I have the opportunity to buy another third gen and save it from the eternal yard. It is a '88 Camaro 305 TBI. The car has 176,000 miles on it and is EXTREMELY DIRTY. It is so dirty that the condition of the paint cannot be evaluated. It has been parked under some tress and has not run in about three years. On the plus side, the car was repainted a few years ago, but it is falling off in some areas. The body has very little rust, just some under the wheel wells and such. The exhaust is completely rusted an would need to be replaced. The car also has some front end troubles. I am not sure because the sellers aren't sure. they say it is drivable but would need some front end work. Anyways, I offered $400 for it. Does this sound like a money pit or a potential restore? The motor would be replaced in a year or to. I want is as a beater car so that I can keep my other baby cherry (nice car at school = stolen/broken into).

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1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Hooker 3" Areochamber
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/28,000 Pampered miles
(Still have the original wiper blades)

 

Sounds like a decent price. but be aware you'll be spending thousands of dollars to fix that stuff. Primarily the paint.

 

If it starts and runs good then its well worth it. I agree, to really make it look and run good is gonna cost $$$, but thats a good price for a driveable beater.

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92 Camaro RS, LO3, 5-spd, T-tops

Performance:
K&N Open Air Filter, Edelbrock performer TBI intake, Fastchip Prom, Timing +4 degrees, Centerforce clutch, Xact 8mm wires, SLP 1 3/4" Headers (coated), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Z28 Grille w/aftmkt fog lamps, MacEwen white-face guages
Electronics:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers.
NEXT UP: TBI mods, 3.42 gears w/Torsen posi

 

400 for a body is a good price, if it just so happens to have an engine and interior too good. if you want a restorer, sounds like you found her. but figure it this way. youve got 1500 for paint, 1500 for the engine, 1500 for body work and interior, and 1500 for exhaust and suspension. that sits you at 6400 bucks, for a done, damn nice car. keep in mind, youll always spend more than you first figure out. even if the car is worth 100 bucks, whats 300 more when youre going to spend 6 grand more eventually.

thats just what ive learned since i bought my 69.

 

1500 for paint? jeez snf, how many cans of dupicolor did you buy j/k
that is a good price for a solid rolling chassis and a reasonbly clean body. if the motor, tranny, or rear are useable that is just a bonus.

lata
tim

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91 Camaro RS-LO3,Auto.
14.209@95.46mph
Best 60' 1.917
Check Out The East Coast F-Body Nationals Home Page
www.geocities.com/njspeeder

My MAFB.ORG Home Page
www.mycar.net/mafb/registry/detail.cfm?id=299

DSI Racing Home Page
www.geocities.com/foff667

 

everything is in working order except the front end. It is drivable but should not stay that way for long. How much is a front end rebuild. providing I get parts from a yard.

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1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Hooker 3" Areochamber
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/28,000 Pampered miles
(Still have the original wiper blades)

 

front end rebuild kit shouldnt be more than a few hundred, plus a few hours, like maybe 4 in labor. i think you should be able to get out of the whole thing for under 650 buck for full front overhaul.

 

If it runs, shoot it primer gray, repair the front end and ya got a great beater you can take anywhere..........bob
A working stereo would be a plus

 

Sounds like a good deal, If nothing else you can use it for parts. I got an 89 RS LO3 for $800 not running because the small car lot tried to override the VATS. took a little time and money but so far it's a runner.

 

tried to override VATS, hehehe what kinda shady car lot do you shop at > HEHEHE