What should I spend my $$ on?

[Earnhardt132000]

Summer job is going well, getting $200 paychecks every week is excellent in my eyes :D . Anyways, I've been collection money in my savings account and have almost $2000. I am keeping $500 just in case something happens to the car (it'll probably need a new clutch soon), but other than that I'm going to try to spend every penny on my car. Some ideas that I have as of now...

Wheels (16" Eagle 077s polished) - $500 (may be a little over, but I'm trying to include mounting and everything else)
Tint - $200 (?)
Silver Metallic Pillar Birds - $15
Silver Metallic Nosebird Inlay - $7
Silver Metallic "PONTIAC" Rear Fillin - $10
Honeycomb taillights - $150-$200 on ebay (if I look hard enough)
'93-'97 Firebird Big Block Hood - $580 (after everything is said and done)

Total - $1512

I'm also probably going to repaint the car this winter, but will be doing all the prep work and paint it myself (with the help of my dad and his friends) in my barn. How much do you think paint would cost? It'll probably be a dark maroon color, similar to my purple now (so I don't have to paint door jams or engine bay). Any other suggestions? This all probably won't get done, but I guess you could call it my could-be-reality-wishlist ;) .

[RicE-ter]

u can send the money to me if u cant decide ;)

your current list looks fine, totally up to u

[fenderman]

I personally with that year model of Firebird would look into a 98 or newer front clip. I like the headlight door design on those better.... it seems to flow more with the front end. Since you mention changing out the hood you could go with a 98-02 style. However, this is your car and you probably like the front the way it is so that's cool too.... just an idea.

[Earnhardt132000]

I like the front ends of 98+ Firebirds as well, but the conversion would probably be too involved for me. I'm only 17 with limited experience, so I'm not sure I could do something of that caliber.

[Crashtest]

Doing all those hot mods to your car, Priceless. Go for it.

[97camRS]

First thing I would do is be sure you are set on all your preventative maintenance stuff first. You don't want to go and dump $2k into your car then have something go out that you can't afford to fix.
Even with $2k, I know around here I could find a decent mileage used LT1 with tranny and have friends help me install it for that much.

I am not sure if the trans am spoiler is a possibility or if you would need the entire hatch or what. But if you could get the TA spoiler, that would look sweet! Also, if you look hard enough you can find some good 17" rims with tires for a little more than a grand. I'm picking up some 17 x 10.5 and 17 x 9 Torq Thrust II's with tires for a grand.

Either way, do what makes YOU happy with the car!

[asdf1234]

I'd pick rims other than the Eagle's. You have to do it right to make them look good on Camaros, and I don't think they look good on Firebirds to being with. So first, I'd say try and find a nicer set of wheels.

[Earnhardt132000]

They don't have a wide selection of nice 16" wheels, so my choice is very limited. I just bought brand new tires last year, and only used them this summer, not knowing I'd be getting new wheels in the future. But if you have any ideas, let me know...

And I may try to find a T/A spoiler, they do look pretty sweet. An engine swap isn't in my immediate future for a few reasons. First of all, I'm only 17. Not only would my parents not trust me, but I wouldn't trust myself with an 8. Also, I'd need to get a few more things besides the motor/trans., like shocks and stuff (I think). Plus, the price of gas the way it is, I think I'd just be shooting myself in the foot. Plus, I'm trying to turn this into a decent show car, while it still has some performance.

[ August 19, 2005, 05:29 PM: Message edited by: Earnhardt132000 ]

[fenderman]

That's a wise decision. Also consider gas prices. Is the extra power worth the more expensive gas bill?

You are thinking on the right track though. An engine/trans means nothing without the handling to back it up. My V6 does enough slipping and such... I'd imagine that more power would just amplify the problem. With any inexperienced driver that could lead to a problem. But like I said at least you are having level headed thoughts. Most people think that it's all about engine power. Massive HP does you no good if your car sits and spins the whole time.

Anyways, good luck with the mods.... as far as appearance goes consult your budget and go with things that look right to you. Look around at pictures of the cars here to get a feel for what different things look like. Worse come to worse someone can usually photoshop something up for you. But post pics when you're done!

[Big Tymer]

dont w'aste your money on rims if ur only going to get 16" rims.....

[Chet Mo and the Camaro]

i got some cheap 16 alloys would fit your tires perfectly, they are in great shape 200 plus shipping, lmk if interested

[Tyler]

200 for tint? wow.. i got mine done for 60 and a lifetime warranty

[Azer]

Check my car out, I just finished my work for the summer and in total it cost me about $3500 Canadian. I did alot of the same mods you are looking at doing.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2076080/1