BUBBA

I know. This is not the place for this, but I just thought that it was appropriate in light of my experience.

In April, 1997 took possission of my full-boat 97SS w/ chrome wheels. $30,400.00.
Immediately started to mod: 1.6RRs, UDs, MSD-6A, K&N filter, etc.
Then came my small cam, heads, headers.
With 7 grand on the clock, spun a bearing: new short block $1800.00
Installation $3000.00. This happened with 200 miles on the head installation.
With less than 9 grand on the clock, the valve train went to hell. this was with less than a 1000 miles on the new block and about 500 miles after the mechanic's final inspection (after break-in period).
Today, I pick up the car after I plunk down $2100.00 plus about $200.00 for towing charges.

Rough estimate of $12000.00 in mods and we have a grand total of almost $50,000.00.

So now I am the proud owner of a 1997 SS with less than 10,000 miles on the odom all for only 50 grand.

So when you begin to feel bad about your car and how much grief and money it has caused, remember ole Bubba.

And for those who have yet to experience the wonders of the muscle car, I have some sage advice: If you DYI, make sure you know what you are doing. If you farm it out to someone else, do your home work and know who you are dealing with when it comes to mechanics. And if on the very first instance of sloppy work, oversight, screwup, etc. Cut your losses and find someone else.

I'm embarrassed at my naivete, and I'm 62.

Just thought I'd share.

joeSS97

Well,I hope it last a while for you this time...You have some good advice here.

truedualws6

Thanks for sharing. At least you are taking it all in stride.