Camaro Z28 = Cheap, Fast First Car?

[Shift4]

Hey guys, I have always been a Chevy fan and am a huge fan of the 98-02 LS1 Z28 Camaro (SS is better but much more expensive). I also like the S-10 Xtreme (4.3L of course) but I think its too slow (my family has a history of really nice fast first cars). I am basically looking for a fast cheap car that has some muscle behind it. 4 cyl's are not nearly as cool . . . So, what are your ideas on this - is it a good first car when performance is the key issue? Other cars that I have been lookin at are:

S-10 Xtreme (4.3L - not sure whether auto or manual)
MazdaSpeed Protege
VW GTI (1.8T)
Scion tC

[NE98LS1]

you will be extremely dissapointec by the last 3. i am a former import guy and can tell you that unless you wanna put a considerable amount of work into them, they are not gonna compare to a z28. i think your best bet is a z28, you can pick up a pretty decent one for 12k, and it's going to make even a supercharged tC look like a dog.

[BrandonDrecksage]

mazdaspeed protege is garbage...my firend have on..scon tc is a pretty good car...and a 1.8t with a upgraded turbo is quick but laggy....and also the fact that you can't get an extreme in a stick with the 6cyl makes them all bad choices... a z28 will be real fast..and if i did it all over..i'd get a z28..not a SS and put that money into some mods. So is it a good first car...absolutely NOT!..unless you are extremely responsible...the car has a lot of power... and inexpierence kills. I'm not a fan of first cars being really fast..seen to many people wrap their brand new fast car into a tree.

[Hotrod]

mazdaspeed protege is garbage...my firend have on..scon tc is a pretty good car...and a 1.8t with a upgraded turbo is quick but laggy....and also the fact that you can't get an extreme in a stick with the 6cyl makes them all bad choices... a z28 will be real fast..and if i did it all over..i'd get a z28..not a SS and put that money into some mods. So is it a good first car...absolutely NOT!..unless you are extremely responsible...the car has a lot of power... and inexpierence kills. I'm not a fan of first cars being really fast..seen to many people wrap their brand new fast car into a tree.


Agreed! WAY to much power for a kid's first car. You're probably very responsible but once all the buddies climb in that's normally when all hell breaks loose and someone gets hurt or killed.....Man I'm starting to sound like my dad already!

[Tinton]

Go for it, I got a nice blue metallic '00 Z28, and I'm very happy with it. The only problem I have with it is that damned automatic transmission (its the devil). Try your best to get a 6-speed if you think you can handle it, if you can't, an automatic is just as good....just not as much fun. My Z28 was my 3rd car, I went from 80 hp -> 140 hp -> 350 hp, nearly doubling engine sizes each time lol (1.6L L4, 2.8L V6, 5.7L V8).

If you want a fast car, the Scion isn't going to be it, and I think you'll be disappointed in the Mazdaspeed. The GTI would be a good choice, if nothing but just for the little "fast" thing they give away with the Mk 4's (you've seen the commercials). The Camaro is probably the best choice, its the fastest, and you can get a good condition Camaro for the same price as a brand new Scion, and have like 3 times the horsepower.

[Shift4]

Yeah, I'm pretty responsible. . . I'm not interested in just going 20 mph over the speed limit all the time - I just want a car that I can nail the gas from anything 0-40 mph and get really good acceleration. The Z28 and MazdaSpeed Protege are two completely different kinds of fast. . . The Protege, like you guys said though, isnt that fast, its pretty quick but not that fast. Oh, and the guy who said you cant get the 4.3L V6 with a Manual 5 Speed - you can. I'm 110% positive.

See, I go to a rich school though and all the kids have like brand new mustang GT's, BMW's, Mercedes', Audi's etc. I'm not rich at all though and I have to pay for my own car (have saved quite a bit) so I want something that I can be respected with in the parking lot. Oh, and good sounding (flowmaster!) exhaust is awesome too!

[Capster78]

Id say go with the Z-28 but most kids your age will have a car like that for a week.. Hit the gas at a light and swerve it into a tree and total it. So Ill have to say go with the slower cars. lol

[ss~zoso~ss]

my first car is a 1998 Camaro SS

I am a responsible driver and have never lost controll of the car yet, everyone was telling me i was going to crash it, dont listen*to*†hem,

You will realize the power of the car the first time you punch it, and when you are cruzing*in 6th gear at 70 and accelerating up a hill on the highway (pretty ballsy).

Your Z28 or SS will probably not get respect untill you show people what its got for balls, i mean i'm a senior now and a MIDGET GT got voted best car, I mean WTF, not many people know about F bods, and how fast they are

A kid i know thought he could take me with his VR6 Jetta, i told him that he shouldnt waste the gas





Just be responsible, cautious, and smart, and you'll be fine in a powerful car such as a camaro,



p.s. you'll RAPE 90% of cars on*the road that cost under 40 grand$

[ls1hump]

Dude whats wrong with you, there is no comparison at all between an import and a z I got my car in my senior year and boy was it fun. It was my first car and its pretty damn fast. (careful in the rain) If you think you can handle it go for it but ls1's got balls. Oh don't go with flowmaster get loudmouth if you want some respect.

01 camaro ss
lid, k&N filter, MSD (ignition, wires 8.5), SLP loud mouth, SLP longtube headers, cam, ripper shifter, subframe connectors, and polished 02 anniversary rims w/ nittos nt555rs

[lbls1]

I agree. Not that you should be dissueded by it, but your insurance will be a nightmare, and the ls1 z28 is very powerful (it is quite underrated). You should concentrate on honing your driving skills if you intend on getting one. The z will take you into the high reaches of speed and its handling limit faster than you may realize, and if you don't have a good handle on it, bad things can happen.

So I'd recommend that you first get some very good driving experience (preferably before owning a z) and plan for getting a z28 if it is really what you want. Be prepared!!

[Shift4]

See but if I get a slower car I'm gonna end up being stuck with it. . . I dont think its worth it in the end. . . Might as well just have gone with the Z28 or SS. BTW, is the SS really any faster? what are the differences besides different exhaust and ram air?

[98V6]

go with the z/28, im looking to get one for my senior year, sell the 98 v6 mustang and buy a real car (LS1)

[Shift4]

yeah. . . I guess I would have to anyway because its so much cheaper! What are the stock 0-60 and QM times? Also, should I look at B4C Police ones even though they always have a lot of miles??

[NE98LS1]

yeah. . . I guess I would have to anyway because its so much cheaper! What are the stock 0-60 and QM times? Also, should I look at B4C Police ones even though they always have a lot of miles??

NO! my friend drives for the NSP and they all fight over driving the camaro in our district cuz they just beat the piss out of it when they do! haha, they all have like 145000 HARD driven miles, highway miles yes, but beat to hell highway miles!

[Tinton]

Dude whats wrong with you, there is no comparison at all between an import and a z I got my car in my senior year and boy was it fun. It was my first car and its pretty damn fast. (careful in the rain) If you think you can handle it go for it but ls1's got balls. Oh don't go with flowmaster get loudmouth if you want some respect.

01 camaro ss
lid, k&N filter, MSD (ignition, wires 8.5), SLP loud mouth, SLP longtube headers, cam, ripper shifter, subframe connectors, and polished 02 anniversary rims w/ nittos nt555rs

Loudmouth? A friend of mine has SLP Loudmouth exhaust on his '95 Z28, it sounds pretty...loud. But more in a roaring sense. My '00 Z28 has Flowmaster, it has much more of a rumbling sound, especially at idle. I'm not even sure if I can compare them though, his being a LT1, and mine being a LS1.

I'd say, if you're worried about it, go for a '98-'02 Z28 with a 4-speed automatic. The automatic is probably less likely to get you killed. I try to learn to drive on cars with weak motors. I learned to drive in my Dad's Saturn SL2, automatic with 125 hp. Instead of going and learning stick on a 6-speed Camaro, I got an automatic as a daily driver (easy on my leg in traffic), and I got a 1986 Fiero SE 2.8L V6 4-speed muncie manual. Its peppy up until about 70-80 mph, it has lots of torque (170 ft. lbs in a 2600 lb car), and it is less likely to get away from me.

Also, other things to consider. The LS1 Camaros were underrated from the factory, at only 305 hp and 335 tq. My Camaro is stock except for K&N filter and Flowmaster exhaust, both provide minimal (2-5 hp) or no gains, and I got 285 rwhp and 311 rwtq. That's approx. 350 hp from an automatic car. I would think a stock 6-speed LS1 would get around 300 to the wheels. Also, these cars are...tricky in the rain, especially with mostly bald tires :burnout:. You have to respect it in the rain, don't pull any BS or the car will punish you. I don't know how many times I've spun the tires like hell on wet roads (but knew how to get out of it). With my old 245's I would spin the tires flooring it at 80 mph on the freeway, that was great the first time I did that! :drivin:. Try to find a car with ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation, I think, its traction control, it works well to keep traction when you want traction, and it hurts performance when you want performance).

Here's some interesting performance specs on the cars you posted:
0-60|1/4
1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.2 13.7
1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS 5.2 13.6
2003 Mazdaspeed Protege 6.9 15.4
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8t 6.5 15.2
2003 Chevrolet S10 Xtreme 10.3 17.3

The S10 Xtreme looks like a BAD idea. That's only 180 hp trying to haul a 4,100 lb truck around.

[Shift4]

My dad is telling me that I cant get a Camaro Z28 because insurance will be ridiculous - he says "A camaro is not a first car". I have to keep reminding him what HIS first car was. Take a wild guess. . . But I think he will eventually let me get one because he says no to literally ANY thing that I ask for at first (even though I'm buying it) until its actually time for me to get it. . . for instance some days he says no, your first car will be a honda civic, and just recently he was looking at rebuilt RSX Type S's for cheap on ebay. . .

[MikeSomething]

I have a '00 Z28...

If you do get one and wanna get a nice exhaust, go for "MagnaFlow"...
I have a 40 Series Flowmaster exhaust, sounds great, but the other one
will give you more power! My insurance in New Jersey when I 1st got it
was $4k a year.

[lbls1]

An a4 fbody will NOT relieve you of properly handling the car. You will have to know how to handle the camaro in many different driving situations, regardless of the transmission type.

A hot a4 camaro mishandled will do as much harm to you or others as well as a manual.

[iburhucklebery]

. . . I'm not interested in just going 20 mph over the speed limit all the time - I just want a car that I can nail the gas from anything 0-40 mph and get really good acceleration.

Get really good acceleration, :lol: , sure as long as you can keep those tire from spinning you right off the road. I KNOW I would have killed myself if I had my car @ 16, 17, 18...hell I'm 27, only had the car a year and already:

1) Blown a transmission (6spd)
2) Blown an engine ($ 9000)-no! I had insurance
3) been hit by a semi (trying to pass him with his blinker on, he showed me he was serious:nono:
4) Blown a $200 tire passing someone in the emergency lane:drivin:
5) Been pulled over (can't count how many times)
6) Hit a telephone pole (after spinning 2 360's and sliding across the road:Ohno:

But don't worry I am responsible, and I am sure you will be 2


Your dad loves you, and doesn't want anything to happen to you (or his insurance)....Take the advice and just wait

[SeVeReDiStOrTiOn]

You can say you're responsible for a 15 yr old all you want...but bottom line is you're an inexperianced, testosterone driven teen. Soon as one of those rich kids in a new GT, audi, benz, ..etc lines up with you at a light you're going to race....even if you've only had the car a day. It's just going to take one time to lose control dude...the rears on high hp cars love to whip around. Good luck though...and welcome to the board:cheers:

I'm not interested in just going 20 mph over the speed limit all the time - I just want a car that I can nail the gas from anything 0-40 mph and get really good acceleration
Like I said..the rears go sideways really easy, just remember that if you do get a ls1. My auto will let'em loose from a 30 roll...can't even imagine what it's gonna do when I throw a stall in.

[ss~zoso~ss]

i hope we didnt loose him to the ricers

GET A CAMARO OR AT LEAST A V8

[Z28Camaro010]

i agree with not gettin one when you are inxperienced i wanta Z28 or SS when i got my first can and i wanted a manuel well the rents let me get a v6 auto. To say the least i wasnt happy that i could get the ls1. Well i drove the v6 around for 3+yrs and at 19 sold it and got my Z28. Thats when i realized that my parents probably saved me from killing myself. I actually told my mom and thanked her. Moral of the story dont get the ls1 get some driving experience first like every1 else said

[Shift4]

See, for my dad, its not even like a thing of its too fast, he just doesnt want to pay the insurance. . . how much would the difference actually be between that and an S-10 Xtreme 4.3L 5 Speed Manual? Any guesses? Would I be better off with a GTI or a MazdaSpeed Protege?

[BrandonDrecksage]

See, for my dad, its not even like a thing of its too fast, he just doesnt want to pay the insurance. . . how much would the difference actually be between that and an S-10 Xtreme 4.3L 5 Speed Manual? Any guesses? Would I be better off with a GTI or a MazdaSpeed Protege?


hands down a gti...ms protege are garbage
not to mention almost nobody makes parts for them...and the parts cost way to much. the 1.8t in the gti has a great aftermarket support.

[ProwlerZ]

Don't get a Z, if you really want an F-body, just get a 6-cylinder. They're still faster than most other cars out there, so you'll be content there, they still look great, so you'll be content there, and you'll be much more likely to live past high school. I lost 2 friends to f-bodies. No matter how responsible you think you are, the slightest bit of peer pressure in the wrong conditions can leave a slew of devastated parents. I drove a 92 geo tracker through high school and got a 01' V6 Camaro upon graduation, then just 6 months ago purchased an 02 Z28. I certainly worked my way up, but even at this point I make mistakes, just going for an aggressive, irritated pass on the interstate can put the car sideways if you aren't careful. No one can tell you they aren't fun, but they just aren't a teenager's car. Get a t-top or 'vert, or just get a new tuner that you can make your own. Keep in mind that having the cool car in high school only means a few things: 1) Everyone wants a ride, and they'll all scratch or stain the car, inside and out. 2) Everyone wants to see you be stupid in it. and 3) When the 16 year old girl whos daddy just bought her a new Benz throws her door into your hard earned car, everyone will hate you for being so mean and making her insurance cover it. Just my .02

[Murtaza]

Your friggin 15?? Come on man seriously, there are more important things than showing off to these rich punks. Most of which probably don't drive any better than your grandma. Take your time building your skill. It isn't something you can just jump in and drive off with. I thought my friends 2000 Eclipse GT was fast with roughly 210fwhp, then I drove his 95 LT1 Camaro and that was something I'll never forget. The sound was enough to shake your nerves a bit. I did floor it and mess around a bit but even then it was tricky. I was used to FWD and it felt like I had to pay more attention driving that thing. It was enough, however to convince me to get my own but I still don't think I'm ready for it. I'll probably get one next fall the earliest.

Bottom line, your Dad is looking out for you. Get the GTI or something similar. Get an understanding of what it's like, hell even get out to a drag strip or autocross once a while, then step up to the Camaro.

[SSzoe]

I started out with a 95 Eagle Talon ESI when I was 16 and I definatly thought I was hot stuff lol........Then I moved on up to a 98 camaro v6 (3.8) and even then I noticed a huuuuge differance....I was smokin alot of cars even with it being a v6 (especialy mustangs!!!) I know it may not sound as cool as a v8 but I did that v6 up REAL NICE and to this day i regret not keeping it as a daily driver while I store my 2000 SS Camaro.

My advice go with a 3.8 Camaro they are good on insurance and pretty damn quick and look just as good as any other camaro out there!!!

[Maroz28]

If you're under your parent's insurance which I'm assuming you are at that age Shift, I'd go with the Z28 if your parents will let you, be forewarned though I'd agree with some of these other guys when they say they thanked their parents for making them get a v6 first. (This LS1 I have now has PLENTY of power). I started looking for my 2nd Camaro at the age of 19, with $5k to burn. There weren't any decent LT1 powered F-bodies I could afford, let alone a 6 speed, so I got a great 64,xxx mile original owner silver v6 Camaro with a 5 speed. Great car, great mileage and still has plenty of get up and go until you maybe get more experience behind the wheel. When you're ready to move up, I could never complain about getting my 98 Z28 M6 with 23,000 miles on it in premium condition for $9,500 last month, no way! :love: and it's got way more get up and go :drivin:

[Wayah-bird]

I am happy for you that you can even consider a Camaro at 16. Most everyone has given you excellent advice. The LT1/LS1 F-bodies may be the fastest 'stock' cars ever made and you MUST respect the power to the rear wheels. It takes nothing to find yourself in panic mode when you are inexperienced. Even the most experienced drivers still are awed by the power. If you should get one, be ultra careful in the rain. You can barely get from point A to point B without losing traction. Since you have some money, Don't be cheap with tires!! The new Goodyear GSD3, Bridgestone Potenzas, Michelin Pilots (AA traction rating) will help immensely and don't let the treads get under 25% in any circumstances. Good luck and remember our voices. You will have lots of fun and be careful at the same time.

[1 badblack transam 01]

I am 16 and I completely agree with what everyone below has said. I havent wrecked my car or gotten a ticket, mainly because dad is paying my insurance and he would have my ass. I have BF Goodrich KD (The article stated that KD stood for KILLER DRY) tires on my car. They stick really good on dry land, but a previous test shows that in rain they are next to and in most tests the worst, along with the power of my WS6 and the limited stick of the tire neways, could prove very fun at times. But if you do get a Z28 just be careful with it, especially in the rain, no matter what type of tire you have. If I gave an opinion on the best tire I would get Goodyear F1 eagles. Good luck tho.

[Qwk94Z28]

if you have to go with something else looking into a turbocharged car, like a dsm you'd enjoy get a talon tsi, with some little work you can be in the 13's no prob.....

i went from a cavalier to a saturn to turbocharging the saturn to my 3rd gen f-body, but i think my turbo 1.9 is faster lol. when i get the ls1 this year i will be in heaven:)

[Murtaza]

if you have to go with something else looking into a turbocharged car, like a dsm you'd enjoy get a talon tsi, with some little work you can be in the 13's no prob.....

i went from a cavalier to a saturn to turbocharging the saturn to my 3rd gen f-body, but i think my turbo 1.9 is faster lol. when i get the ls1 this year i will be in heaven:)

Buying a dsm only to mod it is kind of defeating the purpose of not getting a Z28 in the first place. No one can handle a performance car as your first car at 15-16 years old. I learned to drive when I was 12 using my fathers 83 Impala and no matter what I've driven, I wouldn't be ready for a Camaro at 15. At least, I woudn't be able to fully control it and get the most out of it. I'm just now saving all my pennies for a Z28 which I'll probably get on my 19th b-day. :Ohno:

[Qwk94Z28]

i'm saying if he can't get a z28 but his dad will let him get a dsm, he'll think its slow because its a 4 cyclinder;) but if he knows about snails he might change his mind

[Murtaza]

i'm saying if he can't get a z28 but his dad will let him get a dsm, he'll think its slow because its a 4 cyclinder;) but if he knows about snails he might change his mind

Ha, that's true. 'Look dad, it's got a 4cyl! Just like a Civic!' :yup:

[Tinton]

People are saying go to V6 F-bodies. I reccommend a V6 Pontiac Fiero (for obvious reasons, I have 2, heh). With a 5-speed they're quick cars, as quick as a modern V6 F-body. I've beaten V6 stangs, Preludes, Integras, Civics, etc, in my a3 Fiero GT. 140 hp in a 2600 lb car is pretty quick. That's the main reason I'm selling my Camaro, I'm sticking a LS1 into the back of a Fiero. 350 hp+2600 lbs = really fast go kart. That's compared to a f-body with 350 hp and 3400 lbs. Now, if only I can afford it, lol....

Oh yeah, the mid-engine rear-drive layout means better traction. I can get my Dad's Saturn SL2 to do a decent burnout (120 hp FWD, a4), but I can't get my a3 Fiero to burn out at all. Just remember that if you do get one, the physics are much different from a front-engine RWD car like a Camaro. Weight has to be put on the front tires by braking hard into the turns or you understeer. And, if you do lose the back end, a Camaro might just fishtail a bit, a Fiero, being so ass-heavy, will do a 360 very easily. Its a welcome feeling to come from my Camaro to my Fieros though, with my old 245's I could lose traction by flooring it at 70 mph on the highway, that is a scary feeling if you've never encountered it before. In fact, I heard of a guy who had just bought a Ford GT, he wanted to test it so he floored it. He immediately lost control and totaled it. Shows money can't buy driving skill. One bad thing about Fieros is that they were only made from 84-88, so you'd get some good experience fixing your car...

[Qwk94Z28]

People are saying go to V6 F-bodies. I reccommend a V6 Pontiac Fiero (for obvious reasons, I have 2, heh). With a 5-speed they're quick cars, as quick as a modern V6 F-body. I've beaten V6 stangs, Preludes, Integras, Civics, etc, in my a3 Fiero GT. 140 hp in a 2600 lb car is pretty quick. That's the main reason I'm selling my Camaro, I'm sticking a LS1 into the back of a Fiero. 350 hp+2600 lbs = really fast go kart. That's compared to a f-body with 350 hp and 3400 lbs. Now, if only I can afford it, lol....

Oh yeah, the mid-engine rear-drive layout means better traction. I can get my Dad's Saturn SL2 to do a decent burnout (120 hp FWD, a4), but I can't get my a3 Fiero to burn out at all. Just remember that if you do get one, the physics are much different from a front-engine RWD car like a Camaro. Weight has to be put on the front tires by braking hard into the turns or you understeer. And, if you do lose the back end, a Camaro might just fishtail a bit, a Fiero, being so ass-heavy, will do a 360 very easily. Its a welcome feeling to come from my Camaro to my Fieros though, with my old 245's I could lose traction by flooring it at 70 mph on the highway, that is a scary feeling if you've never encountered it before. In fact, I heard of a guy who had just bought a Ford GT, he wanted to test it so he floored it. He immediately lost control and totaled it. Shows money can't buy driving skill. One bad thing about Fieros is that they were only made from 84-88, so you'd get some good experience fixing your car...

i've beat v6 camaros,most imports and ect in my cavalier 5speed it doesn't take too much if you know how to drive:drivin:

i can get my saturn aka the (gm cummins) to burn them threw third:lol:

but really look into something you really like cause if your buying something just to be fast and hate how it looks and ect whats the worth in that ya know

[SeVeReDiStOrTiOn]

with my old 245's I could lose traction by flooring it at 70 mph on the highway, that is a scary feeling if you've never encountered it before. In fact, I heard of a guy who had just bought a Ford GT, he wanted to test it so he floored it. He immediately lost control and totaled it
Dude you're not BS'in....a few days ago the highway was still a little wet from a rain a few hours earlier(looked dry:dunno:)...anyway I floor it trying to pass a corolla S at a 70 roll in my auto and the ass end broke loose...almost sharted in my pants:lol: I straightened it out pretty easily...but still, got the ol' heart pumpin pretty good. The face of the dude in the corolla was hilarious...guess he couldn't believe I broke'em loose going 70. Gotta get better tires:yup:

[Shift4]

Then if not an LS1 F-body what? I'm not really into going with the V6 F-body because then I just have the slower one. . . MAYBE but probably not. . . Should I just keep lookin at the S-10 Xtreme 4.3L?? GTI?? Mazdaspeed Protege?? I want your opinions on a fun fast car that won't COMPLETELY kill me. . . Still, the LS1 is pretty sweet even though dangerous. . .

Oh, and by the way, how many of you actually know who this smiley is? :slash: Slash is awesome. . .

[Qwk94Z28]

everyone knows slash lol,how about on of the early 90's celica awd turbo. very nice cars

[ls1kid18]

im turning 17 in may and i drove a 1998 v6 mustang 5 speed before i got my
z28 about 2 and a half weeks ago.......my advice is definetely get a camaro v6 5 speed.....i can honestly say that i thought my v6 mustang was the shit....i promise you if you get one of the 200 hp v6 5 speed camaros you will think it is fast....because honestly they are....the only thing is i drove my mustang and managed to wreck the front end....i had the 16 yr old i think i can drive my car badass pre ricer syndrome....glad i came out of it....

another thing is if you buy the v6 you will beat alot of cars however when you buy the z28 and you stomp it down you will say holy freaking shit!....thats the z effect:) but if you jump into the z right away you WILL wreck it...plus you will never be able to upgrade the same way i would get a v6 and wait....


andy

[Qwk94Z28]

i drove a v6 camaro before i bought my 3rd gen, cause i wanted a 4th gen no matter what but that thing was such a dog

[Tinton]

im turning 17 in may and i drove a 1998 v6 mustang 5 speed before i got my
z28 about 2 and a half weeks ago.......my advice is definetely get a camaro v6 5 speed.....i can honestly say that i thought my v6 mustang was the shit....i promise you if you get one of the 200 hp v6 5 speed camaros you will think it is fast....because honestly they are....the only thing is i drove my mustang and managed to wreck the front end....i had the 16 yr old i think i can drive my car badass pre ricer syndrome....glad i came out of it....

another thing is if you buy the v6 you will beat alot of cars however when you buy the z28 and you stomp it down you will say holy freaking shit!....thats the z effect:) but if you jump into the z right away you WILL wreck it...plus you will never be able to upgrade the same way i would get a v6 and wait....


andy

Hah, that's right. I used to think my Dad's Saturn was quick. Then I got into my '88 Fiero GT with the V6, that thing was pretty quick, still is until you hit like 70 mph, then it feels slow because you're cruising at 3500 rpm with a V6 with all torque and no HP. Then I got my Z28...I drove a '99 Corvette (test-drive, lol) before I test-drove my Camaro. The Z28 is as fast as the Vette. I got a real nice smile today going to school (Z is my DD), I floored it on this on-ramp (maybe 1/4 mile long or a little less), by about 2/3 the way down I was at 90 mph and still climbing very fast, I stopped at 110 mph :lol:. Its fun because that ramp gets on and it becomes a lane, you don't have to merge. So I was surprising people flying by them at 110 mph off the onramp. The full power of this V8 still surprises me...and I've been driving it for 2 years just about every day. But its really the torque I like the most, cruising at 80 mph at only 2000 rpms, if I go 55 mph (I never do, lol, unless its on backroads) its basically idling. And if I want to increase speed I barely need any throttle at all it has so much torque.

Shift, I posted stats above, avoid the S10 Xtreme like the plague. You'd be just as good off getting a Geo Metro, it'll be about as fast, about as nice-looking, and you'll get 2x the gas mileage. I would go for a new GTI....if anything but just for the commercials :D. They have like 3 where they're pwning some ricers, I'll find the link to them if I can. And they have the 3-4 for the "fast", they give the little fast things away with the cars I think, and they sell on ebay for tons of cash. Its 200 hp, so its not that bad, and its probably faster than a V6 F-body if its lighter weight.

The V6 F-bodies are usually like low-mid 7's 0-60 and 15's in the 1/4. I've never driven one, but those are about the same stats as my Fiero GT, and I'll tell you right now, its not "fast", its "quick", if you know the difference. You won't be beating anyone in any races but you'll be satisfied with the performance.

[00SLPSS]

I'd say get a gti or something for you first car. Relatively quick, FWD will help you learn everything a lot better just for starting.

I had a 200sx as my first car and it was a good car, I thought it was fast shit. Then I moved on to a turbo rx-7 with like 300 hp and thought I was king of the road. After that bought a 2001 mustang and fell in love with torque :love: , after a while modded up to 500 hp and really started to learn to drive. Now with my SS I can't wait to slap a blower on it and have some real fun :drivin:

[Bleek57]

I've had my z for about a year now and i can honestly say i've had no finder binders, wrecks, or anything and im still 17. get the z if your dad lets you with the insurance.

[ss~zoso~ss]

if you are going to get a 4cyl or 6cyl turbo car get a foreign, they are built much stronger, DSM sucks because they always blow main bearings and crank walk,

i jumped right into V8 world and i'm doing fine, almost got into 2 accidents but neither of them was my fault, i avoided them perfectly with cat like reflexes,

now since i dont know you at all i must say this based on myself, if you are a conservative person that will not light up the tires every time your friends tell you to, you are basically good to go. If you think you would always be burning out and horsing around you will get fucked (accident) because what everyone said is right, these cars are one of the*fastest ever made for around 30 grand$


once you drive it a bit you'd know its limits and what it can do


shit, after this rant i just remembered that your father said no to a camaro,..... shit

[tsmock]

TC's are slow.. even the TRD supercharged ones have under 190hp to the wheels.
GTI's are nice but expensive to mod
Protege's I don't have much experience with but hear the motors don't take much abuse

I personally have a Cobalt SS S/C and have owned have had my last car was a turbocharged cavalier Z24. I also have a 1969 Camaro SS 396 and the two types of cars are completely different. If you want a really fast straight line car the Camaro is probably what you want but if you want a quick fun car that can handle you may want to look into the Cobalt, if you don't have that much $ to spend you could look into a Cavalier with an ecotec engine and throw a Hahn turbo kit on it. Not as nice of a car but much quicker than a lot of imports around... The eco is also a very strong engine.

[Qwk94Z28]

TC's are slow.. even the TRD supercharged ones have under 190hp to the wheels.
GTI's are nice but expensive to mod
Protege's I don't have much experience with but hear the motors don't take much abuse

I personally have a Cobalt SS S/C and have owned have had my last car was a turbocharged cavalier Z24. I also have a 1969 Camaro SS 396 and the two types of cars are completely different. If you want a really fast straight line car the Camaro is probably what you want but if you want a quick fun car that can handle you may want to look into the Cobalt, if you don't have that much $ to spend you could look into a Cavalier with an ecotec engine and throw a Hahn turbo kit on it. Not as nice of a car but much quicker than a lot of imports around... The eco is also a very strong engine.


The celica i was talking about is the older one thats turbo and awd. I have a turbocharged cavalier but the older v6. I agree the newer cavalier's with the eco and basic bolt ons can be a low 15 sec car, eco has been shown to take 15pis on the stock bottom end

[tsmock]

The celica i was talking about is the older one thats turbo and awd. I have a turbocharged cavalier but the older v6. I agree the newer cavalier's with the eco and basic bolt ons can be a low 15 sec car, eco has been shown to take 15pis on the stock bottom end

The eco has run a 12.8 with stock motor, Hahn turbo, and drag radials. Not bad for a 4 banger.

[ShapeGSX]

The eco has run a 12.8 with stock motor, Hahn turbo, and drag radials. Not bad for a 4 banger.

I consider that pretty bad for a 4 banger. :wall: That's a lot of money for a 12.8. Better to start with a factory turbocharged car.

[Qwk94Z28]

yeah build your own kit instead of buying stupid kits and save a ton. and a 12.8 isn't gaurenteed with saying me buing the kit, i've seen a n/a neon with a aftermarket turbo kit run 15's cause the kid couldn't drive and because their lack of knowledge

[Warbird]

I would probably suggest getting a RWD import for a first car. A used 240SX is a good choice. That way you can learn how to handle a RWD car [especially in the rain] before stepping up to a high horsepower Z28. For one, the insurance on the 240SX will be a lot less, and the aftermarket is pretty good for the 240.

Or you can get a V6 F-body like previously stated. You'll still have decent horsepower [140 with the 3.4, 200 with 3.8] and still have decent gas mileage. You need to learn how to control a RWD vehicle before stepping up to 300+ hp. I learned how to drive RWD on my dads 96 Crown Vic. I drove it daily for a year, sun, rain, and snow.

[tsmock]

If you know that you will be getting something rwd in the future I would also suggest the V6 F-body

[adham]

before i got my trans am, i drove my bros 1999 v6 mustang with a 5spd manual for one year
im not gonna lie but i had a lot of fun with that car.
i developed very good driving skills in many different ways
i kinda let all that rage of being a teen driver out on that car
if i had my trans am at that time....shit....:thumbdn:
so with all that said, with a v6 for a first car, u will grow more mature and the mistakes u make will not be tragic
i know i am only 17 now (18 in may), but the experience is somewhat there.
having friends in the car does not affect me in any way, in fact, i am always joked on at school because i drive it tooo slow (they dont understand)
my dad payed for the car and pays the insurance but if i fuck up in any way, i will be responsible for the insurance and i dont want any part in that:nono:

[Vette4LIFE]

:drivin: Dude, I am 29 and let me tell you, these guys are telling the truth. It's dangerous to have a 300hp rwd car so young. First off, how much dough can you spend? Second, these guys aren't mentioning, the slower v-8 mustangs (older ones fox-bodies, have 225 hp stock, 96,97,98 are slower with like 215 or so, and 99-04 have 265 stock, my wife has a 02 gt with flows and k&n, gears next). Mustangs are not the beasts from the factory the ls1/lt1 is (except for the 05 or newer, finally ford made a fast car). I know I know, but mustangs are good cars too. (flame suit on)lol.

I have owned 2 foxbodies an 89 gt and 93 lx, both of them 5.0s'and verts, and two older maro's an 86 and 87 (both the irocs:yup: , loved those cars, with the t-tops out ), an 84 t-bird 5.0, a 84 lincoln mk VII 5.0, a turbo-volvo 940, a 92 3000gt vr4 w/ 400hp and now, the king of my collection an 02 black vette.:love:

My point is that you can still get a rwd v-8, I would look at either v-6 f-body like everyone says, or your best choice is a foxbody mustang, still dangerous, still fast, but not quite so much and also CHEAPLY bought, and cheaply modded into the beast you so desire, as your pocket and experience warrant it. That being said this is a ls1 forum and I now drive a vette so get a v-6 trans am, they look the best to me(mean styling and hard to tell the differencrence between v6 and v8.

Most of all dont speed over hills, around curves or when its wet, and never in town or neighborhoods, and you should be ok.:)

[midnight-Z28]

Yeah I'm gonna have to agree with the previous member... of course when you get your first car you want the biggest baddest car that there is.. but get something rear wheel drive just handleable, the Extreme sounds like a good first vehicle, being able to handle rear wheel drive is something that takes a little practice. but thats just my $.02, Great to have ya here and good luck!

[Roastem]

I wouldn't give my kid my car for a first vehicle, no way in hell. The thing will break 295/35/18's loose in third gear (dry pavement)! That is making around 70 or 80mph! Don't think they need to learn traction control at 80mph. They might be foolish enough to keep the throttle pinned when the ass end is loose.

NEWS FLASH! Just recently FOUR high school teenagers lost their lives, burned to death, when a LS1 Z28 being driven by a high school kid flew off a highway overpass and plummeted 100 ft to the ground, and burst into flames. They were leaving a pep rally or something, and the kid was showing off for his friends. BURNED TO DEATH.

I figured the LS1 motor would have extinguished the fire and saved the kids, since it is a miracle of GOD.

[toneloc60]

Hmmm.... Good / fast first cars.

Impreza WRX, non STi (you couldn't afford it anyway)
Neon SRT-4
GTI
Nissan 300 Z
*94-96 Impala SS *nice style, plenty of room, safe car, good power, very moddable

Trust me, the Impala SS is probably the best car you could get for your first car. I used to have a Caprice. Seroiusly, it's great having that much room in the back seat!:naughty: Plus, the LT1 has damn good power. It's going to have enough nuts to shove you back into those nice leather seats. Good quality sound system. Plus, best of all, RWD!!! You wont look like all the other fucktards doing FWD burnouts.

Honestly, the Impala SS would be the car that I would love my kid (whenever I have one) to own for their first. It's big enough to protect you, and fun enough to keep you happy.

[Roastem]

You want to start with a stick, so I would think a good car for you would be a fox body 5.0, stock. It's sporty, easy to drive, easy/cheap to mod, and they are cheap. You can have just liability on a car that is paid for, so insurance would not be a problem. After you get broken in, you can either mod it a little, or go straight for an LSX powered vehicle. I just hope your time in the 5.0 doesn't turn you against GM vehicles.

Sorry guys, but I don't know if I would have wanted an Impala SS at that age, that's kinda like driving my Dad's car around. "Hey Dad, can I borrow the keys for your car, I got a hot date tonight." Some cars are labeled as "chic" cars, and some are labeled as "midlife crisis" vehicles. The Impala SS is one of them.

I know I am going to hear some sh*t about this post.

[A Scott Ashton]

Z for real but handle that shit and the ss isnt like way stronger they only have a couple of differences from the ss that you can buy and put on your Z . read up in gm high tech mag. that is the best mag for all these f bodies and other LS powerd beasts

[Vette4LIFE]

I am leaning to the fox body, for inexpensiveness and its like a brown paper wrapper, you just never know what's in the damn thing, and you will get respect in it, or man, if you want a truck get something better than the extreme, a 1500 extended cab looks good waayyy back into the 90's and rwd plus 350chevymotor yeah!!!!!! Or get a Trans Am or Z-28 and follow my very simple road survival rules, never speed over hills, around curves, when its wet, on neighborhood roads, and always follow your get instinct and don't listen to dumbasses, cuz if they were worth a fuck they'd have their own bad-ass car to try and kill themself in.:yup:

If you follow those rules, plus always watch when going thru an intersection in case of a dumbass trying to beat or just run a red light. I started driving (on the highway alone) when I was 14, I had no license or car insurance, and I followed every traffic rule to the tee, bc my father told me if I was caught he would say I did it without his knowledge and I would be in BIG trouble (no license until 18!!). So I was super cautious and very alert for cops or any weird things happening ahead of me, like swerving and piece of shit cars (always watch the cars with the body damage, they didn't get that way by theirself) and have still not had any accidents to this day (lucky too).

Sorry for the ramble, but I feel rather strongly about this, get what you want, but be take care of it and treat it like you won't ever have another one, and be careful bc you never do get another life.

[Roastem]

I am leaning to the fox body, for inexpensiveness and its like a brown paper wrapper, you just never know what's in the damn thing, and you will get respect in it.

That's two for the the Fox body! :approved:

[Brouhaha]

The 98-02 Z28s are cheap, relatively speaking, and one of the better bangs for the buck available IMHO. A 1994-96 Impala SS is a lot slower and probably just as expensive in comparable condition. Plus there's no manual trans available. This is a serious performance car so I'd be careful if it's your first fast car.

I don't agree that the VW GTI wouldn't be a fun car. "Fun to drive" does not always equal 12.5 second quarter miles.

[Vette4LIFE]

Hey I have a 2002 Honda Accord EX V-Tec 150hp 4dr drk green with all the options for 14,500, nada is 16,600 average retail. 52k miles

It's very nice and dependable and comfortable, and not even slow.

Ok that's what I thought. Car is for sale tho, in perfect condition. If you change your mind......:sulk:

[Warbird]

Also, have you ever thought of an older 1983-1987 G-Body Monte Carlo/Cutlass/Regal/Grand Prix? They are cheap, cheap to insure, V6 or V8, RWD, parts are plentiful in junkyards, and the aftermarket is huge if you want to dump money in to one. You could find a nice condition Monte Carlo for under $5k with a 350 swap.

[Wants an LS1]

Get what you want, fuck the nay sayers. I had a freind who was in HS, and im from a rich town somewhat, btu this kid was loaded, who bought a 2002 camaro SS. Then he put 650rwhp to the ground one day and had the dyno sheets to prove it, but never showed us what was under his hood. He had the car for for a few years in HS and never crashed it or even scratched it, and it was 100% his. As someone who personally comes from a famiyl like yours that has had nice cars (muscle cars)as there first, theres a good chance your father instilled the same fear into you that mine instilled into me the first time i got into my 88 monte carlo SS. "You knwo how to treat this car, dont be fucking stupid" and i never scratched that thing once. IMO if you think you can handle it, go for it, and unless you do crash your car after you get it, your totally going to enjoy it.

[PureSpeed]

I got the same story from my father when i bought my '02 Z-28 M6. "I had four of these and man were they makin some power...with power comes responsibility, if you drive this car pissed, its gonna turn around and bite you in the ass, and by this i mean your going to put it into a tree" Ive had my baby for about 2-3 months now, and ive had some experience driving... i went from a 3.2L V6 automatic, to a 3.0L V6 M6, and now ive got the 5.7L V8. But what everyone says is right, these cars have BALLS. I cant even count how many times I've gotten sideways, but luckily i somewhat know what im doing, ive got some drifting experience under my belt from a friend who owns a 240sx

[jimbo98z]

I used to have an Accord, then I got my Z. I know it's not as fast as the last three cars you mentioned, but it is front wheel drive, just like the Protege, VW, and Scion. Now that I've driven a RWD car, I really don't like the way almost every front wheel drive car handles.

If I did have to get a front wheel drive car though, I think you'd be on the right track with the VW.

[silverz28camaro]

if you want a car with balls get the z28, mine cost 9 K used, still runs great, and smokes 20 K dollar neon and any stock mustang gt or cobra. just be reponsible and treat the car with repect and you'll be fine, know your limitations

[ttocs]

Agreed! WAY to much power for a kid's first car. You're probably very responsible but once all the buddies climb in that's normally when all hell breaks loose and someone gets hurt or killed.....Man I'm starting to sound like my dad already!

I disagree, my z28 is my first car...When friends get in my car and tell me give er some go and i do...Thats the last they ever ask me. :Ohno: :lol:

Ive been racing, riding and driving things since before i left the woom. I know my limitations fairly well and how to handle my car.

[SmokinSS]

ok, so I've owned 5 vechiles so far from the age of 16 t0 now 21. My first car was a 1986 camaro 6cyl, 5-speed. Love the car infact I still have it, even though some lady ran a red light and smashed it. Anyways, When I was looking for my first car my dad wouldn't let me get a V8 camaro. At that time I couldn't understand why. Well now I do. I never wrecked the V6, but I sue came close many times. I now have a 1998 Charged,Camaro SS Vert,and I"m glad I didn't have anything as fast as my SS for my first car, I'd be dead probably. I did get into VW's some I had a 1993 corrado SLC and a diesel rabbit. I also had a 1980 camaro with a 350 but it was a dog nothing special. and I've had an 89 ranger, and now currently have a 98 silverado along with my SS. So what I'm saying is you gotta start somewhere and be smart about it. I love F-bods and horsepower, but if I wrapped mine around a tree I'd never get over it. I've learned now that my dad knew what he was talking about when he wouldn't let me get a fast car for my first one. Plus insurance will treat you better, but ultimately get what you want.

[ErikElvis]

I snuck a eclipse turbo by my dad when I was 17. Didnt want me to get the mustang I was looking at. He thought a lil 4 banger couldnt be that bad. It is a 96 and it was a quick high 14 sec car. to bad i went for the FWD. It has been a mess reliability wise and is HARD to launch. Best I could do with a good bit of upgrades was a 14.1 @105's. I could pull on my friends high 12 mustang on the highway though. just no chance from a stop. DSM's are very finicky but fun. Just get something u will like and have fun with. doesnt have to be fast now just with potential. Theres nothing like the turbo kick though. :yup:

[tx77015ls1]

When i was 19 I had a 1997 Z28 A4 and was on my parents policy. I paid $210 a month

I now have a 2000 Z28, the policy is in both my dads and mine name and it only $78 a month now full coverage

[tx77015ls1]

When i was 19 I had a 1997 Z28 A4 and was on my parents policy. I paid $210 a month

I now have a 2000 Z28, the policy is in both my dads and my name and it only $78 a month now full coverage

[bene]

I'm sorry, dude. I think LS1 on any car is too fast for your own good <PERIOD> Start something slow and honed your driving skills and work your way up. I've seen one too many high school kids with fast cars, wreck their ride and not to see the next day. If your dad can't be the grown up hell somebody has to.

[Bob'sWS6]

Cops love Z28's and Trans Ams. I swear i've been pulled over more times in the WS6 then I ever was in the Lancer Evolution. Your insurance agency will love it too.

Personally I think you should get something that has better control, like a Subaru WRX, but then I had a heavy foot when I was younger.

[rayvendawn]

I didn't get my license til I was 19 and my first car was a 83 Z28 and it was too much for me, I ended up banging into someone else with it. I drove it for a year and then bumped up to the 2000 Z28 that I have now, there is no way I could have controlled the Z as a first car.

[myk02k]

Keep in mind that having the cool car in high school only means a few things: 1) Everyone wants a ride, and they'll all scratch or stain the car, inside and out. 2) Everyone wants to see you be stupid in it. and 3) When the 16 year old girl whos daddy just bought her a new Benz throws her door into your hard earned car, everyone will hate you for being so mean and making her insurance cover it. Just my .02

I wish I continued to drive my mom's Astro van to school than to bring my Camaro to that hell hole. Within the first week that people knew I just bought my car, it was egged. Three days later I go to my car in the school lot to find pennies scrambled all over my car and the ground near it as if someone threw a shitload of pennies in the air over my car. Next week, I come to see one of my tires have been completely emptied. Then the lovely mysterious hit and run on my quarter panel, and on the other side it looks like someone took something very sharp and scratched the shit out of that panel. Aaaaaand to top it off, some jackass would sit on my trunk the period before I'd get out of school (constantly seeing assprints on the wing and shoeprints on the bumper. Another kid that I used to hang around with would consistantly tell me I drive like a pussy, although I've done burn-outs, drifts, 180's, 95 in a 25, 145 in a 50, and he wouldn't stfu cuz all they do is pressure you to do more, because after all it isn't their car. Then I look back and realize 1 out of every 3 kids got into an accident their senior year, and nearly every one of those people who did I recall them saying that they think they're car is fast. I know it'll suck and you're going to be really anxious for that 1st car, but it may be good advice to just wait until after high school is over and people won't treat your property like its garbage, because all you will do is make people jealous.

[Capster78]

I disagree, my z28 is my first car...When friends get in my car and tell me give er some go and i do...Thats the last they ever ask me. :Ohno: :lol:

Ive been racing, riding and driving things since before i left the woom. I know my limitations fairly well and how to handle my car.

Posting that his car is totalled in.. 3......2........1......

People that will feel sorry for you on the board...... 0

Realizing your a dumbass... Priceless

[rayvendawn]

I actually thought about this quite a bit today, and it kind of makes me sick to my stomach thinking about someone so young driving around. My brother is 15 and he doesn't even like girls yet, and it is disturbing that someone as young as him could be out there driving. In the right car like a honda with 50 hp it wouldn't be as dangerous but still... think about it the LS1 went into the CORVETTE!

[myk02k]

well my first car is my car right now...i got it when i was 17 because i tried to get it when i was 16, didnt have enough money, so worked a dead year for it! because of this i think i had more respect for my car, though i did learn a few lessons. the first time i tried to pull off a drift i did a 360 AFTER a 90 degree left hand turn, on a major road. you live and you learn, at least i had the sensibility to know how dangerous these cars can be. another reason why is that my brother got a Firebird his senior year, and the day before his graduation he lost control at 50 MPH, did a 180, and hit a tree. shit happens like that.

if your lucky like me and ttocs to have our first car as a Z28 at 17, be careful and there wont be a problem (hopefully).

[myk02k]

plus i love ttoc's hood and hope to be on his good side to take it from him if he wrecks the car :lol:

[tx77015ls1]

My first car was a 1994 2dr Cavalier Automatic

it would toip out at 107 MPH

[myk02k]

My first car was a 1994 2dr Cavalier Automatic

it would toip out at 107 MPH

it's sad you know that. if i had a cavalier i wouldn't be mentioning that.

it reminds me of one of my friends that got a corolla, and when he first came up to me he had a smerk on his face and said, "you know, if we raced from NJ to FL i would win because you'd need to stop for gas 5X more than i would have to." and my nice ass said nothing but i was thinking, "no, jackass, i would be going 150 and you'd be going 100, so after every hour i'd have 30 minuites to get gas, eat lunch, smoke a bunch of cigarettes, drink coffee, and meet the locals, before you get up to the 150 mile marker.

[ttocs]

Posting that his car is totalled in.. 3......2........1......

People that will feel sorry for you on the board...... 0

Realizing your a dumbass... Priceless

Somehow i missed this post before...Why the smartass comment? Honestly, without a flame, tell me why.