My lucky day. Drove a 2ss and a GT500 my thoughts. - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

SIXJAK · 09-24-2010, 01:30 PM

I decided to stop at the local Ford/Dodge (TriLakes) dealership yesterday morning where they had an 08 red Dodge SRT8 Charger for sale. Jay Wolf Acura in KC had called the other day and asked if I'd be open to turning in my leased TSX early because they need the inventory. Heck yes. We don't drive it much. I usually drive my 2LT or my 98 Chevy p/up. My wife mostly drives the xB cuz the kids don't get carsick in and it's hatch lends itself to being more useful for hauling her stuff around which she seems to have plenty of. I typically don't lease cars but this one was a 3 year lease, the same amount of time I had left to pay off an out of warranty VW Eurovan which was a total lemon. I HATE YOU VW!!! Jay Wolf gave me 2k over what it was worth on a trade in which balanced everything out to 0 and at least I had a similar car payment for something that wasn't a piece of crap. I LOVE YOU ACURA!!! (Stay with me I'll get to the point)

Anyway I thought I'd go check out the Dodge to see if it might be a suitable replacement for the TSX. It has lot's of power and seemed on par with my brother's SS but it had a bad vibration at 80mph that seemed to iron itself out the longer I drove it above 80. The salesman said he knew who I was and joked that he knew where to find and handed me the keys and let me have at it-very cool. He knows me because my company bought 6 2LT's and 1 SS from their competitor and I live in a small town.

I brought it back and the salesman asked if I wanted to come in and say hi to Roger the SM who I know because my company does a lot of advertising with the radio station his wife works at-and because it's a small town. I walked inside and was greeted by Roger the SM and Brady the GM and we chitchatted for a while. Brady has an 03 Cobra that's had some work done to it. It puts out 605 WHP. He also has 3 Hayabusas 2 of which are turbo'd as well as a twin merc bigblock speed boat that runs 112mph. I think it's safe to say that he's a car guy.

On the showroom floor there was a 2011 red be-striped black GT500 with SVT performance package. Brady commented that he had spec'd it out as though he was buying it for himself. BTW his Cobra is for sale and I think I remember him saying 30k for the mileage.

Anyway I mentioned to them that I had never driven a Mustang other than my HS girlfriend's V6 Stang. "Would you like to drive this one? Do you have time?" Roger asked. [Gee let me think... yeah sure] "I have time." I replied. In no time at all one of the salesmen had a dealer plate screwed onto the back and another was carefully pulling it out of the showroom onto the lot. Roger said he wanted to ride shotgun since he had not had a chance to drive the 2011 GT500 yet.

I slipped in behind the wheel and the interior is generally a nice to place to be in. The nav screen with it's corresponding controls sits pretty low away from line of site and the layout is typical Ford-not necessarily a compliment-have never been a fan of their interiors-nor GM's though I think Caddy does a nice job. However the key parts like the steering wheel, gear shift knob and pedals are well placed. (I'm 5'10" and weigh about 180 lbs.)

The clutch take up is smooth and conducive to proper heel and toe-ing-better than my Camaro. I was happy my take off was lurch free especially with the SM riding shotgun. The gearbox feels tight and purposeful albeit a little notchy but engagement is more positive than my 2LT's 6MT and feels more solid and mechanical and I mean that in a good way.

We headed toward the interstate and even at surface street cruising the engine note is just awesome. It begs you to hold onto the revs just a little longer before shifting and rewards with absolute super radness. I don't know why Chevy blesses it's SS with such a muted and civilized engine note but it's a mistake. (how many geriatrics, minivan soccer moms and super nerds were allowed into their pre-production customer clinics?) Good grief, I prefer the V6 Camaro's racier snarl to the SS's muted tone. The GT500's new aluminum motor seems very content whilst cruising on the street and the SC whine is barely perceptible if at all.

On the short ride to the interstate Roger asked me to really get on it when we got to the interstate if I was comfortable doing to which I nodded "okay". I slowly made a left turn onto the interstate onramp which was a nice straight entry. I had no one in front of me and no one behind me so I slowed to about 10mph and nailed it. When I shifted into second the car felt like it wanted to kick out a little to the right but it was more entertaining than alarming. I was so caught off guard by the glorious sound of the V8, the howl of the now very much awake SC and the acceleration that I slammed awkwardly into the rev limiter-real smooth-sorry Roger LOL.

The speed at which I entered the interstate is a speed which I will simply say is a speed I've never entered a freeway before. This car does 0-felony in the quickest time I've ever experienced. The interstate post rush hour traffic was light. I looked over at Roger and he gave me "the nod" so I opened it up. It's very fast, very stable going fast and inspires total confidence.

I've driven my bother's SS and my buddy's 89 Skyline GT-R at the track and neither is in the same league, though the GT-R might be close-I don't think it was running it's best when I drove it.

You GT500 drivers are blessed. This is one bad car. That said, when I compare it to my 2LT which is fairly absurd on a lot of levels but hear me out on this one, when I ask my self is it 31,000.00 better or 31,000.00 funner to drive? The answer is no. My car is plenty quick and is certainly not 31,000.00 less fun to drive and it's paid for. Does that make sense? And though the GT500 is definitely the best looking Mustang it still doesn't beat the Camaro in that department IMHO. For 35k+ more I'd rather install STS's turbo on my 2LT and put the rest into tuning my truck and redoing my pontoon.

Crowley · 09-24-2010, 01:39 PM

I know where you can get a s/c camaro for a good price (lower than the GT500 that is for sure)

I want to get into a used C6 Z06 but have to get rid of the camaro first

Crowley

BigDan · 09-24-2010, 02:56 PM

^ Sounds like you got bit by the HP bug pretty bad. The ZO6 seem to be the only remidy and I could see myself going that route if my GT500 isnt fast enough once the 3.4L Whipple goes on. GTR's are also good replacments, a 950whp GT500 owner just made the switch and runs consistent mid 10's with only a mid pipe, K&N drop in and tune. He picked it up for $58k

Good luck with the sale.

SIXJAK · 09-24-2010, 03:37 PM

Big Dan do you have the SVT package on yours? And what do you like and dislike about your 500? Congratulations BTW, it's a heck of a car.

BigDan · 09-24-2010, 04:20 PM

Yes I have the SVT package and its a great car but my only complaint is the same as most other Tremec 6060 owners is the first to second grind near red line during quick shifting at WOT. All the other gears are like butter and can power shift them no problem.

Besides that its a great car and a hella of a ride, and ran 12.3's @118.5 most of the night once I figured out how to pull 1.9's in the 60 ft my first time out w/ stock 20's with the car this summer on test n tune night. I cant wait to take it to Thunder Hill road race circut in Nor-cal next month and really get my blood pump'in.

I just bought a set of 15X10 Racestar's w/ Hoosier 26" DR's and just got back from the track the other night but it was hot and only got 12.01@119.1 w/ 1.744 60ft. I was hoping for Even Smith sort of times but I guess i'll have to wait for perfect conditions to get low 11's stock w/ DR's

Sax1031 · 09-24-2010, 05:08 PM

I really want to drive a 5th gen SS, preferably LS3.

The only GT500 I got to drive put down 826rwhp, so I don't really have a feel for what a stock powered GT500 drives like.

Sax1031 · 09-24-2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDan

^ Sounds like you got bit by the HP bug pretty bad. The ZO6 seem to be the only remidy and I could see myself going that route if my GT500 isnt fast enough once the 3.4L Whipple goes on. GTR's are also good replacments, a 950whp GT500 owner just made the switch and runs consistent mid 10's with only a mid pipe, K&N drop in and tune. He picked it up for $58k

Good luck with the sale.

just tell your friend with the GTR not to use launch control mode.

BigDan · 09-24-2010, 05:19 PM

He does just fine roll racing C6 ZO6's w/ 150 shot's

SIXJAK · 09-28-2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDan

Yes I have the SVT package and its a great car but my only complaint is the same as most other Tremec 6060 owners is the first to second grind near red line during quick shifting at WOT. All the other gears are like butter and can power shift them no problem.

Besides that its a great car and a hella of a ride, and ran 12.3's @118.5 most of the night once I figured out how to pull 1.9's in the 60 ft my first time out w/ stock 20's with the car this summer on test n tune night. I cant wait to take it to Thunder Hill road race circut in Nor-cal next month and really get my blood pump'in.

I just bought a set of 15X10 Racestar's w/ Hoosier 26" DR's and just got back from the track the other night but it was hot and only got 12.01@119.1 w/ 1.744 60ft. I was hoping for Even Smith sort of times but I guess i'll have to wait for perfect conditions to get low 11's stock w/ DR's

Thanks for responding. I have the same 1st-2nd issue with my Camaro. LOL.

Good luck on getting into the low 11's/ I'm sure u can. That's a heckuva motor.

I've been looking at the STS turbo option and waiting possibly for one more successful FI option to emerge before I pull the trigger on something. I believe the motor is capable of a lot more than has been exploited so far.

Who knows maybe I'll pull the trigger on the upcoming Z or even look at the GT500.

a_Username · 09-28-2010, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDan

He does just fine roll racing C6 ZO6's w/ 150 shot's

Traction FTW

runner66 · 10-01-2010, 10:47 PM

how in the world would some one buy a 1ss over a 2ss. u got to be kidding me go with the mustang

Sawyer · 10-01-2010, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patSS

The GT500 is worth every dollar you spend on it. Used ones with low mileage are fairly cheap.

Depends which year gt500. I wouldn't say cheap.

BigDan · 10-01-2010, 11:51 PM

All used GT500's are pretty much the same car, no real difference until your looking at the new 2011's. Nice forum owned ones are going for $32k and they are just about the cheapest car's to get the most hp for the least amount of $$$ given its already factory supercharged with a fully forged DOHC 5.4L the same trans from a ZO6 and the fact that the factory sets them at a low boost level and all it takes is a $100 pulley to unlock these factory powerhouses.

porcupinekiller · 10-02-2010, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDan

All used GT500's are pretty much the same car, no real difference until your looking at the new 2011's.

I gotta disagree a little. The 2010's are also a big change from the 2007-09's. Way more refined car, restyled exterior and interior, better knock sensors allowing for a more agressive tune, factory CAI, 3.55's. The differences between the 2010's and 2011's, with the exception of the aluminium block, electric steering, aluminium diff cover, a few aerodymanic tweaks, extra sound deadener and SVT-PP option are very minimal. The 2011 has a bit of a weight advantage due to the new block and steering.
If you run a 2010 GT500 vs a 2011 GT500 non-SVT PP car it's still more of a drivers race.

09-24-2010, 01:30 PM	#15
SIXJAK Drives: MO's only SC'd LLT. Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Branson MO Posts: 2,574 View My Garage	I decided to stop at the local Ford/Dodge (TriLakes) dealership yesterday morning where they had an 08 red Dodge SRT8 Charger for sale. Jay Wolf Acura in KC had called the other day and asked if I'd be open to turning in my leased TSX early because they need the inventory. Heck yes. We don't drive it much. I usually drive my 2LT or my 98 Chevy p/up. My wife mostly drives the xB cuz the kids don't get carsick in and it's hatch lends itself to being more useful for hauling her stuff around which she seems to have plenty of. I typically don't lease cars but this one was a 3 year lease, the same amount of time I had left to pay off an out of warranty VW Eurovan which was a total lemon. I HATE YOU VW!!! Jay Wolf gave me 2k over what it was worth on a trade in which balanced everything out to 0 and at least I had a similar car payment for something that wasn't a piece of crap. I LOVE YOU ACURA!!! (Stay with me I'll get to the point) Anyway I thought I'd go check out the Dodge to see if it might be a suitable replacement for the TSX. It has lot's of power and seemed on par with my brother's SS but it had a bad vibration at 80mph that seemed to iron itself out the longer I drove it above 80. The salesman said he knew who I was and joked that he knew where to find and handed me the keys and let me have at it-very cool. He knows me because my company bought 6 2LT's and 1 SS from their competitor and I live in a small town. I brought it back and the salesman asked if I wanted to come in and say hi to Roger the SM who I know because my company does a lot of advertising with the radio station his wife works at-and because it's a small town. I walked inside and was greeted by Roger the SM and Brady the GM and we chitchatted for a while. Brady has an 03 Cobra that's had some work done to it. It puts out 605 WHP. He also has 3 Hayabusas 2 of which are turbo'd as well as a twin merc bigblock speed boat that runs 112mph. I think it's safe to say that he's a car guy. On the showroom floor there was a 2011 red be-striped black GT500 with SVT performance package. Brady commented that he had spec'd it out as though he was buying it for himself. BTW his Cobra is for sale and I think I remember him saying 30k for the mileage. Anyway I mentioned to them that I had never driven a Mustang other than my HS girlfriend's V6 Stang. "Would you like to drive this one? Do you have time?" Roger asked. [Gee let me think... yeah sure] "I have time." I replied. In no time at all one of the salesmen had a dealer plate screwed onto the back and another was carefully pulling it out of the showroom onto the lot. Roger said he wanted to ride shotgun since he had not had a chance to drive the 2011 GT500 yet. I slipped in behind the wheel and the interior is generally a nice to place to be in. The nav screen with it's corresponding controls sits pretty low away from line of site and the layout is typical Ford-not necessarily a compliment-have never been a fan of their interiors-nor GM's though I think Caddy does a nice job. However the key parts like the steering wheel, gear shift knob and pedals are well placed. (I'm 5'10" and weigh about 180 lbs.) The clutch take up is smooth and conducive to proper heel and toe-ing-better than my Camaro. I was happy my take off was lurch free especially with the SM riding shotgun. The gearbox feels tight and purposeful albeit a little notchy but engagement is more positive than my 2LT's 6MT and feels more solid and mechanical and I mean that in a good way. We headed toward the interstate and even at surface street cruising the engine note is just awesome. It begs you to hold onto the revs just a little longer before shifting and rewards with absolute super radness. I don't know why Chevy blesses it's SS with such a muted and civilized engine note but it's a mistake. (how many geriatrics, minivan soccer moms and super nerds were allowed into their pre-production customer clinics?) Good grief, I prefer the V6 Camaro's racier snarl to the SS's muted tone. The GT500's new aluminum motor seems very content whilst cruising on the street and the SC whine is barely perceptible if at all. On the short ride to the interstate Roger asked me to really get on it when we got to the interstate if I was comfortable doing to which I nodded "okay". I slowly made a left turn onto the interstate onramp which was a nice straight entry. I had no one in front of me and no one behind me so I slowed to about 10mph and nailed it. When I shifted into second the car felt like it wanted to kick out a little to the right but it was more entertaining than alarming. I was so caught off guard by the glorious sound of the V8, the howl of the now very much awake SC and the acceleration that I slammed awkwardly into the rev limiter-real smooth-sorry Roger LOL. The speed at which I entered the interstate is a speed which I will simply say is a speed I've never entered a freeway before. This car does 0-felony in the quickest time I've ever experienced. The interstate post rush hour traffic was light. I looked over at Roger and he gave me "the nod" so I opened it up. It's very fast, very stable going fast and inspires total confidence. I've driven my bother's SS and my buddy's 89 Skyline GT-R at the track and neither is in the same league, though the GT-R might be close-I don't think it was running it's best when I drove it. You GT500 drivers are blessed. This is one bad car. That said, when I compare it to my 2LT which is fairly absurd on a lot of levels but hear me out on this one, when I ask my self is it 31,000.00 better or 31,000.00 funner to drive? The answer is no. My car is plenty quick and is certainly not 31,000.00 less fun to drive and it's paid for. Does that make sense? And though the GT500 is definitely the best looking Mustang it still doesn't beat the Camaro in that department IMHO. For 35k+ more I'd rather install STS's turbo on my 2LT and put the rest into tuning my truck and redoing my pontoon. __________________ IPF supercharger kit, IPF tune, SW LT's, R. Tech HFC's, ARK DT-S catback, SS Brembo brake upgrade, BC Racing adjustable coilovers, Hurst STS, Pfadt rear arm package, Pfadt adjustable sways & end links, Pfadt diff bushings, BMR rear cradle full kit blk bezels,SS diffuser, Innovate gauges. Last edited by SIXJAK; 09-24-2010 at 01:58 PM. Reason: fixed

09-24-2010, 01:39 PM	#16
Crowley Okie doke Drives: 2012 GT500 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: McKinney Texas Posts: 3,567 View My Garage	I know where you can get a s/c camaro for a good price (lower than the GT500 that is for sure) I want to get into a used C6 Z06 but have to get rid of the camaro first Crowley __________________

09-24-2010, 03:37 PM	#18
SIXJAK Drives: MO's only SC'd LLT. Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Branson MO Posts: 2,574 View My Garage	Big Dan do you have the SVT package on yours? And what do you like and dislike about your 500? Congratulations BTW, it's a heck of a car. __________________ IPF supercharger kit, IPF tune, SW LT's, R. Tech HFC's, ARK DT-S catback, SS Brembo brake upgrade, BC Racing adjustable coilovers, Hurst STS, Pfadt rear arm package, Pfadt adjustable sways & end links, Pfadt diff bushings, BMR rear cradle full kit blk bezels,SS diffuser, Innovate gauges.

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09-24-2010, 02:56 PM	#17
BigDan Drives: bug Join Date: May 2009 Location: nv Posts: 1,319	^ Sounds like you got bit by the HP bug pretty bad. The ZO6 seem to be the only remidy and I could see myself going that route if my GT500 isnt fast enough once the 3.4L Whipple goes on. GTR's are also good replacments, a 950whp GT500 owner just made the switch and runs consistent mid 10's with only a mid pipe, K&N drop in and tune. He picked it up for $58k Good luck with the sale.

09-24-2010, 04:20 PM	#19
BigDan Drives: bug Join Date: May 2009 Location: nv Posts: 1,319	Yes I have the SVT package and its a great car but my only complaint is the same as most other Tremec 6060 owners is the first to second grind near red line during quick shifting at WOT. All the other gears are like butter and can power shift them no problem. Besides that its a great car and a hella of a ride, and ran 12.3's @118.5 most of the night once I figured out how to pull 1.9's in the 60 ft my first time out w/ stock 20's with the car this summer on test n tune night. I cant wait to take it to Thunder Hill road race circut in Nor-cal next month and really get my blood pump'in. I just bought a set of 15X10 Racestar's w/ Hoosier 26" DR's and just got back from the track the other night but it was hot and only got 12.01@119.1 w/ 1.744 60ft. I was hoping for Even Smith sort of times but I guess i'll have to wait for perfect conditions to get low 11's stock w/ DR's

09-24-2010, 05:08 PM	#20
Sax1031 Drives: 2000 Mustang GT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Elgin,SC Posts: 2,707	I really want to drive a 5th gen SS, preferably LS3. The only GT500 I got to drive put down 826rwhp, so I don't really have a feel for what a stock powered GT500 drives like.

09-24-2010, 05:19 PM	#22
BigDan Drives: bug Join Date: May 2009 Location: nv Posts: 1,319	He does just fine roll racing C6 ZO6's w/ 150 shot's

10-01-2010, 10:47 PM	#25
runner66 Account Suspended Drives: 2011 camaro 2ss/rs Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Long island ny Posts: 270	how in the world would some one buy a 1ss over a 2ss. u got to be kidding me go with the mustang

10-01-2010, 11:51 PM	#27
BigDan Drives: bug Join Date: May 2009 Location: nv Posts: 1,319	All used GT500's are pretty much the same car, no real difference until your looking at the new 2011's. Nice forum owned ones are going for $32k and they are just about the cheapest car's to get the most hp for the least amount of $$$ given its already factory supercharged with a fully forged DOHC 5.4L the same trans from a ZO6 and the fact that the factory sets them at a low boost level and all it takes is a $100 pulley to unlock these factory powerhouses.