Power OR appearance?
#101
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Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird
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Re: Power OR appearance?
^It really doesn't sound like youve done too much learning! All my vehicles have died natural deaths (crushing once they're rusted beyond hope), or been sold.
Performance vs looks? Gotta be performance. I bought my car cuz it looked nice and I didnt have to worry about fixing rust. Can't see all the blemishes in the paint from more then 5ft away! All the mods I've done since are to make it faster. (well I guess the radio and steering wheel don't make it any faster.)
Performance vs looks? Gotta be performance. I bought my car cuz it looked nice and I didnt have to worry about fixing rust. Can't see all the blemishes in the paint from more then 5ft away! All the mods I've done since are to make it faster. (well I guess the radio and steering wheel don't make it any faster.)
#102
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Re: Power OR appearance?
Damn it. Guess i gotta change it so i dont get crap about having a somewhat quick car.
Not trying to be a dick Inferno, but i have parents to tell me these dangers. Save your ranting. Not EVERY kid treats their cas as if should be in F&F. Some of us respect the **** we built.
Not trying to be a dick Inferno, but i have parents to tell me these dangers. Save your ranting. Not EVERY kid treats their cas as if should be in F&F. Some of us respect the **** we built.
we were all 18 once...the temptation is too great to see what a fast car can do, and I've never met anybody under 25 that thought that they would EVER get in a crash. I'm not even talking about damaging a third gen, I'm talking about you seriously hurting yourself, or others.
It's like giving an arsonist a blowtorch for his birthday. Sooner or later, somebody is going to get burned.
It's like giving an arsonist a blowtorch for his birthday. Sooner or later, somebody is going to get burned.
I didnt get my car until after that accident, and although I kept it civil, the temptation was always there. If you're the kind of guy that wants a sleek, fast sports car as a teenager, (and if you're here on TGO - you probably are) then it's gonna take a herculean amount of self-restraint from someone that age to, at that point, not get in over their heads with it.
The only reason I survived it to this point is because I know how hard I worked to save up and buy the car, and how hard I worked to save up for parts and do the work to install those parts afterwards and I know accidents can happen to anyone. Plus it was slow when it was stock, and it's still only a 13 second car now. Beyond that most youngsters dont have the time or money invested into their rides that the older guys do, and that plays a huge part in how much a LOT of people respect the power and responsibility that comes with driving a performance-oriented car.
Last edited by InfernalVortex; 04-22-2012 at 04:25 AM.
#103
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Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: Power OR appearance?
I've had my first car, a camaro for nearly a year and the worst I've done is slide off the road because it had bald tires when I first got it (probably doesn't help that it was raining cats and dogs). It landed in a grassy ditch and didn't do any damage to the car as I was only doing 20 mph. I now slide through intersections occasionally but that's about all, I have a rather healthy respect for my car. The rims are beaten to ****, but I haven't touched a curb (previous owners can't drive for beans). I saved up 2k and bought it last summer when I was 16 even though everyone seems to think I was going to wrap it around a tree...
#104
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Re: Power OR appearance?
I've had my first car, a camaro for nearly a year and the worst I've done is slide off the road because it had bald tires when I first got it (probably doesn't help that it was raining cats and dogs). It landed in a grassy ditch and didn't do any damage to the car as I was only doing 20 mph. I now slide through intersections occasionally but that's about all, I have a rather healthy respect for my car. The rims are beaten to ****, but I haven't touched a curb (previous owners can't drive for beans). I saved up 2k and bought it last summer when I was 16 even though everyone seems to think I was going to wrap it around a tree...
And Im not speaking in absolutes either, I've specifically avoided that kind of language, Im just speaking from personal experiences. If you dont think it applies to you then dont worry about it.
#105
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Car: 88 Iroc-z
Engine: ls1
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Power OR appearance?
The only reason I survived it to this point is because I know how hard I worked to save up and buy the car, and how hard I worked to save up for parts and do the work to install those parts afterwards and I know accidents can happen to anyone. Plus it was slow when it was stock, and it's still only a 13 second car now. Beyond that most youngsters dont have the time or money invested into their rides that the older guys do, and that plays a huge part in how much a LOT of people respect the power and responsibility that comes with driving a performance-oriented car.
#106
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Re: Power OR appearance?
For every young kid who wrecks a car doing something stupid I can show you an "adult" in a car doing something equally as stupid. Cars and coffee every month in every city having wrecks in 2010/2011 ring a bell? The guy who put his CTS-V onto of a strip mall in downtown Houston?
Also accidents happen, especially in high powered cars, ever seen a professional drag racer crash at the track? yeah I bet he was young and doing something stupid. Maybe you guys in 43hp stock thirdgens just don't have the experience with any type of HP so you can't relate, I dunno... and WTF this thread got sidetracked a bit huh?
Also accidents happen, especially in high powered cars, ever seen a professional drag racer crash at the track? yeah I bet he was young and doing something stupid. Maybe you guys in 43hp stock thirdgens just don't have the experience with any type of HP so you can't relate, I dunno... and WTF this thread got sidetracked a bit huh?
#107
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Re: Power OR appearance?
I don't have any more tolerance for adults that do stupid things than kids. The difference is as you get older, MOST adults get a sense of self preservation, and understand the value in not tearing their stuff up.
Most, not all
Most, not all
#108
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Power OR appearance?
I'm 40 and if I could go back an do the mods again, Knowing what I know now, I would start with building the best brake system I could fit in the wheels and tires I wanted.
Next Id do a tq converter, catback, headers, cold air kit... then after awhile Id move into the heads cam an stuff.
I'd still start with a 1 owner low mile TTOP formula 350.
I've had 2 issues in vehicles, once whan I was 16 dad let me take my GF home in his new truck, I was backing out of the drive way (was a lil distracted because her head was in my lap ) well I smacked my 73 formula350(428). the formula bumper caught the pass cab corner, door and bed side of the new truck.. 2mph maybe..
The other one was just last winter with my 4 day old car. snowy,icey and the wind blew my car straight sidways into another car at less than 5mph. Had 2 put a new quarter panel on mine and their car!!
Next Id do a tq converter, catback, headers, cold air kit... then after awhile Id move into the heads cam an stuff.
I'd still start with a 1 owner low mile TTOP formula 350.
I've had 2 issues in vehicles, once whan I was 16 dad let me take my GF home in his new truck, I was backing out of the drive way (was a lil distracted because her head was in my lap ) well I smacked my 73 formula350(428). the formula bumper caught the pass cab corner, door and bed side of the new truck.. 2mph maybe..
The other one was just last winter with my 4 day old car. snowy,icey and the wind blew my car straight sidways into another car at less than 5mph. Had 2 put a new quarter panel on mine and their car!!
#109
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Car: 88 Iroc-z
Engine: ls1
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Power OR appearance?
For every young kid who wrecks a car doing something stupid I can show you an "adult" in a car doing something equally as stupid. Cars and coffee every month in every city having wrecks in 2010/2011 ring a bell? The guy who put his CTS-V onto of a strip mall in downtown Houston?
Also accidents happen, especially in high powered cars, ever seen a professional drag racer crash at the track? yeah I bet he was young and doing something stupid. Maybe you guys in 43hp stock thirdgens just don't have the experience with any type of HP so you can't relate, I dunno... and WTF this thread got sidetracked a bit huh?
Also accidents happen, especially in high powered cars, ever seen a professional drag racer crash at the track? yeah I bet he was young and doing something stupid. Maybe you guys in 43hp stock thirdgens just don't have the experience with any type of HP so you can't relate, I dunno... and WTF this thread got sidetracked a bit huh?
I'm 40 and if I could go back an do the mods again, Knowing what I know now, I would start with building the best brake system I could fit in the wheels and tires I wanted.
Next Id do a tq converter, catback, headers, cold air kit... then after awhile Id move into the heads cam an stuff.
I'd still start with a 1 owner low mile TTOP formula 350.
I've had 2 issues in vehicles, once whan I was 16 dad let me take my GF home in his new truck, I was backing out of the drive way (was a lil distracted because her head was in my lap ) well I smacked my 73 formula350(428). the formula bumper caught the pass cab corner, door and bed side of the new truck.. 2mph maybe..
The other one was just last winter with my 4 day old car. snowy,icey and the wind blew my car straight sidways into another car at less than 5mph. Had 2 put a new quarter panel on mine and their car!!
Next Id do a tq converter, catback, headers, cold air kit... then after awhile Id move into the heads cam an stuff.
I'd still start with a 1 owner low mile TTOP formula 350.
I've had 2 issues in vehicles, once whan I was 16 dad let me take my GF home in his new truck, I was backing out of the drive way (was a lil distracted because her head was in my lap ) well I smacked my 73 formula350(428). the formula bumper caught the pass cab corner, door and bed side of the new truck.. 2mph maybe..
The other one was just last winter with my 4 day old car. snowy,icey and the wind blew my car straight sidways into another car at less than 5mph. Had 2 put a new quarter panel on mine and their car!!
Last edited by 88blackiroc; 04-22-2012 at 10:43 AM.
#110
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Car: 1986 Trans am
Engine: 5.3 LM7
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Axle/Gears: Dana 44 w/ 3.55's
Re: Power OR appearance?
So you crashed while you had a parent in the car? And military at 15 years old? Dude, your story is not lining up what so ever. I'm so confused right now. I have freinds in the military...they are far from rich and having a car track record like that!
#111
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Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 350
Re: Power OR appearance?
Nope I crashed while alone. Was driving illegally. And no, my mom is military. Lieutenant colonel in the army. That's how I have all the cars I do
#113
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Car: 1986 Trans am
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Re: Power OR appearance?
Well I'm glad your mom is serving because I respect people in the military, but your mom is clearly spending her hard earned money on the wrong things...
#114
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Re: Power OR appearance?
Btw, badass car. Love the color
#115
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Car: 88 Iroc-z
Engine: ls1
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Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Power OR appearance?
Should be soon just waiting on the tune now arent you whitedevil?
It sure has been a LONG process it feels like and its not even my car!
#116
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Car: 1987 Iroc-Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: G92 3.23, G80, J65 disc
Re: Power OR appearance?
I went for Looks and half performance, the suspension is done and the LSx and T56 are in the garage.
#117
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Car: 1986 Trans am
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Re: Power OR appearance?
And I have a soft spot for a clean white car, being that was the old color of mine. Now get that LS1/T56 installed!
#118
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Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI L03
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Re: Power OR appearance?
I bought my own car too but I still drive it like a crazy person cause it's just hella fun! Ive never crashed it & I'm also 18.
Haha an ls3 & a t56 someday for now tho i just don't want her lookin so ugly lol
Haha an ls3 & a t56 someday for now tho i just don't want her lookin so ugly lol
Last edited by 92rs!; 04-22-2012 at 04:42 PM.
#119
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Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
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Re: Power OR appearance?
This thread started out nice but some how it went sour.
The off topic banter has its place, especially when its concerning important maters but if its just going to be a battle may I suggest the PM (private messaging) feature so the rest of us don't have to listen. Thanks
The off topic banter has its place, especially when its concerning important maters but if its just going to be a battle may I suggest the PM (private messaging) feature so the rest of us don't have to listen. Thanks
#120
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Car: 88 Iroc-z
Engine: ls1
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Power OR appearance?
Ill settle for a turbo 408 though this hopefully will happen sooner rather than later
This thread started out nice but some how it went sour.
The off topic banter has its place, especially when its concerning important maters but if its just going to be a battle may I suggest the PM (private messaging) feature so the rest of us don't have to listen. Thanks
The off topic banter has its place, especially when its concerning important maters but if its just going to be a battle may I suggest the PM (private messaging) feature so the rest of us don't have to listen. Thanks
#121
Re: Power OR appearance?
nah, you won't be the first
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...-ls7-swap.html
and i don't think he was the first either
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...-ls7-swap.html
and i don't think he was the first either
#122
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Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird
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Re: Power OR appearance?
There was probably a few 3rd gens with the ls7 at SEMA right after they came out. I know there's a ls9 3rd gen that was at SEMA too
#124
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Re: Power OR appearance?
No way. Im sure its been done I could build something much more stout for half the cost. But id love to see some pics of one
I know its not a ls9, but hawks thirdgen t/a with the plexiglass in the hood? Im not sure what material it is but it looks like what they put in the zr1s.
This is me also me giving this thread a little bump! Lets get some more opinions
I know its not a ls9, but hawks thirdgen t/a with the plexiglass in the hood? Im not sure what material it is but it looks like what they put in the zr1s.
This is me also me giving this thread a little bump! Lets get some more opinions
#125
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Engine: 355 Super Charged
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Re: Power OR appearance?
The real question sould not be power, but preformance that would include suspension and brakes. When you have a budget I always tell people you need to spread that across the car, your 400 hp motor wont help you in a curve or a sudden stop situation. My opinion is start with the chasis and brakes than do the motor, these are nice drivers to start with so if you don't plan to spend a lot of time at the track just make it look good.
Driving like a crazt person as quoated above is stupid, I could care less if you hurt yourself but you may destry some family doing it, rant off.
Driving like a crazt person as quoated above is stupid, I could care less if you hurt yourself but you may destry some family doing it, rant off.
#126
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Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
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Re: Power OR appearance?
i go for power first, id much much rather drive a sleeper then something that looks nice and fast but is slow as dog dodo
2 of my sleepers
looks like a plain old worn out iroc dont it , until u open the hood
the only giveaways will be the full 10pt roll cage , and the parachute mount hanging off the back of the car , but im making the chute mount removable for the street
ill post pics up of my rs sleeper here in a bit
2 of my sleepers
looks like a plain old worn out iroc dont it , until u open the hood
the only giveaways will be the full 10pt roll cage , and the parachute mount hanging off the back of the car , but im making the chute mount removable for the street
ill post pics up of my rs sleeper here in a bit
#127
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Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
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Re: Power OR appearance?
and here is my v6 car that is knocking on the 11 second 1/4 miles times door
looks like ur average v6 car with a cowl hood
except for the fact i swaped on the iroc tail lights and rims, on the inside it has the iroc 145mph cluster and steering wheel
suspension wise it has 1le swaybars and rear springs
dosent look like a threat right????
then comes the good stuff
looks like ur average v6 car with a cowl hood
except for the fact i swaped on the iroc tail lights and rims, on the inside it has the iroc 145mph cluster and steering wheel
suspension wise it has 1le swaybars and rear springs
dosent look like a threat right????
then comes the good stuff
#128
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Re: Power OR appearance?
Went with appearance first, now working on the performance part.
Last edited by Q's 91z28; 05-23-2012 at 10:37 AM.
#130
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#131
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Car: 88 GTA/86 C20 Burb/91 325i
Engine: L98/454/M20
Transmission: 700R4/NV4500/Getrag
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt/3.73 14 Bolt/3.73 IRS
Re: Power OR appearance?
I'm going to put in my $.02 for this question. I've driven a lot of fast stuff that looked like junk on the outside, and I've driven some stuff that was fast-ish and looked real nice. I've also had a few that looked REALLY nice, but didn't run worth a durn. Proof from opposite ends of the spectrum:
'78 Trans Am built to around 400 hp
Cosmetically Restored '76 New Yorker with almost stock 440
I'd say at the end of the day, I've got the best of both worlds (decent power and awesome looks) in my '88 GTA. For those of us out there in the real world that daily drive our third gens, 400+ horsepower is not a necessity, and in fact, more of a hindrance than anything else. I got tired of paying for 13mpg gas mileage a long time ago, and I'd only accept those kinds of figures out of my big block suburban. In my opinion, a mild, well mannered 350 with a good helping of torque down low (a la TPI) is a lot more fun to drive on the street than some hairy chested monster that has to get to 3 grand before it starts to turn on. Sure, they sound awesome, but they're really not that fun when you have to crawl into it ever day for a commute.
If I had to choose between one and the other, I'd have to go with looks over performance. Then again, I'm not much for wild visual modifications. I like to keep my modifications under the skin whenever possible. I'd also much rather have a car that handles and brakes with a good ride than one that goes lightening fast in a straight line. Just personal preference. After driving fast beaters and near immaculate lookers, I'd say I get a lot more pride crawling into a clean, good looking car than one that hides brutish power under a primer gray skin. I'd say that 99% of people at gas stations, grocery store parking lots, stop lights, and officers of the law met under not so austere circumstances would agree with me based on their compliments.
Then again, from a mechanic's standpoint, it only makes since to do whatever mechanical upgrades you need to do first. Otherwise you're just getting your fancy car extra greasy after it's all done up.
-cal30sniper
'78 Trans Am built to around 400 hp
Cosmetically Restored '76 New Yorker with almost stock 440
I'd say at the end of the day, I've got the best of both worlds (decent power and awesome looks) in my '88 GTA. For those of us out there in the real world that daily drive our third gens, 400+ horsepower is not a necessity, and in fact, more of a hindrance than anything else. I got tired of paying for 13mpg gas mileage a long time ago, and I'd only accept those kinds of figures out of my big block suburban. In my opinion, a mild, well mannered 350 with a good helping of torque down low (a la TPI) is a lot more fun to drive on the street than some hairy chested monster that has to get to 3 grand before it starts to turn on. Sure, they sound awesome, but they're really not that fun when you have to crawl into it ever day for a commute.
If I had to choose between one and the other, I'd have to go with looks over performance. Then again, I'm not much for wild visual modifications. I like to keep my modifications under the skin whenever possible. I'd also much rather have a car that handles and brakes with a good ride than one that goes lightening fast in a straight line. Just personal preference. After driving fast beaters and near immaculate lookers, I'd say I get a lot more pride crawling into a clean, good looking car than one that hides brutish power under a primer gray skin. I'd say that 99% of people at gas stations, grocery store parking lots, stop lights, and officers of the law met under not so austere circumstances would agree with me based on their compliments.
Then again, from a mechanic's standpoint, it only makes since to do whatever mechanical upgrades you need to do first. Otherwise you're just getting your fancy car extra greasy after it's all done up.
-cal30sniper
#132
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Car: 88 GTA/86 C20 Burb/91 325i
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Re: Power OR appearance?
Addendum and exception to the rule...
My DD in high school for a little while was a '78 Dodge Monaco retired CHP car. It was done up in a plain brown wrapper, and still sporting the dual whip antennas, shotgun mount, and cage in the interior. It had a pretty built 440 with a Mopar Performance Street Hemi cam, Weiand intake, Holley Double Pumper, Hooker SuperComp headers, a B&M Ratchet shift (column shift wouldn't clear the oversized headers), and dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhaust. My dad was (now retired) a Texas State Trooper. The car was deputized at least once, and did go over 160 mph. That's pretty fast for a vehicle of that size with the aerodynamics of a brick. The only reason it got props over looks though was the cage. How often does a high school kid get to lock his friends up in the back seat?
('66 T-Bird, '87 Trans Am, and '67 GTO in the background, all in various states of rescue)
-cal30sniper
My DD in high school for a little while was a '78 Dodge Monaco retired CHP car. It was done up in a plain brown wrapper, and still sporting the dual whip antennas, shotgun mount, and cage in the interior. It had a pretty built 440 with a Mopar Performance Street Hemi cam, Weiand intake, Holley Double Pumper, Hooker SuperComp headers, a B&M Ratchet shift (column shift wouldn't clear the oversized headers), and dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhaust. My dad was (now retired) a Texas State Trooper. The car was deputized at least once, and did go over 160 mph. That's pretty fast for a vehicle of that size with the aerodynamics of a brick. The only reason it got props over looks though was the cage. How often does a high school kid get to lock his friends up in the back seat?
('66 T-Bird, '87 Trans Am, and '67 GTO in the background, all in various states of rescue)
-cal30sniper
#133
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Re: Power OR appearance?
that's a sweet car. I would love to have something like that and paint it back and white.
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Transmission: Auto
Re: Power OR appearance?
When I first bought the Z28 it was just for appearance, to drive around in town and show. Then I decided to do few bolt ons, but I quickly realized that the 305 tpi would never beat the new Camaro/Mustang so I decided to buy a used Z06 to go faster.
Now I mix appearance and performance with the Z28. One day I will drop a crate 350 or 383 under that TPI injection system, or maybe a Procharger. My goal is around 400hp.
Now I mix appearance and performance with the Z28. One day I will drop a crate 350 or 383 under that TPI injection system, or maybe a Procharger. My goal is around 400hp.
#135
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Location: Edmonton, Alberta.
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Car: 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA.
Engine: 385 stroker sbc
Transmission: TKO600
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" 3.70 Wavetrac
Re: Power OR appearance?
Both.
Just wish I could get it running 100%.
Just wish I could get it running 100%.
#137
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Car: '18 Jeep Wrangler, '19 Honda Accord
Engine: 2.0T in both
Transmission: 8 speed auto, 10 speed auto.
#138
Supreme Member
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Re: Power OR appearance?
I like having both but if I had to choose it would be Power. There is a certain cool factor to having a beater car that can run circles around anything else on the road. And there are some advantages to having a car that isn't pristine. I drive myself nuts trying to keep everything clean and scratch free. With a car thats not so nice its no big deal if you accidenty leave a scratch or ding while working on it.
#139
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Streetsboro Oh
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Car: 1987 T/A WS6 T-Tops/92 RS
Engine: LB9/3.1
Transmission: 700R4/700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73/3.23
Re: Power OR appearance?
Maybe, but more than likely a guy in a C6 isn't going to care if some lowly Camaro that's ragged out beat him. End of the day, he goes home in a nice shiny C6, not a beater.
As for me, it goes without saying I'd prefer appearance. I prefer to drive a nice car, so appearance it is.
Fast junk is still just junk IMO.
As for me, it goes without saying I'd prefer appearance. I prefer to drive a nice car, so appearance it is.
Fast junk is still just junk IMO.
#141
Re: Power OR appearance?
I like power. Power is fun!
That said, I go with appearance first. Why? Well, I never blew up my car flaunting it's appearance... LOL. In the past, when I had fast beaters, they always got me into trouble. That look of disdain you'd get from other drivers always sort of goaded my right foot into slamming the floorboards as if to say "watch this, smart---", and next thing you know flashy blue and red lights and a ticket that drains my parts fund...
I have yet to get a ticket for my car looking good, haha!
That said, I go with appearance first. Why? Well, I never blew up my car flaunting it's appearance... LOL. In the past, when I had fast beaters, they always got me into trouble. That look of disdain you'd get from other drivers always sort of goaded my right foot into slamming the floorboards as if to say "watch this, smart---", and next thing you know flashy blue and red lights and a ticket that drains my parts fund...
I have yet to get a ticket for my car looking good, haha!
#142
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Location: Katy TEXAS (West Houston)
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Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: 5.0 TBI L03 V8
Transmission: Rebuilt 700R4 W/ Corvette shift kit
Axle/Gears: 2:73 open
Re: Power OR appearance?
I'm pretty sure you guys can guess that I went with looks. But hay, can you blame me?
#144
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Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: WC t5
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Power OR appearance?
I'd say a combination of both, I got my car with about 8 colors of different paint on it, sanded it down, primed, and painted enamel flat black for a total of $12, have cracked bumpers (changed), no wing but holes for a stock wing, put on a firebird wing.
Dropped a new(used) engine in it(305 with wc t5 tranny), headers, full 2.5" exhaust to muffler with 3" exits, no cat, removed smog, any much more that will take forever to list, BUT even with the car rattle-canned flat black it still turns heads whenever I drive by. Maybe that has something to do with the sound. Even though I'd love to have a very nice paint job on it. It's all preference.
Pictures attached at bottom of post.
Video of it exhaust below(click to listen) P.s don't mind the rust at bumper, all fixed.:
Dropped a new(used) engine in it(305 with wc t5 tranny), headers, full 2.5" exhaust to muffler with 3" exits, no cat, removed smog, any much more that will take forever to list, BUT even with the car rattle-canned flat black it still turns heads whenever I drive by. Maybe that has something to do with the sound. Even though I'd love to have a very nice paint job on it. It's all preference.
Pictures attached at bottom of post.
Video of it exhaust below(click to listen) P.s don't mind the rust at bumper, all fixed.:
#145
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Harker Heights, TX
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Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 350
Re: Power OR appearance?
Confuzed your camaro looks sexy. I had the black version of those wheels(if they're boss wheels) on my 86 firebird
#146
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Car: 88 GTA/86 C20 Burb/91 325i
Engine: L98/454/M20
Transmission: 700R4/NV4500/Getrag
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt/3.73 14 Bolt/3.73 IRS
Re: Power OR appearance?
7k a month after 28 years OTJ, likely a Master's Degree, and easily over half that time deployed is nothing compared to what she would have been making on the civilian side of the house. My peers in the Masters program here at A&M are leaving for the civilian aerospace sector with 6 figure salaries. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade shoes with any of them for all the money in the world, but I'll never get rich doing what I'm doing. From the mind of an 18 year old that's been spoon fed his entire life, 7k seems like an amazing amount of money. Wait until you start paying rent, bills, gas, insurance, food, tuition, and maintenance costs yourself. You'll find it goes by WAY faster than you think. Try to do it all without going into debt, and you're "personal money" is likely to disappear altogether, especially if you have to support a family.
Anyways, that's why most of us, unless we're really lucky or really fortunate, have to choose a delicate balance between power and appearance. My solution is to do all the work myself, buy as much used stuff as possible, and sell all my leftovers when I'm done. And that, my friends, gets us back to topic. I'm still of the opinion that a great looking, clean third gen gets a lot more positive attention than a really fast but ratty looking one. Our cars are plagued with a stigma of trailer-trash engineering and low-budget projects. There might be a reason for that. I, for one, am trying to change that rep.
Last edited by cal30_sniper; 06-19-2012 at 11:07 AM.
#148
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Location: MN
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Car: 1986 Camaro SC (Supercool)
Engine: one composed of various metals
Re: Power OR appearance?
What would you rather have? Pretty simple! We can make it fun by having you choose which and posting pictures of your car or the engine bay.
*Edit: I understand most people have a balance, however its not the case here. You could have appearence with maybe a stock v6 or even the iron duke! Or whatever your dream engine is along with a not so pleasing looking car.
I know most of us can afford both but if you couldnt i think it would interesting to see what youd choose.
Ill start by saying id rather have performance
*Edit: I understand most people have a balance, however its not the case here. You could have appearence with maybe a stock v6 or even the iron duke! Or whatever your dream engine is along with a not so pleasing looking car.
I know most of us can afford both but if you couldnt i think it would interesting to see what youd choose.
Ill start by saying id rather have performance
I went for appearance from the get-go. I figured I could dump a ton of money into a powerhouse and would enjoy it immensely, but only every so often. I questioned how many times I would make it to a track, how many stoplights I could take off from, or how many stretches of highway I'd open her up...the result was that it wouldn't be many. Being in Minnesota also brings about the length of time during a given year that I can actually drive the car. So I went with making it look better before it ran better, and I have not regretted my decision once. I love cruising down the road and turning heads - not because of the rumble from my exhaust (from a 305 mind you ), but because it's something people don't see everyday. I also love discussing everything about it inside and out to people on the street, as well as the time I have put in personally to make it a 'statement car'. Sure, I don't boast 600+ hp, but that will come later.
To think what kind of power I'd have under the hood with the money I invested in appearance/suspension instead...geez!
You've all seen my car, so I'll spare posting a pic (you can follow the link in my sig to my Cardomain).
#149
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Car: '83 Sport Coupe
Engine: 360
Transmission: TKO-500
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt 3.73 TrueTrac
Re: Power OR appearance?
I would think that most of us CAN'T afford both, or we would have far more show-quality thirdgens on here!!
I went for appearance from the get-go. I figured I could dump a ton of money into a powerhouse and would enjoy it immensely, but only every so often. I questioned how many times I would make it to a track, how many stoplights I could take off from, or how many stretches of highway I'd open her up...the result was that it wouldn't be many. Being in Minnesota also brings about the length of time during a given year that I can actually drive the car. So I went with making it look better before it ran better, and I have not regretted my decision once. I love cruising down the road and turning heads - not because of the rumble from my exhaust (from a 305 mind you ), but because it's something people don't see everyday. I also love discussing everything about it inside and out to people on the street, as well as the time I have put in personally to make it a 'statement car'. Sure, I don't boast 600+ hp, but that will come later.
To think what kind of power I'd have under the hood with the money I invested in appearance/suspension instead...geez!
You've all seen my car, so I'll spare posting a pic (you can follow the link in my sig to my Cardomain).
I went for appearance from the get-go. I figured I could dump a ton of money into a powerhouse and would enjoy it immensely, but only every so often. I questioned how many times I would make it to a track, how many stoplights I could take off from, or how many stretches of highway I'd open her up...the result was that it wouldn't be many. Being in Minnesota also brings about the length of time during a given year that I can actually drive the car. So I went with making it look better before it ran better, and I have not regretted my decision once. I love cruising down the road and turning heads - not because of the rumble from my exhaust (from a 305 mind you ), but because it's something people don't see everyday. I also love discussing everything about it inside and out to people on the street, as well as the time I have put in personally to make it a 'statement car'. Sure, I don't boast 600+ hp, but that will come later.
To think what kind of power I'd have under the hood with the money I invested in appearance/suspension instead...geez!
You've all seen my car, so I'll spare posting a pic (you can follow the link in my sig to my Cardomain).
#150
Senior Member
Re: Power OR appearance?
A little bit of both, but I think reliability and comfort are most important nowdays. I use to hate when my SBC would spring a leak, surge when braking(mild cam), overheat in traffic or when the power windows would get stuck
^^^ Did you buy KandieZ's car?
^^^ Did you buy KandieZ's car?