i as looking at a 92 camaro RS convert for sale for $2300 or a1984 or 85 RS t -top for $500 what is a better buy both need body work but run fine and interioer is great!

 

Not knowing the condition of either car, I'd say:

92 Vert!!!!! Hands down!!!!!

First of all, the vert is just a MUCH cooler car.

Secondly, if you buy an 84 or 85 model for $500, you are going to have some serious money tied up in it before it's a nice car.

Third, the vert is just a MUCH cooler car.

 

the vert looks very good and the other well isnt as great...

 

Then there's no question. If you have the $2,300 now, you are far better off to spend it on the vert rather than dump $3,000 into a $500 car and end up with a $2,500 car. Is the vert a 305?

If so, is it TPI, TBI or Carbed? If the vert is a 6 cylinder, I would probably hold out for a 305. The 6's just didn't have the punch to push these big, heavy beasts (no offense to anybody who owns a 6 )

Also, older T-Top cars are VERY prone to leaking and you'll probably have to re-do the tops on the 84 immediately if you plan on driving in the rain.


I'm still voting for the vert by a LONG SHOT.

 

yea your right and it has a 350 in it. tpi is what i was told. i will probley buy the vert.

 

Keep in mind that none of the 92 verts were factory 350 TPIs (or L98). Make sure they're telling you that this was an engine swap. If they tell you it's original, they're lying. Run the VIN to prove them wrong.

Also, a 305 TPI and a 350 TPI are virtually indistinguishable just by looking at them. Make sure it's a 350 by finding the serial # on the motor.

Nothing wrong with a 350 vert, though! I'd love to have an L98 in my baby!

Sounds like you've found yourself a good deal if it all works out.

Be sure and post pics if you get it!!!!

 

RS never came with TPI to my knowledge, maybe someone else can confirm this.

either way, id go for the vert, just because its newer, and its a convertible.

 

You're right. In 1992, the L03 was the optional V8 in the RS.

 

probably TBI...

Consider that a convertible is historically worth twice of what a hard top counterpart is worth.

JOhn

 

why tbi?

 

He's saying that it is probably a factory TBI (throttle-body injection). It might have a 350 TPI in it now.

Look at the 8th number in the VIN:

S = 173ci V6 (2.8L) **I've never seen a 92 with a 2.8L**
T = 191ci V6 (3.1L)
E = 305ci V8 TBI (5.0L)
F = 305ci V8 TPI (5.0L)
8 = 350ci TPI (5.7L)

 

oh ok thanks for the info.

 

THe S engine was last used in 1989, so your correct.

IF you open the hood and take a peak if it has what appears to be a typical old fashoned round air cleaner sitting on top of a carburator then its a TBI or "Throttle Body Injection" ITs not a bad setup, but its more for effeciency than performance. I read where people swear they get more performance from a V6... Probably one of the best things you could do is to remove the heads and intake and get yourself a later style Vortec intake and heads from an 97 ish Full size 305 Truck (if it has a 305, use a 350 if it has a 350). You would get a huge boost of power from the conversion. I am not 100% positive if the conversion would work as I have noever done it... BUT from what I have read and seen it should. Also a cam with the heads/intake I could forsee upwards of 300 HP reasonably cheap.

IF you open the hood and it looks like a spider sitting on top of the engine then its a TPI. Whether or not its a 350 is impossible to tell by simply looking at the engine. You could get the part numbers from the stock exhaust manifolds, OR you can read the top of the block in the rear BUT they are hard to read with all of the crap thats in the way. Another option is to look at the RH (Passenger side) of the block and look for a Hog that has stamping on it, there you will find some limited information BUT you may get enough to determine what car the engine is from... THe other option is to take the guys word for it, keep in mind that there are a ton more 305 TPI engines out there than 350 engines.... Its bazar, every show I go to everyone asks if its a 350... I have to fess up and say its a 305... But it runs 14.80 in the quarter so its not a slouch by any means.

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In your first post you state that they both need body work...

As long as the spears going down the sides, THe Trunk lid, and Tonneau cover are in good condition to where they will not need replaced then I would say the vert. Keep in mind that the Convertible specific parts are more pricey and harder to locate than hard top or T-top car stuff... THis would include THe back seat interior panels, top frame, the cloth cover is easily replaced.

good luck, and in any case if its a Convertible for $2300 its worth it in my book

 

( actualy there are a hand full of L98 verts built in 92, they were special order item where you had to buy a hard top z and send it to asc.) [vin code is listed as L98 hard top]

 

It is very possible, I know there have been a few 87 350 Converts and a few from other years. I personally own an 89 Formula 350 Convertible, so they do exist, it is identical to an otherwise Factory Convertable save it has a 2 instead of a 3 in the VIN. Considering that Pontiac did not make a convertible F-body until 1991 I do not think it will hurt the value any.

After a second of thought the Convertible 350 cars in 1991 & 1992 may not be real as there was no T-top L98 cars made after 1990 except the Formula 350 in 1991 & 1992. I would personally like to see one and have some sort of verification.

John

 

thanks for your help but by the time i had the money the car was sold and im just putting it in my 92 z28 for brakes