To Slick Rick and other 1SS'rs

[Duf]

I have been trying to decide on a 1SS versus 2SS purchase. I would actually prefer the cloth and the cost savings but I also have a high geek factor and I would really like the C&C options that only come with the 2SS.

After digging through many, many threads here I have seen many 1SS owners retrofit their cars with many of the C&C goodies, including USB, Homelink, dimming rear view mirror, Bluetooth and even potentially steering wheel controls. I'd probably enjoy having the 4 pack gauges as well.

My question is, is it really worth it to retrofit a 1SS? When you buy all the parts needed to do these upgrades and factor in varying degrees of labor costs depending on your level of technical expertise, I could easily see someone dropping $1500-$2000 to do all of it and still be missing ambient lighting, the upgraded stereo and leather.

I totally get that there is some pride in turning your 1SS into something that Chevrolet refuses to give us. I personally think it is stupid that C&C is not an option on the 1SS.

I am just thinking it out logically if I want to spend the time and money to make a 1SS have the tech features a 2SS already has.

Since you guys have already gone down that road I'd love to hear if you still would have decided to follow the same route. (1SS vs 2SS)

[Iwantone2]

Personally, I bought the 1SS because I wasn't a fan of the "pleather" seats, but I really wanted to have all of the other goodies. USB port: sure! There's some things I could do without: homelink, heated seats, 4-gauge pack (for now), dimming rear view mirror. The only thing I really wanted was the USB port, Bluetooth and possibly the steering wheel controls.

If you're really looking to have all of those things, it may be best to go with the 2SS, but if you want to get your hands "dirty" and install everything yourself (well, not everything since "we" can't get the steering wheel controls, Bluetooth, etc just yet), the 1SS is the way to go!

[HeavyD]

The only thing I wanted out the 2SS was the remote start. Everything else were just toys I would not use, plus I hate leather. If you can't without a USB, dimming, heated mirrors, steering wheel controls and what not, I would say you should get a 2SS. Sounds like you want most of the options that come with a 2SS.

[2010 SSRS]

if you want all the extra's you said, you should go with the 2SS, and the leather is awesome.

[slick rick]

I only wanted a few features from the 2SS that the 1SS did not have, USB and 4 pack gauges. I could not justify nor afford to spend the additional 3K to get those items. My main concern was getting a V8 with the RS package.

Since I physically installed the PDIM (USB) myself, I saved on some labor costs and only needed the dealer to program the radio. The 4 pack gauges were plug and play so I was also able to install those myself. Adding those two items to my 1SS cost me less than 3K.

If you only want one or two features from the 2SS (that are currently available as an add on to the 1SS) then I think the retrofitting the 1SS makes sense. On the other hand, as you mentioned, retrofitting the 1SS can get expensive as you add 2SS features.

I think if there's more than 3 things from the 2SS that you want then I would go with the 2SS.

I personally think it is stupid that C&C is not an option on the 1SS.

Same here

[EDGE_]

Personally if I had to do it again, I would stick with the 1SS. I really enjoyed getting the mods that I wanted installed afterward.

If you really must have the built in Telephone Bluetooth, the Ambient Lightning or the heated seats then you are probably better off with the 2SS or if you want most of them done then stick with the 2SS. Otherwise go with the 1SS and install the upgrades at your leisure. Do them one at a time and it is a little like getting your new car all over again.

Originally Posted by Duf

I personally think it is stupid that C&C is not an option on the 1SS.

Actually I thought it was brilliant of GM not to include the C&C package in the 1SS because I am sure it caused a lot of people to just go ahead and upgrade to the 2SS package. They made a lot of additional revenue from that decision and I can think of no other reason why they would have done it (clever bastards )

[Duf]

Originally Posted by EDGE_

Personally if I had to do it again, I would stick with the 1SS. I really enjoyed getting the mods that I wanted installed afterward.

If you really must have the built in Telephone Bluetooth, the Ambient Lightning or the heated seats then you are probably better off with the 2SS or if you want most of them done then stick with the 2SS. Otherwise go with the 1SS and install the upgrades at your leisure. Do them one at a time and it is a little like getting your new car all over again.



Actually I thought it was brilliant of GM not to include the C&C package in the 1SS because I am sure it caused a lot of people to just go ahead and upgrade to the 2SS package. They made a lot of additional revenue from that decision and I can think of no other reason why they would have done it (clever bastards )

Nah if that was the case, why did they make it an option on the LT line? Makes no sense at all IMO.

[EDGE_]

Originally Posted by Duf

Nah if that was the case, why did they make it an option on the LT line? Makes no sense at all IMO.

That actually corroborates my point, they said it themselves in their workbook, the LS/LT model focus "...will present an opportunity to attract new customers..." so if they don't give these customers what they want they will move on to another car.

However the SS model focus - "Core Camaro Enthusiasts will be the target for the SS Model. These customers are very loyal to Camaro....They will seek out Camaro." Thus by their rational, they knew that the customers buying an SS would buy a Camaro anyway, basically a captured audience. Thus my logic is that this was a method used to upsell.

In fact, ask yourself the same question in a different light, why did they offer C&C in the 1LT as a option and not the 1SS? We all know it would have been an easy option to add, why leave this money on the table? Unless of course they were aiming for a bigger payout...the 1SS to 2SS upgrade.

Of course this is all conjecture on my part but if the evidence fits...

[The_Blur]

If you want the 1SS cloth, go that route. Almost everything else can be done in the aftermarket. There are a lot of dealers and specialty shops with the capacity to install the PDIM, Bluetooth, and other nice features. Add to that a custom audio setup and you're practically driving a 2SS.

[THUMPER20X]

I have no regrets with my 1SS.

[SicSix6]

Originally Posted by slick rick

I only wanted a few features from the 2SS that the 1SS did not have, USB and 4 pack gauges. I could not justify nor afford to spend the additional 3K to get those items. My main concern was getting a V8 with the RS package.

Since I physically installed the PDIM (USB) myself, I saved on some labor costs and only needed the dealer to program the radio. The 4 pack gauges were plug and play so I was also able to install those myself. Adding those two items to my 1SS cost me less than 3K.

If you only want one or two features from the 2SS (that are currently available as an add on to the 1SS) then I think the retrofitting the 1SS makes sense. On the other hand, as you mentioned, retrofitting the 1SS can get expensive as you add 2SS features.

I think if there's more than 3 things from the 2SS that you want then I would go with the 2SS.



Same here

The items you desire can easily be bought through venders on here and Gmpartsdirect for a reasonable price. I bought and installed the gauges and I still might do the PDIM so I can take advantage of the Bluetooth tech.

[first one]

Originally Posted by Duf

My question is, is it really worth it to retrofit a 1SS? When you buy all the parts needed to do these upgrades and factor in varying degrees of labor costs depending on your level of technical expertise, I could easily see someone dropping $1500-$2000 to do all of it and still be missing ambient lighting, the upgraded stereo and leather.

I have a 1SS and have the upgraded Boston Accoustic stereo.

Originally Posted by Duf

I totally get that there is some pride in turning your 1SS into something that Chevrolet refuses to give us. I personally think it is stupid that C&C is not an option on the 1SS.

++++1

[Duf]

Originally Posted by SicSix6

The items you desire can easily be bought through venders on here and Gmpartsdirect for a reasonable price. I bought and installed the gauges and I still might do the PDIM so I can take advantage of the Bluetooth tech.

Yea I know most of it can be bought after the fact. My point was if you want most of the tech goodies like I do you aren't saving that much depending on how much you install yourself. (and you still don't have leather, included stereo upgrade, etc..) Plus DIY's always run the risk of inadvertently breaking stuff along the way as opposed to having everything in place from the factory.

If you are going to pay a third party installer to do most of the work your costs will escalate quickly.

It seems that if you only want one or two things that the 2SS offers then a 1SS and some elbow grease makes sense.

I am debating if I want to wait until the 2011's are announced to see if Chevy engages the brain and makes C&C an option on the 1SS.

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by Duf

Yea I know most of it can be bought after the fact. My point was if you want most of the tech goodies like I do you aren't saving that much depending on how much you install yourself. (and you still don't have leather, included stereo upgrade, etc..) Plus DIY's always run the risk of inadvertently breaking stuff along the way as opposed to having everything in place from the factory.

If you are going to pay a third party installer to do most of the work your costs will escalate quickly.

It seems that if you only want one or two things that the 2SS offers then a 1SS and some elbow grease makes sense.

I am debating if I want to wait until the 2011's are announced to see if Chevy engages the brain and makes C&C an option on the 1SS.

Of course, the initial cost is the hardest part for most buyers. Buying later, even if it costs a little more, makes it easier on the monthly payments. It gives you a chance to save up for it.