements appropriate for power level.
-full interior, all comfort features, A/C.
-Overall stock looking with upgrades hidden in plain sight, like someones Jeep.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I'm glad someone beat me to the mullet stereotype!
Really though, that thing looks nice! I like the color a lot. My wife's cousin is a die hard GM guy and now that he's an empty nester he's been cycling though his dream cars. He actually sold a Z06 Corvette and got a 2013 ZL1 Camaro about a year ago. He can't leave anything alone, so a couple of weeks ago he put an E85 kit on it and a smaller upper pulley. It dyno'd at 570hp to the wheels.....he wanted 600hp to the wheels so it went back for a larger lower pulley and a new tune! I'm headed to see him this weekend, so I suspect we'll try to go through the tires!
Really though, that thing looks nice! I like the color a lot. My wife's cousin is a die hard GM guy and now that he's an empty nester he's been cycling though his dream cars. He actually sold a Z06 Corvette and got a 2013 ZL1 Camaro about a year ago. He can't leave anything alone, so a couple of weeks ago he put an E85 kit on it and a smaller upper pulley. It dyno'd at 570hp to the wheels.....he wanted 600hp to the wheels so it went back for a larger lower pulley and a new tune! I'm headed to see him this weekend, so I suspect we'll try to go through the tires!
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OP
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thank you. This is actually the L99 engine however. The LS3 was only available with the 6-speed manual Tremec behind. The LS3 is a fantastic engine and an evolution of the old traditional small block Chevy. The L99 has VVT and AFM with the lower/shorter intake. I put an L94 in my 2011 Jeep which is nearly identical to the L99 other than it has the taller/longer runner intake from GM's truck/SUV line.
I'm not keen on the AFM on modified exhaust vehicles because it kills the sound so I plan on tuning the AFM out just like I did on the LS L94 in my Jeep. I plan on doing an exhaust on the car but I'm not a fan of CAI systems. My experience has shown they don't do anything but add noise and reduce filtering until you get up substantially higher in the HP output and require more air. I prefer the factory air intakes but I do plan on doing some tuning along with the exhaust.
Thank you. I like the color more in person than from the original pictures that they posted of the car in the ad.
Thank you. I am flattered and I appreciate you following along with my thread.
Thanks JB. I am impressed as well for being 10 years old.
Thanks Pat. I drool over your Z28 every time you post pictures of it. Not going to do much to it besides drive it. Mods will be few and subtle, then rack up the miles enjoying it with the wife.
No CTS-V at this time. My wife wants a Caddy when she retires so I told her that was the plan and we'd stick to it.
Congrats Mike. As you may imagine I'm not exactly a GM guy but I have respect for their better offerings. I also Like the early 5th gen over the later.
My close friend has a 2012 SS/RS in orange/white. T56. He removed the janky/damaged CIA and put in an OEM intake.
No Cam, it's El Camino <-> Mullets.
Stereotypical Camaro guy has 1980s long uncut hair and looks to have just left a Megadeth concert.
I'm in same boat, I buy the perfect untouched mustang and do the molesting.
Why that is a fantastic idea Marc. I'm sure Mike will appreciate my tasteful modifications.
Suggest a 'Fireball Camaro'-ish theme:
-Back half, tubbed, 4-link to fit steamroller width drag radials.
-5"+ bore space EFI BBC in the 700+ ci range. pump gas. 2 stages of nirtous.
-Flat hood to disguise what is underneath.
-Tight cage and chassis/suspension improvements appropriate for power level.
-full interior, all comfort features, A/C.
-Overall stock looking with upgrades hidden in plain sight, like someones Jeep.
Justin/Ryan, as much as it pains me to say this, I was actually a mullet guy in the 80's. Business up front/party in the back.
In fact, my wedding pictures (which none of you will ever see) has me sporting a mullet.OutlawDrifter
Well-known member
Justin/Ryan, as much as it pains me to say this, I was actually a mullet guy in the 80's. Business up front/party in the back.
You know Mike, the mullet IS back in these days...
OP
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
macgyver
Well-known member
I love the color Mike!!!!! Have fun with the new toy!OK.
So now the pictures of our new ride. Travis has been texting me and appears to be getting anxious.
Our new to us 2013 Camaro SS/RS. The car only has 61,500 miles on it when I took delivery of it yesterday. Tires are in great condition but I may do tires/wheels next spring or summer after these wear out. There are a couple of spots of road rash on a couple of the wheels but very minor. There are two small rock chips on the front clip and one on the rear lower valance just below the left back up light. There are a few very minor and fine scratches in the paint but should come out with some polishing. My guess would be a garden hose or car wash hose brushed against the paint but should come out without issue.
The gray/black leather interior is nearly flawless with only a small scratch in the driver's bolster area. The car is loaded with about every factory option that was available at the time. It was ordered with the RS package as well as ordered with the color matched engine cover. The only two things that I could find that the previous owner did that wasn't factory was had the windows tinted but I think they look great and actually add to the car rather than detract and added an aftermarket fuel door. Personally I don't care for the fuel door and will be replacing that with a factory one as soon as I can locate one but will then have to paint it to match. I can put up with this one for the short term. The car is in great condition but definitely needs some detailing as far as door jambs, trunk and underhood areas such as the perimeters that need a good cleaning. I will probably hit those once I get the paint polished out. For starters I have to pick up fluids and filters to zero it out then I can move on to cosmetics.
I love the color matched door handles, roof ditch trim, mirrors and the halo headlights that the RS package comes with. After driving the car for several hours last night I found it to be quite comfortable even for a big guy like myself. It doesn't ride like a Cadillac of course, it rides like a sports car but it is smooth, tight and quiet. All in all for a 10 year old car with just over 60k miles I am very pleased and I think it is as close to showroom condition I could find. I am so blessed to finally be able to own a Camaro after being a closet drooler for 4 decades now.
I need to get a cover coming so I can keep dust off the car while being parked in the shop and then I may start with a couple of minor mods but they will be very few. I wanted a touring car/cruiser not a race car so I am more looking forward to just maintaining this one and driving it than building it.
Thanks for looking and I appreciate all of you following along.
jhn9840
Well-known member
Sweet ride Mike. Have fun and enjoy you deserve it.
jhn9840
John
jhn9840
John
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PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Well, looks we're going to have to wait until the next go-round to see Mike's Pacer X project.
I guess the Camaro will have to do until then.
I guess the Camaro will have to do until then.
TimeWarpF100
Well-known member
Congrats on getting the car you wanted Mike! Looks in great shape for a 10yr old car.
4 FN 27
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I am not quite sure why but my Wife will not get in the Z28 anymore. She said it makes her hips hurt???
Enjoy!!!
ajohno
Well-known member
Looks great Mike. I like the colour.
Maybe black rims would look nice as well.
Maybe black rims would look nice as well.