History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
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Need some advice. I purchased a 1988 Camaro Sport Coupe (package #3) w/ 23,211 original documented miles. The car is unrestored and in showroom condition, runs perfect. It is loaded and everything works including the AC. It has T-tops and painted Yellow Gold (apparently 1 of 922).
305 TBI and 700R4 tramission.
I have the window sticker, copies of the previous titles and service records.
My questions, is it better just to leave it alone or is it OK to change out the exahust, cat converter ect.....I am not sure what it's worth. I plan on taking it to Super Chevy next year in Norwalk, OH for judging.
It depends what you want to do with the car. It will probably be worth more being all original. However, all original, low mileage Sport Coupes aren't exactly big money cars. Changing the exhaust or minor changes like that won't likely affect the value much.
I have a Camaro in good shape like yours, the exhaust that was on it when I bought it was not original, nor was it loud enough for me so I put flowmasters on it. Its all personal preference, some judges might frown on it but I can't drive a vechile that I can't hear! =)
If the exhaust is shot, it won't score well anyway. It could also become an emissions issue and possibly a safety concern. I would replace it with as close to OEM as possible. Exhaust is a high wear item and it would be very hard to expect any stock system to last 21 years without some sort of degradation, at least a car that was actually driven and enjoyed.
Sounds like a nice ride. Good luck.
As far as the exhaust goes, if it is in good condition but you want something louder, then it's up to you depending on what you want to do with the car. I would definitely try to keep the original exaust, if it is original, just in case you ever want to put it back on.
__________________ 1992 Trans Am "RARE 92" ----- Jamaica Yellow, L98, 147K, All Original CA car 1991 Trans Am GTA ------------*2,800 miles*--1st Place Stock, TA Nats 2009 1992 Trans Am "PMD 92" ------47K, Best of Show, ThirdGen Fest 2008 1989 Formula 350 "PMD 89" ....Sold.... Redline Performance Machines
If the exhaust is shot, it won't score well anyway. It could also become an emissions issue and possibly a safety concern. I would replace it with as close to OEM as possible. Exhaust is a high wear item and it would be very hard to expect any stock system to last 21 years without some sort of degradation, at least a car that was actually driven and enjoyed.
Sounds like a nice ride. Good luck.
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Thanks for all the advice....the original exhaust is in perfect condition. The car is and was stored in a climate controlled garage. I know it not a big money car, just not sure what to do with it. No Joke when I say "showroom condition" the only flaw is a small stone chip (hardly can see it) near the driver headlight....the interior is flawless and engine bay is near perfect (minor rust on exhaust manifold which i will paint this winter)....i have had it 1 year and only put 413 miles on it.
My plan was to change the rims, exhaust and put a supercharger on it, but I am having second thoughts.
I will post pics next week if anyone cares..or e-mail me at jjseemk@yahoo.com
I would leave it alone since it's in such original, good condition. 3rd gens are cheap enough to find. Get a beater to modify and drive around.
Take pride in owning an unmolested original. I wish I would have left my T/A alone so many years ago.
Good looking Camaro. Nice color combo. I would leave her alone and enjoy her the way she is. If you want to add a exhaust, headers thats cool. Just keep the origional parts so they can be put on should you decide to sell.
