First Time Buyer, need advice switching from german turbo

Hi everybody,

I recently decided that I wanted to get a camaro a major swtich, But I didnt know what kind to pick, generally I want to buy the 94-97 model and not spending more than $ 8 k on the car (where the head-lights are caving in). Prefabbly the V8 engine, does any body have any advice on selecting one?

Thank you so much

What can we say? Look for a clean title free low km/for the money you can afford Z28.

I'm thinking you may be able to get yourself into a nice LS1 98 if you shop around.:)

Its goin to be a 2nd car so i wont drive it alot but Im an aggresive driver and I dont know if i buy a 80 mile K+ if it will break down or not, and is it worth it getting the V8 instead of the V6?! or will the V8 just get me extra insurance money (even though i have a clean record) and more repairs?

Thanks alot guys,

I just want to get one becuase from time to time id want to drive something that growls when you start it up...my Jetta has no real sound to it expect the turbo when im shifting and even though its pretty decent, I dont think its a manly car...

Any help/advice/inputs really appricated!! I have had no experince with american cars what so ever

Yes you want a Z28 model, trans am or formula firebird those are the V8s. They are far superior to the V6 models in every way. As with all used cars they will have thier problems, on LT1 cars the biggest problems are optispark and some small oil leaks and water pumps go from time to time. For a high performance car they don't break down much. They almost never have "walk home failures" (it dies so you need to walk) so don't worry about that.

I have never got stranded with my car..... Its pushing close to 140K right now.

My transmission has gone out, and my opti has failed.

Both required me to get a ride home.

- Z28WannaB


I have never got stranded with my car..... Its pushing close to 140K right now.

so what should I do now :/ what kind should I look for Im really confused about that

don't let them scare you
as long as it has been maintained, it's very unlikely to break down
you're definately going to want a camaro z28, firebird formula, or trans am
93-97 and on an 8k budget? just for reference, i bought my 95 z28 for 6700 (a little much for it) with 50k miles on it
so even with that, you've got money left over to spend on mods

95 is the optimal year, just in terms of parts on it
first year for vented opti, last year of obd1 (less computer headache when modding), and last year for hardened pushrods, and a little bit other trivial stuff
but if you find any 93-97 and it looks good, don't be afraid to get it
just have it checked out for any irregularities
good luck:)

thaanks, ill keep that valuable information handy!!

I never really drove stick shift, just becuase all the cars I drove had a tip tronic (both manual and automatic but without clutch) but I know the camaro dosent have that.

But I think it would be a waste not to be able to high rev it whenever i want, so you guys think stick shift for a Z28 would be okay for someone who never drove stick shift?

it's definitely going to be a challenge for you at first....going from a tiny jetta to a wider, shorter, longer f-body......and it's definitely going to take quite a while for you to get used to. however, i got an auto and i kind of regret it (I only got it because it was a such a good deal that I couldn't pass it up) welcome to the boards, and drive safe!

but then comes another question after looking into the fourms,

the firebird seems alot like the camaro, whats the scoop on that??

Firebirds and Trans Ams are completely identical to the Camaros except for the exterior styling differences--engines, drivetrains, suspension etc. are all the same. Pontiac makes them as where Chevrolet makes the Camaro. But Pontiac and Chevy are both makes under GM. Simple as that.

don't let them scare you
as long as it has been maintained, it's very unlikely to break down
you're definately going to want a camaro z28, firebird formula, or trans am
93-97 and on an 8k budget? just for reference, i bought my 95 z28 for 6700 (a little much for it) with 50k miles on it
so even with that, you've got money left over to spend on mods

95 is the optimal year, just in terms of parts on it
first year for vented opti, last year of obd1 (less computer headache when modding), and last year for hardened pushrods, and a little bit other trivial stuff
but if you find any 93-97 and it looks good, don't be afraid to get it
just have it checked out for any irregularities
good luck:)

I completely agree, I have only owned Camaro Z28's since I could drive and as long as the cars are maintained they'll take good care of you with no severe problems.
The optispark everyone's talking about by the way is the '93-'97 LT1 V8 Camaro and Firebirds version of a distributor, not exactly the best design/location but as stated above the '95 and newer Camaros had an improved version of it.
With a budget of $8k you might even be able to locate a newer '98 Camaro/Firebird with the more powerful LS1 V8 motor.
Either way, just make sure you get what YOU want and if you find a car you like but are unsure about pricing or possible damage warning signs feel free to post again and I'm sure we can all help you.

When considering stick shift versus automatic, also consider the engine that's pushing it. The LT1 or LS1 will have huge torque compared to what you may be used to. That big fat torque curve will allow the car to be fast without high revs. Thus, you can kick @ss with a V8 automatic car, and do it while holding your soda. Stick shift is still more fun though.

If it's an automatic, and the fluid is black on the dipstick, walk away. Auto trans can run over $2000 installed, and failure at 80K is not uncommon if the fluid wasn't regularly changed. It might be worthwhile to understand the axle ratios for stick and auto, year by year. Know what RPM to expect at 55mph in 1:1 gear so you really know what you're test driving- these were available with 2.76 thru 3.42 gears. Significant performance difference, but not much mileage difference.

Good luck, and enjoy!

I've got a 100K on the stock opti in my '95. It's neveer even so much as hiccupped. I switched out the original A4 for a manual trans, and that is my favourite mod by far. These are good solid cars that are blindingly fast and powerful by comparison to a Jetta. I know, I've owned more than a few VW's in mmy life.