hello i going to buy my first camaro. it's between an 85 z28, an 88 v6, and lastly a 92 rs w/ 5.ol v8 i was wondering if you could tell me some common problems that they have so i can look for them.

Thanks you!

 

WEll, just look out for the usual problems, rust, lack of maintenance.

 

Well, the 2nd one has a V6.... I would personally consider that a problem. Others might feel differently. The RS will have TBI; I feel the same way about that, again that's my personal preference. I like speed and handlling. 6-cyl cars and RSs offer neither of those things without significant upgrades.

Which engine is in the 85? It could be the LG4 which is the base V8 that year; the L69, which is the HO carbed motor, a good runner; or the TPI motor. Which car is in the best shape? What is most important to you: speed, appearance, low maintenance cost, ???

These cars will all tend to have lots of the same problems... cracking dash pad, door hinge pins worn such that the door droops, creaks and groans when going over uneven places like driveways, sloppy steering, etc. Most can be fixed with a little effort, or some money. Look for rust around the rear wheel wells or similar things; that almost can't be fixed, at least not economically.

Make sure the Check Engine light works, should come on when youturn the key on and go out after the engine starts. If it doesn't work, then somebody has disabled it, probably deliberately; if they'd try to deceive you that way, then you can't believe anything else they're telling you, so at that point you're not interested any more. If it stays on, you could either scan for codes, or pass on the car; if you're not familiar with such things, the second option is probably smarter, unless the car is really nice otherwise.

Look in the newspaper and elsewhere, maybe on the net, find out how much those cars go for in your area; don't overpay.

 

Glad you elaborated, I was at class and in a hurry. Yeah, personally I wouldn't want either of them. When I first got mine, I didn't research these cars, I was like yes a V8, it's fast. Nope, LG4 one of the worst motors available.

 

If you have decided a camaro is the car you want then you probably have a tendency towards cars that rumble and snap your neck a little when you hit the gas. Do yourself a favor and at the very least get a V8 car. If the z28 is in good shape that would be the way to go. I know anything is possible with any car but I know several guys with RS cars and other low performing 305s that are constantly trying to come up with plans to get into the low 15s and all the plans are expensive.

I personally think the TBI is to much trouble to try and work with. A carbed L69 or TPI LB9 or L98 car is a great place to start and most are already in the low 15s and high 14 second 1/4 mile range.

Take your time and imagine yourself 6 months from now and make a choice you will be happy with then.

 

Don't forget the LG4 cars, hence the Z28 he is looking at , is in the same ballpark 1/4 times as the TBI car.
A L98 is capable of mid 14s by the way. My bet is if he is lookin at the above cars, L98 cars are out of his price range right now.

 

thanks for all the info guys i'll keep that in mind when i go to look at them. i'm also looking on ebay.

thanks

 

92 RS TBI with 150,000 miles on motor= 15.4 @ 90 with 225/60/16 pep boys tires. Starts every time, never a drop of oil, or even thought about a puff of smoke. If that RS you are looking at has 16" wheels then it's most likey got the handling package too, like mine did. It all depends on how the car was taken of- I was the second owner of mine. People sell zz4 cams all the time, you put one of those in your RS and you should be able to run in the 14's with your SES bulb still in the dash.