SourTooth307

Hey guys, I just joined last night and wanted to say hi. I didn't see a new member forum or a general discussion so if this isn't in the right spot, sorry.

I'm looking at an 86 Z28 with a 350ci converted from TPI to carb. I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to these cars and wanted to get acquainted. The car seems pretty solid, I haven't seen it yet but I'm planning to go check it out in a couple weeks as it's a few hours away. Can anyone tell me what I should be sure to look for with these cars, these years, etc. I have an 84 Chevy K10 4x4 with a carbed 350 (no ECM) so I'm somewhat familiar with the engine this car might have in it. Any advice would be appreciated.

green92

Id be worried about more rust. The floors subframe etc.

-=Z28=-

iTrader: (3)

Has it been sitting with out a air cleaner on it?? Pull the stick and see if there is oil/water in it... I too would be worried about rust. looks pretty wet. Bring a jack and stands to look underneath.. good strong flashlight too.

SourTooth307

I'm supposed to talk to the guy tonight about the car so I'll bring up the air cleaner. I assumed he just removed it to show off the carb conversion in the photos but it would be a good thing to confirm. The rust I'm told is only in the A-pillar and the bottoms of the doors. He confirmed the floors and underside were ok. In NJ a lot of older cars look like this so it's to be expected you'll find a little here and there. The bubbling in the A-pillar to me would suggest a leak from the T-tops, am I right about that? The car is around 2 hours away so I'm going to request a full disclosure of any problems before coming down. His asking price is only $1,200.

SourTooth307

So I've decided to pass on this car. I've come to find out the car sits without an air cleaner on it so the carb is basically exposed to the elements, it has no exhaust so it's not street legal, and the T-tops do leak.

None of these were major deal breakers, what pretty much killed it for me was the owner calling me up and giving me the "Look, it's not a new car it's got problems. If you wanna know more come down here and take a look at it," line. The guy's two hours away, I'm not driving that far to look at it and make a rushed decision based solely on the fact that I'm already standing there.

If you ask me, the seller has just as much to do with the legitimacy of the purchase as the condition of the car does. Based on all the work it would take to make this thing street legal, the carb being exposed to moisture, and the fact that the seller seems to not wanna talk about the car at all makes me wanna move on. I'll keep looking at this point.

Stauf

iTrader: (2)

If it is in your budget, spend a little more money for a much better car. I am in Jersey too, and nice deals do pop up quite frequently. Good luck

SourTooth307

Thanks man. I think I'm gonna sit back and try to scrounge up some more cash and shoot for something a bit nicer. It doesn't have to look all that great, but I want the car to have it all situated where it counts.

Stauf

iTrader: (2)

I am not saying this is the best example, but it does look like a better deal.


84 Camaro Z28

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5037228810.html

i have an 84 Camaro z28 with 50k original miles on it! It is currently sitting in primer and needs some work to be finished but motor is strong! Runs and drives fine recently put a new fender on it and freshened up the motor. Need it gone. Asking 1600 [...]

SourTooth307

Wow it actually looks great inside.

SourTooth307

So, can someone in the know educate me a little bit about the 3rd gen Camaros? I know there's the Berlinetta which was kind of a luxo model as I understand it, the RS which I'm guessing was the V6 or maybe the 305? Then the Z28 and the IRCO-Z's which I honestly don't know the differences between the two. My favorite year is 87 since as I understand that's the first year for the TPI 350 in the IROCs. I'm really just looking for one with the body skirts, 350 w/ TPI preferably, and T-tops. I hate the airbag steering wheel so I don't want any of the model years with that wheel in it.

I'm ready to learn.

Stauf

iTrader: (2)

I am definitely not the goto guy on Camaro history. All 4 of my cars have been either 91 or 92. IMO, the best year was probably 89. You could get an IROC, there were no airbags, and you choice between the 5.0 or 5.7. Plus they really just look mean.

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

there is so much to the 82-92 camaro generation, lots of options.
i agree i feel as though '89 was a great year for these cars, that's why i have 2 of them.


anyway, i would advise reading up on each year, up at the top of the page click "Tech Data" then "Camaro" and go through each year for the options.
you have the sport coupes, the LT's, the Berli's, the RS', the Z28 and the IROC-Z
i believe every camaro trim was available with the 305 as an option
the Z28's and IROC's were the only cars that got the TPI motor but could also have the Carb or TBI 305's in them, I believe the B4C looked like an RS but had the TPI motor in it
the only way to be certain on what model camaro you are looking at is by checking the RPO sheet, so check that out to verify the options someone claims, the vin can get you close as it will tell you the motor the car came with

SourTooth307

That's some awesome info. I'll definitely read all I can. 1989 is a lucky year for me with cars. My first car was an 89, my Caddy that I adore is also an 89. I've always had good luck with that particular model year.