Supercharged/Mods: Factory or DIY

[xk49]

I've pretty much decided on a Gen5 convertible(an easier sell to the old lady) and will definately will be doing FI on the car. My previous car was a Dodge Magnum SRT8 with a V3 Vortech supercharger. It had many suspension/engine/interior/brakes/exterior upgrades. Only drove it to shows and "really" nice days. The car was more of a hobby then anything else, but just like anyone who has done extensive Mods your lucky to see 50 cents on the dollar at sell time.

So, here's my dilemma, do I go with bone stock 1SS and do everything again(which I really enjoying doing as a backyard mechanic) or do I try to get a stock IE. ZL1 on the cheap or start with something in-between IE. 2SS/RS?

Starting bone stock is alluring as I can put the best of what I can afford on the car and it makes it more my own. The ZL1 route is attractive because of any warrenty issues and you are pretty much ensured everything plays nicely together, stock anyways.

I'm a huge fan of buying used, so whatever I get will be from the web. Less then 10k miles(hopefully not a 1/4 mile at a time). There's some good deals every now and then, but I just get a little gun shy as I I'm on the fence to which direction I want to go.

Any advice?

[CamaroCracka]

I buy lots of used parts for all my vehicles. I just factor into what I am willing to offer the additional time it takes to work with used parts. and the possibility I may have to fix the part. Some people feel like your lowballing them, but nothing goes in as well the second time it's installed.

Along the same lines, if you buy somebody else's build, you have to factor in what they may have cut corners on. I would look for things like crimp on electrical connectors (or worse twisted and taped wiring), poor fitment, illogical build, etc. What I mean by illogical build is things like, a blower with the smallest possible pulley and untouched fuel system? (same for nitrous) a .600+ lift cam with stock springs?

You sound like you know what a hackjob looks like and what a car should sound like. I always think about if something is done to the standards I would do it. If you see little things that are shortcutted, there going to more when you dig in. Not to say you should automatically disqualify the vehicle, but factor the extra time required in the price.

Sometimes I wish I had waited a couple years and bought a used SS with a blower already on it. Time is money and my wife thinks I love the car more than her already. However, when I saw them come out in 2009, I had to have one.

If you can't find a built car that you love, buy a stock one and go to work.

[i2disturbedSS]

IE do you mean 1LE?

A 1LE would be a good base to start with imo.

[jrhagen]

IE means for example.

[el ess A]

Originally Posted by jrhagen

IE means for example.

Or Internet Explorer....

id est (i.e.), usually used in context for "that is," "which to say," or "for example"

I agree, if the mods are done RIGHT, then buying modded can save a buttload of time and money, as usually a modded car brings a bit less than an untouched original. But it always varies.

[Bowtie-Bri]

I started out with a 2SS/RS and built it from there.
If I were to do all over again, I probably would of started with a ZL-1 instead.
I could be wrong, but I believe the LSA engines have a stronger bottom end, and therefore might hold up better to additional HP. Good luck in your search and welcome to Camaro5!

[Desertion]

IE = In Example lol

[hunter1660]

Look on the ZL1 section...looks like lots are having the super chargers replaced under warranty

[SuperchargedStealth]

I started from the ground up with a convertible. This was before the ZL1 was introduced. I enjoyed building it myself, but it did take a toll on my wallet. I'm currently at a crossroads because it's done. Motor, drivetrain, suspension etc. I'm deciding whether to sell and start a new project or find new things to do. I will say that if I could do it again, I would, but I would look into parts being sold by members. You will save a lot.

No matter whether you buy a car with a warranty, within a month, you'll do something to it that will void it. Just something to think about.

[i2disturbedSS]

Lol aight "i.e." that is
and "e.g." for example
...
Guess it makes more sense now lol

[CanadianSS]

I greatly enjoyed the build. It was the whole idea and half the fun (well sometimes not so fun..lol). Sure, ZL1 is a great car. Just hop in and have a great time. But build it, and telling people you built is, puts a larger smile on my face.
If I were to do it all over again, I'd build. This way you know what TRUELY how the car is.

[sscamaro]

There is a lot of satisfaction with doing your own mods. I started with a new 2SS/RS. Added all the mods myself and feel good when someone asks who did the work and I can say I did. I would rather do the mods myself than buy one with some mods already done.

[el ess A]

It's always good to say you did the mods yourself, but some aren't so handy with tools than others. So buying one already modded may get you what you want without having to risk tearing something up. Different strokes for different folks.

[Unreal]

ZL1 for the drivetain IMO. if you can swing it, the mag ride, brakes, an rear end are worth it. Look at all the issues people have with axles/rears/etc on the SS. I would get the zl1 just for the rear end/etc..