"Christine" Always a Dream

[Muscle Car Lover]

2014 Camaro SS Driving Impressions!
My review of the car so far. Only had it 3 days, but here are my thoughts as of now.

Comfort/Interior
-The Camaro interior is light years better than the last GM interior I owned. Driving the same model car for the last ~8 years (Infiniti) I am used to where the gauges are, so it's taking me a little bit to adjust. The MyLink is intuitive and easy to use. I have not used the navigation as yet, but programmed in my home address easy enough.

-The seats are spectacular! Very comfortable and well supported. I am 5'10 and they fit me very well.

-The rear cup holder is tiny! You cannot fit anything bigger than a can or small fountain soda in that one. Passengers won't be happy.

-Recommend the Lloyd's floor mats. Looks are great and they really finish the interior well.

-Contrary to most, I love the way I feel a bit closed in inside the cockpit. Feels like a race car. Properly adjusted mirrors and a little more awareness means the blind spots are limited. The end of the hood IS a bit hard to see however and you don't want to pull up to traffic lights too close or you won't be able to see them change

-With the windows up it's dead quiet in the car. The big tires are silky smooth and there is no noise. Nice if you want to zone out for a bit.

Handling/Ride Quality
-Blown away with how rock solid the car is. Does not drift, and road input is well transferred.

-The Camaro goes where you tell it, and that's that. It's not jumpy nor twitchy. Some may not like the heavier feel of the car (not "sports car" like) but I love it. It feels weighty and purpose built. Crazy about the ride quality.

-Grip is insane on the big Pirelli's. I cannot imagine how grippy the 1LE models are or the Z cars. Corners are devoured in this car and you always feels you have plenty more grip if you need it.

Transmission (Tremec Manual 6)
-Having not driven a manual in about 10 years, I was concerned it would be hard for me to re-learn. So far, so good. Hydraulic clutches are very nice and that helps quite a bit.

-The low gears I feel are a touch too low for regular, around town driving. It's great when you want to get on it, it will rocket ship go, but just toolling around 2nd and 3rd have a tough time finding the right engine speed.

-The overdrive gears are really overdrive! 5th and 6th are great for easy cruising on the highway but a downshift is the only way you are going to pass anything or get moving. Good for gas mileage I imagine.

-I have the well discussed "clutch smell". I kind of like it actually, and imagine it will fade as the pieces get broken in.

Engine/Performance
-The sound of a V-8 grumble is impossible to beat. The dual mode exhaust really adds a nasty side of evil sound at higher engine RPM's.

-The Camaro almost screams at you to get on it! The power band really comes on around 3500 RPM and makes full song ~4200. I am used to quiet V-6 cars and it's taking me a little time to let the car roar and come to life.

-When you are in the gas and the engine is full bore, it's fast. Sneaky, deceptive fast. Because the car is so solid and so quiet inside I have to pay attention to the HUD or the speedometer because I can go from 30-90 MPH in a blink. It just does not feel like you are going that fast!

-I can understand now a bit more why folks go with the CAI, a tune etc. The engine has a ton more potential and response ability, but it is a factory offering after all. I may re-think my anti mod stance. PLEASE let the Z/28 CAI and tri-Y headers come with a factory tune this summer! I will be sold! None of this puts down the car, it's a muscle car and it's FAST! You can imprint your ass into the seat easily upon WOT, and the Camaro loves to run! Spectacular ride, better than any amusement park.

Overall I am extremely pleased with "Christine"! She is everything I thought she would be and more in many ways. The relationship has just begun, and I am in love already.

[Indydriver]

Thank you. I wanted to see this. I don't disagree with a single thing you've said. What I think you will find over time is that the well proven mods most C5 members undertake do nothing but enhance the experience you've described so far.

For me, there are three performance objectives: power, throttle response and sound. More power is, of course, always better. But it has to come within your personal bounds. Throttle response must be improved from stock. This is one area where the factory settings are lacking IMNSHO. Prior to modding, I called it "mushy". Know that this is fixable, highly desirable, and a primary objective in modifying the function of your car. Sound is very objective. I disdain open exhaust. We all must be socially responsible and respect other motorists on the road. To have "off road" type exhaust noise is not cool, it's rude. However, the stock exhaust, even with NPP to too quiet. It doesn't reflect the true character of the car which is, one of the pre-eminent, classic muscle cars of American culture. It needs a boost. For me, the right sound is long tubes with high flow cats into the stock catback. YMMV, however, if it does, vary responsibly.

The stock Camaro 6.2 is eminently enjoyable, and yet, it is such a perfect platform to take it beyond that it is irresistible. I hope you and everyone else who has gone before enjoys their car in a way that is exceptionally self-satisfying while respecting the space of others. This is what makes the Camaro such an extremely satisfying platform. Make it yours. We will applaud you along the way and understand that your ultimate Camaro isn't going to be the same as ours. Enjoy the process amd don't fear to express your individuality.

[Muscle Car Lover]

Originally Posted by Indydriver

Thank you. I wanted to see this. I don't disagree with a single thing you've said. What I think you will find over time is that the well proven mods most C5 members undertake do nothing but enhance the experience you've described so far.

For me, there are three performance objectives: power, throttle response and sound. More power is, of course, always better. But it has to come within your personal bounds. Throttle response must be improved from stock. This is one area where the factory settings are lacking IMNSHO. Prior to modding, I called it "mushy". Know that this is fixable, highly desirable, and a primary objective in modifying the function of your car. Sound is very objective. I disdain open exhaust. We all must be socially responsible and respect other motorists on the road. To have "off road" type exhaust noise is not cool, it's rude. However, the stock exhaust, even with NPP to too quiet. It doesn't reflect the true character of the car which is, one of the pre-eminent, classic muscle cars of American culture. It needs a boost. For me, the right sound is long tubes with high flow cats into the stock catback. YMMV, however, if it does, vary responsibly.

The stock Camaro 6.2 is eminently enjoyable, and yet, it is such a perfect platform to take it beyond that it is irresistible. I hope you and everyone else who has gone before enjoys their car in a way that is exceptionally self-satisfying while respecting the space of others. This is what makes the Camaro such an extremely satisfying platform. Make it yours. We will applaud you along the way and understand that your ultimate Camaro isn't going to be e same as ours. Enjoy the process amd don't fear to express your individuality.

We are on the same wavelength or something!

Like I wrote, no dig on the car but as an experienced engine builder (long time ago) and scientist I can tell the "mushy" description is correct as stock. This car will GO as is, but you have to wake it up. COME ON Z/28 UPGRADES! Has to come with a tune as well.

Agree, what I feel is flow restriction. A good CAI, throttle body upgrade, and some kind of headers would make it breathe fire. Like yours Indy.

All that aside, this car is silly well made and impressive. I could not be more impressed with the quality and thought put into the C5 Camaro. I actually thought I would be let down LOL

[Camaro_krazee]

Originally Posted by Indydriver

Thank you. I wanted to see this. I don't disagree with a single thing you've said. What I think you will find over time is that the well proven mods most C5 members undertake do nothing but enhance the experience you've described so far.

For me, there are three performance objectives: power, throttle response and sound. More power is, of course, always better. But it has to come within your personal bounds. Throttle response must be improved from stock. This is one area where the factory settings are lacking IMNSHO. Prior to modding, I called it "mushy". Know that this is fixable, highly desirable, and a primary objective in modifying the function of your car. Sound is very objective. I disdain open exhaust. We all must be socially responsible and respect other motorists on the road. To have "off road" type exhaust noise is not cool, it's rude. However, the stock exhaust, even with NPP to too quiet. It doesn't reflect the true character of the car which is, one of the pre-eminent, classic muscle cars of American culture. It needs a boost. For me, the right sound is long tubes with high flow cats into the stock catback. YMMV, however, if it does, vary responsibly.

The stock Camaro 6.2 is eminently enjoyable, and yet, it is such a perfect platform to take it beyond that it is irresistible. I hope you and everyone else who has gone before enjoys their car in a way that is exceptionally self-satisfying while respecting the space of others. This is what makes the Camaro such an extremely satisfying platform. Make it yours. We will applaud you along the way and understand that your ultimate Camaro isn't going to be the same as ours. Enjoy the process amd don't fear to express your individuality.

^^^what Indy said^^^

[Muscle Car Lover]

Originally Posted by Camaro_krazee

^^^what Indy said^^^

IMO sound is not that big a deal, seen VW GTi's with an exhaust note that's as nasty and big as a Vette.

[Muscle Car Lover]

Picked up my registration today. While I was there my guy Ron called the body shop and was like "he is here now, fix the door!"

It took all of 3 minutes; the door striker needed a 1/8 inch adjustment. Driver side now closes perfectly flush!

Glad that was cleared up.

Hopefully next week I will see if any Xpel needs to be redone. I think the front piece needs to be replaced but the other tiny spots are going away in the sun and I just want it over. I want my "CAMARO" emblems back on as well.

Only had the car 3 days, and I am being a baby with it, but showing 20.4 mpg as of right now.

[Camaro_krazee]

Tightened the big black wing nut in the trunk; still have the noise. sigh.
Would've been an easy fix and a sigh of relief, but no. lol!

[Muscle Car Lover]

Little updates.....

-At the inspection station the tech said it would be best to replace my front plate (plates of course, cannot get one) because years ago I killed it hitting a rock, if you care read more here:http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=363366
New "Fish and Game" plates are incoming next week from the RMV.

-Did a test run on the carbon fiber vinyl overlays for the bowtie on back, WOWZA!!!!!!! Looks amazing! Will do full install this weekend.

-I talked to Apex Chase about the rear ZL-1 rock guards for the 2014's and how my set did not fit. He seems to think they should. I have tried every Tetris trick I can think of, they won't fit. Agree to disagree. I can cut off the problem section easily enough and I will do that and install front/rear this weekend.

-It's a good thing, but my almost 21 mpg has only now arrived at a gas fill up time. Plan to run to 1/8 tank and fill with 93 octane. Run to 1/8 tank, fill again with 93. Run to 1/2 tank, fill with 93 and do the fuse pull.

[Muscle Car Lover]

Found out today how much fun it is to work on a car again. Nothing crazy, but doing things yourself was something I had forgotten over the years. Very fun!

Today I applied the Reflective Concepts 3-D Carbon Fiber Bowtie overlays. AWESOME enhancement of the looks of the car, if that's possible. For anyone out there get an overlay or colored bowtie of your choice, you won't be sorry!

I installed the front Showstopper Rock Guards. Process was pretty easy although the bottom torx screw on the left side really was begging me to strip it. It wanted to strip. I gently coaxed it out. I used 3M super strong trim tape to seal the guards from stuff getting behind them. I also used the supplied clips for extra security. I think they look great and this add on alongside the Xpel Ultima should really protect the car from the dreaded rocks. Pictures below!

[Camaro_krazee]

good job on the cosmetic mods! I think Reflective Concepts wins my business for new bowtie covers!

Happy Dad's Day...if you are a dad; if not, just have a darn good week end!

[Muscle Car Lover]

Originally Posted by Camaro_krazee

good job on the cosmetic mods! I think Reflective Concepts wins my business for new bowtie covers!

Happy Dad's Day...if you are a dad; if not, just have a darn good week end!

Thanks! Not a Dad and my Dad died in 1996. I was 20. Today always is a bit tough.

[Camaro_krazee]

quick question...
did you order the bowtie covers that are listed for the 2010-2013 Camaro? I don't see any specifically listed for the 2014 Camaro?

thanks!

[Muscle Car Lover]

Originally Posted by Camaro_krazee

quick question...
did you order the bowtie covers that are listed for the 2010-2013 Camaro? I don't see any specifically listed for the 2014 Camaro?

thanks!

Well they sent me all kinds of stuff.

I bought 2 of each in case I screwed up and I got 2 "front" bowties and 4 "rear" bowties.

The fronts don't fit our 2014's. The rears are way bigger but I like that, better to install then then trim (get a new sharp razor blade, fine edged, not a utility knife).

So buy like 4 rear decals and you should be good.

[Camaro_krazee]

I'm confused...
if the front bowtie covers don't fit our 2014s, how did you do your front bowtie?