xBergerRefinisher

I think visual mods always come first. The first thing I did when I purchased my 2000 ss was to Ebay the import-looking SLP exhaust setup in the back with the ground effects off the rear bumper Then I changed the black top to the color of the car which is pewter along with painting a set of Berger black stripes on it and flat-black rear panel (this was a no-brainer having put many on others vehicles). Next, the rims were ditched in favor of a set of throwback Cragar SS rims exactly as on the Hot Rod edition. Talk about turning heads, these mods alone have made the car a real joy to drive without doing any other mod to it. My next mods include getting the Pacesetters jet-coated headers matched to a great true-dual exhaust before bolting up, welding the Baer sfcs in, and installing the power antenna.

staringback05

iTrader: (8)

these cars are made to go...first, so make it go better, i like the whole sleeper mentality first

JuStIn_Ws6

iTrader: (6)

I would say get the turbo before the visual mods but its not just as easy as slapping a turbo on your car.. Good luck with the decision

Mike02Z

iTrader: (13)

Visual mods will probably be cheaper than a turbo. I'd strike a balance between go and show. Hold off on the turbo until you do all the other bolt on and free mods.

BADBLUE02

iTrader: (18)

I would work on your horsepower first, then work on the looks. Either way have fun with it.

00454sscamaro

if theres something wrong with the looks chipped paint dirty etc i fix that.. but what much can you do to f bodys without looking rice? i think these cars look great showroom stock.. i always want more performance, my 450hp 84 was nice but i still wanted faster- almost caught up with my ls1. with the package arriving today i should be faster then that car. already faster in the qm (due to traction) but top end the extra hp cant be held off. i vote performance and only performance, unless somethings wrong or your talking detailing..

Smoke Panther

iTrader: (10)

Going fast is looking good (IMO) HOWEVER, looking good never equals going fast.

So i think the answer's obvious

ICRAZY6

iTrader: (68)

I went with the looks first on my 2002 Trans Am. I like taking my car to cruisins and car shows, but also like the performance of the car the way it was stock. But then I started to mod it to under the hood so it looked better. STB, Flow Pak, Polished Throttle body (ported & polished), Mirrors, ect. Then did some HP mods. Bought Rims and tires for the look and performance but, now wish i would of done heads and cam first (Smoothie II's 18" for Sale!! Pm for Details). So it's up to you what you do. Just be happy that you have a bada$$ car.

LS1 Sounds

iTrader: (11)

Do performance first, then just keep the back of your car clean and waxed. That's all people will see.

Aegnor

It's a personal thing. I, for one, have been doing one for performance, then one for looks. It's not equal from a cost standpoint.
!CAGS = Performance, Clear Corners = looks
FIPK=Performance, Red shift boot = looks
LM= Performance, clear side markers = looks
LSS = performance, MBA **** = looks
now I'm working on QTP LT's, so I suppose I'll have to do something about looks next. But I figure I've spend ~$100-$200 on looks, and ~$2000-$2500 on performance. Maybe a nice UltraZ hood next, that'll go ahead and count as looks.

AsaSpades

I think of it as this, would you rather have a really nice looking car thats not as fast as it looks, or would you rather have a sleeper?

~AsaSpades~

zboner

iTrader: (4)

these cars look good enough already man, but its your car do as you please, i opted to go performance first, hell u cant really tell when your flying past people anyways

DRSITES

iTrader: (3)

I agree with the one for one perspective. Performance is important, but unless you're going to hit the track taking bets, I'd rather have a car that looks as fast as I'm making it. I like going to car shows and cruise-ins, so looks are really important to me. Although when I see a stock looking Z with a nice lope to it and a set of stickies out back...mmm

Pipelayaz

iTrader: (2)

I'd do both. These cars respond to bolt ons well. Your better off flip flopping on both and just get what you want and spend your money how you want. Turbo IMO is too much for the first mod. I'd get that down the line with a built engine and supporting mods.

INMY01TA

iTrader: (1)

I think appearance mods other than tint, wheels, and maybe a grill for Z's are gay.

staringback05

iTrader: (8)

rims a tint is all a car needs

Andros

iTrader: (5)

performance, unless u want the SS Hood!

TheBlurLS1

iTrader: (8)

Appearance mods if it looks like ****. I don't think ANY f-body should be sitting on anything less than 17's, unless it's slicks/skinnies. Nice wheels and a nice drop will get alot of attention. Getting the right "look" will do alot more intimidating to other cars than a stock height z28 on painted 16's.

I'm all about performance, but you can't be looking like crap while it's parked, which is where it will be 95% of its life.

My car took on a whole new tone when I put the 17x9/11 TTII's on it. People actually started noticing it as a nice car instead of just another Camaro.

I also like the idea of a stock-looking sleeper. That "Big Turkey" guy on SVTPerformance posted a video of some races one time. One of the vids featured a red z28 with stock wheels. It was packing a built LS2 (4xx"?) with a 2xx shot of giggle. It LOOKED like "just another Camaro" but it would carry the mail.

LS1 Sounds

iTrader: (11)

When the light turns green, being completely across a large intersection and about to shift into 2nd gear while the other guy is still sitting at the light spinning will intimidate them a lot more than pretty wheels. If that's what you're after...

I have more of a sleeper mentality anyway. I'm probably not the best person to reply to this thread, as I removed all Z28 badges, drive around on a quiet dual/dual catback, and roll on stock painted wheels with M/T drag radials. hehehe. Most of the time, my car is also dirty.

jpat1023

^I feel sorry for your car.^

I would do performance and looks at the same time and slowly build the car up how you want it. After all your bolt-ons and such, if your not satisfied, throw in that turbo, at least you and your car will be ready for it by then.