Cumbias

Thinking about buying a third gen camaro for my next car. I seen some for sale for about 2k-3k.
Im looking for a cheap solid one.
Any advice on what typical problems arise with third gens and what to look for?

joe77

floor, strut towers, rockers, inner quarter, outer quarter, look where spare is, under the privacy box on the drivers side as t-top cars collect water there. Thats most of the places ive found rust issues, good luck with the search.

Cumbias

Thanks,
Rust issues are always a hassle and a big no for me.

Engine and mechanical wise, any particular issues with certain engines, trannies, rear-ends or anything in particular.

Cumbias

I heard some years the t-tops on some cars were glass and others were plastic. Whats the pros and cons of each and are they easily distinguishable from each other

FullBlack4thGen

iTrader: (2)

What exactly are your intentions for this car? Are you going to do an engine swap or just leave most things stock? Because i know 3rd gens had a vast array of engines to pick from depending on what year your got. I think, and don't quote me on this, the later Iroc's had TPI engines and the 91-92 Z28's did as well. In 91-92 the auto ones were 350's and the stick were 305's. Personally i would get a TPI just because i hate throttle body's and only like carbs on older stuff. Also, check your inbox, i PM'ed you a site that says a lot.

Cumbias

Thanks,
For now I just plan on get a solid transportation vehicle that is also a solid performer. I noticed the 5-speed is only available on the 305. I heard the auto on the third gens also suffers from burned clutch packs after the 100K miles. Is this true?
Also how is the LO3 305 in terms of reliability. Thats the engine with throttle body injection.

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

for 2k-3k price range, you may find a solid lt1 car. i dont like lt1 engines at all, but they are better than 305 a even a 350tpi engine.imo
im a hardcore 3rd gen guy, and i would reccond a 3rd gen for a ls swap or strong street street build, but a 4th gen is much more comfortable and reliable as a dd. and stronger performer
the ttops on 4th gens also seal way better.
the v8 tbi 3rd gens suck, might as well be a v6

xpndbl3

iTrader: (23)

skip the thirdgens all together they're no fun. I wouldn't use one for a DD but that's just me, the rattles and squeeks would get to me after a while on a stock one. 5 speed trans won't handle any power, the stock 700r4 won't really either if you lean on the engines, but if you're looking for a DD then the LO3 with 2.73 would be a good gas mileage choice as would the LB9 cars

WipFbody

3rd gens get a bad rap....mainly because their owners don't take care of them. I have two 3rd gens and two 4th gens. I actually like the way the 3rd gens drive. Don't get T'tops....leak and the car is not ridgid enough. Try to find a hard top TPI car. The TPI engines are becoming more popular......so if you wreck your third at least the motor may bring a few bucks.

The 350 TPI's made 225-230HP and 300+TQ (I think 330)....not bad for 20+ years ago.

Cumbias

So with an LT1. What main concerns or issues should I look for?

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

opti spark and wp issues for mechanical problems.hard to find good lt1 tuners and there tuning programs and aftermarket parts are limited compared to the lsx.harder to work on than the lsx imo.
the bodies/interior are just as good as ls cars. they are good cars overall.

Cumbias

how many miles would you guys say are too many miles on an LT1. Found one with about 170k for $2200.

david068513

iTrader: (2)

I've had a few, sold one last night. Try and get a tpi if you want performance. A tbi car is realiable and easy to work on. Just slower.Make sure it wasn't wrecked, rust, coolant leaks where the intake meets the block in the corners. They leak all the time. Common stuff

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

thats a fair price if the car has blue title and looks well taken care of and not ragged out. or missing parts and runs

Cumbias

Went to see the car a couple days ago. It was POS. The oil pressure gauge kept reading dangerously low and the guy have tried to put a cheap SS hood on that didnt line up to anything at all. The power steering wasn't working either and I couldn't get the car to peel out from a dead stop. Who knows what else was wrong with it.
The search continues. . .

Cumbias

found a '91 3000gt at an auction for tomorrow. How reliable are these cars and what usually goes wrong with them. anybody know???

Also found a '91 formula with a 5.0, 5 speed, and 127k. for 2000 dollars. Biggest downside its salve title apparently because it was donated. Never had an accident and it doesnt have any major engine or tranny issues. How much would this usually go for???