Ok, as you can see I am new to these forums, and I've been searching all over for a FAQ with things to look for when buying a 3rd gen, specifically, common problems with the engine, etc.

Does one exist for common problems like t-top leaks, etc? I'm more worried about the engine. I'm absorbing everything I can before I find one on craigslist, or here on the forum, so thanks in advance!

I'm coming with not much knowledge of the 3rd gen's, I previously owned 2 Mr2 turbos, an Acura Legend, and my most recent Lexus GS400, so I'm looking at a much different car, the 3rd generation Camaro.

I've read most of the FAQs already.

 

Hmm, not sure if there's a FAQ for buying one of these cars (if you haven't found it... you're not looking hard enough ) But I have seen a number of threads on it.
Try searching on the tech general engine forum for "first thirdgen" or "buying a thirdgen".
I know i've posted in a few. Searching in the tech/general engine forum will give you posts related to engine/drivetrain, and in the body forum will give you body tips.

Off the top of my head;

-Check for rust in the wheel wells
-rust below the drivers left foot area
-t-tops are notorious for leaks. And a weaker body structure. Decide upfront what's more important to you. You can strengthen the body and fix the t-top seals, but just be aware that's almost a necessity.
engine - valve seals and valve covers leak oil pretty consistently on these cars, both are easy cheap fixes.
The engines themselves are actually quite reliable. Depends on what you want out of the car - A no touch reliable quick car - a TPI car. If you intend on getting your hands dirty and doing a lot of work on it, an earlier carbed car might be more for you. Decide if you want injected or carbed up front, that's a major point to get out of the way first.
Or favorite bodystyle, depends on what you like.

oh, and welcome to the boards.

 

check for rust on the "frame rails" around the tranny x-member. They can get rusty, which is dangerous. If you stick your hand between the dash and the door, and its hard to, or the dash and door are touching, the body is twisted. Check for rust on the strut tower . If you can see rust on the top of the strut towers, its REALLY bad, but usually theres a bit of rust underneath.

 

Thanks for the response.

I'm leaning towards fuel injected considering I've only dealt with fuel injected cars before. I'm not too knowledgeable on Carb's.

I'll try the search. Thanks!

 

Also, I'm staying away from the Automatic transmissions, so I'm probably looking at a 1987+.

Any known problems with the transmission?

 

The T5 manual transmission a weak actor.

 

Keep in mind that the newest of these cars are fifteen years old now, so you need to look over any of them very carefully. You didn't post your location, but if you are in the rust belt that will be your biggest concern. You also didn't say how much you want to spend, and that will make a big difference. Some people won't like me saying this, but I would put priority on finding a virgin, bone stock car that no one has already messed with. If you don't have any experience with these or similar types of cars then diagnosing problems can be very frustrating if you don't know what has been done to the car, or been done wrong in the past. With a bone stock car at least you know where you are starting from and you won't have to undo anything first to make it right. If you see a hacked up wiring and missing components under the hood you might be better off to pass unless the car is otherwise very nice and a smokin good deal.

The seats tend be worn in these cars but used parts are not too hard to find, esp. since 4th gen seats are a direct bolt-in swap. Dash pads are usually cracked, but if you're patient you'll find a good one for about $100.

The manual transmissions are all BW T5's-except in '82. The '88 and newer cars all came with the world class T5 which is better and stronger. All '88 and newer cars are fuel injected also. '82-'87 cars can be either carb or FI.

If you let us know how much you want to spend, if you are willing to travel to get one, and what specifically you want to do with the car we can be more helpful. Nice examples of these cars are still pretty easy to find, and a great "fun per dollar" value. Good luck with your search.

 

Look for an original unmolested low milage car like I did. You don't want to buy someones cobbled up mess. I'm new to F bodies too, and just bought my car about 1 month ago. I don't know much about them ( call me stupid question dumb ****) but I'm learning. Here is the Ebay auction number of my car, 207186272563. I am the second owner. The car originally sold in TN. No rust at all. All original sheet metal, glass, and interior. NEVER HIT!! Only mod to it is a 3" Hooker catback and air pump delete. Car runs almost perfect AND no error codes! Some people said I paid too much. I dont think so. I saw alot of junk out there for about the same price.

You owned a couple of cars so I'm sure you know what to look for, that is, just by looking at a car you can tell what it is. A picture says 1000 words. Before you dig into it take a good looong look at it first. How do the doors shut? scratched glass, do the interior controls work, does it blow blue smoke when you start it? You get the picture. Do a 100 point check.

 

I'm look to spend less than $3000. And yes, I am looking for one that is bone stock, if not close to it. I'm trying to stay away from the Carb's, only because of my lack of knowledge on them.

I am definately looking for a 5 speed, and z28 or IROC is ideal. I dont think a v6 will cut it for me. I look forward to doing minor bolt ons only. Thank you all in advance for your help.

I'm also worried about smog. How are these cars on smog? Seems like a 15 year old car would have some troubles passing it (espically since I'm in California).

 

Absolutely check under the carpet that is above the rear axle. A lot of cars have been chopped badly in order to change the fuel pump through the floor.

Fold the rear seat down and lift the carpet and padding to expose the 'hump.' Check that it is un-cut, just solid metal.

RBob.

 

Also check the battery tray from under the car.