Seeing as I'm retired, and on a fixed income, & can't work any overtime etc...I only have my pension, SS check, and I make about $250 a week part time teaching Drivers Education..

It makes it tough for me to do mods.. so what I have done, about 6 yrs ago I had an "EXTRA" $500 a month taken out of my pension check, and thus every year around March I get a $6000 (app) check from Obama and the boyz in Washington.

This yr I plan on a Converter and another dyno Tune total app $1500... the rest I use for Drag Tires, & entry fees to race on weekends, and emergency funds...

However I was thinking of spending the whole amount on a Supercharger, but if I blow it up OR bust a rear ($2000+) the car will sit until next March (Tax Refund Time)

I have about $2000 left over from last yr, and will be getting another $6000 soon = about $8000 any suggestions on how to spend it, but to be sure I have a "slush" fund to fix anything that breaks...

PS I also have to dip into that $$ to keep my wifes 2006 Audi Cabriolet in good shape.. tires, oil change, breaks etc... and my DD ( a 2003 Caviler.. just spent $400 on tires etc... on it..

My other thought was to just keep the 8k and next year upgrade to a newer C6 (I'd have my car + app $14 or $15k to spend but I don't think that is enough.... and my 05 only has 17,000 miles on it & I love it..

 

A supercharger is by far my favorite mod but if your limited to 8k for the SC and all other car maintenance you may want to hold off 1 more year. Then you would easily have enough for the SC plus extra for other things that may come up.

 

I'd put it into a good individual stock or into a mutual fund.

The last thing I would do is spend it on that car for mods, or spend it on another car.

You asked.

 

Just get another or better part time job to pay for your hobby.

One problem I see though is that when you start adding more power you'll start breaking more things, which in turn will cost you more money.

 

Take your $8k and buy 1000cc sport bike and take that to the track.

 

Yea I could just picture that a 67 yr old OLD man on a 1000 cc bike!!

 

Get an A&A Supercharger kit and do not look back, you are now in the fun time of your life and go for the gusto

 

England Green has a thread on here where they are doing installed price of $6500 I think for AA supercharger. I'm sure giving it some serious thought.

 

Sound advice telling him "supercharger, and don't look back".

Because if he does "look back" all that he will see, is pieces of his broken differential lying on the ground.

His car is an '05 with the weak diff and he indicates that he drag races it. A supercharger is going to make an already susceptible rear end, even more susceptible to breakage.

Considering that, you are right. He might not want to "look back" unless to find the pieces of his broken rear end.

 

"...if I blow it up OR bust a rear ($2000+) the car will sit until next March"

I'm all for having some fun along the way but if spending the money could potentially jeopardize your use of the car for an entire year...it ain't worth it! Not only could things cost more than you anticipate but you have to plan for the unexpected...figure something will break and it will be expensive to repair. There could be other unexpected expenses unrelated to the car as well.

Unlike our politicians we have to be financially responsible. I'm sorry but IMO if a potential failure with the car could mean its down for a year...you can't afford to do it now. Be content with the mods you can do and keep on having fun with your car!

 

My Z is just a part of my family's portrait.Not enough $ in my Z budget to mod even if I wanted to @ this time.My point is you have weighed the pros and cons relative to the car what mods of this degree can do good and bad. IMO enjoy your Vette the way it isand look foward to the C7 w/ a warranty.

 

You could go with a nitrous setup and blow your car for a LOT less money.

Seriously, given the finances you describe, I'd skip the supercharger. Just not enough cushion for racing expenses & unknown repair costs for your other cars.

I'm recently retired and have about $5k to spend this year. Almost spent it all on Caravaggio seats. Instead, got Lloyd's mats, DSV lid, HUD upgrade, and new tires for my 05 Ford... with leftover $$$ for some driving trips.

In your shoes, down the road I'd be looking/hoping for a way to upgrade to a C6 Z06. In the meantime, sounds like you're having plenty of fun with your 05.

 

It's a tough call, even though you are retired it sounds like you still like to play, when you play you pay. Get the supercharger and tune your car. Vette Doctor on Long Island will do this for about $6600 and you will still have an extra $1400. Enjoy retirement.
http://www.thevettedoctors.com/

 

We have the same DD, a 2003 Cavalier. That's a cheap car to maintain.



Sorry I don't have anything else to contribute to this thread.

 

Quit giving Uncle Sam an interest free loan of $6000 every year! Deliberately overpaying your tax withholding is insane. If you really want a "slush fund", take that $500 per month and put it into an interest bearing account. Find the best money market rate you can find. Earning 1.5% is better than loaning it to the government which pays no interest.

 

 

sell the wifey's car and get another 03 cavy and use the left over money to pad your "slush" account hehe i'm sure she would LOVE that idea

 

I've watched you cut down people since last year on this forum. The gentleman asked what mods would work best for his desired activity. As usual, you give your know-it-all / I can't possibly ever be wrong attitude. Give it a freakin rest!

Do a few bolt ons and have some fun with the car!

 

Drop that blower in there and call it a day. I wouldn't look to far ahead, enjoy today and spend that money. Who's gonna spend it when your gone(wifey) forget about it do it now

 

I love drag racing and here is the problem....soon as you get a taste of more power....you always want more eventually Given your budget I would almost say wait just 1 more year to give yourself some cushion and enjoy the supercharger the way it is meant to be enjoyed. At least if you break you will up and running sooner. If you honestly believe you can drive your newly blown car nicely then do it now. I like to always have some cushion in my finances though so that is just me. Good luck in what you decide!