GM Strike? Buy a new 98 Camaro?
Question:
:>So it looks like Chevy wins in HP/RPMs, torque, and tranny. They have also always won on engines that blow up after about 40,000 miles 
Reminds me of when I sold an old F-100 with a 302 in it, and 160,000 miles. Rods knocked, but you could hold it to the floor in first gear no problem. Well the buyer brought his so called mechanic, he listened to it run and made a stupid comment when he heard the rods knock. "Yup, its a Ford" he said. I snapped back, "If it were a Chevy it wouldn,t even have the original engine." He replied"Uh, uh, their all the same, chevy, ford, whats the difference?" Changed his tune pretty quick ehh?
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > :>So it looks like Chevy wins in HP/RPMs, torque, and tranny. > They have also always won on engines that blow up after about 40,000 miles > Reminds me of when I sold an old F-100 with a 302 in it, and 160,000 miles. > Rods knocked, but you could hold it to the floor in first gear no problem. > Well the buyer brought his so called mechanic, he listened to it run and made > a stupid comment when he heard the rods knock. > "Yup, its a Ford" he said. > I snapped back, "If it were a Chevy it wouldn,t even have the original > engine." > He replied"Uh, uh, their all the same, chevy, ford, whats the difference?" > Changed his tune pretty quick ehh?
Here’s the mileage of the current GM Vehicles my family owns: The Safari and Lesabre still run like a clock with only minor maintainence. The Safari still makes weekly and monthly forays to Maine and Cape Cod from Western MA. As for other vehicles we have owned.. for 1997 Cavalier Privately sold in 1992.. Still on road today with original engine as daily driver Seems to me like the GM engines have held up pretty well… The only one that ever needed any major work was the 88 Cavalier (the 2.0’s were notorious for the seals going at 90k.. New seals and vacumn hoses cost less than $500 at a GM dealership, labor included) Seems like GMs hold up pretty well to me.
Response:
> :>So it looks like Chevy wins in HP/RPMs, torque, and tranny. > They have also always won on engines that blow up after about 40,000 miles
I’ve owned three Chevy’s whose engines lasted a good deal longer that 40K miles. 1969 Nova 307. Sold it with 140K miles. The buyer drove it another 2 years (don’t know how far) before swapping in a 350. 1977 Chevy C10 350. About 170K miles, engine has never been apart (not counting the intake manifold and carburetor). 1982 Chevy Z28 305. New cam and lifters at about 100K. Nearing 180K now. 1996 Chevy K1500 350. It’s just over 37K, guess I better watch out. The GM small block is possibly the finest general purpose engine available. — Cheers, Steve 82 Z28 96 K1500 The opinions expressed here are mine alone and do not represent those of my employer or any one else. "It riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave…" Moody Blues
Response:
I agree, another reason to buy it now is that there may not be a 2000 Camaro. GM is thinking of killing the famous ponycar. If enough people buy one, then it may convince GM to keep making the Camaro. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->– >"Sometimes the only way to feel good |Nabeel Ali >about yourself is to make others look | >bad, and I’m tired of making others | > | > - Homer J. Simpson |http://alcor.concordia.ca/~stali
Response:
: : > : > :>> Go buy a Mustang they are faster, and also the reason the Camaro was ever : > :>> thought up. : > :> : > :>A Mustang V6 is 150hp……. Lets see.. Z24s even come stock with that much : > :>power : > :>A Camaro V6 is 205hp. : > :> : > :>And as for V8s….. : > :> : > :>Mustang V8 is 225hp : > :>Camaro Z28 is 305hp : > :> : > :>Notice I didn’t list the SS or Cobra… If you want to compare these as well: : > :> : > :>Mustang Cobra is 305hp : > :>Camaro SS is 320hp. : > : > Where can I read these specs? : > What RPM is each tested at? : > Forget about the HP, what about driving tests? : : All HP figures were picked up from Carpoint, with a cross reference of Edmunds. : As for driving tests, the Mustangs have always been known for a VERY soft wide, and : susceptible to understeer. ABS and Traction control are standard on both the Z28 : and Cobra, although for the Base and GT Stangs, ABS is optional and Traction : control is not available. : : The Z28 is 335 ft-lbs of torque, the Cobra is 300 (no rpm’s available) : : Mind you, the Camaro also has the SS available (for the same price as your average : cobra) which has more suspension upgrades and other items.. specifically, it is : 320hp, forced air induction, performance axles, 17" wheels with Goodyear Eagle : F1’s. : : On the Z28, a 4spd auto is standard, but a 6spd manual can be had at No extra : charge. : : On the Mustang, a 5spd manual is standard (at least for base and GT.. can’t find : any Cobra information on Ford’s site… christ… too many pretty pictures and a : SEVERE lack of actual information on here..)… Cobra information is listed in the SVT section. — "Sometimes the only way to feel good |Nabeel Ali about yourself is to make others look | bad, and I’m tired of making others | | – Homer J. Simpson |http://alcor.concordia.ca/~stali
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>Go buy a Mustang they are faster, and also the reason the Camaro was ever >thought up.
Faster? That’s a laugh. Not if you’re talking about a stock car. Bob
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >A Mustang V6 is 150hp……. Lets see.. Z24s even come stock with that much >power >A Camaro V6 is 205hp. >And as for V8s….. >Mustang V8 is 225hp >Camaro Z28 is 305hp >Notice I didn’t list the SS or Cobra… If you want to compare these as well: >Mustang Cobra is 305hp >Camaro SS is 320hp. >End of story.
Also of note, is that we’re finding out that there’s more than the GM rating at the crank. We did some dyno’s on about four or five LS1’s this weekend. The results were rear wheel HP of 290-319. That equates to a good amount at the crank. Bob
Response:
> :>Hi, > :>I am planning to buy 98 Camaro this week Z28 or V6, which > :>everone gives me the best bang-for-the buck. So far, its looking > :>like a V6, because it’s fully loaded with all options at $3500 > :>lower than the a Z28 with all options. > Go buy a Mustang they are faster, and also the reason the Camaro was ever > thought up.
A Mustang V6 is 150hp……. Lets see.. Z24s even come stock with that much power A Camaro V6 is 205hp. And as for V8s….. Mustang V8 is 225hp Camaro Z28 is 305hp Notice I didn’t list the SS or Cobra… If you want to compare these as well: Mustang Cobra is 305hp Camaro SS is 320hp. End of story.
Response:
> Mustang V8 is 225hp > Camaro Z28 is 305hp > Notice I didn’t list the SS or Cobra… If you want to compare these as well: > Mustang Cobra is 305hp > Camaro SS is 320hp. > End of story.
How much does each car weigh? —
Response:
Camaro Z28 – 3439lbs Mustang Cobra – 3446lbs. No weight information is available on the Camaro SS models, although with the lighter wheels, etc it should way about the same as a Z28. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Mustang V8 is 225hp > Camaro Z28 is 305hp > Notice I didn’t list the SS or Cobra… If you want to compare these as well: > Mustang Cobra is 305hp > Camaro SS is 320hp. > End of story. > How much does each car weigh? > —
Response:
:>> Go buy a Mustang they are faster, and also the reason the Camaro was ever :>> thought up. :> :>A Mustang V6 is 150hp……. Lets see.. Z24s even come stock with that much :>power :>A Camaro V6 is 205hp. :> :>And as for V8s….. :> :>Mustang V8 is 225hp :>Camaro Z28 is 305hp :> :>Notice I didn’t list the SS or Cobra… If you want to compare these as well: :> :>Mustang Cobra is 305hp :>Camaro SS is 320hp. Where can I read these specs? What RPM is each tested at? Forget about the HP, what about driving tests?
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > :>> Go buy a Mustang they are faster, and also the reason the Camaro was ever > :>> thought up. > :> > :>A Mustang V6 is 150hp……. Lets see.. Z24s even come stock with that much > :>power > :>A Camaro V6 is 205hp. > :> > :>And as for V8s….. > :> > :>Mustang V8 is 225hp > :>Camaro Z28 is 305hp > :> > :>Notice I didn’t list the SS or Cobra… If you want to compare these as well: > :> > :>Mustang Cobra is 305hp > :>Camaro SS is 320hp. > Where can I read these specs? > What RPM is each tested at? > Forget about the HP, what about driving tests?
All HP figures were picked up from Carpoint, with a cross reference of Edmunds. As for driving tests, the Mustangs have always been known for a VERY soft wide, and susceptible to understeer. ABS and Traction control are standard on both the Z28 and Cobra, although for the Base and GT Stangs, ABS is optional and Traction control is not available. The Z28 is 335 ft-lbs of torque, the Cobra is 300 (no rpm’s available) Mind you, the Camaro also has the SS available (for the same price as your average cobra) which has more suspension upgrades and other items.. specifically, it is 320hp, forced air induction, performance axles, 17" wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1’s. On the Z28, a 4spd auto is standard, but a 6spd manual can be had at No extra charge. On the Mustang, a 5spd manual is standard (at least for base and GT.. can’t find any Cobra information on Ford’s site… christ… too many pretty pictures and a SEVERE lack of actual information on here..)… 5spd is also the only option for the Cobra (had to go through the Build A Car section to find ANYTHING on them… geesh) So it looks like Chevy wins in HP/RPMs, torque, and tranny.. Oh yes.. MSRP of stock Cobra (no options or emissions) is $26,235.00. A Z28 (no options or emissions) is $20,995.00. An SS MSRP (no options or emissions) is $24,495.00. All prices quoted courtesy of Ford and Chevy’s respective web sites, and include destination charge. Any more questions?
Response:
> Mischele, from one parts person to another….could we suggest to this > person that his dealership locate one at another dealer if > possible…if one of my customers was this unhappy, I know I would… > my .02 > Steve
We do that all the time at our dealership, but with the recent delivery problems and the strike decreasing parts availability, it’s getting hard to get some things. Mischele
Response:
>Just as an update, I found out that the part FINALLY came in today.. Considering all >the trouble I’ve had and the number of times I’ve called the dealership on it, I >expected some sort of notification, if nothing else than a message on my answering >machine. They kept assuring me they would call when it came in, but I didn’t find out >until I finally called myself.
I have never had a dealership call me when a part comes in. In my experience, the service managers/reps at dealerships are the worst when it comes to callbacks. Actually, I’d like to add also that the body shop managers at the dealerships are no very good at callbacks, either. If it weren’t for the fact that warranty work has to be done at the dealership (except in very rare emergency situations, in which in may be impossible to get re-imbursed), the service departments would go out of business because of their lack of professionalism. On the other side of the coin, when I have *bought* parts from the dealership, the parts managers *always* call me the day the part gets in. My opinions, of course. Bob
Response:
>We do that all the time at our dealership, but with the recent delivery >problems and the strike decreasing parts availability, it’s getting hard >to get some things.
Mischele Maybe you can help me out with something, if you wouldn’t mind. I’ve got a Silver 98 Trans Am WS6. On the drivers side, the Ram Air sticker is peeling off. The dealership I use ordered the part under warranty, but when the sticker came in, it was Silver. The sticker is not silver, obviously, because you can’t even see it on a silver car (I believe the sticker is a medium-dark grey). They told me there was only one part number, and that maybe there was a mistake, and ordered another one. Well, it’s also silver. So now their "researching" the issue (which means, I need to call them every day to remind them to look into it). Do you have any clues on what the deal is with this part/sticker? Thanks Bob
Response:
Just as an update, I found out that the part FINALLY came in today.. Considering all the trouble I’ve had and the number of times I’ve called the dealership on it, I expected some sort of notification, if nothing else than a message on my answering machine. They kept assuring me they would call when it came in, but I didn’t find out until I finally called myself. To date, the dealer still never gave me an honest answer as to what took so long. I do, however, appreciate the explanations in here. Thanks to all that helped to enlighten me on how the parts system works, and especially to Jerry R France, for going so far as to request the part number from me so he could personally look into it. I only wish I could find that kind of service reliably at a dealership close to home. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> If they really need our business more than ever, why I has it taken over a month >> (including a week and a half BEFORE the strike) to get a simple $16.50 fog light >> panel for a Z24? I’ve confirmed that they are not out of stock, yet the dealer >> claims everything from the strike to UPS to god knows what else >Ok, here’s the scoop from a dealership’s perspective (I’m a parts >inventory clerk and have been dealing with these delays for the last >month now and it is quite aggravating not to be able to get parts). >One of the major parts plants in Lansing is quite behind in filling >orders for three reasons: Re-organizing of the facilities, the recent >inventory, and high volume of orders being placed. Also, late last week >the GMSPO main computers went down for a day and a half, resulting in >delays at all parts plants and distributions centers. >Not much we at the dealerships can do about it…our hands are >tied…and the strike is making things worse. >Mischele > Mischele, from one parts person to another….could we suggest to this > person that his dealership locate one at another dealer if > possible…if one of my customers was this unhappy, I know I would… > my .02 > Steve > "The world will not know peace until the last king is > strangled with the entrails of the last priest…" > Voltaire…
Response:
:>Hi, :>I am planning to buy 98 Camaro this week Z28 or V6, which :>everone gives me the best bang-for-the buck. So far, its looking :>like a V6, because it’s fully loaded with all options at $3500 :>lower than the a Z28 with all options. Go buy a Mustang they are faster, and also the reason the Camaro was ever thought up.
Response:
>Anyway, do you think it would be best to wait until the GM strike >settles down. Because if they close all the plants I may not >have any type of warranty on my car. … or will I? The strike is >sort of scaring me now. I may get a good or outstanding price >but what are side effects? >What do you think? Am I in panic mode? >Gil
Yes Gil, you are in panic mode. Your warranty will not be affected by the strike. The only problem you may encounter is if the strike goes on for a long time. If that happens parts may become hard to come by but that is highly unlikely. Even if the parts pipeline starts to dry up, there are several GM dealers across the country that have monster inventories. There’s one not far from me that has over 2 million. So far as the V6 vs V8 – You need to look at the total expense of the vehicle. What is the difference in insurance between the Z and the V6? What is the resale value of the 2? Sometimes the initially cheaper car is not the best overall value. Sometimes it is. Paul Not/Rod
Response:
> If they really need our business more than ever, why I has it taken over a month > (including a week and a half BEFORE the strike) to get a simple $16.50 fog light > panel for a Z24? I’ve confirmed that they are not out of stock, yet the dealer > claims everything from the strike to UPS to god knows what else
Ok, here’s the scoop from a dealership’s perspective (I’m a parts inventory clerk and have been dealing with these delays for the last month now and it is quite aggravating not to be able to get parts). One of the major parts plants in Lansing is quite behind in filling orders for three reasons: Re-organizing of the facilities, the recent inventory, and high volume of orders being placed. Also, late last week the GMSPO main computers went down for a day and a half, resulting in delays at all parts plants and distributions centers. Not much we at the dealerships can do about it…our hands are tied…and the strike is making things worse. Mischele
Response:
>> If they really need our business more than ever, why I has it taken over a month > (including a week and a half BEFORE the strike) to get a simple $16.50 fog light > panel for a Z24? I’ve confirmed that they are not out of stock, yet the dealer > claims everything from the strike to UPS to god knows what else >Ok, here’s the scoop from a dealership’s perspective (I’m a parts >inventory clerk and have been dealing with these delays for the last >month now and it is quite aggravating not to be able to get parts). >One of the major parts plants in Lansing is quite behind in filling >orders for three reasons: Re-organizing of the facilities, the recent >inventory, and high volume of orders being placed. Also, late last week >the GMSPO main computers went down for a day and a half, resulting in >delays at all parts plants and distributions centers. >Not much we at the dealerships can do about it…our hands are >tied…and the strike is making things worse. >Mischele
Mischele, from one parts person to another….could we suggest to this person that his dealership locate one at another dealer if possible…if one of my customers was this unhappy, I know I would… my .02 Steve "The world will not know peace until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest…" Voltaire…
Response:
power……the look, it’s one of the best looking American sport car. There is nothing like pulling up to one of those lil V6’s and blowin it away. hehe ride on, CAHAREZ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi, >I am planning to buy 98 Camaro this week Z28 or V6, which >everone gives me the best bang-for-the buck. So far, its looking >like a V6, because it’s fully loaded with all options at $3500 >lower than the a Z28 with all options. >Anyway, do you think it would be best to wait until the GM strike >settles down. Because if they close all the plants I may not >have any type of warranty on my car. … or will I? The strike is >sort of scaring me now. I may get a good or outstanding price >but what are side effects? > I would say relax if your buying it off the lot the dealers will be > open to work on the car!! However id like me you order it in 1996I > waited 3 weeks after mine was stuck in Cincinatti at the ryder truck > joint because they went on strike. I finally went and picked it up > myself its a v6 loaded. If you can find one with the performance > package, dual exhaust, upgraded suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, > lower rear end gear. It was only $275 more well worth it. It will > move and got 38 MPG on a long trip this Spring. If I could only get > my 68 SS done!!! > Joe >What do you think? Am I in panic mode? >Gil
Response:
>Hi, >I am planning to buy 98 Camaro this week Z28 or V6, which >everone gives me the best bang-for-the buck. So far, its looking >like a V6, because it’s fully loaded with all options at $3500 >lower than the a Z28 with all options. >Anyway, do you think it would be best to wait until the GM strike >settles down. Because if they close all the plants I may not >have any type of warranty on my car. … or will I? The strike is >sort of scaring me now. I may get a good or outstanding price >but what are side effects?
I would say relax if your buying it off the lot the dealers will be open to work on the car!! However id like me you order it in 1996I waited 3 weeks after mine was stuck in Cincinatti at the ryder truck joint because they went on strike. I finally went and picked it up myself its a v6 loaded. If you can find one with the performance package, dual exhaust, upgraded suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, lower rear end gear. It was only $275 more well worth it. It will move and got 38 MPG on a long trip this Spring. If I could only get my 68 SS done!!! Joe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->What do you think? Am I in panic mode? >Gil
Response:
If they really need our business more than ever, why I has it taken over a month (including a week and a half BEFORE the strike) to get a simple $16.50 fog light panel for a Z24? I’ve confirmed that they are not out of stock, yet the dealer claims everything from the strike to UPS to god knows what else – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : Hi, > : I am planning to buy 98 Camaro this week Z28 or V6, which > : everone gives me the best bang-for-the buck. So far, its looking > : like a V6, because it’s fully loaded with all options at $3500 > : lower than the a Z28 with all options. > : > : Anyway, do you think it would be best to wait until the GM strike > : settles down. Because if they close all the plants I may not > : have any type of warranty on my car. … or will I? The strike is > : sort of scaring me now. I may get a good or outstanding price > : but what are side effects? > : > : What do you think? Am I in panic mode? > go ahead and buy it. The warranty will not be affected. You may have > trouble getting replacement components if something breaks down. > They will have to give you a courtesy car while you wait on the > part. Remember that if you buy a ‘98, it was assembled long before the > strike began. Actually, you’ll probably get a car from dealer stock, > as opposed to one from the factory. Lord knows, GM needs your business now > more than ever. > — > "Sometimes the only way to feel good |Nabeel Ali > about yourself is to make others look | > bad, and I’m tired of making others | > | > – Homer J. Simpson |http://alcor.concordia.ca/~stali
Response:
Hi, I am planning to buy 98 Camaro this week Z28 or V6, which everone gives me the best bang-for-the buck. So far, its looking like a V6, because it’s fully loaded with all options at $3500 lower than the a Z28 with all options. Anyway, do you think it would be best to wait until the GM strike settles down. Because if they close all the plants I may not have any type of warranty on my car. … or will I? The strike is sort of scaring me now. I may get a good or outstanding price but what are side effects? What do you think? Am I in panic mode? Gil
Response:
: Hi, : I am planning to buy 98 Camaro this week Z28 or V6, which : everone gives me the best bang-for-the buck. So far, its looking : like a V6, because it’s fully loaded with all options at $3500 : lower than the a Z28 with all options. : : Anyway, do you think it would be best to wait until the GM strike : settles down. Because if they close all the plants I may not : have any type of warranty on my car. … or will I? The strike is : sort of scaring me now. I may get a good or outstanding price : but what are side effects? : : What do you think? Am I in panic mode? go ahead and buy it. The warranty will not be affected. You may have trouble getting replacement components if something breaks down. They will have to give you a courtesy car while you wait on the part. Remember that if you buy a ‘98, it was assembled long before the strike began. Actually, you’ll probably get a car from dealer stock, as opposed to one from the factory. Lord knows, GM needs your business now more than ever. — "Sometimes the only way to feel good |Nabeel Ali about yourself is to make others look | bad, and I’m tired of making others | | – Homer J. Simpson |http://alcor.concordia.ca/~stali
