Shno's House of Z

[Number 3]

I fell asleep right after 2002..........ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzz

[Number 3]

Ok, ok I read the whole thing and it makes perfect sense...................kinda.

And you've probably noticed that you have adequately described a Z28 in some of the "other" threads............................as long as you aren't one of the LS7ers.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by Number 3

Ok, ok I read the whole thing and it makes perfect sense...................kinda.

And you've probably noticed that you have adequately described a Z28 in some of the "other" threads............................as long as you aren't one of the LS7ers.

I can't get anything past you, 3....and I wasn't going to say a thing (but I've been thinking it!!)....

[Scarrzz]

.

I know you'll enjoy your choice, Dragoneye.

What you say makes sense, and I support you in that. I'm sure we all do.

I'm just glad that I don't have that much sense.





(what LS7?)

[htron50]

Kudos Dragon.. 98% of the time you will get 98% of the joy of a ZL1 I am sure. So a 2% compromise for long term joy with less financial anxiety is absolutely PRICELESS.

You haven't given up a blink of credibility! And, like you, I believe a TH purchase is an excellent buy!

Read the story of REDEMPTION from the main page. You can't deceive your own heart now can you?

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Okay...all this peer pressure. ......

It's tough to condense the "long version" down enough to make any sense...so....here's the long version.

Feel free to jump down to the blue at the end if you don't care to read my long-ish "story".

Let's start at the beginning, in 2002 when I was a naive little kid and learned that the cool car in my Dad's garage was a Chevy Camaro. As toddlers we used to call that the "vroom-vroom car", because idling she'll gently shudder back and forth and the sounds that came from the exhaust was pure music...fond memories...

What made this car special? Well...it was old, but still looked new. It didn't look like any of the cars on the road, either. It sounded amazing, it felt amazing. Daddy loved it. Mommy smiled when we took little trips in it. Everyone in the family knew about it, and many asked to see it when they visited.

Fast forward to when I turned 16 and started dreaming of my own "cool car". At the time, the Dodge Charger had just come out, and was the most aggressive-looking new car on the road. But...life smacked me in the face and I realized I had no money! Ha!

Then, as I was browsing the internet, learning what I could about cars. I came across a picture of the Concept Camaro Coupe. It was just released, and my jaw dropped. That, was bar-none the most beautiful car I'd ever seen. Ever! I read about it's 400 hp and 30mpg (old system estimates), I saw the gorgeous interior. Watched videos of the concept rolling around Michigan making that sweet music. I began to work real hard for some $$...

And then I found Camaro5.com. It was still a small site. Barely 400 registered members. One day I got up the nerve to join myself, and I became Camaro5'er #482. Within 6 months or so, TAG UR IT asked if I'd like to become a moderator - and of course I said yes!

Development pictures leaked. Mule pictures leaked. I made many good friends. And we all had a fun time jumping all over these pictures trying to figure out what the car was going to look like. The panic du'jours ensued, the headlights weren't real...Shunt was kidnapped...Then March rolled around and they told us the car was delayed a month. April came, and tens of thousands of people learned what the term "Permagrin" meant!

All throughout this process I became more and more fanatic about the Camaro. Knowing members of the Camaro team, plus everyone and all we've been through on this site have made it almost a happy obligation to get a car! It really is the perfect car. The only problem was I would be lucky to get a LT model. Which was fine, but I really wanted more. I worked harder.

As it turned out, I caught some lucky breaks through college, coming out the other end with not a dime in loans or debts. Now an SS was possible.

Then those poo-faces () at Chevy decide to start letting the 'Z28' name slip, and later on, they officially announced the ZL1 and told us when it'll be built. So I decided to wait and see what comes of this new thread to Mustangs worldwide...

This is where you have to understand that when I see my Dad's Z28 sitting in the garage, I see the fastest, most expensive and prestigious Camaro built that year. The equivalent would be the ZL1, and I really wanted to mirror my father's footsteps for sentimental reasons. If I waited longer, and saved more money - I could do it.

I realized just recently, though, that I don't need or want all that performance. There was a time when I would have been happy with a 2006 V6 Charger for heaven's sake!! So I did some more deep thinking...the date is coming close now. It's only 7-8 months away, after all...I could afford a ZL1 up to around 55k. Which about covers what most of us think it'll cost. But, in order to do so, I'd have to put myself into a precarious financial position. While on the "ZL1 high" I was on, I felt it was worth it.

Scarrzz, you said we should all chase our dreams. But at one point does a dream become a nightmare? I'd have to live and work just to drive the car, and then it won't be worth it anymore. It won't be fun, and I can easily see the purchase becoming a regret. An SS with some new mufflers is all I need.

Tom and I were chatting, and he mentioned a pretty well-rounded THR package to me that included an intake, full exhaust and a tune which puts out around 475bhp. That, with some painted stripes and the '12 FE4 suspension work together to form a very well-rounded Camaro. In fact, the power/weight ratio of that setup comes awfully close to the CTS-V (not that I pretend to be able to beat one in a race)...

So, tentatively, that's the plan. It's 100x more manageable financially, and I still get very excited just thinking about it. I'll keep everyone updated as time goes on. I can't believe I've waited this long, and it's finally coming down to the wire.


Moderator Discount??!?!!

No, just a promise I made a long time ago, plus the means to follow through. Everyone I know who's been through his shop is happy, and Tom's an A-class guy all the way. I'd gladly wear his windshield banner.

Great post sir!

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by Scarrzz

I know you'll enjoy your choice, Dragoneye.

What you say makes sense, and I support you in that. I'm sure we all do.

I'm just glad that I don't have that much sense.

Thanks. It just feels "right", ya know?

Originally Posted by htron50

Kudos Dragon.. 98% of the time you will get 98% of the joy of a ZL1 I am sure. So a 2% compromise for long term joy with less financial anxiety is absolutely PRICELESS.

You haven't given up a blink of credibility! And, like you, I believe a TH purchase is an excellent buy!

Read the story of REDEMPTION from the main page. You can't deceive your own heart now can you?

Thanks!! I admit I was a little worried about giving up the "King" after all my talk about getting it...

Originally Posted by JusticePete

Great post sir!

Thanks!

[2cnd chance]

Dragoneye,
What if there would have been a low to mid 40's Z28 available (as spec'd out in the Z28 section of the forum)? Would you still be looking at a modded SS?

[OldScoolCamaro]

Originally Posted by 2cnd chance

Dragoneye,
What if there would have been a low to mid 40's Z28 available (as spec'd out in the Z28 section of the forum)? Would you still be looking at a modded SS?

....Chance, this discussion has caused me to re-evaluate the whole situation, and Dragoneye's THR decision is a viable approach giving him a clear cut choice inbetween the SS and the ZL1 where Chevy does not. There is no Z-28 middle runner option, or perfomance factory upgrades to the SS, and Chevy isn't going to do it anytime. That has been made perfectly clear during the ongoing Z28 discussion. Clearly the ZL1 is a special car that is in a special rarified category spec'd out to the hilt with everything for everyone. It will be Chevy's equivalent of the Saturn V rocket . The price will reflect that, and price is a determining factor for most of us in making the decision as Dragoneye pointed out. In regards to price and getting what you want, if you want something that does not exist, within reason it can be done yourself alacarte through authorized Chevy hot rod dealer menus. Bravo Dragoneye....BTW THR is making me rethink my position. And, for the record, I am not of one of those rebel rouser LS7'ers.....LOL , I would just like some real choice, remember when we had high performance upgrades and options a long time ago, or even into the not so distant past?......something other than cosmetic add-ons that don't improve the performance of the vehicle. Decals, plastic accoutraments, and wheels and alike are nice to personalize the look of your new car.... but what about to improve the performance of your new car. It's about affordability, and choice....

[FenwickHockey65]

Hmm. Less engine cover. Good.

Still too much covering though. =/

[ShnOmac]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Hmm. Less engine cover. Good.

Still too much covering though. =/

I like to see the guts myself.... but I can see why others like the "clean" look. To each their own I guess!

[radz28]

Originally Posted by ShnOmac

I like to see the guts myself.... but I can see why others like the "clean" look. To each their own I guess!

+1, however I like the trim look of this cover.

[ShnOmac]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

I admit I was a little worried about giving up the "King" after all my talk about getting it...

You have to do what makes sense for you! Soooooo what if GM releases a Z/28 that is priced somewhere between the SS and ZL1?


Damn the decisions....

[2cnd chance]

Originally Posted by OldScoolCamaro

....Chance, this discussion has caused me to re-evaluate the whole situation, and Dragoneye's THR decision is a viable approach giving him a clear cut choice inbetween the SS and the ZL1 where Chevy does not. There is no Z-28 middle runner option, or perfomance factory upgrades to the SS, and Chevy isn't going to do it anytime. That has been made perfectly clear during the ongoing Z28 discussion. Clearly the ZL1 is a special car that is in a special rarified category spec'd out to the hilt with everything for everyone. It will be Chevy's equivalent of the Saturn V rocket . The price will reflect that, and price is a determining factor for most of us in making the decision as Dragoneye pointed out. In regards to price and getting what you want, if you want something that does not exist, within reason it can be done yourself alacarte through authorized Chevy hot rod dealer menus. Bravo Dragoneye....BTW THR is making me rethink my position. And, for the record, I am not of one of those rebel rouser LS7'ers.....LOL , I would just like some real choice, remember when we had high performance upgrades and options a long time ago, or even into the not so distant past?......something other than cosmetic add-ons that don't improve the performance of the vehicle. Decals, plastic accoutraments, and wheels and alike are nice to personalize the look of your new car.... but what about to improve the performance of your new car. It's about affordability, and choice....

I and others have not been told "no". If you want something you ask for it. If you want something bad you ask for it again and again... And if you think that Number 3 has said "IT AIN"T GONNA HAPPEN" he has not. As a matter of fact he has mentioned he would love to see the LS7/Z28!

The point is many are upgrading their cars, why shouldn't GM get in on that??? The gap in pricepoint puts the ZL1 in exclusive territory that many can't or won't afford. Dragoneye is the perfect example for a higher performing Camaro at a more reasonable pricepoint than the ZL1 will be offered at.

Having looked back a little closer at your comments it appears that you are on our team! Welcome aboard!