[lil_beast_67]

my friend is looking to buy a car, he wants a cheap fast and dependable car that will last him through college. I told him that he should go with an IROC with the 5.7, then go through the engine and tranny, and it should last at least 4 years with minimal maintenance, am I right? He also would like to buy a new engine, I said LT-1 would be a good pick, but I didn't realize that they were so expensive. What would you car gods recommend for this situation, he's got about 7k total to spend, and wants something somewhat dependable.

[ochrisl]

Tell him to buy a Honda with a V-tech.

[lil_beast_67]

are v-tech's that cheap? I was reading an article out of a camaro performers that did a tech on putting a zz4 in a third gen. it looked easy, and I think the kit would be around 4k, with a 3k camaro, do you think this would hold up?

[Joekool1234567]

To tell you the truth any used car can or will nickle and dime your friend to death. Your best bet is to try and find a good all around car and have it inspected by a mechanic. That way you know what you need to do and what doesnt need to be done.



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70 camaro 307 (350soon) /350th

[Joekool1234567]

I bet you've never done a motor on a third gen camaro? Its not easy and its not fun. Just find a good running one and be clad you dont have to pull the engine.

[JonT]

I'm ready to get flamed on this one but here goes...If I had $7,000 and had limited auto mechanics knowledge but wanted a semi-fast (fun) ride and reliable, I'd find a non-molested (adult driven) 87-90 Mustang LX 5.0 w/around 60-70k miles. This car will book around $4,500 - $5,000 and I'd have money to swap in a hot cam and free up the exhaust. Then I'd have a grand left over to fix whatever is going to break, because for some reason every used car always seems to break something when it gets a new owner. This would give your buddy a high 13-low 14 second ride that's reasonably economical (overdrive) and will have some get up and go.

Ok - let the flaming begin...

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'69 Restification

[boodlefoof]

BLAH!!!

consider yourself flamed JonT!!!

Just kidding, I have nothing against Mustangs, but Camaros are better.

[68-327]

Even though I hate Stangs I agree with John. I had an 87 Iroc 350 and I spent mucho bucks on this car just to keep in good running condition. I'm sorry to say that the late 80's Camaro's SUCK to work on especially when they have a TPI set up. If he buys an Iroc have fun changing the plugs (there under the motor - you need a lift or very skinny arms and oh ya if the starter goes you have to drop the exhaust - oh ya the throttle bottle sensor is a pain in the but too - oh ya the t-tops leak etc etc etc. Go with the Mustang - It's easier to work on + cheaper to run. What about a T-Type or 442 - They go for around 5-7K in OK shape and I like em better than 5.0s

[Racer#00]

Be careful with those Mustangs too. I had an
87 GT that had nothing but problems once I hit 70,000. Throttle position sensor, blown second gear,catalytic converter section of dual exhaust went bad (not cheap to replace)

They like to chew oil pumps too. My friend has had his 88 GT since new and he just replaced the oil pump AGAIN.

I agree with JoeKool, look for the best car you can afford and have it checked.

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Racer#00

Plain Jane 67
76 Trans Am Stock Car
74 Z28 (Basket case)

[Cameron]

I like the T-Type or Grand National idea. I think that you should be able to find a decent one for that amount. Those things can be really fast with a minimal amount of mods. I think that they ran 14's from the factory and by just turning the boost up, you could easily get it into the 13's, maybe even 12's.

[JonT]

What about this - I like the looks of the 86-88 Monte Carlos (Nascar Racing looks) - I wonder how tough it would be to drop in a Goodwrench 350 into one of these? Isn't an '86 carbureted so you wouldn't have to worry about computer crap?

[chev64]

All of the 80's Monte Carlo SS's are carbed and they are computer controlled, I put a 350 in mine and in my opinion, that is the way that the General should have done it.

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Leo Paugh
MCC #017
www.clark.net/pub/chevelle/mcc.htm
If you have no fear, you're not going as fast as you could.

[68-327]

I thought of the Monte SS idea also - One big problem though. They handled like a Delta 88. At least the Z and the GT handled somewhat decent with factory equipment. The Z handled the best overall though.

[lil_beast_67]

ok, he's decided to go with a 94 z/28, which is LT powered. exhaust, intake, what else can you do to really wake these bad boys up? how much would a gear swap cost?

[camaroracerlt1]

The 94 Z is an excelent choice. I have 2 95 Trans Am's, and I never had any real problems with either. The first one didn't quit running till I wrecked it and I had to replace the fuel pump on the 2nd one at 142k, but nothing else. The gear swap is the way to go. If its got a 6-speed use 4.10's, if it has an auto use 3.55's or 3.73's. It wont give you more power but it'll feel like a big boost in hp. If you can find a wrecked 96 or 97 F-body in the junk yard you could get the dual cat. y-pipe. An air foil is also a pretty cheap improvement. But please for the love of god never attempt to change the opti-spark, or the plug wires for that matter. lol j/k Your friend will really enjoy that car though. Have fun.

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69 X22 D80 w/95 LT1 Terrorizing the streets of N.E. Ohio....in a year or two.........mabey

[This message has been edited by camaroracerlt1 (edited 09-09-2001).]