Greetings all ...

I have recently been thinking about buying an '82 Pace Car to fix up and drive as an occassional vehicle. I've always thought these were great looking cars since the first day I saw one way back when.

I don't have the time, money or talent to do a complete, show quality resto, and that's not my goal. I also know these cars aren't necessarily rare, unless you have a hardtop, CFI engine with rear discs. So, here are my questinos:

(1) Do the '82 Camaros suffer from any unique mechanical or other problems that the later cars did not? I'm curious if there are any first year gremlins that got worked out in later years.

(2) Now -- before people start flaming me, let me state that I would never modify a pace car in such a way that the car could not be put back to 100% stock (like the guy on eBay who turned his 82 pace car into a convertible. Sheeeez....). That said ... the car I would get would likely have an LG4 engine since there were more of them built. Would I be an idiot for thinking about putting, say, a 305 TPI motor in the car (retaining the original engine and components to be replaced, provided they were factory correct)? I drove an LG4 Pace Car some years ago and it was just so slow. My intention is to use this as an occasional car, but I'd still like it to have some zip.

(3) Are pace car-specific parts hard to come by? I know the decals are available, but what about things like the pin-striped wheels and the embroidered headrests? I don't think I've come ever across reproductions or replacements. Seems like I would need to find a car with those parts, particularly the interior pieces, in good restorable shape.

(4) Realistically, what should I look to pay for an average condition '82 Pace Car with high mileage? I've seen prices anywhere from $2500 all the way to $6000 and I just don't trust estimates from like likes of KBB. My thought is that $2500 is reasonable for a high mileage, straight bodied, needs-some-mecahnical-and-interior work car.

Please let me know your thoughts ... good or bad. As I said, I'm not out to create a trailer/show queen, just a solid, close to stock as possible, reliable '82 Pace Car that I can drive and enjoy.

Thanks for reading ....

 

For an almost 21 yr old car with 160 hp, Even 2500 is high for a car that needs work, I'd pay that for an 82 in good shape even for a Pace car, There's an 82 Z-28 bout 15 miles from my house for sale in good shape for 1500.00 and I know it is cuz it's my friend's car and he wants to get a newer car.

 

To FormerL69 :

Good choice for an occasional driver. As an '82 Pace Car owner, I will concur with your comments about it being slow. The LG4 with the 3speed auto was nothing to write home about. Its a great looking car in its own way and you should have a boot driving it around and turnings heads. As for reliability, I can say mine is very good, however there are a few squeeks and rattles (t-bar) that will always be there.

1) As far as first year gremlins, I'm not really aware of any.
I've got 62k on mine and she's pretty much original equiptment with no major repairs except a/c.

2) Modifying an 82 Pace Car is a waste of time. There are too many other 3rd gens out there better suited for that. IMO, keeping it close to stock is the best investment. These cars may find their collectors market one of these days.

3) Pace car specific parts are hard to find, mainly the blue & silver interior stuff. I've never had to replace, but I've also never noticed any pieces listed. That may change some day. Decals are now available as you said.

4) Hard to say what a good price is. I've always believed it's up to one's desirability. Most "rough" 82 PCs won't command a premium, but a nicely maintained one will.

About your final comment, I too don't care much for trailer queens (too late now anyways) but rather enjoy a nice looking and great performing (within its ability) 82 PC. That's what I've got and that's why I bought it. I enjoy it and so do other car enthusiasts. Members of the f-body and Camaro clubs I participate in appreciate these early 3rd gens for what they are.

I've had mine 12+ yrs and enjoyed every minute with it.
I hope you find what your looking for.

Pacer...

 

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Still debating on which way I want to go. The '82 PC has always been one of those "dream" cars of mine. While there are certainly better and faster Camaros out there, I think the PC certainly has the most flair without being too over done.

Price is always subjective, especially depending on the part of the country you live in. Don't think I could bring myself to pay more than a few grand for a decent car and I wouldn't want something in too good of shape, as it would be an occassional driver.

Again, thanks for the input ... I appreciate it!

 

I'd get the Pace Car, What we're trying to say is: It's not a slow car by any means and it's not a fast car by any means. It has about 165 hp, That's with CFI anyway. I think it would be a good everyday driver.

 

If you were to find an LG4 car, you could modify the engine internally for performance (even swap a 350?) and still keep the clean, stock look. The crossfire injection can be made to perform as well, it just takes a lot more work than the TPI systems on the older cars. I have had four crossfire cars, and I really like the system, when it works. Just my $.02
Jon

 

Do your best to find a pace car with as near as perfect interior as possible. All other parts are either easily found or standard Z28 issue. I personally would spend the money for a nice example. I also would look for a LG4 car if you want a driver. The crossfire cars are rarer, but also not as reliable. There is one for sale on the MIdwest board with very few original miles and is cheaper than a rough one that you have to repair.

Shop around, they made 6360 of them, so you can afford to be patient.

Tom

 

Thanks, Tom.

I'm curious though -- what exactly is the problem with the cross-fire system? You and Big Jon both make reference to them being a little iffy ...

I know in Corvette circles the CFIs are the doormat of performance, but it seems like the 'Vette guys who have them consider them highly reliable, even though it's tough to make additional power with them. Maybe those same people are just defensive about their ride too. Anyway -- let me know your thoughts.

Not having cross-fire wouldn't be a deal breaker for me if I found the right car at the right price. I guess the rarity of it has raised my interest a bit. While there were 6360 Pace Cars built, they're still a pretty rare sight. Having crossfire would just add a little more uniqueness to it.

 

Randy,
I am actually a huge fan of the crossfire injection. My cousin and I built nearly identical cars, mine with TPI and his with CFI. His car had about the same power and a lot better mileage. The crossfire is a great system, but will need a little tuning with their age. The best thing to do is upgrade a fuel pump to a TPI unit (I use the 85 Corvette pump). Another great upgrade is to swap to an 87 or later GM truck ECM (7747). The rest of the system is pretty easy to figure out, there is a big crossfire message board, but I don't remember the exact address. I think either fuel system is ok, but be prepared to tune a crossfire motor a little bit at first. I just cleaned everything really well on my 82 Corvette, and it ran really well after I first got it. If you have any questions about CFI, I will be happy to try to help.
Jon

 

I have an 82 Z28 with the crossfire. I used to have a 85 with the LG4 and my crossfire would stomp it in the mud. As far as what the weakest link would be I would say it's the penny ante 3speed auto. If you're lucky you come across one that holds up pretty good.

On a side note there are several ricers in Phoenix that regret the time they pulled up next to a white and gold Z.

Proud owner of one of the General's orphan kids

 

the 700R4 bolts right in, too. not a pace car, but my 83 crossfire Z28 had a 700R4 in it, which promptly found it's way into my 82. I had a problem with my 82 idling too high all of the time, but breing in high school at the time, I didn't know what to do with the car. I really wish I still had that one, among others....
Jon

 

I am actually converting my 82 Pace Car to a 700R4 as we speak. I decided not to buy a super low mileage car for the simple reason of getting the opportunity of driving the wheels off of it and enjoying it, without worrying about each mile that the odometer turned. In comparison to the newer TPI cars both engines are very slow. However I believe the carb engine has a greater potential for more horsepower. The crossfire-injection was not created for outstanding performance (or was the carb for that matter) but with usual tweaks, I believe the performance gains can be seen. I had a CrossFire car years ago and it would run great one day, and then the next day it would not even start. It was a pretty low mileage car, so you will not find me giving it any compliments any time soon. Eventaully the setup was swapped for a carb, and it still runs perfect to this day. The crossfire setup is a neat looking setup, but the vast majority of people run from it. That is not to say that it can't be made to perform, but you would have MUCH more invested in it, and I don;t think that it would ever be as reliable.

Just my opinion. Either way, get a Pace Car and enjoy the hell out of it.

Tom

 

By the way, the only Crossfire website that I know of is:

http://www.crossfire.webhop.net

Tom

 

that's the board I was thinking of. they moved the host about the same time I sold my 82 Collector's Edition Corvette, so I haven't kept up with it. There is a wealth of information on there about the crossfire.
Jon

 

I had already found the CrossFire Injection Vault site. Good to know that there is a group out there to turn to should I decide go this route.

I appreacite the continued feedback and the offer for help on the Pace Car, guys.

 

it's not like your tearing up a mint firehawk or something....i think putting a 305tpi motor in would be perfectly acceptable.

 

Don't waste your time. Value is low and they have very low performance (and looks in my book). You can get very fast pace car 20th Anniv for a reasonable price.....best of both worlds.

 

I feel that with any car, if you are possibly worried about your car holding it's value, no matter what you do, just keep all the parts off to the side, so the car can be changed back, by either you or the new buyer.
One of my cars is a 1970 Lucerne Blue Trans Am with the Ram Air III engine and 4-speed. I have this engine off to the side, and I am transplanting a correct coded for that year Ram Air IV engine. Now, granted that my transplant is at least for the same year, I don't see much of a problem with yours.

Later,

George

 

Agreed, George. I'm kind of a "stock" guy myself so if I were to modify the car, I'd certainly keep everything taken off and would not do anything to damange the car to the point where things couldn't be put back the way the factory had it.

I cringe sometimes when I see what people have done to their cars, but hey, it's theirs. Provided it's not something that's rare or unique, people should mod the way the want to.

Can you guys imagine if someone took a TTA and ripped the motor out to put in a big block because they wanted more out of it? The bummer is that I'm sure it's happened somewhere.

 

I have been dealing with a Indy Car club that has alot of 82 Pacecars & they said that there are only 34 cars reg. with the CFI & all Disc breaks. 35 when I get the stuff for mine to be done

Most ppl would say the CFI engines but if you know someone with Corvettes they would help you out

THE SEATS are the only thing you can NOT buy as of yet. Both the Paddock & Classic Industires have the Door Pandels & everything else. but if you find a car that has a Trashed interior like mind you are looking at $600 to replace everthing BUT the seats. Is looking at $1300 for the seats at a shop. The decals you can get a kit for $800 from almost anywhere.

Def shop around. There are some that are out there that you can get cheap. I only Paid $1500 for mine & is looking at paying almost $10k to get it show worthy. Thats Including Paint jobs

Good luck