Hey guys -

I have a "Project Car" I'm working on, and I'd like some advice:

I have an '88 Camaro Coupe; no engine or transmission in the car.

I have a carbureted 383 about 80% complete ready to go in. It is setup for an automatic transmission.

Separately, I have a 700R4 transmission ready to go in the car, too.

I originally wanted to do a manual transmission, but couldn't decide on it.

I just ran across a guy selling a driveable '83 Camaro Z28 (HO) with a T5 for $500. I'm interested in the T5 transmission, seats (black leather, in good shape) and the better Z28 suspension.

Is it worth $500 for this stuff? Will this car even have upgraded suspension and/or LSD?

What do you think?
J

EDIT: Pictures added - take a look!

 

i believe 82/83 would be a different setup, so if you want a hydrolic system, then that is not the car to get. Although if you were to part it out, and use what you liked in it, then i would say it's worth it. A lot of 82/83 only parts in that car.

For it's age, outside of sway bars, i would assume the "upgraded"-ness of the Z28/LSD combo that it might have, has seen better days, and that it would be more wise to spend money on a new LSD and suspension.

 

Sorry, 84redta, I don't understand what you mean. Hydraulic what?

 

The clutch he means it might have a cable clutch and if you want a hydrolic one dont buy it.

 

the clutch system on the 82/83 is mechanical, whereas i believe in 84 or mid 84 they introduced the hydrolic system. This is what most people want, so thats why i warned you that in that car it's mechanical. In '88, there was improvements to the transmission, inwhich they began calling it a world class transmission. There was slight improvements internally that allowed a bit more torque.

 

Ahhaa!

That's why I'm glad I asked. Great info, 84redta!

Thanks for that - any other input?!?!

 

Not a problem sir, like i said, if you were to part it out, you would make it back ten fold with the HO intake system, body kit if still in tact, and bringing the body to the crushers would take care of the $500, then you can make a little more on interior parts, and get the rest of the stuff you want out of it. Not to mention a few people actually want that transmission setup, and you probably can make $500 alone on a complete standard transmission setup on the boards here. All up to you, if it's in solid shape though, most of us will beg you not to part it, but it's your money, you can do with it as you please.

 

The '83 won't have the sway bar you most likely want. Maybe they are a step above a Sport Coupe or lower model, but not as good generally as say, a 1LE or IROC car. I just replaced mine with a 36mm one from an IROC. - I have an '83Z...

As already mentioned, the T-5 in the 83 (if it's original) is the older style BW, rated at slightly less than the newer 87-up WC T-5's - and no one sells a kit to upgrade them.

I personally don't feel the mechanical clutch linkage is a huge disadvantage though, but that's me. But if you do decide to use the clutch linkage and pedals from (the 83), you'll want the non-slave cylinder bellhousing from the 83 tranny too.

The rear end might be a LSD, if it was ordered that way, but it's most likely the lower 26 spline (I think) as opposed to the newer 28 spline ones. So unless you're restoring the '83 or it has REALLY SWEET seats - I'd pass if I were you.....just MO...

EDIT: And the air intake, if it's complete (BOTH SCOOPS AND HOSES) and in excellant shape - you might get 200 max for them, maybe. And yeah, you could make most of the $$ back if you part it out - but like said above if the HO is in good shape - keep it as is! (I have all my parts) lol...

 

There were no leather seats in 82/83. This car has vinyl seats. Leather was not available on the Camaro until 1987.

 

Ahhhh - again, glad I asked.

 

Sounds like a good deal.

 

So RedOctober - Judging by your sig, you already either own a 83Z, so you should have an idea of what they offer, or you just added it to your sig before you bought it. So post up a pic!!

 

DOH!!!!!

That's actually a car I had owned that was in Alaska (I am in Oregon). I spent the better part of 3 years trying to figure out how to get that car down here.

I gave up last year and sold it. I need to remove it from my sig...

 

I have added pictures - please see first post!

 

it has the composite hood, which would bring in some money. Judging by the picture, it looks like the intake ducting wouldn't come with the car. It doesn't seem to fit what you're looking for. It'd be a great car for someone to pick up and drive if they have a very limited budget.