Brangeta
Well-known member
I'm graduating college next year and will be saving up to have the C8 conversion (the first style that debuted in 1994) done on a '97 Camaro SS 30th anniversary edition (very likely). And yes, I'm very likely going to make the Camaro community mad by having a 30th anniversary edition undergo the transformation and having it painted a Nassau Blue color with a bit of teal in it. :L Of course, if it doesn't matter how many miles are on the donor car, and if Callaway will change all of the gaskets on the engine, I suppose I could spare the 30th SS... Does it matter?
Anyway, how long/how many years do you think I have to do this? I would assume that at some point Callaway would stop making the body panels or run out of them if they only have remaining kits and have ceased production. I'm also worried they will stop doing the conversions themselves in some respect. I really doubt they have very many of the interior modifications available any longer... Especially since the '97 SS would require the Commemorative C8 interior mods since that's the year the Camaro got the updated interior. If that ends up being a major problem, I'll have to figure out a way around it, so that I may get the first C8 interior package.
You guys own and have dealt with Callaways before, so what do you think?
Does anyone know or have a list of all the modifications needed to create a C8? What company made the 3-spoke wheels used on the early C8s, like the one below, and what was the style called? Are these what people call Dymags (I'll take a wild guess and say probably not)? Are they still made, or would I need to find used ones? Were they only used on Callaways or did they have other applications? Are they available in chrome, or are they possible to have polished to a luster similar to chrome?
I've never heard it mentioned; does Callaway provide the exhaust modification, or is it just some aftermarket type? Is it required to have exhaust pipes that extend so far out the back? I'd prefer to either not have exhaust pipes at all, or have some custom made to exit out to the right and left sides (behind the rear wheels)
If Callaway still does the interior modifications, what colors of leather do they have? White with accent colors? Do I get to choose what colors I want in my "Aquafresh" leather accent striping or it is always red and yellow?
If I do get to pick, and since the donor car I will be buying will be near-museum quality, I will sell the original leather to a 30thLE Camaro enthusiast who needs it. No sense in destroying such a limited, original interior. For that matter, I would like to part out all of the parts that will be replaced to help pay for the conversion. Is this possible, or does Callaway want my parts? I heard that they at least want the engine parts, but I'm not sure that is true.
Are the headlight covers still available? I've read about their poor fit, but would still want them if I can possibly find them.
How much would the full conversion cost these days? In the $60,000 to $80,000 range excluding the cost of the donor car?
Really, any info would be helpful, their website isn't very informative in regards to things such as this. I'd like to hear what you guys have to say.
Information from HuggerC8 and any other C8 owners would be very much appreciated.