This guy across the street is selling a 3rd gen z28 with a 305 TPI. I don't know the years but im guessing late 80s. The 305 has some motor work done, cam, pistons, and bunch of other little things. It has a 5 speed manual, 4inch "racing" exhaust as he said also has stock headers. The 305 doesn't have that many miles on it, he has it parked in his drive way under a tarp all the time and rarely drives it, he started it once and it sounded pretty nice, probably due to the exhaust. The engine is very clean, so is the inside. Some of the panels need to be put on but he has them all in the car. Interior is all new. Car is ready to be painted but still looks okay. (White) He is selling it for $6,500.
My dad thinks its a ripoff because its a 305. I was thinking for maybe $3,000 or $3,500 it might be a good deal.. How about you? Is this car even worth $6,500.
We need a car that is more economical than our 8.1L Suburban. Is the Camaro's 305 fuel efficient? Also will the motor the way its set up now do well against my buddies '85 5.0 mustang(full exhaust) How does the 305 perform in general.
Any pics, if the car is an original TPI than the car is an IROC, if not then you would have to look under the console lid for more codes which will tell you what the car is, either Iroc, Z28, or RS. As for fuel economy, you would not buy an american V8 for fuel economy, but it does get a better gas mileage than a 350, I might be wrong on this though. Also ask the seller why was the car taken apart, is it a CA car, is the car documented, I got my 88 IROC-Z 5 speed w/ 79k mi original for $4700, it has a 305 TPI with some mods nothing to distract from stock to the naked eye, all in all a car is worth what you are willing to pay for it. I bet there are alot more experienced thirdgenners in this forum which can help out, just giving you an idea.
Sounds a little steep by your description. Ive seen some nice third gens for sale on this site for alot less. Unless there is something rare or special about the car Id say no deal.
Paint and body work is much more expensive than mechanical work. Because of pollution laws, you can't really do your own paint work unless you have a high dollar spray booth with proper filtration in your garage. If the body needs paint, it will also need some body work if it is just to get rid of minor parking dings. I think a car with a mint body but a junk engine is worth more than a car needing paint regardless of the engine condition.
Before buying any old car, look carefully at the wiring. Somebody who would put a "4 inch racing exhaust" on a 305 with stock cast iron manifolds, probably hacked the wiring to install a stereo and alarm system.
Fuel economy is a function of weight, aerodynamics, engine size, and transmission design. I have never driven a v6 f-body with a stick shift, but a v6 3rd gen. Camaro or Firebird with an automatic, will not get as good mileage as a v8. I had a 1989 Rs v6 and no matter what I did to it or how I drove my best mileage was 20 mpg on the highway. I get 22 on a 350 with 5 speed. If you are looking for fuel economy, get an econobox. If you need to haul more passengers than an econobox will hold comfortably, remember an f-body is essentially a 2 seater. The back seat is there only for insurance purposes, or for hauling people who don't have any legs.
