hey guys, first post here. well ive been looking for camaros lately, but well theres too many different options by year to learn everything, and try to pick the best out. i found a 1992 25th anniversary 305 tbi camaro for 2K, sounds good, mabye? then i also found an 82, rebuilt 350 cam and intake and all that good stuff for 1500, needs inspected and has an r title, comes with a bunch of new syspension... help me out here, no clue what year to look for. i have 2000 to spend, and would like a real motor (not 305 lol), and manual would be preferred, if not ill swap to a 5. im not nearly new to any chevy stuff, ive built 13:1 350 race motors and know an f body like the back of my hand.. just need help with this, thanks!!!


-matt

82 - http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/1273789135.html
92 - http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/1243779464.html

 

I'd go with a later, rather than earlier model, for better parts like 4-wheel discs and stuff. As for engines, 350s only came with automatics, while 305s had manuals. I have a 350, but I'd like to go to a manual and it's going to be some work. I'd say if you love the stick, get a 305, you can always plop a bigger engine in there down the road, and even if you swap the manual for a beefier tranny, all the interior holes/parts will be already there for you.

 

I'll weigh it out real quick for you.
Pros for 92:
*You wont be starting out with someone elses basket-case motor install.
*If the 82 has an auto also, the 92 700R4 is better.
*The 92 does not look like it needs any body work.
*The 92 does not look like it needs any body work.
*Probably lower miles so your steering and suspension isn't going to be as wornout.

Pros for 82:
*Comes with a crate 350(do you have any details on it? Builder, specs...??)
*Comes with suspension parts.
*Interior could be in better shape since it has some newer things, but no pics.

That's all I'm going to say, personally I would go with the 92 and upgrade as you go. Pick up an LS1 with manual and you are done. You can pull in the track, run 13-14's all day for $3-4k plus the cost of the car.

 

You are in salt country - forget motor! Go for body! Everything besides the body can be swapped/modded/upgraded.

I'd also consider a road trip - ie look farther south. 2k is alot in my book for a 3rd gen. My 92 RS I got in Maryland (closer to you than to me) and I only paid $800 for a good body, running 305 V8 with very little rust anywhere and great interior.

 

wherever you live is sweet. any 800 dollar 3rd gen here in the great white north is lucky to be running and will probably fail any safety test. i paid 1300 for my rolling chassis, and the guy was asking 2100. its in good shape though.

as for your car, I don't know how the rules are there in your state but where I am in ontario, any car 1987 or older doesn't have to pass a emissions test. this may be an issue for you. be sure you don't have to pass emmissions test and you can do away with all the smog/A.I.R and cats and all that nonesense and run as big a motor as you like. maybe there are some loopholes for you as well. and I think the 82 is lighter than the 92? but I would probably never buy a car where someone else messed with it that much.

 

yea the motor isnt a huge issue, its not a "real" crate motor in the one.. the dude told me his X girlfriends dad (now deceased, why he got the motor) rebuilt it, cam and whatnot i have no clue whats done to it but if its been taken apart then its defenately not a crate (imean unless they welded nuts on the bolts lol)


i have a 400 block i would like to swap into it anyway, do something crazy like 9:1 je's, h beams, the usual bore balance polish crank and a decent cam, make like 550 to the wheels n/a. then that way if i wanna put some boost into it ill still be safe, hah

interior to me, is whatever. im making my own, probably a caged deal with a more "race" atmosphere.. still keeping it a street car.. looking for solid 11's or low 12's out of it.

anyone in the pittsburgh area selling?


thanks,

matt