I'm ready to buy a third gen. How do you break down the VIN number to tell if it's a 305 or 350? TPI, TBI or 4 barrel carb? Also, what should I look for to make sure I'm getting my money's worth?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

If you look at the 8th digit the 305 has the letter "F" and the 350 has the number "8". The TPI set up is a dead give away looks like a spider and is aluminum. The TBI looks like a carb set up.

 

If the seller claims its a 350 and the Vin indicates otherwise. Ask the seller for paperwork regarding a engine swap?? If he has none walk away.

 

yep, people will tell you anything for a sale.

after I got my car (which was "great condition"), the tranny went, my stearing gears are just about gone, valve seals replaced, header gaskets replaced, and an entire new wire harness.

 

also, go to thirdgen.org, check out tech database and then scroll down to camaro history
350s were only available 86-92 (86 unlikely because they only made like 50 w/350s that year)
the tach goes yellow at 5000 and redlines at 5500
also (this could be easily duplicated so take it for what it's worth) there is a 5.7 tuned port injection emblem on the driver side rear, instead of the normal tuned port injection emblem
also, under the hood is an engine sticker, check it, it'll say 5.0 or 5.7
and you can always check the rpos, L98 for 350 and B2L if you got the performance package (3.27 rear axle ratio), either of these will tell you its a 350
i know i'm probably forgetting some, but, that should be alright to properly find if it's a 350 or not
and yea, check the vin, that's probably the easiest

 

Thank you guys for all your help. I just bought an '86 IROC. And when checking the VIN I discovered that it was in fact a 305. It is a five speed and looking under the hood found the TPI. It's pretty clean. Whoever had it, took pretty good care of it. There isn't any oil leakage, and to my amazement, all the lights work!!

I'm really excited about this car, and I can't wait to start modding it..now, my next question...what to do first? I think I'm gonna start with the exhaust and then start under the hood.

Once again....thanks everyone!!!