You say the 3.4 isn't that exciting but buying a 3.8 isn't really exciting either. I'm not hating on the v6 their just not fast and not worth putting money into if your looking for speed. That price is way to high also. I can get the same car for $4000.

 

hay a camao is a camaro even without a motor, so lets give some support here k. we all agree its to high a price and the proper range is 4 to 5 k depending on where your at. heck probly go for 8 in seria

 

To put it in perspective a stock automatic 3.4 will run high 16’s to low 17’s in the quarter mile. The lighter, no options 3800\5 speed will run low 15’s to 15 flat. A stock automatic LT1 V8 will run 13.5 to 14 flat. So how is shaving almost 2 seconds off the 3.4 quarter mile with no increase in insurance cost not worth it? Even the 3800 automatic is known to run 15.9. The 3800 also had parts available off the shelf that can push it to 300hp. Used engines a cheap and easy to find with low miles. What other 4th gen can say that

3800 5 speed is a fun car to drive and if you find one with no option you lose about 200 lbs vs the V8 and a good bit of that weight is in front of the front wheels and on a car that tends to push that is a huge savings. When set up right with the right suspension upgrades the 3800 will out handle the Z28
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I am not bashing 3.4 or V8s I am just saying the 3800 is a nice step up for someone that cannot get a V8. I love my 3800\5 speed. I will be upgrading to a V8 6 speed as my daily drivers soon but I would still say the 3800\5 speed is a great car. In fact I love the 3800 so much it is one of the reason I have not been in a hurry to finish my V8. You got love 220 HP and 30 MPG

 

I love my 3800 as well, but stock is 200hp crank and mine dyno at 171 to the wheels all stock 90k miles. Haven't done a dyno since the cam and all the bolt ons.

 

appreciate all of the help guys. Found a 3.8 5spd not to far from me. thery have it marked as 3900. Has 99k miles on it. It doesn't have t-tops tho <.< and I don't exactly have the cajones to do the conversion lol. I could afford it if he came down on the price but I'd have to sell my car first and thats where I am finding the problem.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=3

 

As always I would suggest getting the car checked but a trusted mechanic. A good mechainc can spot a car that has been well maintained and he can see many of the tricks people do to hide issues. You can save yourself a lot of headaches for 50 bucks.

For the 3800 I would request the mechanic to check it out and do a coolant pressure test. Intake gaskets are pretty common failure, if it has not been done then it will need done soon. A car that needs a Intake gasket is worth a lot less then one that has already had on done.

 

if taken care of 99k is not that much. sounds like a pretty fair deal. id offer 3 then go to 3500 if had to. to bad its not 6 sp trans. like gorn says check the motor out pretty close.