A few dumb questions from a potential owner...

[Hooks112]

Hello all -

Tried my best to come up with answers to most of my questions, but a few things are "keeping me up at night". Please excuse my first post if my questions are repetitive of other posts I did not see - only so much time to surf the web - gotta stay employed as to buy a Z/28...

Some of my dumb questions are simply due to the fact that I've never actually ridden/driven a newer Z/28, nor any other new gen Camaro... OK, I did sit in a new ZL-1, but it wasn't moving...

Here goes:

1.) Any "buffeting effect" in the car with the windows down at speed?? Most new cars suck at driving around with the windows down.

2.) Not that I care too much, but what is the realistic average gas mileage you get, assuming you are generally putzing around with the occasional outburst of speed??

3.) I originally believe that 2 options were available - air and stereo. I think I now understand that really 1 selectable option was provided which included both A/C and stereo...?? Do I have this correct?? In other words, is it safe to assume that a car with A/C will also have the upgraded stereo and vice-versa??

4.) On that same note, is the "upgraded" stereo really just the same head-unit, but with 6 speakers vs. 1??? Any difference in electronic gadgetry with the upgraded stereo??

5.) Seems the "Snowflake" at 9:00, and/or the A/C hose in the engine compartment is my best way to tell options if I'm just looking at pics???

6.) Any difference in a "California Car" for this model?? This is from an emissions and/or performance aspect, not sure if there are different models for the land-of-CARB-standards. If so, what sticker will tell me not to buy this car?? (Don't get me started about that '85 Mustang that was a California Car - never again!!!)

7.) If you were Crutchfield Electronics, advertising your wares on a Camaro site, wouldn't it be somewhat important to actually spell "Camaro" correctly?? Purely a rhetorical question here people, but worth wondering nonetheless.

8.) OK, the biggie: What to watch for as a potential buyer of a used Z/28?? I'm aware of the 427 valve issues (read all that stuff), but without spending a bunch of money on inspection, how might I know if there is an issue or not..?? Same with brakes - seems like an inspection of whether the pads have been track-bedded or not is a potential indication, but without weighing each rotor I have no real idea of brake wear..?? Without dredging up the history behind these 2 subjects, what should I be looking out for and/or considering before making a purchase?? Any other gotcha's that I'm not aware of that I should consider or look out for?? I'd consider myself a "car-guy", so I already know to check for blinker-fluid and whether or not the Fetzer valves are working - just looking for the stuff I wouldn't know to consider with the Z/28.

That's it for now, thanks for your time/input.

Mike

[Crushinator]

Answers in bold. Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Hooks112

1.) Any "buffeting effect" in the car with the windows down at speed?? Most new cars suck at driving around with the windows down.I really don't know. I don't drive with the windows down too much to notice. I never noticed buffeting before though

2.) Not that I care too much, but what is the realistic average gas mileage you get, assuming you are generally putzing around with the occasional outburst of speed?? Since owning the car since 2015, I've averaged about 17 MPG over the life of the car

3.) I originally believe that 2 options were available - air and stereo. I think I now understand that really 1 selectable option was provided which included both A/C and stereo...?? Do I have this correct?? In other words, is it safe to assume that a car with A/C will also have the upgraded stereo and vice-versa?? Correct, if it has A/C, it has the stereo too

4.) On that same note, is the "upgraded" stereo really just the same head-unit, but with 6 speakers vs. 1??? Any difference in electronic gadgetry with the upgraded stereo?? NO difference. It's not an upgraded stereo, it's just a stereo.

5.) Seems the "Snowflake" at 9:00, and/or the A/C hose in the engine compartment is my best way to tell options if I'm just looking at pics???
Yep

6.) Any difference in a "California Car" for this model?? This is from an emissions and/or performance aspect, not sure if there are different models for the land-of-CAFE-standards. If so, what sticker will tell me not to buy this car?? (Don't get me started about that '85 Mustang that was a California Car - never again!!!)This I do not know

7.) If you were Crutchfield Electronics, advertising your wares on a Camaro site, wouldn't it be somewhat important to actually spell "Camaro" correctly?? Purely a rhetorical question here people, but worth wondering nonetheless. People are idiots

8.) OK, the biggie: What to watch for as a potential buyer of a used Z/28?? I'm aware of the 427 valve issues (read all that stuff), but without spending a bunch of money on inspection, how might I know if there is an issue or not..?? Same with brakes - seems like an inspection of whether the pads have been track-bedded or not is a potential indication, but without weighing each rotor I have no real idea of brake wear..?? Without dredging up the history behind these 2 subjects, what should I be looking out for and/or considering before making a purchase?? Any other gotcha's that I'm not aware of that I should consider or look out for?? I'd consider myself a "car-guy", so I already know to check for blinker-fluid and whether or not the Fetzer valves are working - just looking for the stuff I wouldn't know to consider with the Z/28.On this car, check for gravel rash along the bottom. Check for cracks in the tires, and brake rotors. Check for white brake pads. (brandishing wasn't done properly. I guess if you can hear a ticking loud enough to notice under the hood, it may have valve issues

[Supercup]

Originally Posted by Hooks112

Here goes:

1.) Any "buffeting effect" in the car with the windows down at speed?? Most new cars suck at driving around with the windows down.

2.) Not that I care too much, but what is the realistic average gas mileage you get, assuming you are generally putzing around with the occasional outburst of speed?? [BMy average MPG per tank is between 11.5 and 12 - I mostly drive it for fun on weekends. I did commute in it one week to work (122 miles round trip each day) and got 14.5 mpg - that is freeway driving at speeds from 70-90[/B]

3.) I originally believe that 2 options were available - air and stereo. I think I now understand that really 1 selectable option was provided which included both A/C and stereo...?? Do I have this correct?? In other words, is it safe to assume that a car with A/C will also have the upgraded stereo and vice-versa?? Yes - AC and added radio speakers was one option, if car has one it has both

4.) On that same note, is the "upgraded" stereo really just the same head-unit, but with 6 speakers vs. 1??? Any difference in electronic gadgetry with the upgraded stereo?? Do a search on this one there are several examples of really nice upgrades

5.) Seems the "Snowflake" at 9:00, and/or the A/C hose in the engine compartment is my best way to tell options if I'm just looking at pics??? Yep - snowflake is a good indication

6.) Any difference in a "California Car" for this model?? All cars are mechanically the same - but if the dealer did not check the box for California emission when ordered from Chevrolet, then it would not be legal in CA. If you are not in CA no worries,
if you are you need to be sure it came with that approval. Do search on this there is a good discussion on this topic, some of the east coast dealers did not check the box, but most did.

7.) If you were Crutchfield Electronics, advertising your wares on a Camaro site, wouldn't it be somewhat important to actually spell "Camaro" correctly?? Purely a rhetorical question here people, but worth wondering nonetheless.

8.) OK, the biggie: What to watch for as a potential buyer of a used Z/28?? I'm aware of the 427 valve issues (read all that stuff), but without spending a bunch of money on inspection, how might I know if there is an issue or not..?? Same with brakes - seems like an inspection of whether the pads have been track-bedded or not is a potential indication, but without weighing each rotor I have no real idea of brake wear..?? Without dredging up the history behind these 2 subjects, what should I be looking out for and/or considering before making a purchase?? Any other gotcha's that I'm not aware of that I should consider or look out for?? I'd consider myself a "car-guy", so I already know to check for blinker-fluid and whether or not the Fetzer valves are working - just looking for the stuff I wouldn't know to consider with the Z/28.

Get a pre-purchase inspection from a good shop familiar with LS7 motor and ceramic brakes. Brake rotors are high $ item, so be sure they are to spec before you buy or that the price reflects replacements. Many of the cars sold new in 16, so look for one still under warranty to add to your comfort.

That's it for now, thanks for your time/input.

Mike

answers in bold - good luck finding right car.

[JUSTIFIED]

Originally Posted by Hooks112

Hello all -

Tried my best to come up with answers to most of my questions, but a few things are "keeping me up at night". Please excuse my first post if my questions are repetitive of other posts I did not see - only so much time to surf the web - gotta stay employed as to buy a Z/28...

Some of my dumb questions are simply due to the fact that I've never actually ridden/driven a newer Z/28, nor any other new gen Camaro... OK, I did sit in a new ZL-1, but it wasn't moving...

Here goes:

1.) Any "buffeting effect" in the car with the windows down at speed?? Most new cars suck at driving around with the windows down. Drive w/ windows down a lot and haven't noticed this issue.

2.) Not that I care too much, but what is the realistic average gas mileage you get, assuming you are generally putzing around with the occasional outburst of speed?? I push it fairly hard and get 12.5 MPG combined

3.) I originally believe that 2 options were available - air and stereo. I think I now understand that really 1 selectable option was provided which included both A/C and stereo...?? Do I have this correct?? In other words, is it safe to assume that a car with A/C will also have the upgraded stereo and vice-versa??

4.) On that same note, is the "upgraded" stereo really just the same head-unit, but with 6 speakers vs. 1??? Any difference in electronic gadgetry with the upgraded stereo??

5.) Seems the "Snowflake" at 9:00, and/or the A/C hose in the engine compartment is my best way to tell options if I'm just looking at pics???

6.) Any difference in a "California Car" for this model?? This is from an emissions and/or performance aspect, not sure if there are different models for the land-of-CARB-standards. If so, what sticker will tell me not to buy this car?? (Don't get me started about that '85 Mustang that was a California Car - never again!!!)

7.) If you were Crutchfield Electronics, advertising your wares on a Camaro site, wouldn't it be somewhat important to actually spell "Camaro" correctly?? Purely a rhetorical question here people, but worth wondering nonetheless.

8.) OK, the biggie: What to watch for as a potential buyer of a used Z/28?? I'm aware of the 427 valve issues (read all that stuff), but without spending a bunch of money on inspection, how might I know if there is an issue or not..?? Same with brakes - seems like an inspection of whether the pads have been track-bedded or not is a potential indication, but without weighing each rotor I have no real idea of brake wear..?? Without dredging up the history behind these 2 subjects, what should I be looking out for and/or considering before making a purchase?? Any other gotcha's that I'm not aware of that I should consider or look out for?? I'd consider myself a "car-guy", so I already know to check for blinker-fluid and whether or not the Fetzer valves are working - just looking for the stuff I wouldn't know to consider with the Z/28. If you know anyone at a dealership who can do it, ask them to run the VIN. I almost bought a used one. Had the VIN run and found out that it had recently sold at auction as sub standard condition (or something to that effect). It likely had some type of damage. Also found out that it had exchanged hands twice. Other than that, what others have mentioned is great advice.

That's it for now, thanks for your time/input.

Mike

See answers above

[SinginHawk]

Originally Posted by Hooks112

1.) Any "buffeting effect" in the car with the windows down at speed?? Most new cars suck at driving around with the windows down.

I know I don't have Z/28, but my seating position is very similar except for the Recaro's that you will have. I will be the first to say that this car has some of the lowest wind buffeting issues I have ever experienced, so little that I now notice it in every other car that I drive.

2.) Not that I care too much, but what is the realistic average gas mileage you get, assuming you are generally putzing around with the occasional outburst of speed??

3.) I originally believe that 2 options were available - air and stereo. I think I now understand that really 1 selectable option was provided which included both A/C and stereo...?? Do I have this correct?? In other words, is it safe to assume that a car with A/C will also have the upgraded stereo and vice-versa??

4.) On that same note, is the "upgraded" stereo really just the same head-unit, but with 6 speakers vs. 1??? Any difference in electronic gadgetry with the upgraded stereo??

5.) Seems the "Snowflake" at 9:00, and/or the A/C hose in the engine compartment is my best way to tell options if I'm just looking at pics???

6.) Any difference in a "California Car" for this model?? This is from an emissions and/or performance aspect, not sure if there are different models for the land-of-CARB-standards. If so, what sticker will tell me not to buy this car?? (Don't get me started about that '85 Mustang that was a California Car - never again!!!)

7.) If you were Crutchfield Electronics, advertising your wares on a Camaro site, wouldn't it be somewhat important to actually spell "Camaro" correctly?? Purely a rhetorical question here people, but worth wondering nonetheless.

8.) OK, the biggie: What to watch for as a potential buyer of a used Z/28?? I'm aware of the 427 valve issues (read all that stuff), but without spending a bunch of money on inspection, how might I know if there is an issue or not..?? Same with brakes - seems like an inspection of whether the pads have been track-bedded or not is a potential indication, but without weighing each rotor I have no real idea of brake wear..?? Without dredging up the history behind these 2 subjects, what should I be looking out for and/or considering before making a purchase?? Any other gotcha's that I'm not aware of that I should consider or look out for?? I'd consider myself a "car-guy", so I already know to check for blinker-fluid and whether or not the Fetzer valves are working - just looking for the stuff I wouldn't know to consider with the Z/28.

That's it for now, thanks for your time/input.

Mike

^

[69L48Z27]

Answers abover a good, I'll add a couple points.

1. No issues with both windows open.
2. Smile per gallon are unlimited.
6. I believe these were 50 sate cars. If there is a CA model it's not going to be derated. It's not 1985 anymore.
8. Just buy the lowest mile, non tracked, car you can afford. Buy from a GM dealer and get an extended warranty if your concerned. Valve issue seems to be resolved for the Z/28.

[jrhagen]

What the heck is buffeting? I thought it was a stupid thing James May says.

[SquawkVFR]

Originally Posted by jrhagen

What the heck is buffeting? I thought it was a stupid thing James May says.

Isn’t that what fat people do on the weekend? Kinda like antiquing except they go from restaurant to restaurant eating at different buffets?

[jrhagen]

Originally Posted by SquawkVFR

Isn’t that what fat people do on the weekend? Kinda like antiquing except they go from restaurant to restaurant eating at different buffets?

Could be.

[Hooks112]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I appreciate it. Still laughing at the 1985 comment and the Buffets. According to the EPA, some of you seem to have heavier right feet than others...

How much might I expect to pay for an extended warranty from a GM dealer??

Would an existing warranty automagically transfer from one owner to another, assuming it's still valid??

According to 'The Google', one definition of buffeting is "the action of striking someone or something repeatedly and violently". Attempting to drive over 30mph in my wife's newer Acura sedan with the windows down fits this description. It feels like the windows either have to go up, or I'm jumping out - due to what the air-effect seems to do to my head/ears. Have definitely experienced this in other newer vehicles, mostly to a lesser extent than the wife's car.
Hoped this would not be the case in a car which would likely see some track time. Doesn't sound like a problem.

[jrhagen]

Ok, I googled it.

There is a very easy solution. Headers, high flow (gutted) cats, NPP exhaust(always open), cam, tune. You will never hear any wind noise. I don't. Hell, I can hardly hear my radio.

[macalot]

21.2 and 21.7 mpg 6th gear, cruise control on 74mph on mountainous Interstates from SW Pa to Western NC. Hard to believe I know.

Average around home is 15.1 or so, that includes some spirited driving.

Checked one track day and got 3.4 mpg. Didn't need to do that again! Worth every penny though.

[Supercup]

Originally Posted by Hooks112

How much might I expect to pay for an extended warranty from a GM dealer??

Would an existing warranty automagically transfer from one owner to another, assuming it's still valid??

Check around on net for GM warranty - you can buy from any GM dealer and there a few large one's that sell at better pricing.

All GM warranties are transferrable to the next owner for a fee. Many here bought GM extended warranties when they bought the car new, so you might find some with them in place for sale.

Good luck finding right car, you won't be disappointed.

Another piece of information for you that you might find interesting is there are 2 types of Z/28 - Production and CTF cars. CTF stands for captured test fleet and were GM cars that were used for employees to drive, car shows, press vehicles etc.

CTF cars have different VIN sequence than production cars. The last 6 digits of the VIN of the production cars start with "70xxxx" where a CTF car would be "69xxxx".

So for example my car is a 2015 production car and last six digits to the VIN are "700934".

Here are the build counts of each type by year.

Z/28 – Final Build Count:

2014 CTF 69
2015 CTF 4
Total CTF 73

PRODUCTION
2014 440
2015 1,288
Total 1,728

Total Produced - 1,801

Rare Beast!

[Hooks112]

I did run across a few CTF VIN's in looking at cars, but only noticed that the plant sequence number was different. Did not know that was a CTF thing, so thanks! Looks like CTF 66 and 69 are currently for sale (2014).

Any reason to not buy a CTF car?? (other than the countless people who have sat in the seats!?) All Z/28's are SS1 cars, CTF or not?? All Z's are made in Oshawa??

Again, thanks for filling me in everyone! Sorry to be the FNG with all the same questions you've already heard.

Rare beast indeed!!