Newb to 5th gens

SilverHokie · 12-30-2019, 01:58 PM

Hi,

As you can see from my profile, I have an IROC and have been on other Camaro boards for a long time. I'll try to not be an idiot newb as I ask a few questions. I am considering getting a lower mileage one as a daily. I work out of my home when not in front of clients, so I don't out a lof of miles on my car and when its snowing, I don't go anywhere. I am NOT looking for car to track or race or modify. I got the itch for a Camaro driver when on travel and rented a vert. Even though I rented a lot of Mustang verts, the Camaro vert felt right, and my kids (now in late high school) complain my WRX is too small because they kept growing past my 5'8".

I live in South Jersey, just outside of Philly where a) the roads suck more than a 30-something divorcee looking to find a replacement husband, b) there aren't a lot of open roads to really enjoy the "full power band" of these cars, and c) I drive cars like I own them and don't melt tires going from light to light in town.

So a few questions that are all opinion-based (I have read a LOT of the threads here answering questions like difference to 6th gens, problems with convertibles, driving these cars in winter, etc...).

1. In areas like I am without a lot of open roads, is the difference in power between the V6 and V8 that much more noticeable as a daily driver? I assume it will be when merging onto highways but when driving on the local roads is the 300+ hp sufficient? Both the V6 and V8 are more than my WRX and WAY more than my IROC's LG4 engine. Yes, I know the v8 will always give me more of a "WHOOOAAAAAA" factor... until the next traffic light.

2. Both my WRX and IROC are manual so I know and like stick but often I'll take my wife's Subaru "Momstermobile" because riding the clutch when I know there is traffic can suck. From your point of view, other than my preference in what I want to drive, are the automatics fun to drive as a daily driver (even if you are not as connected to the car)? For the record, wife is a manual driver too and is highly suggesting we find one in a stick. I'm just asking for your personal opinions as drivers of these cars because they are obviously different than my current cars.

3. When looking at lower mileage convertibles, are there specific problems I should look for across body and mechanical? I know in the third gen world there is a laundry list of mechanical and body things to check out. I am preferring a 2013 because it has the MyLink and the better convertible top and still has the "muscle car" look, but might go for a 2014 or 2015.

Thanks and if you have any other advice please let me know, including a thread or 20 I might have missed that answers my questions. Again, I'm asking for your personal opinions. I totally understand that its my personal choice on what best suits me, my driving habits, and budget.

Sir Nuke · 12-31-2019, 09:36 AM

CONGRATS on the ride, and Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to Camaro5/6. There is a BIG fridge on the back porch with anything you can think of in it...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have. Make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom's, wives', husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends here don't care....and take it easy.

oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here.

Welcome!!

StreetRage320 · 12-31-2019, 10:03 AM

1) HP is one thing, but the V8, specifically the LSA if you can do a ZL1 is a far superior engine platform. One of GM's top 3 IMO.
2) only you can decide on Manual vs. Auto, Auto is faster, manual is funner..
3) I am not a fan of convertibles.

That IROC is sweet!

xstuntman · 01-01-2020, 05:46 PM

Yes, there's no substitute for torque on highway drives, around town a 6 is fine.
L99 auto means AFM - a lot of upper end work unless someones already done it.
LLT motors suffer from weaker timing chains than the '12 and up LFX motors.
The '12 LFX model year had crappy torque converters and we're getting replaced under warranty (mine did).

Honestly, unless you just gotta have torque for your DD I'd find a 2013 V6 model year which is considered the best one too get.

USCAMARO14 · 01-02-2020, 11:20 AM

WELCOME

SilverHokie · 01-04-2020, 05:31 PM

Thanks for your thoughts. Still looking around. Not a lot of manuals for sale near me. Sigh.

Also thinking of a 2016. Like the 2013 looks but the 6th Gen interior and mechanics.

12-30-2019, 01:58 PM	#1
SilverHokie Drives: 86 Camaro IROC LG4, 16 Subaru WRX Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Westmont, NJ Posts: 34	Newb to 5th gens Hi, As you can see from my profile, I have an IROC and have been on other Camaro boards for a long time. I'll try to not be an idiot newb as I ask a few questions. I am considering getting a lower mileage one as a daily. I work out of my home when not in front of clients, so I don't out a lof of miles on my car and when its snowing, I don't go anywhere. I am NOT looking for car to track or race or modify. I got the itch for a Camaro driver when on travel and rented a vert. Even though I rented a lot of Mustang verts, the Camaro vert felt right, and my kids (now in late high school) complain my WRX is too small because they kept growing past my 5'8". I live in South Jersey, just outside of Philly where a) the roads suck more than a 30-something divorcee looking to find a replacement husband, b) there aren't a lot of open roads to really enjoy the "full power band" of these cars, and c) I drive cars like I own them and don't melt tires going from light to light in town. So a few questions that are all opinion-based (I have read a LOT of the threads here answering questions like difference to 6th gens, problems with convertibles, driving these cars in winter, etc...). 1. In areas like I am without a lot of open roads, is the difference in power between the V6 and V8 that much more noticeable as a daily driver? I assume it will be when merging onto highways but when driving on the local roads is the 300+ hp sufficient? Both the V6 and V8 are more than my WRX and WAY more than my IROC's LG4 engine. Yes, I know the v8 will always give me more of a "WHOOOAAAAAA" factor... until the next traffic light. 2. Both my WRX and IROC are manual so I know and like stick but often I'll take my wife's Subaru "Momstermobile" because riding the clutch when I know there is traffic can suck. From your point of view, other than my preference in what I want to drive, are the automatics fun to drive as a daily driver (even if you are not as connected to the car)? For the record, wife is a manual driver too and is highly suggesting we find one in a stick. I'm just asking for your personal opinions as drivers of these cars because they are obviously different than my current cars. 3. When looking at lower mileage convertibles, are there specific problems I should look for across body and mechanical? I know in the third gen world there is a laundry list of mechanical and body things to check out. I am preferring a 2013 because it has the MyLink and the better convertible top and still has the "muscle car" look, but might go for a 2014 or 2015. Thanks and if you have any other advice please let me know, including a thread or 20 I might have missed that answers my questions. Again, I'm asking for your personal opinions. I totally understand that its my personal choice on what best suits me, my driving habits, and budget. __________________ Joshfucious say: The lone tree in the distant mountain always looks taller... when the grass is mowed. (Yes, I know my IROC is not a 5th nor a 6th gen. I'm here as I am thinking about a newer convertible and I know from experience most of the Camaro forum members are helpful and understanding.... right?!?)

12-31-2019, 09:36 AM	#2
Sir Nuke Master of All Things Drives: '26 Corvette Stingray Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Southeast of Houston, Texas Posts: 22,768 View My Garage	CONGRATS on the ride, and Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to Camaro5/6. There is a BIG fridge on the back porch with anything you can think of in it...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have. Make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom's, wives', husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends here don't care....and take it easy. oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here. Welcome!! __________________

12-31-2019, 10:03 AM	#3
StreetRage320 Those who need me got me Drives: 2022 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Southwest, MN Posts: 624	1) HP is one thing, but the V8, specifically the LSA if you can do a ZL1 is a far superior engine platform. One of GM's top 3 IMO. 2) only you can decide on Manual vs. Auto, Auto is faster, manual is funner.. 3) I am not a fan of convertibles. That IROC is sweet! __________________

01-01-2020, 05:46 PM	#4
xstuntman Drives: 2012 Victory Red LFX Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: west central Texas Posts: 1,383	Yes, there's no substitute for torque on highway drives, around town a 6 is fine. L99 auto means AFM - a lot of upper end work unless someones already done it. LLT motors suffer from weaker timing chains than the '12 and up LFX motors. The '12 LFX model year had crappy torque converters and we're getting replaced under warranty (mine did). Honestly, unless you just gotta have torque for your DD I'd find a 2013 V6 model year which is considered the best one too get. __________________ '18 SS wheels, colored matched Heritage grille, actual driving lights, ZL1 strut tower brace, GM Performance billet aluminum fuel door, victory red rotors and calipers, 1/4 window American flags, splash guards, AEM dry panel air filter, Hot Wheels steering wheel and seat covers, Hot Wheels exterior emblems.

01-02-2020, 11:20 AM	#5
USCAMARO14 Drives: 2LS 2014 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Staten ISland Posts: 3,404	WELCOME __________________

01-04-2020, 05:31 PM	#6
SilverHokie Drives: 86 Camaro IROC LG4, 16 Subaru WRX Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Westmont, NJ Posts: 34	Thanks for your thoughts. Still looking around. Not a lot of manuals for sale near me. Sigh. Also thinking of a 2016. Like the 2013 looks but the 6th Gen interior and mechanics. __________________ Joshfucious say: The lone tree in the distant mountain always looks taller... when the grass is mowed. (Yes, I know my IROC is not a 5th nor a 6th gen. I'm here as I am thinking about a newer convertible and I know from experience most of the Camaro forum members are helpful and understanding.... right?!?)