Page 2 of 3

Re: Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

Posted: Thu 07 Mar 2019, 11:55
by Reer
Very nice that you have a supercharged Lumina. I feel like those are extra rare :D

Yeah I really wanted the orange one but I'd need to save for about a year if I want to afford it with less debt. But will continue to keep my eye out until the planets align.

Re: Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

Posted: Thu 07 Mar 2019, 12:41
by ZA Perana
Reer wrote:
Thu 07 Mar 2019, 11:55
Very nice that you have a supercharged Lumina. I feel like those are extra rare :D

Yeah I really wanted the orange one but I'd need to save for about a year if I want to afford it with less debt. But will continue to keep my eye out until the planets align.
I think over the next year the market is going to hold fairly well on good cars or well modified ones. Mine is quite far from standard......

Re: Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

Posted: Thu 07 Mar 2019, 14:43
by Reer
ZA Perana wrote:
Thu 07 Mar 2019, 12:41
Mine is quite far from standard......
I can imagine :D

Yeah I don't mind getting a modded one. In fact I'd prefer it all done already so I don't have to spend on all that myself because I'd probably go the same route. That doesn't mean I can afford the more expensive ones. I think 170k is the most I want to spend. While I know I could get the older models (pre 2007), I am not a fan of their look. I prefer the aesthetics of the post 2006 models.

So I'm kind of wanting a lot but am, at the same time, a cheapskate :P

Re: Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

Posted: Thu 07 Mar 2019, 15:48
by ZA Perana
Reer wrote:
Thu 07 Mar 2019, 14:43
ZA Perana wrote:
Thu 07 Mar 2019, 12:41
Mine is quite far from standard......
I can imagine :D

Yeah I don't mind getting a modded one. In fact I'd prefer it all done already so I don't have to spend on all that myself because I'd probably go the same route. That doesn't mean I can afford the more expensive ones. I think 170k is the most I want to spend. While I know I could get the older models (pre 2007), I am not a fan of their look. I prefer the aesthetics of the post 2006 models.

So I'm kind of wanting a lot but am, at the same time, a cheapskate :P
You don't really need much more than exhaust for a daily driver. Mine isn't a daily driver but by the same token, lumpy cam apart you could probably use it as one which is amazing considering I have 50% more power that the stock car. Manual would be hard work in the city, especially with an upgraded clutch which is needed. Mine is an auto but again not a standard auto box.

What you need I my view

76mm exhaust with a tune
Upgraded brakes

Re: Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

Posted: Thu 07 Mar 2019, 16:40
by Reer
Yeah those mods make sense, but I probably won't stop once I start. I like to do the occasional drag race at Killarney too (currently just in my little hatch). To have 1 car that does everything and is fun to daily and race is what I want. So I can enjoy it everywhere.

But I know that might not be viable. In general people say to have a project car and daily driver but I don't have place for 2 cars really, so I'm hoping it's possible to just have the Lumina for everything and if there are ever issues, use Uber for a while.

So ja, I've been researching for months and probably will do so for more. So many conflicting thoughts.

Re: Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

Posted: Thu 07 Mar 2019, 20:25
by ZA Perana
Reer wrote:
Thu 07 Mar 2019, 16:40
Yeah those mods make sense, but I probably won't stop once I start. I like to do the occasional drag race at Killarney too (currently just in my little hatch). To have 1 car that does everything and is fun to daily and race is what I want. So I can enjoy it everywhere.

But I know that might not be viable. In general people say to have a project car and daily driver but I don't have place for 2 cars really, so I'm hoping it's possible to just have the Lumina for everything and if there are ever issues, use Uber for a while.

So ja, I've been researching for months and probably will do so for more. So many conflicting thoughts.
Well mine has a 2.9 litre Whipple Supercharger, Lunati cam, built motor with forged internals, rebuilt stronger auto box, transmission cooler, intercooler for the charger, upgraded suspension and brakes, full 76mm exhaust with no cats. So yes you can take them quite far but balance for balance maybe add a cam to the above to the exhaust and brakes and you would have a good package.

For drag racing you will need an upgraded clutch, even on a stock standard car.

Re: Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

Posted: Fri 08 Mar 2019, 10:27
by Reer
Indeed :D

Thanks again

Re: Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

Posted: Tue 23 Jul 2019, 14:35
by Boerseun
Hello I just took the plunge on a 5.7 V8 SS Sedan. The price was right, the miles not to bad and has a full service history from day one and it is well looked after. I am currently away from home but will pick her up the end of the month and post pictures. I just said to myself I always wanted one, this one is right and go for it. We will see how it turn out and will keep you all posted.

Re: Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

Posted: Tue 23 Jul 2019, 14:37
by Boerseun
ZA Perana wrote:
Tue 05 Mar 2019, 15:00
Reer wrote:
Mon 04 Mar 2019, 19:06
Hi all,

I've been thinking about getting a Lumina SS sedan, a model from around the years of 2007 - 2008. I like the look of those and it ticks all the boxes of manual gears, 4 doors, V8, power, and price (vs other cars I looked at for what you get).

I was wondering, though, what it is like owning a car that old and also that's not made here anymore. Are the parts still available from places like Masterparts, etc? Any issues anyone can see cropping up?

I'm someone coming from a modern hatchback but have always wanted to work on cars and own a V8 (so very noob). I never worked my car or done any mods (as much as I wanted to) because of the warranty so I feel it would be freeing to live a dream of mine with an SS.

Any thoughts? Maybe it's just a bad idea because of issues I might experience, especially as I'd want it as a daily.

Please let me know, Lumina owners and anyone else with an opinion or advice :)
The idea is to leave the hatchback behind and go all in.
I have got a 2007 Lumina SS, very modified but I have been doing research on Lumina's since they were launched in 2001.

Manual: the clutch will need to be upgraded, there was a recall that was done in other markets but GMSA didn't do it, basically if you drive the car very hard the clutch pedal can get stuck to the floor, you need a new clutch slave cylinder to mitigate in part this problem. If you aren't driving it like you stole it all the time I don't think this will be a problem.

2007-2008, auto's and very rarely some manuals had DOD lifters, basically displacement on demand, there have been instances where these have failed, the cure is new lifters and while you are about it a performance cam is nice to have.

Suspension, shock mounting bushes can fail, again relatively inexpensive to fix, places like Pyro performance can supply replacement upgraded parts.

In terms of spares, body parts, quite difficult to find but mechanically places like US Powersport, American Motorsport, Akkerman Motors, they can all source anything you are likely to need. I wouldn't run away, GM was always stupidly priced with spares so arguably they never had proper spares back up anyway.

Diff, this oil needs to be changed but it needs to be changed with the correct oil with a friction modifier else the diff eats itself. It is vital to have a good workshop with the right expertise, in Cape Town the only place I would use is Akkerman Motors.

Modifications, sky is the limit but we aren't as fortunate as JHB is when it comes to performance shops so bear that in mind.
Thank you for the info, just took the plunge on one and will need advice - direction for spares and a manual I am in Gauteng region.

Re: Hi! Thinking about a Lumina SS

Posted: Wed 24 Jul 2019, 08:01
by ZA Perana
Boerseun wrote:
Tue 23 Jul 2019, 14:37
ZA Perana wrote:
Tue 05 Mar 2019, 15:00
Reer wrote:
Mon 04 Mar 2019, 19:06
Hi all,

I've been thinking about getting a Lumina SS sedan, a model from around the years of 2007 - 2008. I like the look of those and it ticks all the boxes of manual gears, 4 doors, V8, power, and price (vs other cars I looked at for what you get).

I was wondering, though, what it is like owning a car that old and also that's not made here anymore. Are the parts still available from places like Masterparts, etc? Any issues anyone can see cropping up?

I'm someone coming from a modern hatchback but have always wanted to work on cars and own a V8 (so very noob). I never worked my car or done any mods (as much as I wanted to) because of the warranty so I feel it would be freeing to live a dream of mine with an SS.

Any thoughts? Maybe it's just a bad idea because of issues I might experience, especially as I'd want it as a daily.

Please let me know, Lumina owners and anyone else with an opinion or advice :)
The idea is to leave the hatchback behind and go all in.
I have got a 2007 Lumina SS, very modified but I have been doing research on Lumina's since they were launched in 2001.

Manual: the clutch will need to be upgraded, there was a recall that was done in other markets but GMSA didn't do it, basically if you drive the car very hard the clutch pedal can get stuck to the floor, you need a new clutch slave cylinder to mitigate in part this problem. If you aren't driving it like you stole it all the time I don't think this will be a problem.

2007-2008, auto's and very rarely some manuals had DOD lifters, basically displacement on demand, there have been instances where these have failed, the cure is new lifters and while you are about it a performance cam is nice to have.

Suspension, shock mounting bushes can fail, again relatively inexpensive to fix, places like Pyro performance can supply replacement upgraded parts.

In terms of spares, body parts, quite difficult to find but mechanically places like US Powersport, American Motorsport, Akkerman Motors, they can all source anything you are likely to need. I wouldn't run away, GM was always stupidly priced with spares so arguably they never had proper spares back up anyway.

Diff, this oil needs to be changed but it needs to be changed with the correct oil with a friction modifier else the diff eats itself. It is vital to have a good workshop with the right expertise, in Cape Town the only place I would use is Akkerman Motors.

Modifications, sky is the limit but we aren't as fortunate as JHB is when it comes to performance shops so bear that in mind.
Thank you for the info, just took the plunge on one and will need advice - direction for spares and a manual I am in Gauteng region.
In Gauteng I would suggest either US Powersport of American Motorsport.