[stfallet]

Hi all of you SSR freaks,

I really love this forum. Its great.

I'm currently in the act of trying to convince myself not to by an SSR. (Have already too many babies parked all over Europe) But it is probably a lost battle.

So, if (when) I buy one, and take it back to Europe, from which state should I get one. I.e. what are the differences especially in respect to noise and exhaust levels or anything else.

Also from what production period should I buy one? Don't want to take one with me where I then have to get lots of parts replaced. (e.g. Tink noise)

Also any recommendations on options to get or not to get are of interest.
One absolute must is the 6.0 engine with the 6 speed transmission.

Thanks for your support,

best regards,

Stefan

 

[Flassh]

Hey, Stefan

If you are set on the 6.0 6 speed, you are limited to 05 production. The 03s and 04s had a 5.3 auto only. There will also be a very limited supply of 6 speeds out there, making shopping for price a little more difficult.

The only significant difference I've seen so far between early 05s and later production is the change in door panels. Later production panels are shaped so that it's easier to reach the seat controls mounted on the side.

Someone else is going to have to fill you in on details of where to buy based on different emission and sound requirements, but as far as I know, SSRs anywhere should be the same, with the possible exception of California having tighter emissions standards. Not even sure if that's the case. In any case, I don't expect you want to buy a west coast truck - pricing tends to be higher, and it's a long way from east coast transportation back to Europe.

If a speedo in kilometers is a factor, you might consider Canada, but again the supply of 6 speeds is very limited, and GM Canada priced the SSR significantly higher than the US models.

Good luck - you'll love it. We spend some time in France, Ireland and England last year, and kept thinking of what a show stopper our yellow SSR would be in a world of mini cars. Just not sure we would have made it through the incredibly narrow "highways" through small towns, with cars illegally parked half on sidewalks, and tour busses trying to get through the barely wide enough single lane left.

The only thing is - if we get back to Europe next year (our son is likely to get married on the Isle of Wight) you have got to take me for a ride!!!!!!

Ray

 

[dohyatt]

buy in the eastern states because they will be closer to export ports (norfork va,savannah ga , jacksonville fla etc) I have shipped cars to england and norway have used an exporter who might can help you with shipping his web site is www.jgilesautomotive.netI can provide a red 6 speed

 

[stfallet]

Hi Ray, hi dohyatt,

thanks for the infos. I'm still building my decision. But I currently fell that I will do it. (Even so the weight of the SSR is unbelievable high.)

Does anyone know how well it is in taking high speeds? (Autobahn Speed?)

In respect to shipping, it does not make much of a difference if you send it from east or west coast. (Two weels) I have done both. The advantage from the east cost is that one can send it via RO/RO as from the west coast only container is possible.

But does anyone have some more technical input?

thanks,

best regards,

Stefan

 

[Flassh]

I've driven my SSR across the US and part of Canada, and this fall, from Canada through Nevada, Arizona, into southern California, and back along the west coast. Most of the freeway driving was at 80 - 85 NPH, and the truck is just purring nicely - lots of reserve. I believe the engine is governed to a maximum of 125 MPH.

Ray

 

[beer100]

Stefan

I've never heard of a difference between SSR's, in a state by state sense. All are configured for acceptance in all 50 states. The only excption I know is that the front license plate holder is optional only in those states that do not require one.

Dohyatt's advice is entirely too practical, I say buy one in California and see the USA while you drive it back to the East Coast!
Or Not Happy Trails.

Edit: Sounds of Dianna Shore are optional.

 

[ECurtis]

50 State Emissions

Beer100 is right about the emissions. The SSR's all have (50) state emissions meaning it will pass emissions tests in all (50) states in the United States. I know that my 04 SSR was purchased in Minnisota and it passed emissions in California. So emissions is not a factor. Also there have been a couple of members from England who purchased an SSR. They had to modify the tail lights to add an amber light and they modified the white (Reverse lights) to add one red lense. Please see their posts. Use the search function and type in "England". I hope this helps.

Is England considered outside of Europe?

:seeya E :seeya

 

[stfallet]

Hi ECurtis,

the countries in Europe are still very different in what they require. Switzerland is tough on emissions and noise, but they don't have the issues with the lights, etc.

The most import one in respect to emissions is that the car has a sticker stating: VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION and that this vehicle conforms to the U.S EPA and state of California regulations " and a sticker either stating: LEV, NLEV, ULEV or SULEV.

For the reaming things such as lights, they are ok as long as the glass of the lights states SAE or DOT.

In respect to the question if England is part of Europe, no one will dispute that England is an island in Europe. Do they consider them self as being part of Europe? That you better ask someone from that island!!!

England is part of the UK and as such part of the European Union. The UK hover is not a Euro country meaning that they are not part of the European Monetary Union.

Switzerland in contrast, is in the centre of Europe, but is not part of the EU and not part of the EMU.

So in comes done to personal preference on what you are and what not. ;-)

Stefan

 

[Marc NY]

See the USA in your Chevrolet!

Edit: Sounds of Dianna Shore are optional.

OH YES such beautiful sounds.... yep those were the good ole days! :thumbs

 

[stfallet]

I'm really sure, I want one now.

What I'm thinking of maybe buying one and driving it for a few weeks in the US.
Is it possible to drive a car without having it registered?
What do you do if you buy out of state a car? Do you first register it in your home state, or is there such a thing as a temporary registration without paying sales tax?


thanks,

Stefan

 

[Flassh]

I was able to pick up a 10 day temporary tag in North Carolina, which gave me plenty of time to get it to the west coast. I think it cost less than $5.00

Did not need to pay state tax, but they did require proof of insurance, from a recognized insurer. That was the biggest stumbling block coming from Canada - needed to find an insurer that the people in NC had statistics on, confirming they were a legitimate insurer.

Ray

 

[Mad-dog]

Just do it !!

Took delivery of my 6.0litre LS2 3 weeks ago and the impact its had down here in Cornwall, UK has been unbelievable :cool Best vehicle I've ever bought on the "wow per pound" factor I brought mine in from Florida and all the "man" did when I took it up for the UK SVA (single vehicle authority) test was open the door, read the US conformity sticker, check you could only put an unleaded fuel hose in the filler cap (to protect the cats!) and passed it :cool Took around 15minutes but another hour by the time they had me show them everything and they had finished taking photos!! And remember these guys spend all day looking at "special import" vehicles So just go buy one Stephan !!

 

[Guest]

SSR Europe Spec

HI,
I just took delivery of my Silver '05 6 Speed in England and got mine through an 'approved' GM truck dealer.
The truck went new from the dealer in New Jersey to 'Foreign Preparation Services' department which I think is near Newark (?) and had the radio programmed to pick up all number decimals of frequencies rather than just .1, .3, .5, .7 and .9 you get in the States (important where I live, all stations have even decimals!), the daytime running lamps disabled electronically and I think 1 or 2 other bits and bobs - nothing major. This is probably as close as you will get to a European spec. and the VIN is registered as 'exported' with GM.

There were no mechanical or emmisions changes made at all. Other than the daytime running lamps all other lighting was left in U.S. spec so you may have to modify indicators and add fog light etc if required. This can be tricky as the wiring is not that straightforward to the lights.
I also had no problems with the English SVA test and registering in England.

My truck was prepared with 2 others that were both going to Switzerland so it must be possible to register them there.
Also while browsing for a supplier for mine originally I found a website www.maxxtech.com who supply GM trucks and tuning parts in Germany - maybe they can help you ??

Good luck, you won't regret it !
Rob

PS Check out the position in your country with importing used vehicles, I understand the rules and import taxes can vary depending if the vehicle new or used.
PPS Not answering the Europe question - politics and cars don't mix !

 

[stfallet]

Hi Rob,

tried sending you an PM, but it did not work.

Did you organize everything your selfs, or did you go through a UK dealer. Maybe you can give me some more inside.

thanks,

Stefan

 

[stfallet]

So, tonight the decision was made:

One brand new SSR will head for Europe in order to get some Swiss licenseplates.
So I have decided for a 2005 / 6-speed.
I'm just not sure what color to order black or Aqua Blure or what it is called. Does anyone have a real good picture of the Aqua Blure? Have to decide by Monday.

My next question is, what is the default location for the front license plates. Are there any holes drilled? We have different size licenseplates and I would hate to have the front look like swiss cheese.

And my final question, what coding can be done to change the car to the metric system, headlights, Radio frequency band, ... and do I have to change the instruments or can I just get the pack panels of the instruments?

thanks for you help.

I promise, when I take it to Hockenheim or to Nürburg, I will post pictures?

Stefan


PS: Here a link from Hockenheim with "Little Brother", so this year I'll do it with my SSR (You may need to scroll down)
http://www.500ecstasy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1190

 

[n29we]

Stefan - I love my Aqua Blur, go for that color :thumbs . I have pictures posted in my profile, it has the Axiom grill bars installed. Good Luck with whatever color you choose!! Jim O

 

[stfallet]

Just had a Taxi take me to a local dealer to inspect the colors.

Decision is taken:

It's AQUA BLURE with 6 speed transmission.

I'm suposed to have it in Europe by the end of May.

Can't wait