Lettme get started. Right now I drive a 96 Mitsubishi Eclipse, I want to buy a V8 Camaro around 86-92, I'm probably going to purchase one in a few months. I need some information on what I should look for when I'm buying a 'fixer-upper'. I like Chevys, even though the ones that I do know have horrid tranny problems. Anyways I was looking to buy a beater and put a new 350 in it, maybe with some options like headers, wires, intake, just basic stuff. ANY information could be useful.

If you would like to help me out my AIM name is Orbitalshock2k.

Here are some pictures of my current car http://www.dsmtuners.com/gallery/sho...page=12&sort=1

 

Welcome aboard

If your looking at third gens the later year L98 would be the best.

89 Is the last year that had the strong rear end I think, but the modes after that came with SD instead of MAF, and are a little faster. MAF is a little more mod friendly though

If your planning on dropping in a new 350 you could just save cash and get a 305 car. ALso if you get a 350 (L98) car its not possible to get a manual. But even if you get a manual the T-5s are really lame, weak as hell if you toy with them at all. SO I suggest an auto car anyway.


AIM: DarthIROCZ is you have any specific questions what I put was really general info. DIdnt even really scratch the surface

 

if u want a fixer up frendly car, i would go with an 86, with an L69 engine (190 H.P) i have the LG4 (165) but im about 2 put a built 305 in that will be somewhere between 300-340 H.Pbut just look around so some personal research as well as ask around.

 

If it's going to be a "fixer" (sounds like a project to me) it doesn't really matter what you get, since anything from the top model would be replaced anyway. I'd say, if the trim title (Z28, etc) doesn't matter to you, then why not get a 6 banger? Since you'll be replacing all the important stuff anyway, it'll be lower insurance (just don't say it's getting a V8 ) and it will be cheaper to buy. That's exactly what I'm doing, buying a Firebird that has basically no engine (locked up 305 TBI) and switching it out to a 350 TPI. Gonna be my daily driver

 

I would have to argue against the getting a 6cyl and doing a v8 conversion, as I was doing that and got nickel and dimed to death. I would have finished it by now but bought my 97 instead with a big loan. Thats why Im currently selling my 87 project. But everytime I walk by her on the way inside my house I just wish I could finish and drive her around along with my 97. But there just isnt enough cash :/

 

Sorry to hear 'bout that. Hopefully one day they will be sitting in the driveway/garage together

What I meant was if he already had the parts that he needed, I would just do that. That's just my opinion though

 

you dont have to necessairly buy a car and drop in a 350. Why not just by a 350 to start with and fix it up??? Theyre not much if any more expensive then a 305 and the 5 speeds tend to be actually somewhat more expensive because theyre a lot more rare then the 350's. Then if you want you can do some modding ie ehaust, cam, intake and heads. The only problem is at that point youd have to either beef up your auto tranny or switch to a t-56 6 speed out of a 93-97 camaro. Thats not too bad though third gen resource sells a complete kit for 1500 dollars, that includes everything from tranny to cross memeber to clutch etc everything youd need. The advantage with getting an 89 or earlier is that they have a stronger rear end....if you did all of the mods i listed to the 90 + youd definitly have to buy a new rear bolt (i believe just over 2 grand for the virtually bullet proof 12?) where a beefed up 89 would stand a chance....

 

Buy a car you like & do what you want with it.

 

Welcome to the board, man! Good luck with buyin a new car!
In my opinion, just buy an '87-newer IROC, and you don't have to worry about upgradin.. only if ya "realy" need to go fast!
Matt

 

Ya, the main reason I wanted it was b/c I wanted more speed. My little Eclipse right now can pickup from an early start, but it's horrid when I get to higher speeds, however I did get to 100MPH in 4th, that was pretty cool, also I need a car that can keep up with a group I hang out with, they mostly run 11-13 second cars.

Right now I'm getting some info on someone's IROC with a 6 Speed vette tranny, thats all I know about it, but I'll know more tommarow.

Once I go V8, I don't think I'll ever go back.

 

Not bad. But my old 305 TBI (170 horses maybe) could get over 100 in 3rd gear

Quote:

Once I go V8, I don't think I'll ever go back.

Hopefully not

As for 11-13 seconds, factory I don't think any normal 3rd gen (Z28 or T/A) will be a killer to them, but beleive me, it won't take much if you get the right parts. What kind of cars do these people have? Their ages?

 

Running with 11 second cars would qualify as running with the big boys. A stock 350 is going to be a 14.5 second car so youll need......

stronger rear end to make up for the power youll be making
engine- umm everything? heads cam intake and possibly internals depending on how much hp youre making probably would just end up making a completly new engine.
full exhaust
not to mention some suspension parts, good tires, AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SOME SFC'S.

what type of cars do these guys have?

 

Well about that 100MPH thing, that was in a N/A 4cyl =). Nah I'm not into the whole drag strip thing, although I do enjoy the occasional street race. I just want to run with them evenly, not real competitive, just cool people to hang with.

As for the cars, the people I know have a 91 Civic HB with GSR engine, runs high 13s, 98 GST w/ S-FAC, 95 325i 15 flat, and some guy that I don't know has a RX7 TT.

 

Contact www.lingenfelter.com and see what they have for you if you want to run 11s or better. Quarter mile, that is.

 

Well, I have been able to run 65 in second, with tons of rpm left.. (don't remember quite how much, though..l)
IROCS's are AWESOME, MAN!!!!!
I don't think you will go back to a pre-8 cyl. either, my friend! So long as the vehicle you get is in good running order.. you should be good to go!
BTW.. Headers, Flow's or Borla, Intake, Rear-End, Tires, and a Cam, and you will be haulin' *****!
Matt