In the past I've owned 2 3rdgens, both 92 camaros, one with a 305tbi, one with a built 350, both auto's.

After going without one for 2 years, I'm in the market for another one. My goal this time around is to have a Trans Am with a manual transmission and around 350hp to the wheels.

This is however a long term goal, and my short term goal is to have that manual trans am to drive around on a daily basis. I'm working with around a $2k budget.


I've found 2 cars in my area I'm interested in:

The first is a 85 TA with a carbureted 305 and a T5 transmission. No AC no Heat (Don't mind the lack of AC, but heat will be a must have later on). This guy is asking 2k$, which would take up all of my budget:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/4290161724.html


The second is a 88 TA with a TPI 350 and a 700r4. This one is in a little rougher shape, but is much cheaper, with an asking price of 1350$. This would allow me some wiggle room to purchase a working t5 and the rest of the parts I would need to swap it in.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/4285960846.html



My question to you experts is, which car will allow me to be closer to my long term goal? Would it be better to go with the car that is already set up for the T5, or to go with the car that already has the 350 motor for me to build up later on? Is the extra power from the 88 350tpi worth going through the hassle of doing a transmission swap that I haven't done before? Would I have to switch to a carb on the 350 in order to use the T5?

Thanks in advance for any replies. I'm still young and learning as I go, but I've always enjoyed diving head-first into projects.

 

I'm digging the black one myself... He might take less, he's starting at $2000... For a heater, you could gut the rest of the hvac system out and install a Flex-a-lite Mojave heater under the dash.. They are about $250 and mine works pretty good here in the Michigan spring and fall. I'm sure you can find cheaper units at a farm supply store...

Find out the mileage if you can.. The 240,000 mile car is a gamble to me... That means the entire drivetrain has seen all of that.. I'm sute it's had things rebuilt but only reciepts can prove that stuff...


The black car is at least presentable from 50ft and might shine up well. It has a nice stance too..

 

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/4267684663.html might be worth getting more info...

Badass car..... http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/4261910207.html

This is your car... Do it.. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/4297883047.html 3 grand is a steal!

 

I'll definitely ask for more info on the 85. The 91 is super sweet, but way out of my price range. The red one for 3k is awesome, but unfortunately about 1k more than I'm able to spend at the moment. Maybe if I wait for tax returns and hope he still has it, but who knows. Looks amazing though.