Hi everyone.

I'm new to this site and this is my first post.

I live in England at the minute but I'm moving to Chicago in May. I've just sold my car see here: http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules....car+automobile

So now i'm looking for a new one.

I don't know very much about American cars and I was kinda hoping you guys could help.

I was in the states at christmas and a Camaro caught my eye.
A little research later and i now know it was a Generation 3.

Ok thats all i know. I loved the 80's styling, low slung body with sleek lines. Oh yeah one more thing.... it sounded awesome. RWD and a stonking engine.... sounds good to me!

Now here is the bit where i need help. I've been browsing ebay and autotrader but I'm buying blind. Sorry for sounding stupid but whats a Z28, RS, IROC and base?

Which is the fastest model that handles the best? My friend told me IROC is he right?

I would ideally like a black hard top, v8, manual, air con, subtle interior.
Standard looking with engine, transmition and suspension modifications.
Period alloy wheels, no bling chrome crap.
No bodykits, bonnet(hood) shakers or plastic window/ headlamp blind thingies.

Thats about it.

Can anyone help? Does anyone have a car for sale within travelling distance from Chicago. I have between $5000 & $6000 max. What sort of car will this buy?

 

look at either the 90 iroc or the 91-92 z28 with the 305/5spd combo(since u want a 5spd, 350s were too powerful for the 5spd but only had 20 more hp).

 

Well to find one unmolested that fits your criteria, it'll probably be a 305 TPI 5 speed Z28. Every IROC I ever say had a set of t-tops on it. The IROC-Z is the higher-end model of A Z28, then there were LT and berlinetta base models through '87. The Rs became the base model in 88. There were so many options and configurations available, that you could get a fully optioned Z28 that was nicer than a lower-level IROC. Then there are 1LE car's, very rare road race option that costs $$$.

Other than the IROC suspension, the IROC was mostly a comfort and appearance package to the Z28 IMO. And just so you know, there were NO manual equipped 350 cars made. All 350's were TPI, and look identical to 305 TPI's. Best motor available factory if you ask me. other than the VIN (8th spot from left is an F for 305, 8 for 350), the RPO code sheet (L98 for 350, LB9 for 305) the injectors (grey on 350 TPI, black on 305 TPI), and the block (behind the driver's head next the firewall says 5.0 or 5.7L), they look identical.

Get one that isnt too molested and start from there. Try to buy a southern car since road salts cause some serious rust. For $4000 you can get a really nice IROC and put some more cash in minor upgrades... you can probably do shorty headers, catback, intake runners and base, aluminum heads, port the plenum, burn a new chip, fresh set of injectors nowadays for $2500 or less depending on what you use.

They are fairly old and getting harder to find nice ones. Sounds like you are looking for a nice car to do some bolt ons to. A mint one will cost you around $5000 depending on year. Junk ones can go under $1000. You can make them fun but the new LSx engines wipe the floor with them so dont invest too much.

 

i got one for sale right here.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=687169
unfortunately not a 5 speed.