What should I dump $15,000 into?
Posted by thedreamcouch@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 42 comments
I’m really bugging for a second car within the next couple years. I’ve got 2 options in mind.
1977 Transam I’ve been lucky enough that my father is the original owner of a 1977 Trans Am with just over 100,000 miles on the clock. We never take it out anymore and it’s seriously due for an overhaul. Negatives are safety and it’s an automatic.
5th Gen Camaro I have no idea why I’ve never looked into these but after learning more about them, the 5th gen Camaro is a car I am now extremely interested in. I can find decent examples of used ones in my area for around $15,000.
Should I take the money to restore the Trans Am? Or buy the Camaro that I could take to the track as it?
thedreamcouch@reddit (OP)
(Stretching the budget can also get me into C5 corvette territory but I really don’t know much about them)
dropped800@reddit
Just to broaden your options, but stay in a similar class of car, 15k gets you a pretty nice LS 4th gen camaro/firebird, or an 04-06 GTO.
What are your goals with the car? Do you intend to regularly take it to a track? Plan to be competitive? Drag race? Autocross? Just want to do burnouts and go to car meets?
thedreamcouch@reddit (OP)
Trans Am base car would be mine to keep, no charge. Seriously a blessing I can’t be more thankful for. I really want it to be something fun on the street that I can take to the track (road course) from time to time
hoytmobley@reddit
Theres enough aftermarket support for F bodys of all generations that you can do pretty much anything you want with it. Plus you’ll have the memories of your dads car. Do that
Threewisemonkey@reddit
This is by far the best option. And with that budget you can drop in a crate manual trans no problem. Upgrade brake system, buy good tires, rebuild or replace the carb and all the soft lines, throw in a fresh aluminum radiator and electric fans on a switch and you’re golden with money to spare and a car appreciating in value
thedreamcouch@reddit (OP)
Do you have any idea what transmissions would fit to the 400?
Threewisemonkey@reddit
No my offhand but it’s an incredibly well supported platform - go find the forums for this year, there’s probably a r/transam
pistonsoffury@reddit
You can definitely do a manual C5 for under $15k, and you should.
n0oneleftbehind@reddit
I second this, I see Sub 100k miles 6 speed C5s every day for 12 to 14k running driving no problems
vicaphit@reddit
Your 401k.
thedreamcouch@reddit (OP)
You guys are in the wrong subreddit! 😂
vicaphit@reddit
I speak the truth. I have two project cars!
SilverbackIdiot@reddit
Between those two I’d definitely go for the TA. That 15k could get a lot done and make it a hell of a driver. Not a show car, probably has rust/paint issues, but it’d be solid. I had a 2015 Camaro SS with the 1LE track package and it was a fantastic car, but trying to buy anything will eat that 15k super fast. The V6 Camaro feels like a dog, it’s just too heavy for that engine even though it has 300hp. Plus, you know the TA, and there’s the connection with your dad. Hell you guys could build it up together and make some fantastic memories you’ll both cherish.
TA all day.
thedreamcouch@reddit (OP)
No rust! It was an Alabama car that sat under a car port so there was some rust that developed around the rear window but we’ve since had the body work done and car is repainted. I’m leaning towards the TA at this point
SilverbackIdiot@reddit
No rust on that gen would be incredible. That’s fantastic and a slam dunk in my mind. Please post some pics if you decide to go that route!
BigCitySteam638@reddit
Index funds……
Duxtrous@reddit
Porsche 944 or an old obscure car from the Buick T-Type lineup that isn’t a regal. Might have to do an gnome swap on the later tho because anything that wasn’t the lesbare 3800 was pretty shit for design.
Phase4Motion@reddit
Dude I have a 73 Camaro & have wanted to get a 5th Gen (2010-13 specifically) for years. Totally get it. I would say to get the trans am, since you mentioned that it would be free. With 15k you could do a LOT to that car, including putting a manual in. Hell, you could do an LS + manual swap out of a newer Camaro to get the best of both worlds. The 5th gen’s will always be around for the next 20 years but the second gen’s are getting harder to find
shotstraight@reddit
The LS and the manual would eat most of his budget, and a 77 car with 100k is worn out period! It needs brakes bushings, complete suspension rebuild, and we have not even come close to touching the interior and body. Quit dreaming.
Phase4Motion@reddit
Ohhhh we got the disgruntled old guy here. I’m in the process of building my 73 Camaro, and have a finished 68 fury iii, not that I have to explain myself to you. I’m not talking about buying a crate engine & new transmission, a wrecked SS off copart would do… You know… Actual hot rodding. You must be referring to having a shop do the work, wouldn’t be me.
CharlieRatSlayer@reddit
Ding ding, round 1 /s
Hanz616@reddit
High yield savings account 🙂
thedreamcouch@reddit (OP)
I’ve already got that!
itsthattedguy@reddit
Add to it. Nerd.
nesto92@reddit
…or what about a Datsun & LS swap it? 😬😬😬
Remarkable-Ad9880@reddit
That Trans Am could be a HELL of a car with 15k, js.
EggsForEveryone@reddit
I’d throw it in the Trans Am
shotstraight@reddit
Realize $15k in a 77model car will not go far.
shotstraight@reddit
$15K is not even going to come close to restoring a car. I tell most customers restorations start at $50k and go up.
Numerous_Onion3896@reddit
Roth ira
D4wnR1d3rL1f3@reddit
Grab that v8 fiero that was just posted
surewriting_@reddit
You should definitely buy the old BMW in my driveway instead, then use all the money you saved on the purchase price to put a down payment on the cost of fixing everything else
RPE10Ben@reddit
One of the most iconic classic muscle cars that you already basically own vs a boat that is normal traffic. Hmmmm. Really hard decision here
Expensive_Candle5644@reddit
Early coyote.
RepulsivePeng@reddit
I’d just put that 15k into what you have now or into savings tbh.
scuba_steve77@reddit
Are you looking for a 15k car or to spend 15k on mods for a car
challengerrt@reddit
I mean - if it’s between those two specific vehicles I’d definitely pick the ‘77. 5th Gen Camaro is for bolt on boys and you’ll be one of tens of thousands. If it’s not your primary driver then go with something fun and collectable.
fiero-fire@reddit
I don't know the 5th gen market well but if you can get a 1LE SS that will be and easier car to get to the track. The 1LE has the good road and track suspension out of the box. If the chassis and motor are half decent on the transam you can build a fun track car fairly cheap.
No_Light_8487@reddit
If you get the Trans Am for $0, then you have the full budget to for a great restoration. If you have to buy the Camaro, then the money you have to restore is drastically reduced.
I’d take the Trans Am in a heartbeat.
Obvious-Dinner-1082@reddit
Trans Am. With 15K, you have the funds to throw in a 5 speed or 6 speed trans. It’s a somewhat easy swap. You could upgrade the brakes, and even drop in an LS. If you’re at it and go a full restore, you’ll be more in investment territory or at least hold its value in the future
andiamo12@reddit
The car with a known history is always an asset.
rudbri93@reddit
depends on your goal. you can track the trans am.