WantsLsWon

Hey dudes/ladies need some advice!

New here but been researching alot. Recently totaled(hydroplaned) my 2000 Mustang GT 5spd, had the basic stuff. Ran a best of 13.55. Always wanted a LS1. Now I'm in between a 1999 Z28 Camaro M6 Coupe with 16,000 original miles or a 2002 WS6 Trans Am A4 convertible with about 7,000 miles on it. They're both black which I <3. The camaro is 16k and they're asking 22k for the trans am. I'm only 19 so I'm going to have to finance either and of course it'd be my daily driver. I can afford either but I'm really into modding and drag racing. As far as I can tell the engines are identical on both cars, correct? I'm assuming rear ends also? Would they both have the same rear end gears? Which transmission is more reliable? Obviously the trans am would be a lil slower because of the added weight, but would it be that noticable in a race? I love the way the Ws6 looks but the camaro already has the SS hood and aftermarket wheels. Basically I'm asking for anyone reading this to chime in and help a young gun out! Which one would you choose???

Thanks

Clinton

Sunset'01Z

iTrader: (10)

ok so here's the deal. an ls1 is an ls1 is an ls1. dont worry about the engine, they are all the same. but screw the convertible, those are for women. get the camaro lol.

your first mods should be pacesetter headers, ory, any catback, (or duals if u want), lid, cai, ls6 intake, and a tune. that should put u around 350rwhp, running in the mid 12's if u can drive. shortly after doing that stuff you will want a new clutch, the stocker isnt very good. both transmissions have their ups and downs, but the m6 is more desired.

the rear end gears on all manual cars are 3.42 from the factory, auto's are either 2.73 or 3.23. i wouldnt worry about gears, since you're going to be drag racing you will probably want to get a 9" w/ some 3.90's. the stock 10 bolt is a pos and can grenade under stock power on a good launch.

yes i did gears, but i also have an auto. they are easier on the 10 bolts than stick cars are

chromeplated500

iTrader: (10)

go with the camaro... convertables are overrated. that and be careful... i ran across a camaro at a dealership that had 18,000miles had a clean carfax. come to find out it had more like 90-100k bunch of BS and there was nothing i could do about it. in the end i got screwed.

WantsLsWon

what are some obvious signs of abuse or high mileage? I plan on test driving the dog poop out of either, what should I look out for?

Sunset'01Z

iTrader: (10)

just dont worry about the trans am lol..

listen for creaks, pops, mods, parts that look cleaner than others, etc.. say u look at the wpump, it looks cleaner than the motor it's bolted to, that is a good sign of a high mileage car that got rolled back. look at the condition of the belts and hoses. open up the radiator cap, look at the coolant. pull the dipstick, look at the oil. the interior will also give you alot of clues. look at the condition of the seats (mainly drivers), kick panels, operation of the windows. also look under the front bumper to see if it's been rubbing on the ground at the nose or the spoiler right there under the radiator. you should know what this stuff is supposed to look like, it shouldnt be hard to tell if the car really has 16k on it or not.

my friend and i drove a camaro one day that had 37k on the clock, it creaked and rattled more than my car that has 105k. it had obviously been rolled back, alot. you can just tell by driving it. but dont drive just 1, drive a few of them and compare.

ChocoTaco369

I like Trans Ams a lot better than Camaros - ESPECIALLY the 1998-2002 Z28's which are really bland IMO - but I don't care for convertibles. Plus, since you're young and don't have a lot of money, it would be good to get the less expensive car. Also, if you're into dragging (like you said), the convertible will hurt you.

Drive both and see what you like better. Only you can make the right decision.

WantsLsWon

awesome advice guys, I'm more experienced in the body dept. so I'll be bringing my paint gauge with me too, anyone have any idea where those #s should be?

leaning more towards the camaro because I'd be able to mod it faster, may seem redundant but what kind of mileage can I expect out of it? Is it a 6sp or 5? high octane only? Again thanks for all the help!

Clinton

venomhp

iTrader: (13)

for high mileage...look around the vehicle, normal wear and tear on seats, carpet, brake pedal, steering wheel, etc. anyways use common sense.

the biggest thing is do you want the convt or not..do you want an a4 or m6? check out the classifieds part in here and you will find some great deals, especially if your pre-approved and can offer someone cash basically...

all manual trannies with the v8 is a 6 speed in an fbody, 5 speed is for the v6 or mustang gt...(couldnt help it)

Sunset'01Z

iTrader: (10)

you can honestly expect to see 28-29mpg hwy, avg between 22-24. always use high octane gas, these motors knock and ping w/ regular. i know from experience lol.

DBEST369

def the camaro, plz never get a convertible unless ur a girl

bu01

voted for the camaro cuz if the m6 and cuz i don't like convertibles

otherwise bird all the way

WantsLsWon

Sad day today...dealer called me told me they sold the camaro today

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Too bad.

These days I like Camaros more than Trans Ams. Cleaner lines, tighter body. '98 to '02 are my favorite, Z28 or SS doesn't matter to me. Basically I'm 100% opposite of Choco's opinion on this one. When I was younger I prefered the WS6 though. I think that's the case for most people, the younger you are the more wild you want your car to look. The WS6 is about as wild as it gets.

Since the Camaro is sold, I guess that leaves you with either the WS6 or finding a different car. Personally, I'd hold out for a different car. I'm not into 'verts.

myk

iTrader: (4)

Good. Now you can get the 'vert...

besch

Buy the vert. you wont regret it. I had mine for a couple years. I raced a 98 Ta with t-tops and beat him, i dono if that tells you anything, But go with the Vert!

WantsLsWon

damn damn damn! I was drooling over the Z28 and now I don't know what to do I've looked at a couple local WS6's...not really feeling them anymore(no offense) but they are definately quick! I just feel like if I'm paying upwards of 20gs I want it to look and perform they way I want, am I wrong? am I asking too much? I think I'll just be patient and see how the autotrader stalking plays out... thanks everybody for your input and advice!

Clinton

3.8redbird

iTrader: (3)

Im bais to the birds
voted the WS6
but i dont like converts

camarojunky74

iTrader: (14)

sorry about your deal falling thru, good luck

ChocoTaco369

Look out, old fart coming through. Clear the roadways!

greg_74

iTrader: (9)

I voted for the WS6. But for that kind of money, I say wait for a 01-02 t-top black SS either A4 or M6 which ever you prefer.