Hello. I'm 15, and am going to be driving in a few months. And for the last 2 years I knew I wanted a 3rd Gen. My question is which year should I go for? I'm leaning more towards a Camaro, but might change my mind to Firebird. Is there any specific years or models you guys could recommend? Thanks in advance! BTW, love the site.

 

Well, I would hold out for a L98(350cid) IROC, Z28 or Trans am. If u get a 305 or less, that will be your first mod anyway!


things to think about: paint, t roofs and interior color. They are the most expensive to change!

Good luck


------------------
1986 Black & Gold WS6
Trans AM...The Muscle Car Lives
...Its just not at home at the moment...

http://www.members.home.net/nosaint

 

Yeah, I like the more modern interiors from the 91/92's. Are those nice model years? From what i've seen, I liked the Z-28's from those years. Are they nice cars?

 

ok...if i had to do one thing different i would get a 350. i wouldnt get anything older than say 89. 91-92 are great years....but they dont have irocs those years. 90 is when they updated the gauges...i think they look more modern. Irocs are the best, Z28s, then RS. If the car has a big black circle as an aircleaner on the center of the engine...dont get it....thats a 305 TBI....sloooow. good luck

------------------
Rick
90 Camaro RS 305 TBI
400 small block, Hooker 1 3/4 LTs, Random Tech Cat, Hooker aero chamber cat back on the way!!
TH700-R4 with Trans-Go shift kit (corvette servo here...but not installed yet)
MacEwen Motorsports White Gauge Overlays
14" K&N X-Stream Open Element
GTS Headlight and Taillight covers
5% Limo Tint all around
Classic White Chevy Bowtie sticker on rear window
http://www.geocities.com/esvalenz

Man if my camaro were a rice-rocket all those mods would give me what...easily 50-60 hp!!!

"Just because I've done it, doesn't mean I knew what I was doing!" - Me

 

Unless the big black circle has two thick hoses coming out of it and says ZZ4 somewhere on it...........

 

If I were looking for a car that I did not want to stick a lot of money in I would pick a 91-92 with the 350 TPI motor.

I also think the 91-92 F-bodies were assembled better. Rumor is GM used better adhesives in the later thirdgens.

If you are planing to do a lot of mods to the car then it does not matter what car you get. Just find one with a clean straight body and I would make sure it was a TPI motor.


------------------
88 IROC convertible
-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

Not planning on doing too much to it. I've really been digging the 91-92 Z's. Something about their lines and that wing is just cool to me. How much would a 91-92 Z-28 or RS cost me? Also, should I stick to the classifieds or are there any good places in the North East to check for one. I know it's sort of Rust Central, but I can keep my fingers crossed.

 

Honestly if you're 15 and you've never driven a V8 before, your best bet would be a 91-92RS with a 305tbi. You'll be a lot less likely to wrap it around a tree and kill yourself then you would with a 350.

------------------
Drew
The lone Thirdgenner of the Apocalypse
predatorman@hotmail.com
My Website
87 Iroc
91 Formula 14.3@98mph
91 RS Convertible
91 Firebird V6
92 S10
98 Grand Am GT

 

Hey here is my story I was 16 (17 now) and got a '90 305 TBI cheap had lot of bondo, but oh well. 5 months after getting it, a woman ran a red light at 50 and t-boned it and that car was totaled. I bought a '91 with the same size engine a month later. I personally think for someone our age this is fine. It is perfect to screw around with and experiment with. Hey ladies do not know the difference between a 305 and a 350 either, LOL.
Also check into insurance, I pay $180 a month and then $80 a month for gas that is more than half of what I make a month. Good luck and if you can get a t-top, my parents would not let me.

------------------
Mike Kenny
Current: 1991 RS 305 TBI
Past: 1990 RS 305 TBI (A woman forgot what red lights are for)
Current: mostly stock - newer 305 w/ 12,000 on it
Eclipse speakers all around w/ 10" tube powered by a Alpine V12 in back
K&N filter w/XStream flow lid - It is sweet!!
Future: 2" Cowl hood

 

You wouldn't imagine how many times I've ben warned about the 350 . Guess I'm not very trustworthy. I've seen it happen though. One of my friends has an IROC which ended up having an up close encounter with a fence. It wasn't pretty.

So, how much would a nice condition 91-92 RS cost me? Thanks again.

 

Dude, even though I'm partial to Trans Am's (since mine's an '84) I like the Camaro's look a lot too. The '91-'92 C's look bad as hell, and there's always a million things you can do to either a 305 or a 350. The 350 is of course, the best bang for the buck. The 305 is good for wishing you had a 350! If you throw some Hotchkis components in the suspension, and do some minor mods to the engine, It'll be time to start smashing rice burners!!! You should be looking in the area of 8-12 grand depending on the condition of the car.

 

I'm partial, but I would go Hands down with a 1992 Formula or Trans Am. I have the V6 and I like the spoiler better, but of course, I long for the bigger engine. I read that the 92 Birds are THE MOST aerodynamic Firebird/Camaro EVER made to this date. Their chassis is tightened over the previous models, and yes, in 92 GM did use stronger adhesive. If you're going to be going fast a lot, I would also suggest to NOT go with Ttops as the non TTOP version is MUCH MUCH more stable. It doesn't have as much body flex. If you dont' believe me you can search the archives and read it yourself. I believe that Vader also said that the work that GM had to do on the 350 TTop Fbodies was incredible just to keep them from twisting like a pretzel. Anyways, it's all a matter of personal opinion, and what you can find. I got mine for $750 needing ONLY a paintjob and it had a clogged exhaust, but my mom also works for a car dealership, so I highly doubt you'll find that. You can try to get into a dealer auction if you know anyone that's a dealer or knows a dealer. I believe you can get a 92 Z, RS, or TA there for around 2-3K easily in good condition.

------------------
92 Bird 3.1L Auto
Best $750 I ever spent....

DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!

Kills:
93 Mustang LX (Before Mods)
98 or 99 Dodge Stratus (tough one, edged out at 40)


Close Calls
94 Grand Am 3.1 V6
92 Cavalier 3.1 V6
01 Porsche 911 Turbo (Had em till first gear)

Mods-Jet Stage 2 Performance Chip, Accel Cap/Rotor, Accel 8.8 MM Wires, Accell Coil, AC Delco Rapidfire Plugs, Dynomax Catback, K&N

AIM name OVRCLCK350

[This message has been edited by Ovrclck350 (edited January 16, 2001).]

 

im from alabama, so its 3rd gen beater central around here, 91-92 L98's run around $6-9k for a medium mileage cars(50k - 90k miles) only extremely low mileage cars seem very expensive out here, a year ago i got a 91 bird with a 305 TBI, auto, ttops, 50k miles, and power everything in mint cond. for $4200.......the next third gen i plan on buying (whenever i get done with customizing my truck) is gonna be a mid-80's base bird, drop probably a LT1 and T56, shave about everything, and 4link and bag it, and whatever else i can screw up with my welder

 

O.K. I agreed with you till you got to the 8-12 grand part. I bought my 91 RS 305 for $2200. Now I'll admit I got a good deal since the tranny was screwed (no reverse) and had to be rebuilt ($800) and it had/has slight body damage. Personaly I wouldn't spend more than $3500-$5000 Anything over that the car already should have a bunch of speed goodies on it.
Thats just my opinion though...not trying to flame anyone.

------------------
Greg
'91 RS
'81 Z28 (in storage)

 

in my opinion i would have to say get a camaro or firebird with a 305 tpi 5spd combo, they are awesome to drive, and you can always drop in a 350 with very little modification, also since you already have a stick u can also swap in a 6-speed from a new cam or bird, the 305 tpi makes plenty of power for a young driver like yourself.

------------------
87 IROC-z 305 TPI 5spd Borg warner 9-bolt 3.45 posi 4 wheel disc,8.8 Accel wires , bosch platinum +4 plugs,gutted air box,k&n oil filter,synthetic oil 10w30

 

Yea the L98's are really powerfull. I have been driving my 91Z since Aug 00 when I turned 16. and I have raced it alot but I have also been very careful. If I were you just go with a 91-92 RS with a 305 5 speed, you will get decent performance, and a Insurance premium that will not take all of your extra money. under my dads name I pay $250 every six months, under my name I would be paying $1000 FOR LIABILITY. Just go with the RS and save some cash.
I bought my car on December 8,99 for $2600 with every thing in it except the T-56. just look around. and dont jump for the first car you see. there WILL be better ones.
BTW. Girls like all fast looking cars. You dont have to go fast all the time anyway.

email if you have any q's at wesborland91@cs.com

------------------
Black 91 Z28 L98 Camaro
T-56, Cross Drilled Brakes, KYB's,AFPR, 3.73 Gears, Borla Adjustable Cat Back, Hypertech Chip, Hooker Headers.
more to come....
My 91 Z28

[This message has been edited by Chris Etemadi (edited January 17, 2001).]

 

I loved the 91-92 Z28 before I got one, and when I saw a black 91 Z28 sitting in a used car lot I knew it was to be my next car. However, it only had a 305 w/ auto tranny, and the paint is crap since it was made in Van Nuys. What Im saying is, you wont find the perfect thirdgen. You will have to substitute some things for others. Whats most important? For me it was the body style (91-92Z)and T-tops. Others might want a 350 or manual trans. Ask yourself what mods you are willing to do. Not willing to paint it? Want to keep the engine for a while? These are all things that Im sure everyone will agree on... also, just because youre 15 doesnt exclude you from a 350. When I was 16 my first ride was a 77 T/A 350. Im 21 and still alive...

------------------
91 Z28 305 tpi
plans for 383
flowmaster cat-back
Ram air to K&N cone



[This message has been edited by gregz28 (edited January 17, 2001).]

 

Well, I guess my first priority is just a solid over all car. It doesn't have to have a flawless paintjob, or a low mile 350, but I also don't want a ride thats been beat half to death. I'd like a nice interior since that's where I'll spend most of my time. I'd also like to get it to a solid mechanical state because I also want atleast some performance. Then I'll probably start worrying about things like external paint color and T-Tops.

What would be some good beginning mods for a 91-92 RS or Z?

 

Why not get a 3.1.... You live in CT and V-8 cars are horrible in the snow. I can't understand why the v-6 is so much better but I run the same tires (maybe it's the gears). The extra money you save in gas will let you cruise around more and enjoy the car.

 

Yeah, there is nothing wrong w/ a 6 for a first car. I've had mine for almost 2 years and I love it. Sure i'd like to go faster, but its fine for right now. Especially w/ insurance and 500 miles worth of driving a week. I already pay about $40 in gas a week, it'd be a lot more w/ an 8.

------------------
Red 1986 SC, 2.8L, rebuilt 700R4, 3.42 Posi, t-tops, 134K miles and counting, K&N air filters, hopefully more to come!

 

Hi
As a Canadian from Ottawa where snow and lots of it (at least compared to Pittsburgh) and I don't see a difference in driving a 6 or 8 in the snow. I drive a stick and can start from 2nd but if you load the trunk with weight (I use kitty litter) you should be OK. Yokohamas of all sorts are great in the snow (they don't last as long but oh well). I like to keep a snow car anyhow. If you buy a 6 you will want to drive it like it is an 8 and if you are going to spend the money you might as well make the right choice or you will regret it later. Oh and if you spend a little more to get a better car it will pay off in the long run. I spent my high school years pouring my paychecks into a Monte Carlo SS 350 that was really cheap until I got it home. I am having the same dilemma with whether or not to sell my 91Z for a 2001 Firehawk (does the money justify the fun). Good Luck

Robin
Black 1991 Z28 40k

RPOs
AJ3, AM9, AR9, BI8, B34, B35, B84, C49, C60, DE1, D34, D35, D55, D8M, D81, E5Z, E9Z, FE2, GU6, G80, G92, IPC, J65, KC4, K68, LB9, MK6, MM5, NA5, NP5, N10, N64, N96, QLC, T96, UB3, UM7, UQ1, U79, VAN, V73, Z28, 1AY, 15B, 17P,
19C, 19I, 19Q, 199, 41U, 9NL

 

Well, I should have about 4k when I buy my car, but tht's dependent on my work ethic . I'm just as uncertain as to what to buy now, but you guys have given me alot to think about. Thanks for all the responses.

BTW, maybe it's just his car, but I know someone in town with a 305 Z-28 and there V-8 seems to run fine in the snow.

 

I'd say go with a 305 TPI. In my opinion, a stick is a hell of a lot more fun to drive (and that's what sports cars are all about, right?), even if it is a little slower. With a couple mods you can tost a 350 anyway.

 

if it is a 350 or even a 305 the most important thing is respect. please dont be another one of the kids that beat the crap out of their cars. if you dont respect your camaro and learn when to and when not to "play" it will kill in a second. please help keep our insurance rates down.

------------------
www.irocluke.freeservers.com

 

hey man.. ok i started off with a 90 350 IROC, and i am still here. yeah i was run off the road once bye a woman and bashed in the side of the car. but the 350 isnt that powerful after about 2 months of driving.. i can put my car anywhere and do anything people want me to. and i have no problem controling my car. and make sure the rearend has stout gears and a posi (limtied slip). you will be better off. and if i had to do it all over again i would have found a 5.0L/5 spd. CAMARO 91-92 and swapped in a T56 and a 383 but that is just me and my need for power.. but i have to start working more to do all of this so.. i guess i have to go. go to work that is. have fun man and dont speed just cause you can. it hurts in the long run being 18 and if i even get a stop sign ticket they take my license for a year. have fun and dont get caught.

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1990 IROC-Z L98 350 TPI
AFPR 49PSI, GUTTED AIR BOXES, K&N, RAM AIR, PORTED PLENUM, B&M SHIFTER, 3.23 LIMITED SLIP, DUAL CATS, STOCK SUPER TURBO EXHAUST, COOPER COBRA XST's

MUSTANGS...ONLY 4 LUGS....HAHA THAT IS HILARIOUS.

 

I got my 89 formula 350 this summer. I wouldnt get it as a first car... I had to get out all the wild driving in a 90 grand am whee 4cylinder!!! If i woulda had the 350 I probably would have gotten in a wreck. I've only gotten one ticket so far but that was in the grand am. Just use your head and you wont be in trouble. When i beat on the formula its usually on unpopulated roads.

But you asked for my advice and not a lecture... I'd say wait and save another 12k or so and buy a TTA =] Also in my case I think having to actaully buy for the car and insurance makes me want to take even more care of it. I dont plan on getting another vehicle for a few years.

 

Try to find a nice t-top 305tpi IROCZ,they were made from 1985-1990,they came with autos and 5 speeds,go to www.IROCZ.COM for more info,I am 17 and have one and love driving every second of it YYou could get one for 4k easily,mine was $3500 and read my signature,it has alot of options,try www,autotrader.com,that is the BEST CAR LOCATOR ON THE NET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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86 IROC,canary yellow(originally black),fully loaded.305TPI WITH 700R4/SHIFT KIT,2:73 POSI REAR,4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES,T-TOPS,POWER LOCKS,POWER WINDOWS,TILT,CRUISE,SADDLE INTERIOR,POWER ANTENNAE,SPOILER OFF 87 IROC SO NO THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ON ROOF,16" BY 8" RIMS OFF 89 IROC,3"INCH EXHAUST WITH A 2 CHAMBER FLOWMASTER AND 3 1/2" BY 18" LONG CHROME TIPS,20% TINT ON SIDES,HATCH AND T-TOPS,GTS TAILLIGHT COVERS,AFTERMARKET FOG LIGHTS,PIONEER CD RECIEVER WITH REMOTE AND DETACHABLE FACEPLATE,WITH JENSON SPEAKERS ALL AROUND,TALKING RADAR DETECTOR"BACON ALERT"

....Long live the EIGHTIES!!!

 

I meant www.iroc-z.com and www.autotrader.com,get an idea what is in your area.

------------------
86 IROC,canary yellow(originally black),fully loaded.305TPI WITH 700R4/SHIFT KIT,2:73 POSI REAR,4 WHEEL DISC BRAKES,T-TOPS,POWER LOCKS,POWER WINDOWS,TILT,CRUISE,SADDLE INTERIOR,POWER ANTENNAE,SPOILER OFF 87 IROC SO NO THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ON ROOF,16" BY 8" RIMS OFF 89 IROC,3"INCH EXHAUST WITH A 2 CHAMBER FLOWMASTER AND 3 1/2" BY 18" LONG CHROME TIPS,20% TINT ON SIDES,HATCH AND T-TOPS,GTS TAILLIGHT COVERS,AFTERMARKET FOG LIGHTS,PIONEER CD RECIEVER WITH REMOTE AND DETACHABLE FACEPLATE,WITH JENSON SPEAKERS ALL AROUND,TALKING RADAR DETECTOR"BACON ALERT"

....Long live the EIGHTIES!!!

 

Of course, the obvious reply is that any third gen would be great. I do agree with JoelOl75, v-8s do suck in the snow. But if you get a 6, you might find yourself in a few months pining for a v8 like me. And it's just as easy to wreck a 6, believe, I know. There's a reason my car's two different colors...

 

I have both and I wouldn't be able to do the nice mods on the 350 if I didn't have the 2.8 to drive in the meantime. Another advantage of getting a dependable 6 is lower insurance rates if you add the 8 afterwards. I was 19 when I got the 6 and my insurance was $850 a year. I got the 8 2 years later and didn't insure it so I could do the work (paint, moter, trans, gears) the right way in my spare time. I actually takes less time to do the work since you don't have to "Get it back together" in a hurry to get to work or anything. Adding it into my insurance later (3 years later) added only 200 a year to my premium which dropped to only $100 as listed as a 2nd car. I'm now 26 and pay less than $570 for both of 'em.


Consider... My first car was a 1980 toyota corolla with the mighty 1.8l motor and my insurance was $1200 a year!!! The money you save on insurance and a "smaller" motor car will allow more funds to build a fast car that you will definatly respect more (AKA not wrappin' it)

Another idea is to build a police package camaro. Insurance is lower because of the RS badging if you can still get one at auction.

Just some ideas some may disagree with, but waiting a couple years will help put cash in your pocket.

Some who disagree might be the "type" that their parents are loaded and bought them whatever first car they wanted. These people will never respect their cars. These people will smash them. But these people will probably buy a rice burner and smashing them wouldn't be such a bad thing unless they hit me.

I'm gunna go talk to my shrink now... (kiddin')

 

Whatever car you get make sure the body is straight, the paint is good, and THE FRONT END IS IN GOOD SHAPE. That was my biggest mistake. I didn't think to look at the front end on mine because the body was so straight and the interior was perfect. Had me excited. Unfortunately, the bushings were all smashed and useless. I had to replace ALL the front end components instead of spending money on speed parts. Later, the lower control arm on the passenger side nearly got my car destroyed. The metal had rusted and the arm broke around the bushing. The front end of the car slammed into the ground. Luckily, I was doing about 5mph slowing down for a stop sign. It still messed up my air dam and there are cracks in the paint around the pass wheel well. Also, don't get a 305. Just buy a car with a 350, because they are a lot more fun and since you'll put a 350 in when the 305 breaks anyway start with one. Then, when the 350 breaks, you can turn it into a 383.

------------------
82 Camaro, 350, Erson cam, ported heads, Crane Hi-6 ignition, Accel coil, Turbo 350 tranny with 2500 stall.

Let's keep those rice burners in the rear view mirror.

 

Well I'm split down the middle on advise here. I got a 2.8 for my first car, and I was the stupidest driver in the world for about the first year and a half. I did top speed (prolly only 100 or so ) numerous times racing home from school. I lost, ya, but if I would have had the Formula at the time I would have beat them, but going 150 is not something an inexperienced driver should be doing. Id just get a six for your own safety, because no matter what people say, the 350 is POWERFUL.

------------------
'83 Firebird 2.8
'89 Firebird Formula 350
2nd owner, red/grey, t-tops, dual cats, and a 3.27:1 rear
K&N, TB bypass, No MAF screens, CAI, full Accel ignition

 

You have to consider these things:
1) Do you like Firebirds better or Camaro's?
If you just buy the first one to come along you may regret your decision later. Look at all years and models of both. Pick a favorite.
2) Is your concern looks or power/modability?
If you care nothing about speed an RS/Firebird/Formula will be cheaper than similar condition Z/IROC/TA. However if modification is your priority you will have a better foundation by getting one loaded with factory performance options.
3) Automatic or Manual tranny? I feel alot of people take this for granted. I did and I really regretted it with my last IROC. I bought my 89 because it had T-Tops and was a good deal and had the 350TPI engine. In hindsight I should have held out for the 305TPI/5 spd car instead of the L98/Auto because it would be alot easier to change the longblock, prom chip, and add an adj. fuel pressure regulator than to convert to a manual transmission.
4) Of course as previosly stated decide whether or not T-Tops are a must, power options, exterior color, interior color, etc. Know what you want prior to making your purchase because you will be able to enjoy your car and not have a list of things you want/need to change immediately.
Also I will add that it is correct that 91/92 3rd gens were slightly stronger structurally because of some different assembly practices 92 models being the stiffest. This can be very advantageous if you ever plan to autocross or even in just the fact of less squeaks/rattles as the car gets older.
5) You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Realize some options were not available on certian years. Many different combinations were offered over the years in terms of colors, styling, interiors, drivetrains. You may like the styling and look of one year but it doesn't have the engine/trans combo available that you like. You will want to find out what was available on the different ones and prioritize what is important to you. Take into account what is easier/cheaper to change if what you want isn't offered from the factory. Like I said before it is easier to change some things than others. For example: If you want T-tops it would be completely impractical and difficult to add later. Hope this helps. Good Luck, and welcome to this hobby.
Draino

 

Hey guys,

OK, so I found a 1990 RS on Ebay. The guy bought a 'vette so he doesn't need his camaro anymore. It needs new tie rods, thermostat, possibly battery, and the hatch and hood dont stay up on their own anymore,and then just cosmetics. I know this is a fair amount of work, but not too bad. Only big problem is some rust around the hatch. Is this a serious problem? Can I easily replace/repair the affected section? Its only on the spot where the hatch closes. It's hard to describe and I dont know how to post a link. If you guys have some free time maybe you could check it out for me. I'd really appreciate it.

Now the nicer parts. He's leaving in the stereo and speakers(which saves me a couple hundred), he only lives a 1/2 hour from me, and he's only asking $1500. Whats your guys opinions on this. Thanks again.

 

I agree with the people saying a 305 is better than a 350 for a first car.. Personally the best camaro's I think are the Rs's that get made better than a z28.. saves a chunk of insurance, and gets you a damn nice car

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Hey feel free to chat with me on AOL IM if you wanna.. Darkhal2000!
My site, http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/j/m/jmj211/index.htm

 

What ever you do Do not jump at the first one. there will always be another thirdgen.
I got my 91 Z28 when I was 15 for 2600 with all the mods except the T56 which was 1600+ 50 dollars for pizza for my friends You can find great deals on these cars if you hold out and wait.

------------------
91 Z28 5.7l Camaro
T-56, Cross Drilled Brakes, KYB's,AFPR, 3.73 Gears, Borla Adjustable Cat Back, Hypertech Chip, Hooker Headers.
more to come....
My 91 Z28

 

Cool, thanks guys. I'll keep looking. Thanks for all the help.

 

yea, ill agree with all of you guys, i got my 305 bird after two months of my license, No Prob, only had one close one, where my tires (lol, no tread) spun on the snow (worst of season) and i had the option of car, or slidin it, i slid it cept it dug snow underneath and got it stuck.

anyways, back to my point,
i raced a 43 year old with a 350 fourth gen, he crashed right next to me, it was sooo close, i had to ebrake, get behind him, just so the otha cars didnt hit him cause he ripped both tires baddd, and messed up his rims.

So this is what you Want. Idealy.
305, V-8, TPI, (or if possible) EFI< MPFI. Try to avoid TBI (?)
and get it in manual. and new tires automaticly,
see last time clutch got work, etc. etc.

Any otha "?" just ask em, My addys same cept @aol.com



------------------
91 FireBird 305 V-8
no true mods,
ghetto rigged cold air intake,
People dont have a soul, its just something parents made up to frighten little children, like the boogie man, or micheal jackson..."

GheTTo Riggers INC.
We Make Mcgyver look Like Crap

 

I'll give you as sound of advice as I can, but first I'll tell you my 3rd gen story :0) I was 15 not long ago (6 years ago) and I started out driving my parents car, an '87 cutlass. It was a pretty crummy car, but it got me from point a to point b and that is all I cared about at the time. When I turned 17, I found that I fell in love with the 3rd gen f-body. I sat in an '84 TA and it just FELT like I was in a ****pit and it was ready to take off - before I even started her up! Granted, it probably had a mind boggling 150 hp or something, I didn't care. It had style - yet was beat up. I settled finally on a 1985 clean V6 Camaro. I saved up $1,500 cash and got it. I absolutely fell in love with the car, and got lots of compliments from my friends. I absolutely needed to have a V6 when I started out to prepare me for what was coming. I grew weary of the lack of power my 85 supplied so I started saving up every penny I had for a while. When I was 18, I had a choice between a '97 Z28 30th Anniversary ($18,000) or the beautiful car I own now: a 1989 IROC-Z with a ZZ4 Crate Motor, rebuilt Tranny, extensive mods, VERY clean low, low miles and could kick the crap outta the 30th Ann. all day long. I ended up paying $6,000 for this gem. Had I gotten the 30th, I would have been slower and still been paying the thing off, along with having to go back into my former life of being a male escort to pay the insurance (hehe). Whats the point of this story?..............I like stories.


Oh yeah! The point of this story is to make sure you start off with a car you can handle (power wise) and can appreciate. Be patient in that when you get this car, realize it's only to prepare you for what is ahead!

 

okay, my first car was a 1.6L Mercury Tracer. Now I drive an 86 305 TPI. Instead of smoking oil, I smoke tires! Anyways, I got (most) of my craziness out in that first clunk. And the difference in a 1.6 to a 5.0 is so huge, i doubt I could tell if I went to a 5.7. I paid 2750 for an 86 IROC with slight interior damage and chipping but still glossy paint.
Anyways, point is, practice makes perfect. Kill a cheap car first, lord knows theres already many beaten up third-gens out there. Don't kill another. Give it a year. Buy a 4 or 6.

 

Here's my story. My first car was a 2nd Gen Z28, with a mildly built 400, 4 bolt. It had around 350hp, I could smoke the tires a city block long in that car, I regret selling it prior to boot camp also. Well, I never wrecked it but I certainly did scare the sh*t out of myself a few times. As much as I hate to admit it my dad was right, it had to much power for a young driver. I was lucky by not wrecking, but I certainly did gain respect for the power. I'm not going to say a 350 is to much for you but my 89 RS 305 has enough for me to have fun in, for the time being while I build up a more powerful engine in my garage. I wouldn't advise the 6, my other car is a 2000 Firebird, I love the car but after all it is a sportscar and I long for the power that its 6 cylinder lacks. I picked up my 89 305 in reliable condition, straight body, and great interior for 4K. Thats my story and my .02.