Repairs on a 1997 SS

[CamarosThree]

Not new to the forumn, but an infrequent poster. I own a 1997 SS with 77K miles. Over the course of the last 2 weeks I have invested over $2,000 in a rear end overhaul and replacement of the window mechanicals in the driver's door. My question is, what next?? I really love this car and my intention was to someday pass all three of these to my son. But now I just don't know if I just sell it and cut my losses. What do you guys think might be next in line for repairs?

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

I don't know, but it is beautiful! I could not sell that.
Seriously, that car is awesome.

[Blueovalman]

Your Camaro looks beautiful and very clean I would definitley keep
it and enjoy driving it! Black is one of my favorite colors though.
What is priceless is your son will love you and greatly appreciate it
if you hang on to and keep that 1997 Camaro SS or one or more of the other
Camaro's you own.
What gears do you have in your newly rebuilt rear end?
What are your goals or plans with this Camaro?
If it were me I would do some suspension upgrades to take full
advantage of your newly rebuilt rear end and install some different
wheels like C5 Corvette wheels with better tires.

[CC Performance]

How much would you sell it for?
The car is 14 yrs old w/77k on it... not sure why the rear had to be rebuilt but repairs are going to be required to any vehicle as it gets older. What are you going to get for that $2000 that would be better? no one can predict what will go out on it next I would not have thought the rear or the window.. well maybe an electric window.. I had one go out on my 99 SS at like 46k.... and they are a common issue in any gm car.... but you own it out right and know whats wrong with it. If you replace it your going to have to take on payments or take a chance on a used car .. and you already have a used car that is paid for... The time to think about selling would have been before you put 2k into it. I would keep it if it were mine but if you can sell it for as decent price then cash is always nice as well

[Ovenmitt]

You got robbed if you paid $2k to have the 10 bolt rebuilt and a window motor. That's like $500 in parts, including NEW gears, an install kit, and a new window motor.

$1500 labor? Lol

[CC Performance]

Sounds like he went to a dealer

[-camarokid-]

DO NOT SELL!

that car is gorgeous! my 95 LT1 has 182,000Km on it and It has been the best car i have ever owned as far as not breaking down!

a couple things you WILL eventually have to do are, replace plastic intake gasket ( thanks GM) a lot later on you will have to do the OPTI spark, mines still the original!
there is a good chance you will have to replace or delete the A/C pump, and window motors are the shits on these cars. but I can honestly say no matter what you have to spend on these cars, your still about a million miles ahead then making a 500-1000 dollar car payment every month

just my .02

[JHL88]

i dont know about anyone else, but i rarely see a very well taken care of LT1. nonetheless a SS LT1. i would keep it

[nascarnate326]

Originally Posted by JHL88

i dont know about anyone else, but i rarely see a very well taken care of LT1. nonetheless a SS LT1. i would keep it

I couldnt agree more.




As the car is aging...its going to need parts. How often do you drive it?

[CamarosThree]

Originally Posted by nascarnate326

I couldnt agree more.




As the car is aging...its going to need parts. How often do you drive it?

This car is actually my daily driver. Round trip to/from work is less than 10 miles. My 2010 doesn't get driven much but I think I will start driving it more now that the weather is getting better. All of the Camaros are garaged and covered every night. I believe that they deserve to be well taken care of.

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

If I lived closer, I would take it off your hands.

[myblackcamaros]

I'd keep it. Those are great cars and lower mileage clean ones are not common. Most 4th gen cars are loaded with miles, probably because they drive good. I didn't realize how much the 4th gen car was missed from my garage until I didn't have one.

[mulehead7]

Originally Posted by -camarokid-

DO NOT SELL!

that car is gorgeous! my 95 LT1 has 182,000Km on it and It has been the best car i have ever owned as far as not breaking down!

a couple things you WILL eventually have to do are, replace plastic intake gasket ( thanks GM) a lot later on you will have to do the OPTI spark, mines still the original!
there is a good chance you will have to replace or delete the A/C pump, and window motors are the shits on these cars. but I can honestly say no matter what you have to spend on these cars, your still about a million miles ahead then making a 500-1000 dollar car payment every month

just my .02

You have a great looking car, too! The OP's car looks excellent also. I guess when we own cars that are a dozen years old or older we have to make some tough decisions. I've had my fourth gen for over 17 years now and I'm biting the bullet and putting some money into my LT1. The engine is really pretty solid but the A/C is out this summer. I'm going to replace that myself. I installed drilled/slotted rotors and new ceramic pads last week. I just put in four new speakers, makes the factory unit sound lots better. I have 92k miles on it and its been garage kept like the original poster. I have a new carpet, headliner and visors on the way right now. I know I'll never really get my money back out of it but I don't plan to sell it anyway. Sure the 5th gen is technologically head and shoulders above the 4th but the T/A is still fun to drive. Good luck with your decision GR.