I've been searching for my first car for awhile and have found a 1989 Camaro with 75k miles for $3900. Altough I don't know much about camaros, I plan on doing some basic aftermarket modding.

What are some things I should look for while im looking at the car/test driving it. And if I were to get the car is there anything I should really consider getting before I do I/H/E ? On that note, what are some nice mods to start out with to bump the hp up a little bit and websites would help. Post any other info that you might help me out too.

Thanks

 

the first thing you should look for is rust, check on the floorboards and underneath for any rust, rust is bad

one of the first things you should do is get a pair of subframe connectors, they will stiffen up the car and well help with the handling, im pretty sure most people will tell you that its one of the first things you should do

as far as performance mods go it really depends on what engine is in the car

 

Are you by chance someobody from an import message board, or no? (lol)

And yes, sub-frame connectors are a GREAT mod for the unibody F-Body's

 

It's a 1989 Camaro RS 5.0L

 

RS means it's a throttle body injection.

not well known for power potential.

but some things you could do would be a good ignition upgrade. distributer, plugs, wires and an ignition box like an MSD. that will make sure the timing is good and there is enough spark to light it off.

next i would look into some type of cold air system to boost power

and of course a good catback exhaust for sound and performance gains. i'm not sure how well the TBI equipped engines react to headers. i would say try for some longtube headers, or else go with a shorty style.

you mention "I/H/E"....doest the "H" mean heads? or headers? unless you are planning serious mods...heads wouldn't be a logical step unless you also plan to change to a carb or better fuel injection.

other things to look into would be a better rear end. depending on what the car comes with of course. but i think the base RS came with an open differential, maybe shop around for a used posi rear from a Z28 or TA, wouldn't hurt to find swaybars off an IROC or WS6 as well.

oh...as for something to look for.
crawl under and check out the steering box. 3rd gens are known for poor mounting of the steering box. over time they can weaken the frame where the box bolts on and can start to break. there is a factory remedy for this in the IROCs and some others i'm sure, it's called the "wonder bar"....do a seach for more info.

 

For 4 grand the thing should be nearly perfect. Check the options, the RPO Codes are under the glove box lid. Check for oil leaks, differential, trans, and engine. Check the shocks, springs, and suspension components. Especially the rubber parts for wear and dry rot. Make sure it's clean in and out, look under the seats. If he doesn't keep the interior clean he probably doesn't change the oil when he's suppose to. Some wear on the drivers seat is expected but the rest should be in good shape. Make sure all the accessories work, Heat, A/C, wipers, ect. Make sure the switches, ****, and vents are all there and in good shape. These parts can be hard to find. Move every thing that is suposed to move, windows, etc. Check the gaps between the doors, hood, fenders, etc., should be even and straight. Check the body panels, especially the flat ones for any indication of body work. Look for missing body attachment bolts and excessive shims, indicates possible body work. Asked the owner lots of question and listen to how he respones. Does he sound unsure, try to avoid the answer, talk to fast, or does he seem straight. Go prepared to walk away if it's not EVERYTHING you want.
Most important is to get what you want. If you want a stick find one don't buy and auto. If you want a 350 don't buy a 305. You'll be happier in the long run. Also be prepared to get something more expensive if it's perfect. At least buy the best car you can afford, the less work you need to do the happier you'll be.
Good luck, this is supposed to be fun!

 

From the pictures, everything looks like it's in tip top shape and for the interior. The interior looks incredible. But from the mods teke184 listed, how much hp can I expect to get out of it ?

Oh and here are some pics of it:

pic 1

pic 2

pic 3

pic 4

pic 5

pic 6

thats it.

 

it's tough to say what the mods will yield.
specially since it's such a low hp engine to begine with...mainly due to heads and cam.

putting headers on a 170hp engine isn't gonna yield the same results as putting them on a 300hp LS1.

i forgot to mention that i think Edelbrock offers an intake manifold for the TBI system.
i would say with cold air, manifold, headers, catback and a good ignition system...30hp is feasible.

you could boost that significantly by putting a bigger cam in it.

 

if it's well maintained, 99k is no problem at all
significantly better mod potential with the 94
either is a good choice, check my sig

 

I've heard sports cars are harder to maintain mechanically then other cars. Is this true?

 

not really true at all
they're the same thing as any other car, only with slightly different engines and body panels
you just have to make sure the person before you took care of it
if they did, you're in the clear

 

only because as owners we beat the sh*t out of our cars

 

 

For the TBI Motor:

Stay away from these parts,they do NOTHING for performance

Drop in K&N Filters
Underdrive Pulleys
Hypertech "Power Chargers" (soupbowls)
Off the shelf performance chips

WASTES of MONEY!