i just bought an 86 z28 for 650$ it has a 305 auto. it runs good and the interior is in decent shape, the body is all right just needs aligned and paint.
Now for my prob, I found a 89 iroc t-top not running but has 350 (no injection) body is about the same as the 86, interior not as good. he wants $500 for it.
I really like t-tops but not sure what to do.
what have you other guys done and which car has more value.
and if i get the t-top car does any body want an 86 hardtop?

 

It all comes down to what you want.

Hard top has its benefits... Car is less likely to have chassis twist. It's got more physical integrity, AND a big plus, is its running. But it's also $150 more, and the 305 is a less desirable engine.

The iroc has t-tops... these can be great if you have nice weather, but t-top cars are also prone to twisting and leaking. Anytime you cut a hole in the roof of a car, you invite a good chance for leakage at some point, and that car is now 20 years old. The 350 is a better motor, but it's not running. It's $150 cheaper though.

You might want to do some more investigating.

How many miles does the 350 have and why isn't it running? If the block is no good, or it's high mileage, you may want a rebuild anyways. If that's the case, then getting the 305 isn't going to hurt you and you can drive it around until you find an engine.

But if you can get the 350 running for less than $150 you're probably gonna have a better deal in the long run assuming it's in good shape. See if you can do a compression check.

Regarding the t-tops, if they DO leak, and I remember correctly, you're talking right around $150 for new seals, plus the adhesive which is right around $10. And that's IF the car isn't leaking because of chassis twist, and that's IF you choose to put the new weatherstripping on yourself.

Mathius