Z/28 Camaro Review after 12 years of ownership

[@stephensmith8316]

Still have my 98 Z28 w rs package and t-tops. I bought it back in 2000 and have garage kept it and I'm just now at 54,000 miles on it. Paint still looks like new and I still take it to shows and drive down to the jersey shore with it occasionally. I wish I had more time to drive it and mod it more than I did, but marriage, house, and kid put the kabosh to that. I'm hoping to hand it down to my son though when he's old enough. Still own the car I drove in high school and it still drives perfect. Love my Camaro.

[@Z28cesar]

Im 18 and I just bought a 98 z28 t-tops ls1 Manual

[@stephensmith8316]

@@Z28cesar nice. Enjoy it. Definitely do your mods before you get older and distracted by other things in life. I was on the cusp of installing an APS twin turbo system on mine but sold it instead to help with a down payment for a house. Treat it right and it'll treat you right.

[@shesqueeled]

@@stephensmith8316you need to mod the fuck out of that car man screw waiting around till your dead do it now!

[@ant-fi2if]

Best performance budget nothing can compete

[@Jpilgrim30]

LT1 wasn’t hard to work on. I can change a water pump and optispark in an hour. Not made to handle well? These cars handle very well and with a few suspension mods can become a very potent corner carver.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Lol. I love that you defend them! That sir is called love! I've owned a 1994 z28 which was horrible to do a tune up because of the unnecessary work needed to remove the water pump for the plug wires, distributor cap and rotor. I also owned 2 '95 3.4l v6s a '98 WS6 TA and this 2002 z/28. The ignition coil system is much easier to do on the v6s and LS as they didn't require any unnecessary work. As far as handling none of them handled well at all! As you can see from my wide array of ownership with 5 4th gen Fbodies I have tested multiple different engines and none of them handled a corner worth beans... But what do you expect with suspension layout that was carried over from the 80s and the 3rd Gen Fbody.... They could drift a corner great however! Let me clarify in no way am I trying to trash these cars as I loved every single one of mine... Just from experience in owning multiple German cars and my Viper it's like night and day! Thanks for watching!!

[@black5f]

I agree. I have a 96 LT1 in the UK. Not owned a LS so can't comment on the performance thing but the LT1 isn't that bad to run and maintain even if you do it your self. It's an old engine yes with smog stuff randomly bolted on yes. It's annoying they use water pump bolts to fix on other brackets. But once you've done it and figured out where things live things .. get easier. (Done water pump twice, once just gaskets). On z28 you can adjust all the suspension, I had a guy set mine up properly and she drives like new like a slot car. When I got her she was a dog, truck ruts she'd ride around in. Either way I think the 4th gens are great, lowish cost route to proper US muscle and so underrated in terms of style and performance. I love mine. Very quick, but quite happy pottering, rattling doors and turning eyes round English country roads! This looks like a lovely car, keep it ... mines all leather. tom

[@tommyjeanstrue]

@@black5f I never knew you could adjust the suspension! I couldn't agree more. The 4th gen IMO is one of the best looking cars ever produced by GM! It must be a blast driving her out of the US!

[@black5f]

@@tommyjeanstrue Cheers for the reply! Your car is very nice! All adjustable ... at 24 years old it depends if the bolts undo of course. Honestly, she's wonderful, no one here knows what she is! Spares are a little issue, sometimes you have to wait two weeks. Hoses, rubber bits all been done. 30 ani leather seats but not a 30 edition. But LSD door codes etc. She has just clocked round to 50k, wanted one for ten years and picked her up at 38k, had her 3 years now, but they were built for driving right? And what a drive, what a machine. I feel lucky to have found her. Fitted a CME last year... which is awesome. Tom

[@black5f]

@@tommyjeanstrue Oh, I'm 56, not rich by any definition, but getting older, the kids leave etc ... time to get toys you wanted when you were 7!

[@sixfootfourmike]

Had mine for 17 years. Fun and reliable. I miss it.

[@4YTfun07]

for the horsepower of the camaro and corvette, they used BHP for corvette rating and WHP for the camaro because they didnt want anyone catching on to it having the same engine for cheaper

[@jerryhouck2708]

We bought our Zee in 1998 and it has been an incredible daily driver. If you wanted a cruiser then go and buy one. This is a performance car. My wife (it's her car) bought this car for performance driving. She is now 82 yeas old in 2022, the back seats are UNCOMFORTABLE!!, the passenger seat is UNCOMFORTABLE! This is a DRIVERS CAR!!! WE LOVE THIS CAR!!! Ours is black with grey leather interior, and every option that you could order on a 1998 Z28 Camaro! And YES!! it has a 6-speed! We have a shit load of grandkids who have NEVER ridden in the back seat! Oh! Bye the way, her other car is a Z3 BMW. She is the "Grandma that everyone wished that they had!" THANK GOD!! FOR Z28s!!!!

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Sounds like a gearhead grandma! Glad you've kept it for so long. One of the best looking generations in my honest opinion.

[@FixStuffDaily]

Just wanted to say that this was a really well thought out and executed review on the 4th gens!!! I just picked up a 5th gen LS with 33k miles and a 6 speed and I'm looking to keep some miles off it yet still have a Camaro to have some fun with on the daily. This video was exactly what I needed and now I'm for sure going for a 6 speed with the V8! Thanks so much brother keep doing your thing, this was definitely tight.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Thank you for the kind words

[@philippe_durel]

About the so called "CONS" of these 1998-2002 Z28 Camaros. There are not a lot actually ... if you maintain them properly and regularly, they're all pretty much bulletproof, specially the 6-speed manual transmission ones. About the "DRIVABILITY" (Sorry ! this word doesn't belong to the dictionary :D ) ... there are a couple of things that can be easily upgraded : 1st _ Original tire size _ If you're looking for good 245/50 R16 tires, you're not going to find them anymore, or just a couple of brands with pretty crappy and expensive tires. You need to go 17inch (or more) with the wheels, and you'll find plenty of high quality tires in size 245∕45 R17 (which is the equivalent of the original overall size with 16" wheels), like the Bridgestone Turanza T005 245∕45 R17 95W summer/rain tires. 2nd _ The rear end really needs a limited slip differential to get a "modern style" type of traction. If you're ready to invest a bit, then you'll find complete rear ends like the "Zumbrota RAA435-1932D-P Limited Slip Differential Drivetrain" with original "3.42:1"ratio that you can find at "summitracing.com". The only disadvantage I can see about ANY limited slip diff., is that, apart from oil change, it requires regular maintenance consisting in replacing the differential clutch plates when they start to wear out (and maybe the springs too). The open differentials (like the original ones on the Z28 Camaro) only need oil change. 3rd _ The suspensions can easily be upgraded to "modern standards", and you'll find tons of solutions of the highest standards of quality in the after market. Once again, it's an investment choice. 4th _ A Strut Bar will greatly improve your front end. Use any easy "one piece" Strut Bar for that upgrade, it's way better and way more solid/rigid than any strut bar consisting of multiple pieces, and installing a "one piece" Strut Bar is a 10mn easy job (4 bolts factory torqued 43Nm (32ft-lb)). 5th _ The brakes can be upgraded, although, I find the original ones powerful enough to handle most emergency situations quite well. In case you really feel like upgrading them, you'll have to pay a lot of attention to the rim size that you're going to use, and the offset problematic (original is ET55). I won't go deep into that subject, but quite some performance brakes require pretty big clearances to be installed. Of course, after making major upgrades around the front and rear ends (wheels, suspensions, etc), and in order to maximize the handling, you'll have to let a professional make an "alignment" of your car. When you've done with all this, you have a powerful fun car, with "modern drivability". Here's my 1999 Z28 before the upgrades (except the brakes which are replacements of original ones) : www.irista.com/gallery/5xtmyahqjkaa

[@owenross2792]

I’m 5’8” and I personally think that the back seats of the 4th gens are actually pretty comfortable.

[@yamahaguy1732]

Yep I don’t mind the back seats on any Camaro honestly you just gotta know how to ride back there imo.

[@Venetiababy1]

I drove a "94" for 17 years. LT1 is a great engine. I put some money in it but I loved it. I sold it last year. It had 341,000 miles on it. Leaked oil but never burned any. Great body style! Aerodynamic. Cut through the wind.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

341,000 miles is so damb impressive!

[@Venetiababy1]

It was still running great when I sold it.

[@Venetiababy1]

@Ballen1182 Yeah..I look at them all the time. I'd have one already but I only have a 2-car garage. Not very many people know more about them than me. The first tranny went 300,000 miles!

[@shesqueeled]

17 years of driving the car and you sold it that’s just sad

[@Venetiababy1]

@@shesqueeled yeah..I'm going to get another one.

[@clemnewton9995]

1999 z28 automatic all stock 93000 brought it a couple years ago still get look s in it

[@anonymouslegion4928]

I have a fully built 98 Z, body has 54,000 og miles but the drivetrain doesnt😉 Never saw winter or salt

[@taleoftwobirds7155]

Nice review! Love the Sandias in the background.

[@martind5791]

Got a 1996 z28 w/6 speed manual & owned +20 years, showroom condition & a beast - will never sell & have had lots of offers. absolute connection with the road with so much feed back, love it!. also have a 2016 C7 auto - diving it is like playing a video game... no where close as fast, but old camaro so much more fun.

[@pandabearmychihuahua3198]

Not only am your 100th comment I am your 600th subscriber lol also I love the car

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Thanks for joining the party!

[@pandabearmychihuahua3198]

@@tommyjeanstrue np bro keep up the grind

[@speedrazer2000]

Have owned my 00 Z-28 for 17 years. Just turned 60K miles.. Only problem ever was the alternator. That’s it !!! ✌️

[@tommyjeanstrue]

So amazingly reliable!

[@MM_45]

Damn every when do u drive it, 17 years is too much for only 60k miles

[@robertc4311]

Speed Razer Right on bro! I have owned my ‘01 SS since ‘03, and I have only 55k miles as of today. It usually just sits in the garage collecting dust, but I been saying I want to road trip it for years....so this past weekend, I finally got up the nerve, and drove her from VA to WV. These cars are starting come back and be appreciated, as you don’t see them that much anymore. Every where I park it, someone comments on the original paint and asks if it’s been repainted. Love 4th gen Fbody’s.

[@speedrazer2000]

Robert C - Research your car and see - The 01 SS is collectible already.. if it 6-speed/w t-top even more.. Your sitting on a gold mine dude ! 💵💵

[@MM_45]

Speed Razer damn right. He has it in mint condition.

[@joshmccloud6789]

Mine is a 98 Z28 convertible with the RS ground effects package and SS hood. SOOOO much fun and a looker to be sure.

[@night7185]

i have a '99 z28 T top with the exact same stuff as you

[@lzeta28pep90]

Sick video bro. I got my 02 z28 t65 convertible with 99k on it January of 18 for 6k and I LOVE IT. rn I'm doing the H/C/I swap on it with all supporting mods should be tuned nxt month. Keeping it a street car so didn't go too crazy with it. Nvr getting rid of it. Second f body I've owned. First car was an 01 3.8 automatic convertible firebird. Still miss it

[@adrianquinterojr6379]

He sold it

[@connerdesomething6218]

Love the vid, however for spark plug wires you can just go in from underneath, honestly I got new shorti headers on my lt1 trans am and it makes spark plugs MUCH easier

[@TheShadeManGuitar]

Shorty headers make spark plugs near impossible on the third gens lol

[@jameslewis197]

I got a 95' Lt1 5.7 , 6-speed got head gasket replace etc (middle up) looking for a refurbish transmission , it shuts off of late, going too take her too get scan.. but it's a project...even without 2nd..( rev match) powerrr..

[@humbug3894]

I know I’m probably going to sound dumb but does anyone know what is making that rattling sound from the exhaust at 0:44?

[@fellowtraveler2495]

Heat shield 100%

[@evcass69]

Bean counters ruined the OEM suspension unless you opted for the 1le RPO code. Get some good 200TW tires (BFG Rival S 1.5 or Yokohama A052) and a suspension upgrade from Stranoparts and it'll be night and day different for the better. For anything other than repeated high speed stops, stock brakes are fine. The only cup holder I use is near the ash tray... the others don't hold cups well in my experience. My most recent mtc issues are a failed abs module, a code that says both of my airbags suddenly died (I question that diagnosis), and tilt pin mania.

[@connorpayne2671]

10:13 I spun mine out probably 2 or 3 times. Thankfully it didn't cause any wrecks. The last one just damaged the side of the front bumper because it hit some for sale signs that were going to be removed a day or two later. I got a new front bumper and now I'm waiting to install it

[@tommyjeanstrue]

They are a handful for sure. I think it makes you respect their power after going beyond the limits. Sometimes it's the best way to learn unfortunately.

[@davidc212k]

remove water pump? to just replace spark plug wires lol. ive had my 1995 camaro z28/LT1 for almost 25 yrs and never had to do that.

[@just_2swift]

Just got a RS Camaro 96 red t top. For 1500 173k miles

[@HypocriticYT]

flip down the back seat and put a nice 12 inch speaker and box there, all the back seat is good for.

[@inagdollgirl]

u can fit a 12inch sub and box perfectly in the trunk you lose the t top slows if you have them tho i just throw them in the back

[@jonathanrodriguez4811]

I have one of the 97 SS Models unfortunately it’s not the one with the Lt4 but lt1

[@TxpNoveske]

I have a 1998 z28 with the sport kit which has a sport suspension from the factory and owned for over 15 years. Duck billed spoiler and front splitter and it puts down a bit of down force when going fast. I put a set of long tube headers and cat back with a tune and it definitely has more torque down low to high now. Its ok in corners but not a vette, but I will put a watts link in the rear to calm it back end down a bit. I heard it makes a difference in the handling. I put bigger wheels on it with 275/40 zr 17s and it handles fairly well. This car will beat 85% of the cars out there and it was paid off 10 years ago. 147k on the motor now and still runs fine. Looks cool too. I get looks all the time and now its a classic. When the time comes it will get a built motor and even more power.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Gotta love the simple powerful ls1. Dead reliable stock with plenty of hp to still be valid 22 years later and can achieve monstrous power for cheap!

[@willyhwang1059]

LS1 is great change for the Camaro. But I prefer the pre-facelift look.

[@gittyupalice96]

I also have a 2002 35th anniversary, sadly its one of the last 1000 made b4 the plant shut down.. So every time I work on it, I realize I will never work on a newer 4th gen camaro than what I have lol... kind of fucked up problem to have I guess. But anyway, I measured my car its 71" wide from rim to rim, the rubber makes it about 73" wide, that being said, they're WIDE cars.. However tall.. I know BMR and several other companies have full suspension and sub frame/rear end kits to really bring this things in... And the trick is to not run staggered tires, if you want to corner that is.. drag racing, well duh. I haven't had the balls to try it yet but I keep hearing 315's on all corners makes it a corvette killer in the turns.. not to mention its only a 3300lb car stock, so if you lose the extra crap there isn't much weight being thrown around really and I do believe the engine sits lower in these cars than the modern Camaro's. and the near perfect 51:49 weight distribution.. I'm just hinting it might be fun ; )

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Lol. No more new unfortunately. Mine actually has a BMR subframe, BMR rear control arms, torque arm and panhard rod. It does have the staggered wheels though. 17s with 246 up front and 18s out back with 295s. The weight is distributed great though because of how far back the engine sits in the engine bay. Crazy to think it's not much heavier then the Corvette!

[@robertc4311]

I have a bunch of BMR stuff on mine, including sub-frame connectors, trans tunnel brace, shock tower brace, relocated LCA, panhard bar, etc, and Eibach Pro kit, and run a staggered wheel set up. I have 18 x 9.5 with 275s in front, and 18 x 10.5 and 295,s in the rear. The car loves to corner. I think a square set up with the same size wheel is the best way for all out handling, but she is still a slot car in the curves with the stagggered combo. JMO.

[@24MartinONDS]

Is your dashboard wrapped in Alcantara?

[@1BYEBYE1]

You dont need to remove the water pump to change the wires.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

The distributor on an lt1 is located behind the water pump. How would you change them otherwise?

[@505enthusiast4]

Hopefully you dont sell this car now so I can buy it this fall lol I saw it on craigslist

[@JoeGreer-m4w]

I have a z28 99 vert . I love the car goes like stink and love the convertible

[@dcartellone2659]

Great car and review of ownership. Do you still have it? Your absolutely right about the powertrain being bulletproof unless someone is an idiot.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Thanks for the kind words. No I bought a Dodge viper and it felt like I had 2 of the same car. I made the decision to let the Camaro go and let someone else enjoy her as much as I did.

[@ericcaisse791]

10 years had the 99z28 will never get rid off building a 6.2 for her

[@bhcamaro2002]

Nice that'll make it move!

[@zachparker778]

Can you please tell me what stereo set up you're running, and why it looks like a double din when mine came stock with the old suburban 1.5 din stereo.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Hello, I actually installed a samsung Galaxy tab tablet as my radio which I go over in detail in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJqvm3qrg5aInpo As far as the size of the opening it is an after market double din panel I purchased off of eBay.

[@zachparker778]

@@tommyjeanstrue Did you have to cut the opening bigger to fit the double din aftermarket mount?.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

@@zachparker778 nope. Was a direct replacement.

[@uhmeizuhngralphf0549]

Does the window leak when it rains do water get in your car when it rains?

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Not at all. I did have a 1995 z28 with t-tops that leaked but never from the hard top.

[@antoniovelez8817]

Is this a good first car? I really want one

[@tommyjeanstrue]

It's an amazing first car. Mine was a 1995 Camaro with the 3.4l v6 and I loved it enough to own a total of 5 other fbodies with different engines. I think the exterior styling has held up great through the years. The interior is a different story... Bare bones and carried over from the 90s.

[@AndrewGlenn]

Stock clutch?

[@tommyjeanstrue]

The clutch was swapped out at about 50k. Was done by the previous owner, I don't remember the brand.

[@AndrewGlenn]

I've been watching this car on Craig's list for a LOOOONG time.... You have a few ads for it, with different prices. Are you entertaining offers at al?

[@TWIZZY_RlCH]

are repairs expensive? and how much would u say u need to spend yearly fixin it up? im thinking about it as a first car

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Honestly you would be surprised how low maintenance these cars are. Over 13 years I changed the oil every 3000 miles and spark plugs every 50000 miles. In that time I had to replace the water pump and alternator. If you are good to it. It will be dead reliable to you. I did have to repair the rear end twice however as the 10 inch can't handle the torque the car has. Was mostly my fault for doing burn outs all the time though. I have a friend with 700whp on the stock rear, so its all how you drive. Good luck!

[@TWIZZY_RlCH]

@@tommyjeanstrue thanks bro

[@brrad140]

How did you install that tablet?

[@tommyjeanstrue]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJqvm3qrg5aInpo I made a pretty easy to follow installation video. Copy this link to watch.

[@505enthusiast4]

Very good job on this video sir

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Thank you! I figured after 12 years it was time.

[@505enthusiast4]

Jesse's Tight Whips and how long you have owned the car says a lot about how good it is

[@Enduro_NY]

Ehhh idk man I got stock suspension on my 93 z28 and that mf handles corners pretty well actually thinking about setting it up for some corners or drifting it really no point of having it set up for corners when I got a Honda I'm already building for that but she can definitely take corners turn it feels nice not bad at all

[@rueben44]

Actually these cars even in previous form were some of the best handling cars of their era. Many people mistakenly say what you did. What you were referring too is having too much power to use in a curve. Which lends itself to throttle control not actual handling. Still the aftermarket has so many upgrades to modernize these cars in various ways. Still nice video though

[@shesqueeled]

I agree my 3rd gen camaro I had with a tiny 305 and didn’t even have subframe connectors was an ANIMAL in the corners, I’d take 50mph turns at 80+ that felt like nothing, now I have a 4th gen ls1 6 speed and it handles so damn refined yet raw

[@Jedi391]

They’re really not muscle cars. They followed the pony car segment pioneered by the Ford Mustang. Also with a little work they can handle quite well, you just have to know what you’re doing and what changes to make. Look to Detroit Speed as a reference.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Pony cars are 100% muscle cars. Each of the big 3 American car manufacturers created the niche based off the success of other muscle cars doing so well in the 60s, the peak of the muscle car timeline. The mustang was first, then the Camaro and last the challenger. Each with big torque high horsepower engines in the front and rear wheel drive... The same drivetrains shared with every single other "muscle car". Not sure how anyone could argue otherwise, especially with modern muscle only being these 3 outside of the charger from Dodge still in existence. Hell I'd argue my viper with a V10 still follows the same formula and would fall into the American muscle car category, although thats a bit more of a stretch.

[@Ambidextriouz]

To change wires on Lt1, you do not need to remove the water pump kids.

[@cazturr]

i live in new mexico

[@fredredbeans2985]

My SS with Koni yellows is a great canyon carver and track car.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

I put Bilstein shocks and BMR suspension and mine was still no Bueno. :(

[@evcass69]

@@tommyjeanstrue Yeah, BMR sells suspension but I wouldn't consider them premier resellers of quality products. Seriously, if you want better handling in a F-body, lookup Sam Stano.

[@Leo-cg3ly]

would this be a good first car

[@tommyjeanstrue]

My first car was a 1995 v6 Camaro and I fell in love with it. Made me wish for a v8 and got me started down my car obsession.

[@IssaBendeck1]

I have an 1996 lt1 have had It for 24years bought It in 2001 with 43,k miles now has 56k i have 3 other cars and save It like NEW the Camaro

[@AndrewGlenn]

Is this car still available or did you finally end up selling it?

[@tommyjeanstrue]

She sold Saturday

[@jrapocalypse]

my 2001 ls1 is just fine around curves,in fact i can power slide like a champ (not drift,makes no sense) you may require more camaro exp.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Lol. As the title says I have owned it for more than 13 years. I've owned 5 different f bodies in my day. A 1994 z28, 2 1995 v6s, a 1998 ws6 TA and this 2002 z28. I would say I have more experience in a Camaro then most. Obviously I love the fbody or I wouldn't have owned so many. Because I love it I am not afraid to point out both it's strengths and weaknesses and not expect more from the car then what it can offer. Maybe you've never driven a good handling car? A BMW 3 series or Audi a4 handles like a precise knife where as a 4th gen is more like a blunt axe. It can still cut but it won't be as clean. Again, not knocking the car I just know there are better vehicles for turning. A 4th gen is a monster for what it was made for. Going straight.

[@addieca6816]

Felix the cat is unavailable right now

[@tonyhammer3588]

Small lock Chevy engines started in 1955 with the 265 c.I.d. Not the 60’s.

[@aguiristante]

Last cars made in Montreal

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Mine was a Canada model.

[@colt2419]

I picked up a 2000 z28 for $3k last month and I absolutely enjoy it. Stupid cheap too.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Man for that price it makes it easy to do mods if you decide to! It's crazy how much muscle you can get for 3k now!

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

hi Miles?

[@sx20Ramar]

Stopped watching after the first 2 things you mention are the tiny back seat & the cup holder......

[@dennisrandolph6466]

I track my O2 Camaro and you obviously grew up in New Mexico public schools. I see a lot of flaws in your video. Hit those books bro.

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Can't wait to see your video "bro" teach me something! ;)

[@HypocriticYT]

F1 Eagles will grip, I run Continental Contact DW and it corners very well.

[@jacobcarrillo933]

Albuquerque Roads Suck!!

[@c4sare4kiddos]

Synonymous with what bru😭

[@em2project391]

Nice review jk

[@tommyjeanstrue]

Appreciate it! Viper is next!