1988 Camaro... - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

napalm · 07-25-2003, 08:58 AM

hey everyone, this is my first post on TFP...a friend of mine recommended them to me. anyway...onto the post...

I'm a college student going into my 3rd year, and i'm shopping for my first car. money is a big factor, but at the same time i'm trying to get something that i'd enjoy calling my own...not just something to get me from point a to b. i was looking through a local car classified website and came across an add for a 1988 camaro. as the add says...

Quote:

rebuilt motor, rebuilt trans, sunroof, CD player, EXCELLENT SOUND SYSTEM, body in good shape, runs well, 2.8 6 cyl, IROC hood, totally restored 5 years ago, $2000 OBO.

I thought it looked pretty decent so i emailed the person who placed the add, and the owner sent me this reply:

Quote:

The car had 154K on it when the motor and tranny were rebuilt. There currently is 90k on the motor and tranny. The timing chain was just done, which I have the receipt for, as well as one for the motor and tranny. I have done my best to maintain the car with proper oil changes and not abusing it. The car does not smoke, not even when you start it. The rings and value guides have been maintained from those oil changes.This is an automatic transmission. The head unit is a Kenwood CD player and the fronts are 5 in and rear 6x9 in both Panasonic. The subs are two 12 in pioneer. The front and rear are driven by a California 400 watt amp. Fronts with bass blockers and the subs are driven by a Memphis digital 250 watt amp. Camero's produce excellent bass. The car has an alarm with power door locks and I do have a remote starter that I have not installed but would go with the car.

The Interior is in fair/presentable shape. It's not trashed or dirty. The body and paint are in great shape as good as the picture shows. There are no mechincal or cosmetic problem at present, other than the temp gauge not working properly. I thought the car was running hot, so I changed the thermostat and it still was off. So I flushed the radiator and the problem still existed. The last thing was to change the waterpump thinking maybe the inside fins were worn, still didn't fix it. I took the car to my mechanic who replaced the cooling sensor, which didn't turn out to fix the problem. Finally after putting the car on the computer, he determined the temp gauge was bad because the reading on the computer was different than what the gauge was showing. The car has never boiled over or overheated on me.

I have also had the tranny fluid changed 3 times since it was rebuilt. I believed in maintaining the car because I put a lot of money and time getting it into the shape it's in. The previous owner was my brother and this was my daily car. Below is a list all what was replaced during the restoration and a listed of any new parts.

The A/C is excellent and the windows are tinted. A few months ago I broke my leg so I've only been driving for 2 months, I haven't removed the snow tires so the car need a pair of rear tires for non winter months.

All parts listed below were replaced five years ago when I restored this Camero. Any part that was recently replaced is indicated.

Radiator
Air Cond. Condenser
Coil
Tie rods,
Shifter cable
Brake Calipers
New brake front hoses recently
Fuel Pump
Oil sending units
Temp sensor
Complete Distributor
Ignition module
Distributor cap and rotor (NEW)
Universal Joints
Exhaust, including cat. Converter, extension pipe and muffler with dual tail pipes. (NEW)
Water pump (NEW)
Thermostat
New bushings in the rear stabilizer bar
All hoses are 2 years old
Heater core
Struts and upper strut bearings
Rear springs and shocks
Rear shocks
Z28 Steering gear box
Starter & solenoid last 2 years changed
Alternator
Battery this past winter
Rebuilt Motor
Rebuilt Transmission
New front tires
New studded rear snow tires

Visually, the car has an iroc hood and doors that came off his friends iroc that was on an accident. under the hood, it's a v6.

I'm just wondering if the car people here would have any input on if this is a good investment or not. 154k + 90k after the restoration is 244k miles...that's a lot.
i'll post more later, and get some pics up...but ive got to run now. thanks for any input...

FastShark85 · 07-25-2003, 10:15 AM

Sounds like most of the mechanical stuff has been taken care of, but cars that old will start displaying weird behavior as electrical corrosion sets in. If you can go newer, do so.

If you're comfortable that the listed parts have actually been replaced and in a professional manner, and if you can get a pre-purchase inspection from a good mechanic that comes back clean, go for it. Tackle the electrical gremlins as the pop up.

tfin · 07-25-2003, 11:22 AM

FUCKING RUN, RUN LIKE THE WIND, RUN FAR FAR AWAY. Serously. I have driven many a 80's camaro. Stay away from the v6. You will be very dissapointed. Even with a manual the 2.8 is a total dog. Even if you are ust looking for a decent car avoid the 2.8. I have owned one, they are crap. I love the camaro to death but lok for a nicer 5.0 or something. Just take your time and be patient. Also if you want camaro info go here... http://www.camaroz28.com/

Spyder_Venom · 07-25-2003, 11:38 AM

Pass on it

You can get a lot better camaro for 2k

oh yeah · 07-25-2003, 03:03 PM

I would pass on this also. Try to get one with at least a 5.0 TPI. Your best bet is either a 5.7 tuned port injection or a manual 5.0 tuned port injection. Just remember these dont handle very well in the snow. Be prepared to drive something else in the winter.

89transam · 07-25-2003, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spyder_Venom
Pass on it You can get a lot better camaro for 2k

Agreed

Ashton · 07-25-2003, 04:58 PM

Yes, You'd be better off with a real Z28...... 350 with a 700R-4 transmission, 350's are long lasting engines.... and they are so common and enterchangable that the parts are easy to get and reasonably priced.

fezman · 07-25-2003, 05:57 PM

heh... I used to have an 84 trans am (it was the 305HO with a 5 speed at least), but that thing was soo much trouble, and it only had like 120k on it. 3rd gens are common enough that I would keep looking. Get the latest one you can, and the only engine to get is the 5.7 / 350. If it's a owner-swapped I'd stay away unless it looks really professionally done, never know what it'll be like down the road.

napalm · 07-25-2003, 07:28 PM

thanks for all the input guys...one of the main reasons this caught my eye was because it is a V6...being a 20 year old male and a college student isn't conducive to paying crazy amounts of money on insurance for a v8. however, if the 3rd gen v6's are known for problems like was mentioned above, maybe it isnt such a good idea.

oh yeah · 07-25-2003, 08:10 PM

I wouldnt say they are known for problems they are just slow.

Scorps · 07-26-2003, 11:03 AM

OMG 2000 with all that done to it, I think its a steal but you got to think about gas prices.

DEI37 · 07-26-2003, 11:48 AM

That is a good price for the car with all the work that's been done to it. The 2.8 V6 is a good motor, contrary to the information given thus far. They don't make a lot of power, but there is some aftermarket for the 2.8, including, cams, heads, headers, oversized pistons, and the like. If he'll let it go for $1800, I'd probably get on it.

89transam · 07-26-2003, 02:21 PM

2000 is not a good price,

newman · 07-27-2003, 02:10 AM

Honestly, I have experience in buying older cars, don't waste your money. He says 90k miles on the rebuilt motor, i'd bet you $100 there's at least 120k+. That cars gonna die soon, he knows it, that's why he's getting rid of it. You'd spend hundreds and hundreds more fixing it every month than you would pay for gas.

Like was said above, get an old camaro with a 350 in it. Common as hell and they LAST man. My dads Suburban has a 350 and he just tapped 300,000 miles with no rebuild. Trust me, you don't want that car.

ssander9 · 07-27-2003, 03:59 AM

Wouldn't pay over 1500.00 for it

Moonduck · 07-27-2003, 01:40 PM

Thumbs down, sorry. These things can be a nightmare even when the engine/trans is okay. WIggy electronics.

nitrorclover · 07-28-2003, 08:10 AM

I agree with all of the above. All 80's V6's suck the big one...

07-25-2003, 11:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
tfin Insane Location: At the Casino	FUCKING RUN, RUN LIKE THE WIND, RUN FAR FAR AWAY. Serously. I have driven many a 80's camaro. Stay away from the v6. You will be very dissapointed. Even with a manual the 2.8 is a total dog. Even if you are ust looking for a decent car avoid the 2.8. I have owned one, they are crap. I love the camaro to death but lok for a nicer 5.0 or something. Just take your time and be patient. Also if you want camaro info go here... http://www.camaroz28.com/ __________________ Did I mention that I can't spell or type? Oh yeah, check out my car www.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=275916

07-25-2003, 11:38 AM	#4 (permalink)
Spyder_Venom Psycho Location: MN	Pass on it You can get a lot better camaro for 2k __________________ The local track whore

07-26-2003, 11:03 AM	#11 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	OMG 2000 with all that done to it, I think its a steal but you got to think about gas prices. __________________ A.K.A. PainTrain

07-26-2003, 11:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	That is a good price for the car with all the work that's been done to it. The 2.8 V6 is a good motor, contrary to the information given thus far. They don't make a lot of power, but there is some aftermarket for the 2.8, including, cams, heads, headers, oversized pistons, and the like. If he'll let it go for $1800, I'd probably get on it. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

07-26-2003, 02:21 PM	#13 (permalink)
89transam Psycho Location: Central California	2000 is not a good price, __________________ I'd rather be rich than stupid.

07-25-2003, 10:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
FastShark85 Psycho Location: In the garage, under the car.	Sounds like most of the mechanical stuff has been taken care of, but cars that old will start displaying weird behavior as electrical corrosion sets in. If you can go newer, do so. If you're comfortable that the listed parts have actually been replaced and in a professional manner, and if you can get a pre-purchase inspection from a good mechanic that comes back clean, go for it. Tackle the electrical gremlins as the pop up.

07-25-2003, 03:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
oh yeah Tilted	I would pass on this also. Try to get one with at least a 5.0 TPI. Your best bet is either a 5.7 tuned port injection or a manual 5.0 tuned port injection. Just remember these dont handle very well in the snow. Be prepared to drive something else in the winter.

07-25-2003, 04:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
Ashton PORNHOUND Location: California	Yes, You'd be better off with a real Z28...... 350 with a 700R-4 transmission, 350's are long lasting engines.... and they are so common and enterchangable that the parts are easy to get and reasonably priced.

07-25-2003, 05:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
fezman Upright	heh... I used to have an 84 trans am (it was the 305HO with a 5 speed at least), but that thing was soo much trouble, and it only had like 120k on it. 3rd gens are common enough that I would keep looking. Get the latest one you can, and the only engine to get is the 5.7 / 350. If it's a owner-swapped I'd stay away unless it looks really professionally done, never know what it'll be like down the road.

07-25-2003, 07:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
napalm Upright Location: New Haven, CT	thanks for all the input guys...one of the main reasons this caught my eye was because it is a V6...being a 20 year old male and a college student isn't conducive to paying crazy amounts of money on insurance for a v8. however, if the 3rd gen v6's are known for problems like was mentioned above, maybe it isnt such a good idea.

07-25-2003, 08:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
oh yeah Tilted	I wouldnt say they are known for problems they are just slow.

07-27-2003, 02:10 AM	#14 (permalink)
newman Upright Location: San Marcos, CA	Honestly, I have experience in buying older cars, don't waste your money. He says 90k miles on the rebuilt motor, i'd bet you $100 there's at least 120k+. That cars gonna die soon, he knows it, that's why he's getting rid of it. You'd spend hundreds and hundreds more fixing it every month than you would pay for gas. Like was said above, get an old camaro with a 350 in it. Common as hell and they LAST man. My dads Suburban has a 350 and he just tapped 300,000 miles with no rebuild. Trust me, you don't want that car. __________________ -woot-

07-27-2003, 03:59 AM	#15 (permalink)
ssander9 Amplitude Modulator Location: US	Wouldn't pay over 1500.00 for it __________________ I never said you had to.

07-27-2003, 01:40 PM	#16 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	Thumbs down, sorry. These things can be a nightmare even when the engine/trans is okay. WIggy electronics.

07-28-2003, 08:10 AM	#17 (permalink)
nitrorclover Crazy	I agree with all of the above. All 80's V6's suck the big one...