Just went from 1LS to 2SS/RS

[ChibiBlackSheep]

I've been wanting to get out of my LFX for a few months now. I had a little bit of engine trouble, and during the diagnosis period, I realized just how unfriendly working on that engine was myself. The technology was awesome, the power from that 3.6L was fun, and the car handled well. But long-term ownership? I didn't want to do it anymore. I wanted to get into an LS3, something tried and true, and easier to work on in my home garage.

Not only that, but I feel that the 2010-2013 models are the nicest looking. They look the most like my 68, and I didn't want to settle for the redesign if I didn't have to.

Unfortunately, for the few months that I was searching, I realized quickly that dealers would not sell good quality LS3s for a good price (or people just weren't taking care of their cars the way that I do). That's when I decided to open up my search to an L99. Once I did that, I found my new car within a few weeks.

I looked at over 30 cars, seriously looked over and test-drove 6. Wound up finally getting a 2012 Crystal Red 2SS/RS. Out the door, I got them to come down to 20.5k, and got a modest 10k for my trade-in.

My old 1LS... will forever be missed. I miss my old purple 98 Camaro, and I will miss this one:



And here's my (new-to-me) daily driver 2012 SS:

[SSE14]

Both are sharp looking cars. Congrats!

[SecondZ28]

Congrats! Love Crystal Red

Those wheels remind me of the 4th Gen SS

[rontammy0]

Nice car.

[redcoats1976]

nice...once youve had it for a while maybe you could compare operating costs and tell us what the true difference in operating costs are.not trying to start another 6 vs. 8 tread,just curious.

[Welker2]

Nice … Congratulations on the new ride

[STALKER]

Nice! Congrats!

[ChibiBlackSheep]

Thank you everyone, I'm excited to get to know this car!

Originally Posted by redcoats1976

nice...once youve had it for a while maybe you could compare operating costs and tell us what the true difference in operating costs are.not trying to start another 6 vs. 8 tread,just curious.

Sure. I can answer any questions anyone has between the 2 easily. My operating costs were pretty minimal on the 1LS. I had 68000 miles on it when I traded it in, and it still had the original brakes, original battery, original suspension. I did have the high-flow fuel pump inside the engine fail a few months ago, set me back $1500.

This 2012 has 49000 miles on it now. They replaced the brakes, and put new tires on it before I bought it. Although I have no use for the new tires, as I now need a new winter tire set, don't really need the stock SS wheels that it came with (that I already swapped off). I'll probably start a thread after I clean up the SS rims a little and see if someone wants to swap my rear tires for their fronts. I need a 20x8 winter set.

I do all of my own fluid changes, so that cost is minimal. Though the v8 uses 2 more quarts of oil than the v6, I get my mobil 1 for pretty cheap, so it shouldn't be too different there. I also had my LFX tuned, and ran premium in it. I'll have to see the MPG difference in the cars. My LFX with my driving style got 21mpg on my 70 mile round-trip commute for work. I'll have to see how this L99 does. Although for me it's always been more about smiles per gallon...

So far my initial thought is that it doesn't have the power that it should. But I believe that's because the dealer probably has regular 87 octane in it. So I'll run that low, and get premium in it and use my HPTuners to reset all of the fuel trims. (I shouldn't HAVE to do the fuse pull with my HPT, but we'll see) Then I'll see how it feels, then I'll tune it probably.

[witenite]

Nice!

[hdkeno]

Congrats on the new addition. A good tune is a must for the L99 it really wakes the car up, and gets rid of the AFM. I took mine to Jannety and the difference is night and day. Also I put on Corsa catbacks, Dynamax ported throttle body, and Cold Air Inductions intake, before the tune.

[qcman]

Both cars are beautiful! Congrats on the L99 too. Theres a good chance it had 87 in it at the dealer and it will kill performance. As you note run a couple tanks of premium and either reset the trims or pull fuse 5 & 20 and let it sit overnight. That will rule out that issue at least.


Or it could be that with tuning etc on your old car the gap may be a bit less too. The L99 loves tuning though that's for sure. I think with HP tuners you can tune out AFM but still keep it on for 6th gear or something. Might be worth a look to help with your daily trips?

[PACamaro85]

I remember when I went from my 2LT/RS to the SS - great change.

Now I'm getting antsy for some mods!

Congrats!

[Royal Tiger]

Congrats!!!

Hope to see it (and the 68) one day.

[farm rat]

Probably one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen

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