[arpad_m]

I drove both the V6 and the V8 in a very similar configuration (2LT with convenience & lighting package vs 2SS). Gas mileage is tangibly better with the V6, plus you can run it on regular gas, which adds up quickly if you're going to daily the car. We're talking 33-35 mpg highway for the V6 vs 28-30 for the V8.

When it comes to choosing between the I4, V6 and V8 engines, I can only quote Morpheus from the Matrix, no one can tell you what to buy, you have to experience it yourself. To some, the V8 is an absolute must and nothing else will satisfy them in a muscle/sports car; to others it's a totally impractical and expensive choice without much benefit. I thought I was in the second category and was sorely mistaken, thus decided to eat the cost of the upgrade and never regretted it (only that I'd tried to rationalize my initial V6 purchase).

As to tires, the summer Goodyear runflats my SS came with were absolutely horrible in the rain and very noisy, too, so I replaced them with Michelin PS4S's and never looked back (sacrificed a bit of dry grip with the Goodyears properly heated up). If you get a standard 3LT with no RS package, you'll get non-runflat all-seasons with a taller sidewall that will be much more amenable to daily driving, but don't really have the look of muscle car power. It's definitely your call after all.

In terms of mods, first of all if you get the V6 (3LT trim), the convenience and lighting package is highly recommended IMO, because it gives you blind spot monitoring, memory seats and a cool, color heads-up display. I would also get the dual mode exhaust option (NPP), it gives you a total Jekyll and Hyde engine sound for $995, with controls integrated into the infotainment screen. Magnetic ride control (if you choose the 2SS) is very cool, too, but honestly, unless you have the budget and road quality is an issue for you, I'd probably save the $1700 and not get it.

Finally, I'd install some hash marks as well as the black bowties front and rear, the standard gold ones look totally out of place on this car. You can order the car with these, but it's much cheaper to go to an online parts site and install them yourself. Other than these options, I wouldn't mod the car at first, you'll see which aspects you think need modding once you drive the car a few thousand miles.