I know you guys probably get this question a heck of a lot, but i have a situation.
I can get an ol 2.8 86 camaro, OR for 750 bucks more, i can get a 3.1 92 camaro.
im just wanting a DD, but will be putting the "normal" performance upgrades on it, and also lightening it up a lil. Just enough to beat the rice burners. Also kinda want a lil bit of an autox feel to the car...if that makes sense.
I mean with 750 bucks can i get up to the power that the 3.1 has, but maybe not past it. (im not a mechanic, just a 17 year old tryna get sideways)
If i get the 2.8 ill MIGHT SC it(if i have the money), not really looking to turbo it. *Edited by moderator*
Tell me what you guys think.

 

I think you can leave the racial slurs at the door.

I was going to try to help you with a decision until you showed that side.

 

ohh man im really sorry if i offended you, or anyone else.
im just kinda use to using thoes down here.
but thanks.

 

Don't stress it, this moderator has me on his list too, but for other reasons.
Back to the topic, I've driven a good-running '87 2.8L w/ automatic, and I've driven a good-running '90 3.1L w/ automatic, and neither one was anywhere near having the power to get sideways. You'll definitely need to do an e-bay turbo, so better to start with the 2.8 so you can put the $750 towards such a turbo.
If you wanna drift, you're going to need a limited slip differential, and odds are that neither of your prospects has one. That's gonna cost money, too.

 

Does either car have a manual trans? If so, get that one. If not, get the one in better condition. I like the look of the '92, so that's probably the way I'd go. But, it is a bit heavier, having an airbag and other upgrades.
Either could make a great daily driver and competent autoX car. AutoX is more about the driver anyway. I've seen a POS Hyundai Accent run the same time as a newb in a Porsche Boxster. You can leave the engine completely stock if you want, and still have a chance at taking first in your class.

 

Yeah, I'm a bit confused. The OP lists both an autocross feel, but also getting sideways. I concluded drifting, you concluded autocrossing.
I agree that for entry level autocrossing, the stock 2.8 is adequate. And for either use, the manual is preferable.
If you upgrade with a turbo for drifting, then either trans can be strengthened internally to hold the new power. And both will need to be.

 

2.8 is easier to turbo since its MAF. the 750 bucks he can save with the 2.8 hes prolly better off with the 2.8 unless as others mentioned one is manual.

 

I doubt it matters which you get. You won't be able to take either to the limit at first. Buy the cheaper, learn to drive better, save your money and when you know more about cars and how to drive them well make an informed choice about what to get next or what to do with your car.

 

If the only reason to get the 3.1 is the extra .3 litres, definitely, definitely, definitely, get the 2.8, the difference is nominal enough that extra .3 of a liter isn't worth $750, all it is, is a stroked 2.8, everything else on it is the same. Now if its manual, or maybe has t-tops and you want those things, then I might suggest the 3.1 car if the 2.8 doesn't have them. But for just the engine size, totally not worth it, for ~$300 you could find a used 3.4 and drop that in place of the 2.8, I got mine for $250 with the tq converter on it even, and all accessories.

 

wow i didnt expect so much from you guys... haha thanks a lot.
but to clear up the autox and drifting thing, i dont want to drift, haha i was just saying getting sideways. id def want a more autox feel to it. i think drifting is out of my price range since you have to buy tires, and stuff breaks down on thoes cars a lot and it will be my DD.
And the camaros are both pretty much the same exact car.
5 speed, t-tops, and black.
so i guess im goin with the 86 camaro.
and throw the 750 twords something.
like i said im not tooooo interested in a turbo, but ill see when i get the car.
Thanks for all the tips guys!!!