Hey everyone. This summer I was talking to my friend who bought an old Ford Galaxy and his project revived my interest in cars, and I started looking to see what car I might like to fix up. My absolute dream would be a 1966 Pontiac GTO, but those are rare and pricey and I'm going to have to hold down a job for quite a while before I could afford one, and even still I may never get my hands on one.

So at any rate, I was looking at cars and found myself more and more attracted to the idea of doing a 3rd-gen Camaro build. Hitting up Teh Googles frequently brought me to TGO. I have been enjoying the pictures and all the other content so I finally decided to join up.

I have been trolling Craigslist for some time now looking for an appropriate Camaro. I've narrowed my search to 87-92 cars, with Z28s and IROCs being my preference. I'd take a little more artistic license with repainting/re-engining an RS though. Black 88 IROC-Z would be best.

There's a black 88 IROC roller I saw for sale online with big chrome rims and a cowl hood. Looks like a good deal but I wouldn't want the rims or the hood. I'd either have to put it in storage or get an engine and transm asap, but since I don't have money to do it the way I want it yet, I'm hesitant to waste money on engine/trans parts that I would end up redoing.

My dad said he would loan me the money, if I saw a good deal, until I get out of university in two years since lots of people are currently selling reluctantly due to money problems right now. In other words, it's a buyers market.

I'm not interested in heavily modifying a maro, but I'm not a purist looking for a car as original as possible. Just trying to put in some tastefully done customizations and get the thing as tuff and clean as possible. Redo the interior, get it looking, sounding, and driving top shape. I tend to prefer stock wheels, and I want a black car.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. If there's anything you NorCal third-genners have to suggest for a complete noob, I'd love to hear it. Looking forward to seeing you all around.

Thanks & Regards

Welcome Duke, good luck in your quest...I just recently joined myself...seems like a pretty nice site with alot of knowledgeable people here... looking for the right car is fun....there are plenty out there...again good luck in your search...Mike

I would aim for a 91-92 Camaro as they go speed density, and the 10 bolt with PBR brakes...

If you want an 80's get an 89, as they got PBR brakes as well but with a harder to work with 9 bolt rear-end. The 88 and older got the not as hot Delco calipers.

I'd have to agree with the newer the better idea. My '88 IROC has MAF and can be modified to get results but there is an argument made for speed density. My '88 has 4 wheel disc and the TPI/L98/5.7 with the 700R4 trans and 9 bolt rear and 3.27 gears. The 9 bolt is strong, but harder to get parts for. Not impossible, just not as common of a rear. Good luck in your search and welcome to TGO/Nor-Cal.

Good suggestions. However, I found an 86 Z28, a black-with-silver-skirt runner. 350TPI, 700 trans, new raditor , hose, tires, throttle boby, tps and more. If I go see it and don't buy it, I'll alter my search criteria. But don't worry about it being an 86, I think I'll be really happy with it. It's in pretty good shape, fair price, still room for me to make my mods, and it can be started up and moved for street sweeping instead of being a rolling shell!!! I don't make spur of the moment decisions anyway, so trust that I will have thought before I will have bought. Hopefully get to see the car tomorrow.

They didn't make a 350TPI in an 86 model. Unless it is swapped, it is a 305.

Well then you sir, are a smarter man than I

I would look at some more...

I would look at some more...

dont rush. wait and you'll find the exact car you want. i agree with the 89 and newer.

If I even get to see it, that's when we find out whether it was a typo or an engine swap on that 350TPI. Guy has to return call first.

Craigslist is slow on the maros today... would like to see a 89 that I like pop up, no joy though.

Welcome and I agree with the 89 and newer