Ive been thinking of getting a 86-92 camaro with a v8 and a 5 speed that is kind of beat up and has alot miles. Im only 15 and i dont have much experience with cars but i have a basic knowledge about them. Do you think this is a good idea for a first car to fix up and learn from. in like a year or something i plan on getting a knew engine to put into it like an lt1, ls1 or some crate engine. Do you think this is a good idea for someone like me or am in over my head.

 

how much money do you have?? or are willing to spend?? that is the major factor for doing something like this.. an LS1 swap will most likely be too complicated and expensive for you.. electronics are not fun.. if you want to do something extensive, i would say get a camaro with a 350 and rebuild it.. its a great learning experience.. it doesnt have to be a crazy rebuild where you buy a new rotating assembly, it could just be new piston rings, bearings and gaskets.. replace the camshaft if you want, etc..



and basically any car is good to fix up and learn from..

 

make sure if you do this you find a car with a decent body, rust repair is not fun at all, a few dents and dings here and there are fine but if it needs floors it's better to stay away from those cars. you want to be putting more money and time into the engine and drivetrain than you put into body work. but like it was previously stated buy a car with a 350 and rebuild that the best you can, as long as you stick around the message boards you can pretty much handle anything with the help of these guys.

 

Probably under 5K. Ive been told the 305 TBI is slow as hell. How is the 305 TPI?

 

when you say get a 350 do u mean like a 350 TPI or just any 350? I would get a 350 TPI if it wasnt for no manual transmission.

 

im also debating doing this project or just waiting a year and getting an lt1.

 

you could always find a 305 TPI 5spd car and get a 350 to replace the 305..

 

the 305 tbi's are slow, but if you're a young kid like you are it's really all you need and it's a good platform to learn on.

 

any more ideas, suggestions or questions?

 

My first car was a 85 trans am i got it when i 14 or so and i didnt know much about cars it really got me into cars. You could fix it up and sell it like i did and buy something better latter.

 

What do you think would be the best car for this project?

 

An older one with a carb.
Get an 84 or something that had a 350 dropped in by a previous owner, and all the electronics gutted. Or a stock one with a 305, and build up a basic 350 and drop it in. Skip the hassles of electronics.

Why post this on the TBI forum?
Either way, i'd avoid fuel injection completely, as if it were the plague.

I think your first two replies are very good advice.

 

yeh man i recommend a 305 tbi, yeh they arent the fastest but unless ur racing it, it perfect. I have a 305 tbi and i got it when i was 15 i have had it for bout three years now i have messed around with it a bunch and it has taught me a lot about cars. you can find a good 305 for under 5K pretty easy. Just make sure your floors and rear end is free of rust. Floors are very hard to replace and rear quarter panels arent any easier. Being in chicago winters arent fun. so unless you have something to drive in the winter i wouldnt go spending too much. So what ever you get have fun with it and be careful man.

 

Im pretty stuck on the 305 tpi 5 speed cause its not too slow and i dont really want to get some random 350 engine. Is this a bad choice? Would this be too complicated for me?