The Car Thread ... !

[D.T.]

That picture was taken the moment it was lowered back down from the floor jack. Suspension didn't have time to resettle.

Nah, I don't want the wheels to stick out farther than they do cause don't want the tires to fling rocks into the side panel( hence the front rock guards to further prevent any damage). If it wasn't for that, I would totally pick up the MRR M017's for the car. But they only come in 20x10's and 20x11's.

It’s not just that photo, even the previous photo a few pages back ...

Stock suspension == 4x4 😛

I’m _sure_ there are some aftermarket wheels that would tuck in properly, the MRR are a terrific product but there’s dozens of options with custom offset / backspace / width 🙂

 

[44267547]

Reference Post #8500:

For those considering, _Never_ purchase a used city squad, ever. Used City squads have far more issues/heavy wear, even with lesser mileage under used county squads. City squads will run consecutively for 24 hours a day, sometimes seven days a week with very little turnover with different shifts using them. County squads are typically used by one Officer and it’s their primary vehicle during their shifts, which they take home in most cases, with the same Officer using it before it retires after a certain mileage. So in theory it has much less idling and run time versus a city squad. (Although, typically in my area, in most cases, county squads are likely involved in more accidents with animals on rural roads.)

If Somebody was interested in purchasing a used squad vehicle, most of them are equipped with An idling hours Meter, which is something that should be checked and considered. The less idling hours, usually the better.

 

[0388631]

He says that but a boulder may roll onto his Camaro one day. 😛

 

[A.Goldberg]

The state police is the only major agency I know of here that bought any significant number of Caprices.

I'm watching for them to start phasing them out and would like to pick up one when they do. As a general rule, KSP cars may be driven hard but they tend to get a lot more open road driving vs. the stop and go and idling of city police and sheriff's vehicles.

The Boston Police has some Caprice police cars. I’ve always wanted to know if they bought any with the 6.0L V8. Probably not, as city police departments tend to be cheap and in Boston traffic that much power is completely unnecessarily.

I’m actually surprised they bought them at all. Most departments around here opted for AWD options due to the snow. My local police has AWD Taraus and Explorers. The MA State Police has pretty much exclusively Explorers (and some residual Expeditions, a couple ex-military Hummers, and even a ...snow cat).
[doublepost=1523897746][/doublepost]

Reference Post #8500:

For those considering, _Never_ purchase a used city squad, ever. Used City squads have far more issues/heavy wear, even with lesser mileage under used county squads. City squads will run consecutively for 24 hours a day, sometimes seven days a week with very little turnover with different shifts using them. County squads are typically used by one Officer and it’s their primary vehicle during their shifts, which they take home in most cases, with the same Officer using it before it retires after a certain mileage. So in theory it has much less idling and run time versus a city squad. (Although, typically in my area, in most cases, county squads are likely involved in more accidents with animals on rural roads.)

If Somebody was interested in purchasing a used squad vehicle, most of them are equipped with An idling hours Meter, which is something that should be checked and considered. The less idling hours, usually the better.

I’d imagine a city police car has to put up with a lot more stop and go on the drivetrain- versus something like a highway cop who just cruises around. If the city is like Boston, I imagine the suspensions of those cars get worn out real fast. The pot holes here are incredible. I suppose it’s replacable parts, but I feel like suspension work is usually the biggest point of neglect generally speaking.

 

[AustinIllini]

Alright. Someone tell me why I shouldn't buy a used Corvette

I'm fairly sure Quagmire won't help

Note: This is strictly for fun. At the end of my A4 lease I might consider it.

So far I have

Cons:

1. Pothole hell
2. no real use for it

 

[Apple fanboy]

Reference Post #8500:

For those considering, _Never_ purchase a used city squad, ever. Used City squads have far more issues/heavy wear, even with lesser mileage under used county squads. City squads will run consecutively for 24 hours a day, sometimes seven days a week with very little turnover with different shifts using them. County squads are typically used by one Officer and it’s their primary vehicle during their shifts, which they take home in most cases, with the same Officer using it before it retires after a certain mileage. So in theory it has much less idling and run time versus a city squad. (Although, typically in my area, in most cases, county squads are likely involved in more accidents with animals on rural roads.)

If Somebody was interested in purchasing a used squad vehicle, most of them are equipped with An idling hours Meter, which is something that should be checked and considered. The less idling hours, usually the better.

But don't they all smell of donuts?

 

[quagmire]

Alright. Someone tell me why I shouldn't buy a used Corvette

I'm fairly sure Quagmire won't help

Note: This is strictly for fun. At the end of my A4 lease I might consider it.

So far I have

Cons:

1. Pothole hell
2. no real use for it

C6 or C7? Z51? Grand Sport?

 

[D.T.]

Alright. Someone tell me why I shouldn't buy a used Corvette

I'm fairly sure Quagmire won't help

Note: This is strictly for fun. At the end of my A4 lease I might consider it.

So far I have

Cons:

1. Pothole hell
2. no real use for it

Well, right he's 100% pro GM +and+ hasn't owned one 😀

I've owned 4 (driven a dozen on and off track), tracked my own cars, did an NCM delivery on one, mild mods to one that was pretty setup (suspension, H/C, racing seats, etc.)

So look, I won't even address the owner stereotype, but yeah, "they" exist 😀

The Corvette is an iconic, well executed American sportscar. They're pretty high volume (in the context of the type of vehicle), so you'll see a few, and some places (like around here) a _bunch_. They handle anywhere from pretty good to excellent depending on the package, the engines are just terrific, easily modified and the aftermarket is pretty huge. As the marque has evolved, a decent amount of effort has been put into refinement, especially the interior (though it still has bean counter introduced issues ...)

So outright technical/objective concerns: very few. They run fairly low profile rubber, the non Z51/Z07 (and Z06) running the 19" option is a little better - that being said, I've owned a ton of cars with low profile rubber, I've never had an issue. For that matter I never had very many mechanical issues with any of them - lots of small little PITA type issues (switch gear, HUD, column lock, etc.)

Obviously but important: it's a 2 seater, that's one reason it wasn't a consideration this purchase cycle, I wanted back seats (even if they're small).

The cars mostly tend to be really well taken care of - having been on the Corvette Forums since '99, I'd be confident in saying a majority of owners take care of them and are a terrific way to buy (i.e., private sale, vs. dealer).

No use? I mean, it's transportation, it's pretty fun, they're decently quick, the hatch holds a bunch, they come in coupes and convertibles, it's just an overall very solid sportscar option.

You're in a pretty much a no-snow area too, because otherwise, I'd HIGHLY recommend a snow day car 😀

Oh yeah, and THANKFULLY they're still made with a manual option (and it's a super slick, rev matching 7-speed), you know, for us real men 😛

 

[44267547]

I’d imagine a city police car has to put up with a lot more stop and go on the drivetrain- versus something like a highway cop who just cruises around. If the city is like Boston, I imagine the suspensions of those cars get worn out real fast. The pot holes here are incredible. I suppose it’s replacable parts, but I feel like suspension work is usually the biggest point of neglect generally speaking.

The infrastructure in my state in certain area’s is rather poor due to road conditions from snowplows tearing streets on a repeated basis, it’s usually more within the heavily traffic city limits being at its worst, which constantly driving over potholes at higher rates of speed’s obviously causes suspension/tie rod damage, sometimes Its almost unavoidable. The Ford Explorers handle the conditions somewhat better, but it’s usually the older squads with higher mileage that really suffer, more specifically Crown Victoria’s. (Which most P.P. Vic’s are now retired because they don’t meet the D.O.T safety requirements anymore.)

But I agree with you, suspension work is usually not something that’s prioritized when it comes to squad car maintenance, because county/municipal departments are on a budget, and they will _only_ spend the funds
On what is needed in terms of basic maintenance, necessary repairs, etc. Also, it’s not uncommon for squads to go through at least two set a tires within a 12 month period and brake pads. Something else that gets replaced fairly often is starters, especially in cities, the vehicles are constantly started and turned off at least 50 times a day. (Depending how long the shift is as well)

I try to be evasive as I can to avoid pot holes, as it does not take much to cause damage. When used/older squad cars go on sale, almost all of them need tie rod replacements, have failing alternators/starters and suspension work is needed, which you can easily feel the vibration through the steering wheel when driving.

 

[AustinIllini]

C6 or C7? Z51? Grand Sport?

C7. 2LT (neither Z51 nor GS)

 

[quagmire]

C7. 2LT (neither Z51 nor GS)

Well DT already pretty much made the case for it. But I would probably also consider a 2017-2018 Camaro 2SS( maybe even 1LE if you don't mind a manual). Would be close to the performance of the basic Stingray with a bit more composure at the limit and save a few thousand dollars in purchasing price( Camaro depreciates like a rock where a 'Vette holds its value better) and insurance( it's the only purpose that rear seat serves 😛).

But I think I stated here before, if it was within my budget I would have definitely gone for a 'Vette Z51 over the Camaro. I just love the looks of the C7 and was a welcome change to the design language of the 'Vette. The C5's language was getting old.

 

[AustinIllini]

Well DT already pretty much made the case for it. But I would probably also consider a 2017-2018 Camaro 2SS( maybe even 1LE if you don't mind a manual). Would be close to the performance of the basic Stingray with a bit more composure at the limit and save a few thousand dollars in purchasing price( Camaro depreciates like a rock where a 'Vette holds its value better) and insurance( it's the only purpose that rear seat serves 😛).

But I think I stated here before, if it was within my budget I would have definitely gone for a 'Vette Z51 over the Camaro. I just love the looks of the C7 and was a welcome change to the design language of the 'Vette. The C5's language was getting old.

I have loved Corvette's forever. I'm just talking. I have a couple of years to decide.

 

[0388631]

On the other hand, the Vette has better MPG due to its aerodynamic design. It also doesn't have as many blind spots as the Camaro. The Vette would look nice next to a PTS S4.

 

[AustinIllini]

On the other hand, the Vette has better MPG due to its aerodynamic design. It also doesn't have as many blind spots as the Camaro. The Vette would look nice next to a PTS S4.

I tested a Camaro some time ago. I didn't enjoy how much I felt like I was in a cave.

 

[0388631]

I tested a Camaro some time ago. I didn't enjoy how much I felt like I was in a cave.

Seems to be the general consensus.

 

[D.T.]

C7. 2LT (neither Z51 nor GS)

Yeah, you know, at the end of day, all the particulars about which model, variants in X/Y/Z really don't matter all that much, that's why they were absent from my post (by design). Kind of wanted to give you more of a general owners experience.

I have loved Corvette's forever. I'm just talking. I have a couple of years to decide.

They look good, go pretty quick, are a fun part of automotive history - it's a low, RWD, 2-seater with the limits/considerations that suggests. If you have the interest, definitely go for it, they're easy to buy, easy to own.

 

[0388631]

Yeah, Austin (I know this isn't your name), all you need is an S4, maybe an RS3, too, a Mustang GT with a supercharger, a Corvette and a Corvette ZR1 in the future, maybe a 911 or two. I'm kind of kidding, but your field is expected to grow exponentially over the next 15 years.

On a completely unrelated note, I hate land developers.

 

[44267547]

^ Tangent On the supercharged Mustang GT:

Mentioned posts back, but Ultimately this is a strong consideration for my 14 GT, spending considerations are as follows:

Options:

-Roush Phase 1 kit is approximately $6400.

-Paxton is approximately $5,300.

-Procharger is approximately $6,400.

{Installation cost/estimated time=$1,500/21 hours for complete install/Dyno/Run Tests)

~Roush has some of the most reliable feedback with ease of install. (Which my local Performance shop highly recommended.)

Total=$8,400 (Rounding higher).

But:

I’m extremely hesitant to supercharge being I have an extended warranty on my vehicle for 100,000 miles and/or until 2020, and a full bumper-to-bumper until 2019. Ultimately, I realize the ramifications with an extensive modification like a supercharger, my warranty is now full in _void_, Which does make re-consider this transition, which I partially want to wait until the warranty is exhausted. However, I have a much lower mileage on the vehicle given this is not driven daily. (I only have 12,400 on the odometer currently.)

I Also question if I really need this much power adding 180 to 200 HP to an estimated 475 HP GT, but then who doesn’t want more power? (Rhetorical)

And:

Which would also limit my budget for the Mustang with the addition of the supercharger, being I still want to add lowering Springs, brakes and (Possibly) new wheels at some point. The current 19” wheels for the GT/CS are exclusive to this model, which I think gives it a unique factor to the car and I have become fond of. But those are really minor considerations given all the current modifications my GT already has With the cosmetics and engine.

I have Zero intention of selling this Mustang at all, given how much I like the S197 body style and my GT/CS is almost new. Its just a matter of when, not if. But warranty’s are crucial, I think logic should be prevail first, even though nothing would likely go wrong prior, I feel it’s more suitable to wait.

Pictures of GT to follow soon~

SHO:

Not adding any other modifications, as it only has a Livernois tune and K&N intake, thats all it needs in all AWD vehicle.

 

[D.T.]

Ultimately, I realize the ramifications with an extensive modification like a supercharger, my warranty is now full in _void_, Which does make re-consider this transition, which I partially want to wait until the warranty is exhausted.

"While the car is under warranty, I have some concerns about a major modification like a supercharger."

OK.

Your warranty won't be "voided", no such thing - what could/would happen is refusal to provide warranty service on modified parts or effected parts due to modifications. i.e., you blow up a motor with a Procharger bolted on, the replacement is OOP, you lose a power window motor in the same car? They will [most likely] have to fix it under warranty.

BTW, you left out some usual suspects: Whipple, VMP, Kenne Bell, Vortec (used in some outstanding custom vendor kits). You've also got a mix of PD and Centri, that's a major decision point. Manual car? Budget in a clutch.

 

[44267547]

being I still want to add lowering Springs, brakes and (Possibly) new wheels at some point. The current 19” wheels for the GT/CS are exclusive to this model, which I think gives it a unique factor to the car and I have become fond of.

After more pondering, I think I’m going to opt for An Eibach Sportline spring kit ($270.00) and I have a fellow colleague who is going to help me install them, being I don’t have the proper tools or jackstands, and, its free labor and education for me during the install process. Reviews are good with improved handling and ride quality. But More so, I think it will give it to the appeal I am looking for. Next project is in line, hopefully late spring/early summer. That also said, I think I will retain the stock 19” wheels for this year, as they are primarily black and blend nicely with a black car, but still a consideration if something draws my attention otherwise.

https://www.americanmuscle.com/eibach-sportline-springs-2011.html

Edit:

Just saw my first Ford Focus RS on the interstate earlier. That is one menacing looking little car. I was driving behind it for a little while, and the exhaust popping is rather radical. Not for me, but looks like it would be a fairly spirited car.

 

[0388631]

I find it a little strange just as we're talking about Vettes, Douglas does a video on the 2019 ZR1 or whatever MY they're going for. Sweet ride, though. Definitely a car I'd love to go WOT on PCH 1 when traffic is nonexistent.

 

[bunnspecial]

Following up on my motor oil posts, it looks like the exact oil specified for use in my MGB is now back on the market

https://www.duckhams.com/product/20w-50-engine-oil/

No idea if it will come to the US-I'd guess probably not. The £30/gallon price actually isn't terrible, but I think I'll stick to my VR-1 🙂

 

[AustinIllini]

I find it a little strange just as we're talking about Vettes, Douglas does a video on the 2019 ZR1 or whatever MY they're going for. Sweet ride, though. Definitely a car I'd love to go WOT on PCH 1 when traffic is nonexistent.

The C7 is just getting on in years, which make it very intriguing. For me, it will likely be impractical.

The ZR1 Blue Devil was my favorite car in the C6 gen

 

[bunnspecial]

For those of you who have never changed your own oil but want to try, here's a great how-to video courtesy of a gentleman in Romania

This video brought to you from the MatthewLTL(RIP) school of automotive repair.

 

[44267547]

I Wasn’t familiar with the color/configuration, Had to reference the ZR1 Blue-Devil in the C6. This Color is just _Perfect_ for this Car. Really like the combination with the chin splitter and black roof. Although I’m not sure about the high polished wheels, but I do like the design of the wheel pattern.