I'm searching right now for the perfect 3rd gen for me. Had an 84 Z28 in highschool, and now I want another (well, a "little" newer). Anyway, several people have spouted off the 'ol "You're gonna have to work on that car ALL the time!", and junk like that. I don't believe it though at this point. I didn't work on my 84 much at all (even with it's crappy Rochester carb), and it was fine. But, I just figured I'd get the opinion of the 3rd gen masses to help me out.

Thanks!

 

as the proud owner of a 89 formula i can say they dont cause that much trouble if you dont beat them...i got my car about a year ago and all ive done is replace the clutch (last owner couldnt drive a stick to save his life and burnt it up. thats why i have it) and change the oil...remember. even the 92 cars are getting up there in age. so little things are to be expected
Snuffit

 

I guess start with the newest thirdgen you can find with the lowest miles. If you want simplicity but not much power, get a 305TBi 5spd car. The L03 is a very tough, dependable engine and with a 5spd you have no automatic problems to worry about. If you go TPI, get a speed density or MAP system. Those MAF's are very expensive when they die.
Good luck.

------------------
Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI Edelbrock Intake
SLP Dual Cold Air Intake 1 5/8" Headers Semi-Siamesed Runners, IROC
suspension, alum shaft. Numerous mods.
92Z28convt5spd (stock)
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

If you treat the car good, it will treat you good. If you beat on it, plan on fixing it. If you get somthing that is mechanically good and with a good body, you shouldn't have too much probs. When you first get the car, expect to work a few bugs out. Good luck man.

Mike

------------------
Check out My Car Pics http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/Albu...667&a=13599419

Gran Turismo Americano "The Ultimate Firebird"
Smokin 1989 GTA- Bone stock except for exhaust. (no catalytic-stainless pipe into Flowmaster 2 chamber) & AC Delco Rapid Fire Plugs

 

With the newest of these cars being 10 years old, you have to expect that things will start falling apart somewhat. My '89 is sitting outside right now with a half-replaced water pump, while I just did the radiator a month ago. Meanwhile, the steering is loosening up, there's a new rattle in the dash I have yet to track down, there's a squaking bushing in the rear end somewhere, etc etc.

Am I complaining? No...I realize any 12 year old, 94k mile car will need stuff. This car has been pampered from day one, but it is still 12 years old...stuff breaks. However, this car has never left me stranded, runs and shifts as smooth as new, and still manages to get a lot of looks. I love this car, and would recommend one to anyone. Nothing major has ever broken, it is fun to drive despite being a 2.8, and there are a variety of things I like better about it than my '97!

Good luck with whatever you end up with...

------------------
Jason E

'89 Camaro RS
-Medium Grey Metallic
-2.8, A4, T-tops, 94k miles
-Hypertech chip, Accel wires/coil/K&Ns
-Alpine 60x4 and Bostons

'97 Z28
-30th Anniversary package (white with orange stripes)
-LT1, M6, t-tops, 45k miles
-Eclipse CD and 10" Aluminum sub in JL Audio Stealth box, Boston RM speakers, Xtant 403a amp

Speed Kills...Wanna live forever? Drive a Ford.
Long Live #3...

 

Thanks for the info. Everyone's hammering on me pretty hard about wanting one, but quite frankly screw them. They make a lot of decisions I don't agree with either. :P

Anyway, Rob P, I lust after your 92Z!!!!

I'm sure you're not selling though, and if you were hehe, I couldn't afford it. You should post some pics sometime. I'd love to see it!

 

I auto-x my 89 and the worst thing that happened was the alternator died. no biggie