Ok so my situation is this: Im selling my Eclipse, I want to get $3000 for it at the minimum (asking $3500), and have gotten a few offers for $2800 but said no. Now I want to get a 3rd gen camaro and have found a couple but need help deciding on what to do.


My first 3rd gen to look into is a 1992 Camaro Z28 which he is asking $3000 for it.
I posted a while ago about buying this car so all info/pics are on the link below:
- Unknown body mileage
- about 10k on new 350 tpi & trans
- i drove it and it runs good

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...-1992-z28.html

NOW, I also have a 1985 Camaro Z28 that I didnt look at yet but hopefully Ill check it out soon.
I called and the info I got was that it has
- 140K on the body,
- about 2k on rebuilt motor and trans.
- Just needs a tune up from sitting for so long.
Now hes asking $2800.

http://delaware.craigslist.org/cto/1499019436.html

So basically im asking, should I just go and sell my car and grab the $2800 and hopefully pick up one of these for about $2500 or less? I actually went and checked out the 1992 Z28 and fell in love, but it has a reconstructed title. The 1985 Iroc doesnt. What car do you all think would be better?
Thanks A Lot Everyone

OH BTW..No matter what I get Im looking to use it as my daily driver, so I guess thats another question. Which do you think is more reliable from the info given? Thanks again

 

IMO the reconstructed title would turn me off right away. May have some issues insuring it. As long as you have some mechanical know how the 85 could be your baby. Go check her out, see how it drives, has been maintained, what condition the interior and body are in etc. Others will chime in, and as to your eclipse that is a decision you have to make for yourself, what you want to get out of it, and when.

 

You should think about whether you want Fuel Injection or a Carb. Better gas mileage vs easy to mod & tune. Would you prefer a manual or an auto trans.

 

I'd choose the 92 over the 85, by what I've seen.

And what was ajblbv talking about with the "recontructed title"? I saw nothing about that anywhere.

FI is gonna start every time in the cold. Carbs can be finicky in cold weather. I'm not even much cold weather & even I prefer FI.

FI wil give you better mpg.

10,000 miles wins over 140,000 miles

The 92 will have bigger & better brakes.


I'm not seeing ANY upside to the 85.

 

To me reconstructed title is an immediate no especially for that kinda of money and with "unknown" body mileage on top of it. The title issue alone makes it worth about a fraction of what hes asking. Now the 85 im also somewhat hesitant about reason is he claims its a 350 and as we all know there were no 350s in 85. Although this doesn't seem like a bad thing at first if hes telling the truth and it does have a 350 he swapped it in and who knows the quality of work that he did. I tend to shy away from cars like that just because although it could be a beautiful job it could also be hacked and a nightmare. If its just the 305 then thats better as long as he can document the work done and that this "rebuild" isnt just he put new gaskets on the motor when repairing a blown head gasket or something and calling it rebuilt. The other thing i might want to mention is that if the 85 has TPI it has some fairly unique to that year electronics in it like the MAFS module thats like $700! Not the end of the world but something to be aware of. Also the "it just needs a tune up" line is simple for really i dont know whats wrong with it so thats what im going to go with. Granted it is most likely something stupid but who knows especially with the motor just rebuilt who know if the motor was even done correctly? Sorry if i sound just a little cynical when it comes to used cars but I deal a lot in used cars you would not believe how dishonest, misleading, or just plain ignorant (at least that ones no fault of there own or at least not intentional) people can be when it comes to selling there car. This is especially true when were talking about cars that are or soon to be antiques lol. Also rust is a big one to look for especially just behind fender on the drivers side underneath the car, floor pans in general, lower rear fenders especially the side with the spare tire for some reason, and take a glance under the car between the trunk well and fender in back. All fairly common places for rust issues to appear. One last not there's cars do not fair well after accidents and usually its immediately obvious when these cars have been hit because things like the doors and the hood don't really line up right anymore especially the hood to nose gap for some reason.

 

What's different about the brakes on the '92?? My '91 has the same brakes as my '85.
Does it have 1LE brakes or something? I don't know too much about later third gens.

Fuel injection will usually give better MPG, but with the stock carbed setup you can still get mid-low 20's. And, with the stock carbed setup, there aren't really any problems with cold weather.

 

Yes the later 3rd gens had "PBR brakes" aka 1le's assuming it has the disk rear brakes otherwise its just normal drums in the rear anyways.

 

Second to last paragraph....

I agree with what others have said as far as overall pros and cons of the car. You have to decide what you really want, and the condition of the 85 could vary greatly, but it is worth checking out.

In summary, a reconstructed title means that it was totalled by an insurance company(deemed not worth fixing) and someone bought it and rebuilt it themselves. This could be good, if the engine was destroyed and the guy put a new one in, but with the unknown body damage you mentioned, I would be worried there was heavy frame damage that totalled it. I personally do not like trusting repaired frames, esp if the insurance company didn't think it was worth it.

Be sure to post up whichever you do....

 

The 1992 was in a front end collision and was going to be totaled out but the owner just payed for repairs and got a whole new front end, and swapped in the 350 TPI and rebuilt the trans.

The 1985 owner told me that the 350 in it isnt the original engine, and that he had it put in.

Well I cant make any sure decision just yet since I didnt even sell my car yet haha..but im definately going to check out the 85' hopefully this weekend.

Also is there any differences between the TPI and Carb engine horsepower wise? Which would be more reliable in everyone's opinion?

 

FI engines usually last longer, and they are rated at higher HP. If it was carbed it could either be an LG4 (155 HP) or an L69 (190 HP), and if it is TPI it is 215 HP, but TPI would also mean it has an auto trans.

 

Ide still be very concerned about the 92 personally. Reason is again first you have to wonder about the quality of the work done and they did some serious work many opportunities to mess up. Also because of the unit body constuction when hit the force travles through the whole car. Granted if it was cheap enough and bough as a driver then ok it might be fine but considering the title and history its worth a fraction of what hes asking. The 85 sounds like something to be looked at but ide need to see some paperwork on the rebuild done and check the casting numbers to make sure its a 350. As far as hp is concerned depending on year and specs it could go either way. I mean a 1970 350 lt-1 put out like 360 where as a early 80s 350s found in trucks put out less than 200? Generally speaking though comparing motors of the same year from the same car the fuel injected motors performed better. As far as reliability generally new vs new this usually goes to the fuel injection but seeing as how its like 20 years old a carb can be replaced and have it new for 250 or rebuilt for like 50 and hav it good as new but fuel injection will always be old because its far too costly to replace every sensor harness fuel injector ect. As far as drive ability though everything working 100% the fuel injection will be better if only in terms of cold starting ect. Really i don't think theres any big advantage one way or the other. Given the choice ide like the TPI but thats just me.

 

Yeah they're both automatic which is exactly what I'm looking for (not really into the 5-speed), but with winter here and getting worse, i guess my only real concern is reliability. Ill be using whatever I get as my daily driver and as of right now the 85' isn't DD ready because its been sitting for quite a while. It seems like the 92' Z28 is the way to go? I just need to do a thorough check again to make sure the frame isn't bent and stuff like that.
I also gotta get that VIN off that 92' to check the mileage on the body! The odometer (which only goes up to 110 btw?) says it has around 50,000 but I highly doubt thats the original mileage.

 

If it says 50,000 on the odometer, I would be very suspicious. They have 6 digit odometers, so they shouldn't roll over until after 999,999 miles. So far, neither of those cars sound like a good deal.

Are you open to buying a 'bird:
http://delaware.craigslist.org/cto/1483328246.html

Or how about a 5-speed car:
http://delaware.craigslist.org/cto/1495912931.html

Your craigslist sucks...

 

I think you mean the speedo. Mine is a 92 Z28 that had a 305 and it has a 110 speedo. So that is correct. I agree with the other guys a reconsturcted title is a turn off. I fell in love with my Z to but if it had a reconstructed title I would have passed. It took me over 2 years to find the right car. Just remember there will always been another car. So many cars passed me that I though I would never find a thirdgen again and I was fusterated. Then I found one. I would say go for the 85 if you had to choose but the 92 sounds shady.

 

Yeah theres like nothing good in my area unfortunately.
Im leaning more towards getting a Z28 because of the power. But there IS a few 5.0 RSs in my area. But then again, I AM currently driving a 140hp non turbo eclipse, so even the RS would be a step up am I right?
My last car was a 3.1 V6 4th Gen but had so many problems so I really never got to experience its full potential.
How are RSs? I mean I could easily snag me one of them for a cheap price, but hows the power?

EDIT: I COULD also go with the 275hp 1995 Z28 hahah
Im more of a 3rd gen kinda guy but idk...im on the edge of what I want lol
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1498001846.html

 

A Stock RS is probably not any faster than your Eclipse. 170HP 255TQ and its going to weigh more. You will probably feel the torque a bit more which is nice. The good thing about the RS would be the good mileage, cheaper priced, and they are everywhere.

If you want to go fast a 350 would be a better choice. Many RS's have had the original motors replaced with 350's so you may get lucky!

Take your time so you find what you want and be patient. You should try looking in the areas around you too like Philly, MD and NJ.

 

I would say "Be patient". I can't tell you how many times I have been looking for something, bought it, only to find a much better car for less than what I paid. I am not sure where you are from but in my area, most of these cars have rusty floorboards. There still are many out there with little to no rust if you look hard enough and are patient. To be honest, I think for that kind of money I wouldnt buy either. There are probably more available at more reasonable prices during the winter because these cars are not really winter cars. I would sell your car, then patiently look. Make sure you climb underneath. Also make sure if they "say" the engine or trans was rebuilt, that they have some kind of proof of the job(receipts etc.) I bought a truck from a guy who said he rebuilt the trans. Come to find out he had only put in a new filter and gasket in it. I saw on here where a guy got a nice Z28 for 500. It wasnt that long ago. It was a very nice car too. You might have to drive a few miles out of the way but it will be worth it. Sorry to ramble but I have had quite a few cars and a little experience in finding a good deal. I hope this helps.
Definately stay away from a rebuilt title. It will never be worth much with that.

Kevin

Kevin

 

Don't buy a beat up looking 89 RS from a idiot who doesn't know jack about cars like I did.

 

If you do end up buying a stock RS with an auto I can tell you this:

1. You will want different gears than 2.73's (3.42's or 3.73's)
2. You will want headers and a full 3" exhaust
3. You will probably want a bigger camshaft and better heads OR a 350 down the road.

 

The reconstructed title is definitely a red flag. It could have been that repairs just cost more than the insurance company could justify, which today, really isn't that big of a surprise.... Hell, my blazer got rear ended, and it was 2200 dollars worth of damage, to a vehicle I paid a 1000 bucks for..... I took my 500 dollar mini-tort, bought the parts I needed to fix it, and still had 350 bucks in my pocket.

The other end of the spectrum would be... there was a lot more damage than the owner is letting on... (he IS trying to sell it, after all...) and it will cause nothing but trouble. If you want the 92, take it someplace and have it inspected THOROUGHLY.

Also note, that a salvage title (reconstructed) immediately knocks 50% off the value of the car. He is asking 3000? It had BETTER be in pristine condition for that kind of money.

 

Well considering my eclipse only has what, like 140hp and roughly 130lbs of torque, plus its an automatic, ya figure the RS would be somewhat an upgrade to what I have now right? haha
Im not like looking to race or anything, I just want a 3rd gen camaro thats not a V6, and has a little kick to it used for daily driving.

 

I have an 89 with the 305 and its got some giddy up, but not as much as you would think. Just because its a v8 doesnt mean its fast. What im trying to say is defiantly buy one with the 350 tpi

 

Ok so I talked to the guy with the 92' Z28, and I could get the car for around $2300-2500...which IMO is great.
So is THAT worth it? lol
Of course id be doing a 2nd check to look at the frame ect... to make sure everything is in good condition.

 

A well set up and tuned carb motor will get just as good mpg as a FI motor will

 

A carb will never be as efficient as FI. Never.

@OP. Question becomes, is it worth it to YOU? If it looks good, runs good, drives good, isn't obviously screwed up from the accident, undercarriage looks straight. Go for it.

 

I bet my LG4 car got twice as many mpg as any CFI car made. So never say never. You can expect at least 20-24 mpg (24 mpg was the best I ever got, even though I never even tried to get good fuel economy, I always kept track of what it was) from a stock LG4 car.
How many MPG do you TPI guys get?

 

There is a MPG thread, if you wanna see what people are getting.

I get 21mpg, out of my 205,000 mile 350!

 

Could you direct me towards the MPG thread???

 

Ok, Maybe I should have qualified that statement a little better.... Yes, there are some less than ideal fuel injection systems out there in the world too.

I got between 18 and 28 mpg on my mildly warmed 350 TPI car. And that was without chip tuning..... I have never been able to convince a carb to do that.

 

Well its kinda comparing apples and oranges comparing gas mileage of different motors. I mean theres different heads,cams, compression i mean really critical components. Not to mention the LG$ put out around what 150 to the lb9s 190-215. GM however did do test comparing the same motors carbed vs TPI and claims big improvements over carbs from swapping to TPI on the same motor.

"These systems according to the manufacturer rendered up to 30 % improvement in Horsepower, torque and economy over carbureted systems, Independent labratories conducted numerous test on the TPI systems and indicated these claims were conservative and that increases of up to 35% in these three areas are attainable."

http://www.fuelinjection.com/portinj.html

So basically if you got 24 MPGs on an lg4 add TPI and you would get approximately 30% more which is pretty substantial. Not to say carbs are bad but fuel injection deffinetly has an edge in some areas especially TPI which in my opinion is the best intake for daily driven street use. Its just the theory on how it works with thoes long runners a carb just simply cannot do what a TPI system can do in terms of economy and low end torque. A carb can do better in the high end sized properly and is cheap and simple to work with but strictly looking at it from a perspective of driveability and economy 2 comparable motors one TPI and one carbed the TPI motor will produce more torque and have better fuel economy. Depending on how its built the carb may have more hp but on the street when 99% of the time your around 2k-4k RPMs you would be much happier with the gobs low end torque than the 1% of the time youll get to take advantage of the extra HP. Thats why i say TPI is the best street intake for gen 1 SBCs anyways. Also carbs ony have the edge in highe end hp if the motors were built for high RPM performance if they were built both for low end the TPI would likely out power it as well as produce more torque a comparable carbed motor. Again not to say carbs are bad just cant touch TPI when it comes to fuel economy and low end torque all things being equal.

 

I know your car isnt sold but here is an example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-...item2ea998f873

I am personally not into the pipes but the car supposedly has no rust and a newer engine with paperwork to prove it. I don't know where you live but it would be worth taking a road trip for the right price.

Kevin

 

kevmann, that car doesn't look like it is worth the asking price. And, it also says under the Vehicle History Report Summary for 1986 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28: Major title issue found

 

Major title issue is the mileage supposedly exceeds mechanical limits. That's the only thing I can see.

Car has a new motor, with less than 10K miles..... a 383 at that. For 2500 bucks, considering the car is rust free... doesn't look like that bad a deal to me.

 

Yeah probably not the best example. I was just trying to show him there is other stuff out there besides something with a rebuilt title. In Illinois, they usually put that (exceeds mechanical limits) on a title on a car that old. Dont know about other states though. Plus it was an example of a car that has documentation to prove it was rebuilt like I was discussing earlier.

 

All I've ever heard of are 'Salvage' titles. If the car was OFFICIALLY "scrapped"/sent to a junkyard, etc., then the titles gets turned in to the state. Salvage means it was "beyond repair" & scrapped, yet somebody put the $$ into a rebuild.

 

does this include the 90 camaros?

 

Well a reconstructed title is basically, when the value of a car is so low and in an accident, that the insurance company doesnt think its worth it to repair. But the owner wanted to keep the car and repair it, so instead of getting a salvage title, it recieved a reconstructed.

 

Well what do you all think about this?
Id love to go check it out but I live like an hour and a half away. So Im not sure when id be able to get out there.

Im not really believing the mileage listed, ill have to give him a call and see whats up.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/1505330221.html

 

Those wheels are off a 91 or 92. Did you see it needs an exhaust? it sounds like a good time for headers. If you do get serious make sure you check the VIN and verify its actually a 350 block. I have heard of people thinking they are buying a 350 many times and its actually a 305 since there are so many 305's out there.

 

Yes I saw the exhaust part, which I dont mind one bit because I was planning on doing the exhaust no matter what car i buy. Whats the worst that it could be? Just like a leak or needing a new muffler or something? Im gonna call later and find out for sure what it is.
I just see the exhaust prob. as an opportunity haha.

Yeah the VIN is another thing to look for, ill try and get that too.

 

UPDATE:
Sold the Eclipse on Saturday
Got the 1992 Z28 for $2400 later that night. Did another check of the car and found a few things out. The car IS an original 350 TPI.
I really got a good deal. The owner gave me some extra stuff with the car like all new vents, mats, a stage 6 fuel maximizer chip, a brand new wood grain interior cover, plenty of manuals, new speedos (including a 145mph one) and lots more.
The interior of the car is the only thing that needs a little tlc. Could definitely use a cleaning, then a little things here and there, but other than that the car is perfect so far.
VERY VERY FAST, hahah. Its a HUGE step up from my 140hp eclipse let me tell you lol.
Im gonna have to adjust my driving for a while to get used to this thing hahah. I also found out the car is catless with flowmasters. That would explain why it sounds so amazing.
Hopefully after the rain stops and it clears up a bit ill clean up the car and get some pics on here for everyone to see.

 

Congrats on getting the car. Black 92 z's are the best Looks like a good buy for the price even with the title issue. They are pretty fast on the street. Very easy to get over 50mph quickly. How did you find out it was a 350 TPI? Where are you in PA? I used to live around Philly area.

My interior carpet was pretty dirty with oil stains. Took seats out and rented wet wash vacumn. I'm amazed how clean carpet is after wash. Sure it doesn't look new but close to it.

Any future plans for car?

 

Thanks. Well I checked the VIN and the 8th digit was an 8, so its an original 350. Im not too far up in the northeast.
Yeah my interior was pretty dirty too, I just cleaned the entire car today and its looking great! Rims have some stains but I guess they just need a good scrubbing.
Im not really looking to go ALL OUT just yet, the only thing I know im going to buy are headlight/taillight covers first, gotta love them haha. After that im probably just gonna try and maintain the engine a bit and clean the car up some.

 

pics

 

Ill have some up tomorrow afternoon, its already dark out now.
The pics I posted in the other thread do no justice, this car really looks amazing.