I posted this in the TPI section and didn't get any responses. I should have posted it here to begin with.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a thread about buying an 89 IROC for $500. Well I don't know exactly what's going on, but from what I hear the guy is selling it to someone else after I agreed to buy it------------that *******!

So now I've got another plan. A week ago, I was driving by this junkyard and out of the corner of my eye, I briefly saw what seemed to be a 3rd gen Camaro. I checked it out and it's a 91 auto. I don't know what's underneath the hood, but it's an RS with the newer style body kit and the intake section of the front end says "Camaro". It seems to be in pretty good shape, both inside and out, but it doesn't have any wheels on the right side. I'm not sure how many miles are on the clock either.

Originally I was thinking about using it as a parts car for the IROC, but now I'm back to considering an LT-1 project. I know where I can get pulled LT-1 Caprice cop engines for $500. I also may put my 4.3 in there, which would be a little less expensive. It's complete and running in my truck.

So my two questions are------What do you think I can get the entire car for out of the junkyard? And how much would these swaps realistically set me back?

 

JY's are typically reluctant to sell whole cars. For two reasons: 1) Legal - if they sell too many whole cars in a given year, they have to get a dealer's license or get slapped with heavy fines; 2) the money they can make selling parts vs. whole cars.

A possible third reason is title problems.

Stick to cars currently on the road and registered, or at least with a clear title. Apply your plans to a car that doesn't have a "history".

 

The guy said it's for sale for $1,200. It's the base 305 and it has 128,000 on it. He said the left rear suspension arm broke. He said it runs. It's been sitting for a few months and it doesn't have a battery. He said he'd put one in for me to start it and see it run. The trade in for it is $800 in fair condition. The private sale value is $1,600. I checked the VIN and it's got 20 Flags! I was thinking about offering $900 if it was good to go. What do you think?

 

Well don't be surprised if he stays firm with the price. Like another guy said the $$$ to be made in parts could exceed the 900 you offer.

Maybe not

 

I would be learly of what happend to that car to cause that arm to brake. Possilbe someone slid the back end into a curb or something espesaly with wheels missing only on one side. The Car Fax flags are usually just registration but it is worth it to pay and see them. I would at least test drive the car around the block. Even better would be to do like five 7 kid said and get one that is already on the road. This one sounds like it is going to have some suprises ($$$) for you.

 

That's exactly what the guy said-------the person hit a curb with it. The wheels are off on the opposite side though. Considering the car is on it's frame on the right side, will that damage the exhaust, suspension, oil pan, etc...? I'm supposed to check it out again next week or something.

 

For $1200, he'd better put two wheels back on it and replace any messed up suspension pieces.

You could consider offering less and see what they do. It obviously isn't in "fair" condition. Wouldn't be surprised if it was stolen and joy-ridden, high speed chase, who knows what all. It's going to be a TBI 305, pretty lame performance-wise, but if you're going to do an LT-1 anyway, may be worth it if you can get the price down some.

And a clear, non-salvage title...

 

Thanks for the input five7. The only other options on the value check was poor which doesn't give you a price, good or excellent. It really doesn't look too bad but I still have no clue how it runs.

I'm hoping to get it for around $900-$1,000. Then I'll replace the rear suspension with a Hotchkis kit or something. I'll figure it out once I see it run.

 

Dude, I would stay away from that car. I would bet that the frame is swayed over. Just keep looking you can find a lot nicer 3rd gen then that for 1000.00 bucks. The frame is probably twisted like a banana underneath that car. Especially, if it is a T-top car.