Opinions Please
 

I am currently saving up to buy an LT1 Camaro (not LS1, you will see why) with a blown engine, then ship it over to LPE and have them put this package on it:

http://www.lingenfelter.com/engine-p...97/350-cid-lt1

I chose the LT1 since the LPE packages are CARB legal (I live in CA). I also chose the 350 CID setup and not the 383 since it is cheaper and the performance gain isn't that much.

My question is as follows: I drive A LOT!!! I love to go on road trips. and I enjoy an occasional road race. Should I get a vert, or go with t tops?

Also, after I get my engine package, I am considering getting STS turbo for the car (also CARB legal), because it gives me room to improve and plus, I love BOV sound!!


IF there is a similar engine package (I know I can build the engine myself, but I'm lazy) that will work with the LS1 Camaro AND be CARB legal, please let me know.

Thanks a lot guys. Please give me cons and pros of everything.


x01660

Didn't GM just release a complete LS3 crate package that 50 state legal? Its basicly the same setup the 06 vet has.

Just a heads up not all motors are repairable. Sounds like they will want a fixable core. Also don't rush search there is a lot of car that need complete restoration or just a lot of work other then a motor. Finding a Nice garage kept, low miles, well maintained car with a damaged but repairable motor can take some time. Expect to try that slipper on a lot of feet.

think about how much money u will be spending then look at camaros that cost that much and see what u can come up with. may find a 600 hp rice killer all ready to go.

I am looking to spend about 20k on the whole car (this will be a couple of years from now, mind you...) I don't like the 5th gens (puts flame suit on...) and I considered getting a 'vette. But I don't know. Like I said, I drive a lot (like 80k miles a year) and I'm not looking for anything radical. I'd get a C6 'vert witha supercharger or a built LS1 or LT1 with turbos.

But, if I go with the Camaro do I go t tops or vert? whats better for road trips and lots of driving (I live in cA) thanks.


x01660

t tops are easier to maintain, vert has less room and weighs more. id go with the t top.

Agreed, but t-tops have a tendency to leak...

so do convertibles...ask me how i know

Sorry I did not address that in my first post. I am a Convertible lover, I own 2. For the normal driver I have a saying if you have to ask if you should get a convertible you should not get one. Most people know the good points to owning a convertible and most do not know down side. I won’t get into the detail unless you really want them but most are safety related. Second is the power thing. A convertible is not as structurally sound as a hard top. They twist during launch and around corners. Just think about it, put the top down open the doors and imagine it without seats. I would not want to drive every day 400+ HP rag top. Also if ever want to do a ¼ mile run I doubt any track will let you even try. I think its standard for rag tops under 15 sec to need a cage. That puts any LT1 rag top off the track no less a built one. Hard tops are 12 seconds.

Convertible leak 2-3 times as much as T-Tops. Keeping an older car with a rag top from leaking will be a battle you will fight for the rest of the time you own the car. Any T-top or Convertible 4 gen Camaro with 400+ HP will end up with leakage issues if you do not reinforce the body.