Well to start off im 16, and pretty interested in cars, although i have pretty much no knowledge about them. Well my uncles got this 86 camaro, just a camaro, not a z28 or rs or anything. he woudl give it to me for free, since he doesnt use it. I gotta check it out but im pretty sure its gonna need a new transmission and a new engine. First im gonna look at the body shape, if its in no good condition then im not gonna bother but if its in resonably good condition i think ill check it out. But beyond that, what are some good choices for engines and transmissions. Right now its got a v6 and its auto. I want to put in a v8, maybe a 350 and maybe the 700r4 tranny? like i said im not super car smart, but hopefully this will be a start for me, so any good reference sites for cars would be helpful too. But just i kinda want to know what are some good engines and transmissions. (im not rich now so lets look at price too ) And further more what else shoudl i look for in it in the car? interior condition and whatnot but how about those springs and shocks and suspension? how can you tell if that is shot and needs to be replaced? well sorry for that being so long, thanks for YOUR time! (I already have a truck that runs good, so im not in a rush to finish it, and we have a second garage, so I'll have room to store it and work on it.)
- Greg

 

WELCOME!!!!!

<------ This will become your new best friend. It's the best thing since heated sideview mirrors.

Engines...... As far as $$$/HP, the 350 is VERY hard to beat.

Transmissions..... You're car should have a th700-r4 so replacing it is simple.

What are your intentions? Do you want this to be an every-day car? A street machine? A drag car? A "G-Machine"?

Let us know what "the perfect car" means to you, and we'll help you get it.

 

The price sounds right.
Check out the condition of the body. Suspension and drivetrain are cheap and easy compared to heavy body work and a nice paint job.

Probably shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth too closely, but just be aware of the condition of the sheet metal on the floors, fenders, doors, rockers and rear quarter panels.

Also find out if you will have to have the car smog tested where you live. If you do, a swap from a 6 cylinider to an 8 might be too much.

Hope it works out for you.