I'm shopping around for my first camaro. I'm looking for a 4th gen camaro. My biggest concern right now is whether to get a 96' 97' camaro or the 98 and newer. I've heard ignition issues are common with the 96 and 97. Is it that big of a deal? Are the engines the same (v6)? Also I want a manual but if automatic is just as good I'll consider that. Preferably I would like a camaro with the side skirts and bumper lips I've seen on some. Any suggestions, thoughts, or advice as to what camaro to get would be so helpful. Again my budget is around $4000 so I'm sure a RS or Z28 is out of the question anyway. For gas and insurance purposes i think I'm going with a v6.

 

welcome to the forum. first let me say 4000$ should be able to get you a nice LT1 V8 car (93-97) if you want a LS1 V8 thats 98-02 (still should be able to fine a decent LS1 for 4000$) as far as V6 cars if thats the choice go with 96-02 that way you have the 3800 motor, much better than the 93-95 3.4L. as far as gas the LT1 gets almost as good fuel economy as the 3800 as long as you arnt a lead foot. and in my case the insurance on my 94 Z28 was cheaper than my 95 3.4L (im 24 with a perfect driving record)

what ever you do stay away from 94 and 95 model cars the 94 has very specific parts to that year only, and the 95 has the stupid OBD1.5. 96+ is best in my opinion with the OBDII.

 

I would say buy a V8 because eventually, you will probably wish you would have.

 

If I can get a 96 or 97 LT1 I would but hen again I hear that those engines have ignition problems (Optispark). I don't wanna deal with that. Plus I hear for the 96 and 97 models you can't really upgrade the headlights to HID. Gotta have HID. Does anyone have hookups on aftermarket parts to where they may make 97 headlights with HID? I like the 98+ because of the headlights. (not gonna make it or break the deal though. I thought about the v8 too. I figured after a while I will wish I had gotten a v8. Hmmmm. Decisions decisions.

 

The opti spark does not give too much trouble as long as you don't get it wet. I never had an issue with mine until recently with 115,xxx miles on the car. And that was the original opti with out the vents like you'll find on 94 and newer. So don't count out the LT1 just because of the opti. It can die after a days use (unlikely) or after 100k miles just like any other part on a car.

HIDs IMO are nothing but a luxury item. Sure, they're bright and everything, but you can get bulbs just as good. I'll have to double check, but Chaotic94's Camaro has either HIDs or lights that damn close.

And you'll defiantly want a V8 at some point. But you also want a manuel which is gonna cost a few extra dollars over the automatic. As mentioned before though, find a 96 or 97. Previous one's have their own silly willyness to them.

My .02 cents.

Edit: Chaotics lights are HID simulated and are pretty much bright white. Also found this link.

http://www.eurolamps.com/eurolamps/c...headlights.htm

 

So your saying I should get a 96 or 97 LT1 over a 98 or newer v6? I really want a manual. I would almost rather have a manual v6 over an automatic v8. 98 or newer v8 with manual is hard to find. I've been looking. I've seen plenty z28 but it's automatic. Am I silly to think I would rather have manual v6 over automatic v8? I could always add horsepower through upgrades but an automatic v8 is still an automatic no matter how you slice it.

 

If you want something that'll throw you in your seat every time you jump on it, then yeah, the V8 is your choice. It doesn't surprise me that you can't find a lot V8 manuals, but the automatic can be just as fun. I love the feel of a stick, but I love my automatic. Would I trade for the M6? Probably not. I've made my Camaro my own and have been offered $6k for it cash and turned it down. You can also add a full manual valve body to the tranny which would require to shift the car every time...not sure how you'd like that.

Are you able to find any older V8s that have the M6 that aren't 94 or 95?

No matter what, the choice is up to you. The 3800s can make some power, but at the cost of money and time. The LT and LS1's will kick ***** from the start whether you get an auto or manual. We won't think of you any differently as long as you choose a Camaro.

 

Welcome to the forum. I would advise you to stay 98 plus and get a V8 if all possible, you'll regret not getting a V8 later on. The LT1 is a great engine, ignition has a bad rap, but the LS1 has so much more going for it.