Hello I need some advice because I am considering purchasing an older Camaro as a project. I am leaning towards a late 80’s to early 90’s model. However I also see many mid 90’s models for really good prices. What I want to know is which model do you think is a better car. I don’t care about speed but more about rigidity and dependability. I guess what I am saying is I don’t want something that will be rattling all the time or will be in the shop often. Any advice you all can give me really will be appreciated.

 

With your criteria, I would avoid buying a 3rd gen model Camaro/Firebird. Because it will be a money pit.

 

Can you go into more detail? If I did get it, the car I'm looking at, the transmission is redone and I would buy a rebuilt motor for it right out the gate. What are the issues with this model? I have no history with them.

 

It all depends on what is important to you. The 4th gens (1993-2002) V8's are going to out preform the 3rd gens (1982-1992) unless the 3rd gen has been modified. A lot of people do not like the looks of the 4th gens. The pre 1998 Lt1 350 can be found cheap these days. Most of 1998 Up V8's are still going to be pricey unless they are completely dogged out. The 98's Up 4th gens V8s are LS1s and the price of those cars is still high even wrecked because of the engine. Many 98+ V8 car are worth as much in parts as they are as a whole

If you are thinking about a V6 the only Camaro I would be looking at is the 1996-up 4th gens. The 3800 5 speed is a great car. All the V6's before 1996 are from the 2.8/3.1/3.4 family. The 2.8 and 3.1 from the 3rd gens are real weak and their big bother, the 3.4 is much stronger but very obsolete and tuff to mod. The 3.4 can be a very dependable car but to me the 3800 is the way to go.

IMO your best 3rd gens are going to he the Z28 with the 350 in them. They can be hard to find and a little pricey but IMO worth it. Most 3rd gen V8s are 305, let just say I am not a fan but if you drive normal 95% of the time the 305 maybe fine for you.

 

The one my neighbor has is a 91 Z28 so I am guessing that is the better V8????? I am going to check it out next Friday and see. He is out of town so I can not get to it sooner.

 

Most 1991 Z28s would have come with a 305. 350 was a option on the Z28.

 

I see well I guess I will just have to wait till Friday.

 

3rd gens are not necessarily money pits. In my personal opinion, i would go with a manual transmission camaro and get it carbureted.

You run into trouble when the car is a TPI or TBI, tune port injection or throttle body injection. I say this because they rely on COMPUTERS... electrical problems are the worst. Get a carburetor and manual transmission = less computers = less work.