There is no general area so I will make my introduction here. If I am in the wrong location someone please let me know. Anyway I have been trying to buy a Berlinetta trim of the Camaro for some time now. In my area they are not valued so I see them cheap in good condition. Like $500 cheap. So they sell so fast I can not get them in time. Anyway after missing out for years I pulled the trigger and purchased an 89 V6 (2.8) manual with T-tops. The seller told me it had not ran in a year and that the starter wire touched the exhaust and burned out. Also that he removed a second ignition switch from under the dash. Basically I had to trust his word because the car didn't run. I believed most of what he said but my antenna went up when he spoke about the key not working and he had a second ignition and a new key waiting for install.

Anyway to shorten the story I took off today to work on it. First I purchased a new battery. Also I had previously purchased a VATS module thingy that holds 15 of the codes. You all know of what I speak I'm sure. Anyway on the first try I got it started. No hesitation or anything. Drove it around the block and realized the fan does not work, it is leaking, I think, power steering fluid onto the exhaust, and the clutch has a weak engagement. This is going to be a real project for me. I am torn on purchasing a new V6 or upgrading to the V8. Anyway here is a video of the car running the first time for me:

First start 2.8 V6

 

Good old 2.8 with a five speed. I'd go with that until you get the rest sorted out. And I like that $300 cold air intake! I wouldn't put a lot of cash into another V6 for that car, a 3.4 is hard to find and about the best upgrade you can go, little more money would probably put a nice 350 in there.

 

I would leave the 2.8 in there, fix it all up nice, drive it and enjoy it. My first was a 1987 with 2.8. Ran great (I did rebuild the engine) and I loved driving it. Sold it someone else when I was ready to start restoring my first Z28.

 

Thanks for the input. What is nice about going back with a 2.8 is it just slots in. To be honest the 3.4 is about the same price remanufactured. If I go with the 5.3 I worry about wiring and if the manual can take the power increase. For now I will just try to sort this one out while I make a decision. As stated I have a lot of other stuff to work on before deciding.

 

That manual behind the V6 is pretty much an oddball and doesn't fit much other than the 60 degree V6 motors. You'd need a whole drivetrain setup and all the add ons to go with a 5.3, and that sure gets expensive.

 

Yea your right. I think I am going to work on the leaks with this engine. It feels strong but needs a little tlc. This will give me time to decide how I want to proceed. Thanks for the input.