ConvertiblesDiscussed here are problems and solutions to convertible specific questions, including difficult to find part numbers and other convertible tech help.
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I have a quick question about verts.
I have been looking for a T roof for some time now and I think I have found one I like.
However, my wife and I are starting to think we have waited this long why not go all the way and get a vert.
So that being said I saw one with a 305 and thought it was a RS.
It only said Camaro on the lower skirting so I thought that it was a RS with a v8.
Is it a Z28 or a RS>
Thanks,
Dukie
If the emblem on the gfx and rear bumper said CAMARO, that would be a 1988 camaro sport coupe vert. It's not worth as much as a Z28 or an IROC vert, but it is kinda uncommon, I don't think they made many base model verts in 88. 88 was the only year the sport coupe got Z28 style gfx and 15x7 aluminum Z28 style rims standard. If it has a V8, it will be a throttle body injected 305. Not a fast motor, but pretty reliable and gets decent mileage. if the price is right and it;s in good shape, i'd go for it; it's unusual to see an 88 base model vert. just my 2 pennies lol
If it's an 88 then it's not an RS. Only iroc and sport coups were made in 88. 1859 sport coup convert's were made in 88. I have one in mint condition with 56,000.
Do you have a chance to get the RPO codes (on a SPID sticker in the console or rear storage compartment, make sure the VIN on the sticker matches the VIN on the car)?
We can decode that car and tell you all you want to know about it (or at least how it was originally). Would be a good idea before any purchase, if possible.
If the seller can give them to you, great. Or, what I like to do, is if I can get to the car personally, I take my digi-cam and snap a shot of it. Then I can take the time to really check it out.
Is $12000 Cdn too much for one with 60000KMS or 30000miles. It is in awsome shape.
It is also still with the original owner.
I really like this car and it truly is in great shape.
That doesn't sound bad at all, for Canada due to the cars being harder to get up there. in USD, it's $11,388. being with the original owner also helps. does he have all the factory paperwork and such for the car? if i had that money, i'd get it in a heartbeat i love the 88 sport coupes.
I paid about $13,000cdn for mine in 1999. It was (and is mint), only one owner, new the history, and only 46,000kms at the time.
I'd say go for it. Especially for something that's kind'a rare and in great shape! Think about how much money people spend just to bring a lesser vert up to that condition (replacing the top, new paint, any interior repairs, any mechanical repairs, etc, etc)!
To buy one that needs no work and you can just jump in and ride, $11,388 doesn't sound like a bad deal at all. You can always offer less and negotiate.
PS; These cars are not depreciating any more, so keep it in nice shape and get it appraised. My appraisal came back almost $10,000 higher than what I paid! And like they say, the cost of a car is not what you pay for it. It's the difference what you sell it for. If, after 5 years you sell it for $12,000, then that car basically cost you nothing for 5 years of enjoyment (other than regular maintenance and gas, etc).
Going in the morning to look at the 88 vert. Taking my friend that is a machanic. I hope all works out. If it does I think I will be bringing it home!!!
Well guys I Got IT!!!! Had to pay more than I thought I would but It is in excellent shape.
I had a friend that is a mechanic (and he owns a 68 camaro vert) check it out. He said for that money It is as close to new as you are going to get. And it needs nothing to do just get in and drive. (and polish and wax don't have to but you know)
New rubber and the top looks excellent interior is mint grey cloth. Red exterior with the grey Z28 skirts.
It does say Camaro on the skirt and back bumper. Has a 305ci ,stock dual exhaust, power windows, air,cruise, tilt, int wipers,stock upgraded stero(the one with the eq and cassette) z28 rims. and it only has 55000 Kms. And I bought it off the original owner. He is about 75 years old.
As soon as I get it licenced for the road I will have that up a bit. I already have storage indoors for the winter. I will be putting it away in the end of Sept. so I have to get in the most I can now.
I will post some pics as soon as I can take some.
Thanks for all the input and help.. This site is great!
Dukie
P.S. Took the wife and kids out for a quick run in it tonight and got a few thumbs up and nice car comments.
In '88 they only made 1859 Sport convertibles. I, also, have one. And YES, they were called Camaro SPORT. I am assuming it has small (about 6" ) band around the bottom. They typically did. The Red came with a dove grey band.
They also built over 3000 IROC convertibles. Have one of those in the house too. Convertibles (at least that year AND most of the 80 models) came with engine E code (305 TBI) EXCEPT the IROC that came with IIRC the F-code 305 TPI. It was considered unsafe to put the 'bigger' engine in them due to the 'tendency' to roll over. However, they also made them heavier than the coupe and T-top for that very reason...PLUS to help strengthen the frame. Cutting off the top removed a lot of structurual support so extra framing was put in the underside along the edges.....
Yes, they squeak, rattle groan, moan AND are a lot of fun. I founf that putting some SFC's under there helped. Aslso get a 'wonder bar' to put across the front end to help tie it together there.
I finally have some pics for you guys.
Just so you know here in ontario you have to get the car safety checked to change the names on the ownership. All it needed was a low beam headlight and two marker lights.
Man, I LOVE driving this car..I waited so long just to be able to get one.
I have some things I would like to do. Like one of the rear speakers is blown so I would like to change it out. I would also like to add satellite radio. Maybe santa will bring that!
That is too cool. Untill mine I haven't seen the same car!
Love the rims. I would like to do something with mine but I really stretched out the finances just getting the car.
Maybe next year.
What's the diff between RS and SPORT? Same engine, right? I dumped the 305 for a L31 crate motor. I am wondering if there were other options that made it stand out?
As mentioned above, there was no RS convertible in '88. It arrived in '89 when the Sport Coupe was dropped from 3rd gen history (SC made from '82-'88).
As for engines (I'll only mention the best top engine options here), the Sport Coupe from '82 - '87 had the LG4 5.0L 4bbl with hp increasing through the years from 145hp up to 165hp when it was finally dropped when all engines were switching over to fuel injections.
In '87 (the last year for the LG4) it was also available in the new Sport Coupe convertible (the first recognised year for the convertible).
In '88 the Sport Coupe convertible got the LO3 5.0L TBI 170hp engine. Also in '88 the RS made it's first appearance but not as a convertible and only with the LB8 2.8L V6.
In '89 we said goodbye to the 3rd gen Sport Coupe and the RS basically took it's place. Along with that, it then also had the convertible option and adopted the LO3 as it's top engine.
It continued that way, with the engine basically unchanged in hp (still at 170), until the end of the 3rd gen Camaro run in '92.
don't have to but you know)
Welcome to the addiction. 
