Buying a higher mileage SS?

[Bluebagger06]

Well since you want a manual trans, that eliminates the AFM bs! If you are a mechanic just check compression in all cylinders!, That be my concern.

[2012B]

Good choice. Stout car and well made. The LS3 with TR6060 combo just can't be beat. You'll likely have to change out your blend door. Cheap part but a pain in the ass labor wise. Avoid using high heat if you can. The heat actually makes that plastic blend door get more brittle over time.

I'm a Toyota guy having owned several lexus and toyota models over the years. These cars are toyota level reliable, in my experiences.

2012 was the last year for hydraulic steering. I threw in poly steering rack bushings and it's quite precise around corners now. Road feel is amazing... especially with the JPSS titanium radius rod bushings too. 2013+ is the electric rack and you'll have no ability to upgrade steering rack bushing. Overall, the electric rack is a bit more numb and muted.

I'd recommend two important things. Upgrade the factory oil pump. Some stock cars have completely grenaded themselves due to the pump.

Upgrade to the LS2 dogbone timing chain tensioner. The LS3 style is plastic and will be a point of failure as these vehicles get older.

As a bonus, look for factory 5th gen forged ZL1 or 1LE wheels. Sometimes you can find them very cheap on marketplace and they are an incredible upgrade for handling and aggressive looks while being light/forged. The factory SS wheels are basically boat anchors.

[FlamesAreWicked]

This is a great thread and I’m lookin to do something similar. Looking at a ‘14 2SS 6spd car with 64k miles. I have a S550 GT but I’m looking to make the switch for a few reasons. The 5th gen always was a body style that I loved. Test drove a 6th gen and while it was nice. I like the styling of the 5th more.

[Pkeen]

My ss had 160,000 on it when I bought it ,ran great no issues,and when I pulled the engine to build my stroker ,the cam and main ,rod bearings look great,as did the valve stems ,guides etc.

[RedsRevenge48]

Thanks for all the great replies everyone! It really does look like the 5th gen is indeed a tank. The guy that always beat my Shelby swapped in a Turbo400 for his Tr6060 the last time we chatted and made his car even faster. I still think he has a well concealed Nitrous system, but either way that 5th Gen was ALWAYS on kill.

I keep waffling on weather I want an SS or if I should bite the bullet, get rid of my current motorcycle and trade it for a 5th gen ZL1. Id still be making a payment. But as of the end of this year there will once a again be a finite amount of Camaros in the world. I get the feeling Harley will still be making touring bikes long after I get a potential car deal paid for.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by Pkeen

My ss had 160,000 on it when I bought it ,ran great no issues,and when I pulled the engine to build my stroker ,the cam and main ,rod bearings look great,as did the valve stems ,guides etc.

That's cool! When we did my cam swap with all the goodies, LS3 conversion, AFM/DOD delete at 98k, my builder said that the engine was "just getting broken in" !! They are built well! And now I have 129k on her.