Cali Z

Well, time for some good news. I now have some money to spend on cars. I can either buy a different car, and sell my current one, or keep my current one and keep on that. I think I could probably be able to find a good condition V6 firebird around here for between 2500-3700 which I think could be my current price range if I didn't sell my current car. I don't know what would be more affordable as I'm trying to find out which way would let me be able to keep money saved up for any future education if I pursue. I know my iroc would need a good amount of money put into it and it would put it out of commision for a while. The motor would probably go and that would be quite expensive for a V8. But, I am willing to get a V6 car if i can find one if nice condition, I've always wanted a thirdgen with a nice interior, reliable motor, and good paint. My friend bought his 87 firebird V6 for 2300 and it is in very decent condition, so that's where I had that idea from. The iroc would need new paint/body work, interior stuff, and whenever the motor went. So say 900 + 200+1500 = 2600$ plus whatever else went wrong with it, alot seems to. A v6 car average price would probably be 3000 or so. I could either sell my iroc and have extra money, or keep it and store it or something. What are your guys' opinions about this? For 2300-3700$, what would be the better/reliable option for this 16 year old? I have a total of 7k, but a few thousand is being saved for a "potential college fund" So that's where the price range comes in. So, what do you think?

Zrated83

iTrader: (17)

It depends really. I know going to college and trying to fix up a car is hard. School gets first priority but I still have some mod money leftover If you got the v6 would you be ok with the loss of power and stuff? You would definetly get better gas mileage so you would save there. I would probably stick with the Iroc just because its an Iroc Im sure the people here can help you fix up your car and get you some good deals on parts you may need.

Dwayne88IROC

Unless that V6 is a turbo I would stay away from it.

There is no replacement for displacement!

That $ would go a long way to making the 88 better.

wills83z28cfi

Keep the V8. All of that money you will spend on the V6 could go toward fixing up the Iroc. Then the Iroc would be ten times nicer than a V6.

OUTATIME GTA

iTrader: (2)

yah, what he said.

i would repair all things needed mechanically on the iroc first that have been neglected so far. complete tune-up, and any preventitive maintenance parts that look old. followed by the restoration of the interior/exterior. engine mods last. going faster shouldn't be your concern yet. need to fix her up right first so you're not worried about driving/racing it in the first place.
buying a 3rd gen v6 guarantees no reliability.
same shiet breaks and is worn out after 15+ years.
might as well work with what you have. just my 2¢.

Cali Z

I agree with you guys completely about the camaro, but one thing makes my final desicion somewhat foggy. I wouldn't mind spending the money on replacing parts, and body work, but that engine, i just don't know. I don't want to have spent many dollars fixing up the car and then have the engine die and the car left sitting. I don't know if I would have enough money to replace it if it suddenly broke badly in the near future. That's why i think it would be safer to find a v6 ride with lower miles. Remember, the engine does let out some smoke on start up, which i'm pretty sure is an indication of a worn motor. Does this change anybody's opinion about this situation?

kairles

iTrader: (2)

why don't you have the engine rebuilt or buy a used one and rebuild it your self a used engine is about $900 for a 350 and buy a rebuild kit and all that good stuff so if and when the motor goes you'll have one ready to go in

plus with a used 6 your still in the same boat as you are in know

you could just take a chance and just run it like Im doing some time it pans out I know most of the sac crew remembers the first time I brought my car out and had to tow it home

wills83z28cfi

Still doesn't change my opinion Robby. 6 months after buying my car my engine took a crap. I kept a positive attitude about it and worked with what I got. It was a lot cheaper for me to put in a new engine now than sell the car and buy another Camaro which would still need a new engine sometime down the road. My brother works for Folsom Chevy, he can get discounts on just about any parts we need. He is also the one who put in my new engine and does a lot of work on my car. He could get you a new engine for his discount, and he likes doing work on the side if you need anything. KEEP THE IROC!!!

Cali Z

You guys are right about keeping the camaro, but do you really think it could fit in the budget? If I were to start collecting parts for a replacement engine, how much money are we looking at here for a 350? Would it be a good idea to shop around for a 350 block from gmpp? Could you guys really be able to help me out in doing all this? My dad is good with rebuilding engines and everything, he built my brother's tpi engine a while back. I think I can spend up to around 3500 or so for all this as of right NOW. I'm sure it will be more in the upcoming months, but that's all for right now.
Parts for interior:
-dim dash lights
-seat belt dispenser covers
-cloth around ceiling, dome light.
-horn!

Parts for exterior
-missing rear left quarter gfx
-new paint and rear TPI badge

Engine parts?
-350 block
-internals
-cam?
-stock heads?
-ported tpi induction?
-headers, manifolds?
-clutch redone?
-new censors, electrical components?

< or > 3500$

i'm sure there is more stuff that could be listed, but this is what seems to stand out the most. the t-5 seems to be fine, the clutch is fine for now, so just throwing that in there. I don't know if my dad would really have the time to help me with all this, I mean this car really does need alot of crap.

OUTATIME GTA

iTrader: (2)

Seems to me since you were considering buying a `lil 2.8/3.1 v6, that speed isn't your biggest priority right now.
With the budget you have now, you can rebuild the 305 to run great and be reliable. Don't waste the money on a new engine if that's not a big deal right now. You can do the heads/cam/intake/exhaust along with the rebuild and pick up quite a bit of hp with just that.
After that you can clean up the interior/exterior. All this within your budget now of $3500.

wills83z28cfi

I agree with what Del said too. Don't worry about speed right now, keep the 305 or start rebuilding a good used 350. Also, stop worrying about the inside of the car, sometimes that can be the most expensive part of fixing our cars up. Worry about making the car drivable and reliable right now. I can for sure help with getting you a discount on GM parts, just let me know what you need.

Cali Z

What about brakes/rotors. As i believe will and i had discussed a little bit about my braking problem, which seem to be warped, they have pulsing to them after they warm up, or on a downhill. i know brakes are expensive, but that is a top priority for this car. So, what would having my brakes redone run me?

OUTATIME GTA

iTrader: (2)

depends what you need "redone".
are the rotors warped?
are the pads almost gone?
front & rear?
oem rotors and good ceramic pads can be a couple hundred bucks for either end.

wills83z28cfi

I can get you my discount on the brake parts if you need them. My brother would be willing to check out your brakes for you at his house, for a small fee of course. I can find out how much and let you know if you want me to, just let me know. He can even do the work for you at his house.

Cali Z

Sure, that would be cool. Del, i don't know exactly what needs to be fixed, so i can only be so precise as to what i need. Will, where and when can we do this?

OUTATIME GTA

iTrader: (2)

gotcha, looks like will can hook ya up.
definitely spend the extra bucks for semi to full metatllic pads if needed.

Dwayne88IROC

Smoke at start up is usually worn valve guides. They can be replaced with the heads on. Throw in a can of Lucas engine conditioner and you'll be happy with the motor for now.

You'll need a 350 knock sensor but all the other 305 parts will bolt up. Meaning a $1200 short block is all you'll need for a new motor. I have some 350 rods and pistons if you want them for free. They'll need some cleaning up but should save you some $.

kairles

iTrader: (2)

the 350's have a different knock sensor I guess I should change mine maybe my car will run a little better

what about heads or did you mean a long block

wills83z28cfi

Robby, I won't be able to get a hold of my brother until this Saturday. I will get back to you with all of the info then. I will PM you with the info sometime Saturday, is that cool?

Dwayne88IROC

Uh yeah I mean a long block Yeah....... you'll need heads

jocww

me sellin my car and its an 8

Cali Z

ok will, send me a pm with any info you get about the brakes.

How much would it cost to rebuild the engine?

Is it necassary to get a bare block? Or would it be more affordable to rebuild the current 305?
Would a new block with new parts fit in my budget?
If we fixed the valve guides, would the motor still be unreliable? Is it really necassary to get a whole new engine?
I need to stay in budget with this. I am fine with the stock 215 hp or whatever with my stock 305, but if i could get more within my budget that would make me happy.

OUTATIME GTA

iTrader: (2)

The valve seals/guides aren't what's making your ride unreliable. That is a common GM problem that occurs after awhile. Mine need to be changed as well, but it's just causing a little smoke.
I'd rebuild the 305 with better parts as I stated above. A new engine doesn't seem to fit your needs.

Cali Z

Okay, I'm guessing i'll probably only be able to afford to keep the stock heads b/c i know those are very expensive, but what about the cam? I think I can afford a catback, headers are questionable. The quote i got at the local muffler shop was 245 total with installation and everything, so i'll keep that in mind. But that tpi intake, i know it's restrictive, but if someone tells me otherwise, i'll probably only be able to afford to keep the stock unit. If i have to stay with the stock unit for now, could i port it out/polish it to accelerate and increase airflow?


lets see here, estimates

-300$ brakes fixed?
-400-700 body work/paint?
-1000-1700 engine rebuilding? (keep 305, stock heads, heders,catback, cam, porting intake < or> 250 hp possible?)
-500 miscallaneous parts?
if these are somewhat accurate, it looks like it would be in the budget? Does this seem affordable so far?

thanks for the info/opinion del, this is definately steering me in the better direction for my spendatures.

kairles

iTrader: (2)

you could save money if you did some of the work yourself and Im sure some of us could help most of the stuff on your list isn't that hard to do

brakes - really easy to do I do my own brakes eric did his own brakes
body work - depending on what you doing and if you've done it before not really hard steve can paint good Im sure he could paint it for less than a shop
engine rebuild - I'd have a shop do that and you can port the intake but its not a lot to work with so most go aftermarket and port. might as well port the heads as well and there is a ton of cams to choose from travis can get you a good price on a t/b im sure

another member that I don't think you've meet bennie has a shop and knows a lot about third gens and cars in general Im sure he could help you pick the right stuff to get more power while staying within you budget