Hi guys. This is my first post so bare with me. Some jerk hit my TA last year so I need to get a replacement. I want to get a 5.7 car 87 to 90. Would like your opinion on what you guys like between pontiac and chevy and witch one will be worth more in the future. Oh yes I would like to spend from 2 to 3k. It will just be used for weekends and stored winters. Thanks

 

Good luck on finding a cheep 5.7 car in decent condition for 2 to 3K. In these years you have 4 choices, the IROC, the GTA, TRANS AM & Formula.

Here is what you wanted to know 87-90 cars

Collectability, (based upon a nationwide approach)
1) IROC
2) GTA
3) Trans Am
4) Formula 350

Performance
1) IROC
2) Formula 350
3) GTA/Trans Am

Options
1) GTA
2) Trans Am
3) Formula 350/IROC

John

 

I don't care if the car needs a little TLC like paint as long as its all there and runs strong. Any problems I should look out for on these cars and thanks for the info. Any one else please feel free to leave your opinions. Thanks again in advance guys.

 

Regardless of which model you choose, the 90 would be the most desirable on the mechanical end. It uses a MAP sensor, while 87-89 use a MAF. While in theory a MAF is more accurate, and adjusts for mods better, back then the technology was just not up to snuff. Thirdgen MAFs quite frankly suck. They are way to problematic. The MAP cars run so much better. I even did a MAP swap on one of my cars after having enough of the crappy MAF system. If you can't find a 90 you like try for an 89 as a second choice. 89 cars no longer used a cold start injector, which at least is an improvement of 87-88. Instead the ECM pulsed the main injectors a bit longer each cycle when the engine was cold. Anyway all this stuff applies to TPI cars, which I assume is what you are after. If you look at TBI then forget what I just said.

 

Actually an 87 &88 can use the same program as an 89 to eliminate the cold start injector, no biggie if you ask me.

Personally I have never had a problem with my MAF cars.

Look for rust, in the rear wheel wells, along the lip, make sure the lip still has the highlight line. Look underneeth at the floorboards. Start looking at rusted out ones, see where they like to rust, then you will know. as for Engine, THe puff of smoke at startup is really common for the Small Chevy engine, it has to do with the design of the valve seals, and oil soaks the seal and then drips into the head, when the car starts it puffs smoke.

If you have any rust showing under the hood in the engine bay, I would avoid it (The exception is the exhaust manifolds they all rust 1 day after ownership.) beyond that, look at the brake lines etc.... start the car let it idle for 15 min, watch the temp, and make sure the oil pressure is in the middle, not too high not too low.

John

 

True I forgot to mention that. I've actually done that myself in the past. I don't know why I didn't mention it. Good catch.

 

Thanks alot for the info guys. I know that it will take me some time to find what I am looking for but it will be worth it in the end. Any one else with info please let me know also. Thanks.

 

If you're looking for a weekend car that will carry any value at all, I'd consider looking for a higher priced car. In the price range you're looking, you will not find anything that will carry a high value without doing alot of work. That work will cost alot of money, so why not buy a higher priced car to begin with? There are plenty of low mile, original cars in excellent condition for less $$ than buying a $2k car, repainting, repairing, etc.

 

You have a good piont there. I might be better of just saving some more and getting a better car. A friend of mine could paint the car for $1500. I do want a strong runner with a mint interior. Thanks for your opinion and I will keep saving. I hope I can find a GTA.

 

yeah thats the best thing to do I did the same thing just kept saving, and kept searching for the perfect one and one day it appeared, don't settle for anything your not 100% happy with or you'll regret it

 

My 89 Formula 350 Vert is less than perfect, but I figured I would never have another opportunity to buy a similar car... Considering that there were only 42 made, ever, and about 10 are destroied, only 4 have lower miles... I figured it was worth it...

John