ahuebel

Hello, I am a 25 year old computer geek/college Instructor looking to get into cars. I have a friend who has built up a honda civic, but I have always loved camaros. I would like to know what is a good year model to buy. Basically I am strapped for cash so I will have to save money along the way etc. Ideally I would like to get something that at least runs that I can use to drive and when I am working on it I can use my wife's car etc. ANYWAY, do any of you have any advice on what year model camaro is "best"? I realize I have a LONG way to go, but everyone has to start somewhere right?

super83Z

Welcome aboard. One thing you can learn right away is that 90% of the parts that fit on an 92 will fit with little or no modification on an 82. Basically I am trying to say that the cars changed very little frame-qise in the 10 year run. THe 91-92's are supposed to be the best in terms of squeaks and rattles. They used a different sealer on those years and were supposed to hold up better over time. If you are looking for a Fuel Injected car tehn get anyone from 86 and up. 85 had Tuned Port but it used a much slower ECM than the later years. 90-92 switched to a different system as well and is more desireably but not essential.

Since you are into Computers you may enjoy getting into PROM burning. Check it out on the DIY PROM board on thirdgen.org. Or email me and I will give you a quick run-down on it.

I'll let someone else continue if they want.

ahuebel

Wow, thanks! my first reply . I will definately check out the link. My friend I mentioned with the civic will be my "guide" but I would like to also really dig in and learn myself. I am in the process of selling my jeep grand cherokee and will be looking to purchase a car sometime in the near future. I want to try and get the best deal possible (dont we all). Anyway, I will definately be frequenting this place.

stevem

i recommend 87 to 92 because that way you can get a 350.
in 88 they switched to the better belt system .

super83Z

A 350 is not necessary if he doesn't have wild dreams for the car. A 305 can run 13's easily and if the car is going to be a daily driver/cruiser a 305 will do just fine. Not every car has to be a 350.

RadarRunner

If I was in the market, I would look at the 87 to 92 model years & try to find one that has been taken care of. When you are not in a hurry, there are decent cars out there that people don't want an arm & a leg for.

The 350 comment above is true IMO, as the 305 TPI that was in my daughters 87 ran REAL good, plus they look good too. A car with the serpentive belt setup is a plus again IMO.

After getting the car, if you get one that runs decent you can work on a little as you go without having to dump lots of money in just to get it on the street.

Good Luck!

ahuebel

That is what I would like to do. Get something I can do a little as I go. Its easy to fall into the "gotta have a 350" mode. It would be really nice, for the simple fact that I can say, I have a 350 or if I were to race it or something. I am glad to get some positive feedback on the 305's though, I definately have some time, so I will try to be selective and not get screwed on the price.

firechicken_3

its more fun to be able to say i got a 305, to some poor shmuck after you stomp his 350. my car only runs low 15's but its still got potential.

and i have beat a few 350's both at the track and on the street.

being selective is a good idea, you don't want to wind up with somebody's car that they made from extra pieces.

and just because the f-body is out of production, does NOT mean they are instantly worth a fortune. there is a guy around here that wants $5500 for a bone stock run of the mill 86 or 87 camaro. and it needs a fuel pump on top of it. it books for $2990

be choosey, and as was stated a 350 is not a necessity

ahuebel

so what kind of price range should I look for in an 87-90 model? I mean I am getting a sports car to work on it and build it up and what not, so I want something with good potential. I also like some ford mustangs, but I Thihnk I like camaro's better. I had an 85 6 cyl camaro in high school and I enjoyed it.

IROC5.7TPI

Don't listen to these guys... buy a 350 NOW!! You will regret it later on when you've reached the point that you just can't go "fast enough" with a 305. Also a 350 engine has better thermal efficiency than a 305 and therefore will run better with the same mods. Another thing to consider is resale value. If you look around this site, you will realize that the 350 is more desirable than the 305 cars. As time goes by the 350's will only become rare in stock form.

You can tell what engine a f-body has in it by the 8th digit in the VIN.

8= 350
f= 305 TPI
h=305 TBI or Carbed (depends on year)
g=305 H.O. 4 bbl.

I know I'm missing something here... anyone wanna help?

1fastformula

Two things to remember: If you want a good starter motor that takes to mods very well, then go with the 350. If you want a car that has potential with 5 spd. but costs alot to get it faster then go with the 305!!!

Look for TPI's and always know that the only 350 TPI that came with a stick was the Firehawk in '92.

Later

super83Z

Actually it came in the 91 Firehawk as well. And they weren't all 350's but we won't get into that now.

remember if the resale value is lower on a 305 car than that means you'll be able to pick one up even cheaper. Plus i
got an L98 hanging around I'll sell you someday if you want. L98 is the designation for the thirdgen and corvette 350 just to let you know.

There are plenty fast 305's. Unless you have some obsession with speed. Even then there are a few guys with 305 in the 11's on www.thirdgen.org .

Oh and I wouldn't call it more expensive. They get better MPG's than a 350 as well.

DarthIROC

Although I hate to admit it becasue i have a 305 and I like ot think its pretty fast Youll notice most of the 3rd gen people who are fast have done either total engine swaps or converted their car to a "stroker". I noticed your looking for a daily driver so youll probably want to go with a TPI system. If you were just looking for a toy I would say just get yourself a 383 and put on a bad *** Holley with a Hi Rise but you probably wouldnt be able to avoid the gas. Youll come upon alot of hassles with the TPI computer things but youll get through it.

RedL98Z

get a 91 or 92 z28 with a 350.

gas is expensive for any car, so just get the better engine.
i seriously think if you get a 305 you'll regret it later. 350's are faster, and a lot easier to make even faster than a 305, plus the 350 cars had a lot more options (like power windows, leather interior, stuff like that) than most 305's. and if you're looking for t-tops, go with an 89 iroc. and if you want a 5 speed, you're gonna have to go with a 305 (unless you find somebody that swapped in a stick to a 350). and if you want a 350, with t tops and a manual tranny, you're most likely gonna have to go 4th gen...

just whatever you do, don't go tbi...

hope that helped