Another new member

[Swap_A_Holic]

I just signed up. As my sig says, I am shopping for an S197 convertible. I've done a little research and am focusing on the 2008-09 models. I want to get one with the factory navigation unit, or if not, be able to add one in later w/o too much hassle.

My story so far...
I've been a car guy for several decades. I have a big garage full of projects, most in need of some repair or further modification:
Oldest to newest:
2 x Chevy Corvairs, 1 coupe & 1 convertible
1975 Datsun 280Z w/ motor/trans/wheels from 1995 TA below
1988 Supra with Chevy Gen 3 5.3L V8 & TKO 600 trans
1988 Mazda RX7 convertible with Chevy Gen 3 5.3L V8 & T56 trans
1991 Dodge Daytona CS turbo
1994 BMW 5 series wagon with Chevy Gen 3 5.3L V8 single T70/ T56
1995 Pontiac Trans Am 383 LT4 spec motor/rear mount T70 / T56

I did all the work on these myself other than farming out some welding on the BMW. The Datsun & Mazda used kits from vendors.

I'm to the point where I was ready to buy a new (1-2 years old) car for a reliable driver. I liked the restyle on the S197, so it was between this and a Challenger. I tried to buy a Challenger and the dealers are mostly greedy and not worth wasting your time- most want over sticker, etc. and Dodge doesn't have it together at all for building them. Several members on another forum I belong to have been waiting for months and their ordered car is still not in production.

I've decided to go with a GT premium convertible with 5 speed. So now I'm here to learn more about the S197 so I can fine tune what to buy.

 

[scramblr]

Welcome!!!! This is definitely the right place to come and learn about the S197. No better tech info anywhere!

 

[Black_GT]

Welcome and good luck with your search!

 

[doogie]

your definitely starting your search at the right time as it is a buyers market out there... If I had only waited another year, I could have saved a bunch on my vert purchase from last year!

 

[rojizostang]

nice garage...if i sell my 07gt and buy a gt500....can i park it at your house?

 

[Swap_A_Holic]

Sure, but the commute would be pretty long, plus the next car I get fills it up until someone buys the BMW.

 

[Hawgman]

Welcome aboard

 

[Charlie Sheen]

Welcome to the forum

 

[jsawyer]

Welcome!
If it were me I would look for a slightly used vert with all the mods you are thinking about. It was stated before it is a buyers market, so go get a discount

 

[don_w]

Welcome to S197Forum!

Welcome aboard

Hey... you figured out how to spell "aboard" finally. haha

 

[freebass55]

Welcome!

 

[rojizostang]

Sure, but the commute would be pretty long, plus the next car I get fills it up until someone buys the BMW.

well i figured since you live in florida you must be retired.....when i retire in about 3 1/2 years, i'll move to florida and take you up on it

 

[kleistang]

welcome to the best s197 forum :')

 

[05stroker]

Welcome ! Now where the hell are you going to park another car ? LOL!

 

[ILW84U]

Welcome & by the looks of your line up you are after a white vert!