Test drove a Z, want to buy and have questions.

[69L48Z27]

Originally Posted by t_towner

Advant, that's a nice car! Depends on where you are at with the price? And how much warranty is left?

From the limited knowledge I have it appears as if there are approximately 169 brand new Z28's still available to purchase? That's about 13% of production for 2015 still setting on dealer lots. To make matters worse the Z has been out of production for over a year. That's just sad. (Not sure exactly when te last Z rolled off the line but based off the production dates I would assume in the Jan/Fed 2015 timeframe?)

Therefore the conclusion that I'm drawing...if they couldn't sell for $55k at 20% off then why are they somehow worth more now? I'm 98% certain you can buy a new one for under $55k w full warranty.

The new stuff coming out is somewhat better ergonomically, esthetics and still ever increasing performance wise. I wouldn't even be in here if a new GT350R could be purchased at MSRP yet I realize how killer this car is bang for the buck wise. It truly is a performance bargain for the track if a guy can purchase new for mid to low 50's.

Unreal - the heads are a concern. I wouldn't even buy one w a thought of resale because once these go out of warranty the buyer pool likely shrinks even smaller? The ZL1 is just easier to go faster in a straight line.

Am I just way off base w this thought process.

Pretty sure our Z was built in April last year, last ones would have been mid summer. You can tell by the VIN how old it is or at least what part of the production run.

Not all Z's got the 20%. The dealer was allowed to use the discount on cars that were in inventory the longest and they only had a few rebates to use. Not every car was discounted, Camaro or otherwise.

If you test drove one of these cars and didn't get one yet or are still debating I don't think the car is for you. You should probably wait for a Ford. Sounds like they'll make plenty of them next year.

[t_towner]

69L48Z27 - thanks. Didn't realize the 20% worked that way.

Yes, test drove the Z and loved it. It's a matter of opportunity/pricepoint at this moment as I can't seem to find anything else under $100k that's more enjoyable or reasonably obtainable w a full factory warranty?

[The_Raging_Bull]

Hey a fellow Okie....(OK I'm a Texas Ex too....)

Take time to read the full article with the latest revisions by Hib Halverson - the ruthless pursuit of power... a copy was posted by utaeng96 over at this thread:

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...+pursuit+power

Its my understanding that the issue with dropped valves has been solved by the release of the Z/28; as Chevy does expensive additional superpolishing, as well as other specialty coatings and engineering work to ensure that the LS7 in the Z/28 will not have the same issues as the one in my '09 Z06 could have.

Too many trolls and naysayers have made this subject a post heavy subject over on the corvette forum - as there are lots of threads and thousands of posts; you can spend a month of nights and not read them all.

Hib Halverson has done a masterful job, and in this version - available at the Corvette Action Center; if you're willing to take the time he explains all the issues and chevy's resolution of the LS7 dropped valve in the version below; the link should take you to the section on the valves and the issue you refer too.Its a very technical article and its also the gospel on the engine; unlike a lot of troll threads and comments out there.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-engine18.html

My take on it is this: the LS7 is the best engine ever built, and its half the price in todays money that the fabled engine of '69 was; with durability and great fuel usage while being right on the cusp of producing that engines 560 hp in the old SAE rating test method. One drive was all it took for me, I was hooked, and it was worth the money to me to do whatever is necessary to make sure the engines durability is there in my older LS7. I did make sure to get a 7 year warranty on my Z/28 to have Chevy cover all issues; and I'll have until its over to make a decision on Katech, Ligenfelter, or Hennessy to trick the engine to its highest output. The real shame is that too may folks have allowed themselves to be fooled into fearing the engine and the cost associated with a failure.

Fortunately there are about 3 Z/28's in Tulsa that my wife and I have seen - another red hot (like mine), and a black version. You can occasionally catch me on Tuesday nights (when its dry) at the cruise-in at Memorial Street at 91st in South Tulsa. I'll be in either my '09 Z06 and now with my taking delivery of the new car- I'll be there in my Z/28 too. There are several LS7 powered Z06's in the Tulsa Vette Sette and most of us are willing to give a ride to a fellow car (engine) buff. T _Towner is easy to remember if we meet. Good luck in your quest; if you take the plunge you'll never regret it.

Larry

[Hunt-man]

Originally Posted by t_towner

69L48Z27 -
Yes, test drove the Z and loved it. It's a matter of opportunity/pricepoint at this moment as I can't seem to find anything else under $100k that's more enjoyable or reasonably obtainable w a full factory warranty?

This is how / why I ended up with my z28. I'm happy with mine and would buy it again. Great car.

[URBAN LEGEND]

Originally Posted by t_towner

69L48Z27 - thanks. Didn't realize the 20% worked that way.

Yes, test drove the Z and loved it. It's a matter of opportunity/pricepoint at this moment as I can't seem to find anything else under $100k that's more enjoyable or reasonably obtainable w a full factory warranty?

Vipers, CTS V, Z07 in 1LZ, etc.

[t_towner]

Hey Larry, I think we've talked before. Thanks for the articles! Great info. I'm the guy w the LS2 Ratrod 55 Convertible (and steel gray Viper GTS.)

Legend - already have a Viper. It's very enjoyable on the street but I don't see myself stepping up to a new ACR. I'd be scared to death to drive the Viper at the limit on the track....I'm just not that good to harness that beast. CTS-V is great but a big car, plus there's the heat soak.

[The_Raging_Bull]

Originally Posted by t_towner

Hey Larry, I think we've talked before. Thanks for the articles! Great info. I'm the guy w the LS2 Ratrod 55 Convertible (and steel gray Viper GTS.)

Legend - already have a Viper. It's very enjoyable on the street but I don't see myself stepping up to a new ACR. I'd be scared to death to drive the Viper at the limit on the track....I'm just not that good to harness that beast. CTS-V is great but a big car, plus there's the heat soak.

I'll be at the 91st & Memorial Drive In this Tuesday; as its the first time to drive my new Z/28 to it. If you can make it you can see the car in the wild.

Bottom line on the engine, as Hib discusses; older cars; especially 2009 has a potential issue; starting at generally 18,000 miles; but there have been cases found at 5500 miles like my '09 Z06. But the '15 Z/28 of which there are a few available are safe to buy; Hib discusses in the second article at Corvette Action Center that issues around the valve concentricity are supposed to be solved due to the extra processing steps - super polishing, coatings on the valve stem, 100% inspection; hence the newer LS7's are supposed to be OK.

When you get the car, buy the GMAC warranty for peace of mind; in my case its a $207 per year insurance policy that if there is failure Chevy will have to fix the car. I'll drive the car like an adult-> not flog it; as its my intention to keep this one and its stablemate until i'm old and gray- which won't be as long as some of the younger whippersnappers on Camaro5 (no offense younger guys).

If you can make it we'll see you there Tuesday night.

[t_towner]

Hey Larry, sorry I missed you tonight! Didn't pull in until almost 6 w the viper. I finally asked and they said you were already out. Maybe next week!?

G