4playprincess

I have been offered another camaro on trade. Since i loved everybodys opinion on the first one, im going to try this again. I got the general idea from everyone that the convertible was just too much of a "questionable mess" to jump into.

I do have to say, that everybody on here is so nice and helpful. You guys are way nicer than the people on great lakes 4x4....now you make me want a camaro very badly. Especially if i am going to surround myself with good people like you.

So heres the rundown. Im going to give you the info on this 88 camaro, and for anybody who missed my first post...heres what you missed. Im trying to trade my 95 dodge ram offroad rig for a different car. Details on my truck...are at the end of this post. SO NOW ONTO THE 88..



P.S. SORRY IF THIS HAPPENS TO BE YOUR CAR IM POSTING ABOUT BY THE WAY, YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT GENTLEMAN WITH THE CONVERTIBLE WOULD BE TRADING YOU FOR YOUR CAR..TO TRADE ME FOR MY TRUCK. THIS IS ONLY POSTED ONLINE TO GET OPINIONS, NOTHING ELSE.

1984 z28 CAMARO
T TOPS
BUILT 355
POSI REAR END WITH 3.73 REAR GEARS
EDELBROCK PERFORMER INTAKE
EDELBROCK 650 CARB WITH MECH SECS
RUNS DUEL ELECTRIC FANS ON A TOGGLE AND A SOLID CLUTCH FAN
RUNS REAL COOL
10:1 COMPRESSION
NEW DIST AND COIL
NEW PLUGS AND WIRES
HEADMAN HEADERS PORTED AND POLISHED HEADS AND INTAKE
TRUE DUEL EXHAUST WITH FLOWMASTERS
TRANS HAS STAGE 2 SHIFT KIT FROM B&M
B&M MEGA SHIFTER
HI TORQUE STARTER
SBC 400 CRANK
ROLLER ROCKERS
CORVETTE PINK RODS
STAGE 1 CAM ONE STEP UP FROM STOCK
CHROME VALVE COVERS
CHROME CHEVY AIR CLEANER
NEW GOOSE NECK GASKET
NEW HEADER GASKET
BLACK FRONT SEATS
Z28 FRONT BUMPER RE ENFORCEMENT
BLACK KICK PANELS
BLACK SILL PANELS
NEW STOCK SPEAKERS
LEATHER T TOP BAG


IT ALSO COMES WITH EXTRA TAIL LIGHTS, EXTRA T TOPS, EXTRA SET OF BACK SEATS, 4TH GEN CAMARO FRONT SEATS,


*i have written this exactly as it was sent to me...sorry for anything i may have messed up on*







FROM HERE DOWN IS INFO ON MY PICKUP.............



1995 dodge ram 1500
SLT MAGNUM
5.9L V8 360 Engine
124,xxx miles

AVERAGES ABOUT 12-14 MPG
AUTO TRANS (REBUILT W/OUT PAPER WORK, SHIFTS SMOOTH)
POWER WINDOWS, POWER LOCKS, POWER MIRRORS.
CRUISE DOES NOT WORK
REAR SLIDER
STANDARD CAB/SHORT BOX

I HAVE REPLACED THE FOLLOWING PARTS WITHIN THE PAST YEAR:

BATTERY
BRAKES (FRONT AND REAR)
U-JOINTS
TRANSMISSION MOUNT
RADIATOR
RF AXLE SHAFT

TRUCK DOESNT BURN OR LEAK ANY OIL. FOUR WHEEL DRIVES ENGAGES AND FUNCTIONS PROPERLY. IT IS ON THE FLOOR. THIS TRUCK DOES VERY WELL IN SAND, SNOW OR MUD. ITS THE PERFECT SUMMER TOY FOR SILVER LAKE OR ATTICA. MOTOR RUNS VERY STRONG, NO STRANGE NOISES OR KNOCKS. THE TRUCK DOES HAVE A CRACK ON THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD, FENDERS WILL NEED WORK OR FLARES PUT ON DUE TO RUST. IT DOES HAVE SCRATCHES. THIS IS A OFF ROAD TRUCK, DESIGNED FOR HARD WORK OR HARD PLAY. IT CAN PULL TRAILERS WITHOUT ANY ISSUES, TOW OTHER CARS, ETC. IT IS NOT MINT, IT DOES HAVE SOME COSMETIC ISSUES. ITS NOT A SHOW TRUCK, ITS BUILT FOR DOING THINGS THAT MOST OTHER TRUCKS CANT HANDLE.

FOR THE PRICE ASKED ABOVE THIS PICKUP WILL COME WITH EVERYTHING INCLUDING:

CB RADIO WITH DUEL WHIPS
TRUE DUEL EXHAUST WITHOUT CATS (WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS TESTING)
A NEW $1200 SET OF MICKEY THOMPSON MTZ BAJA TIRES
CUSTOM MADE BLACK POWDER COATED ROLL BAR WITH THREE KC DAYLIGHTERS MOUNTED ON TOP
EXTRA KC LIGHT
RAM GUARD WITH TWO KC DAYLIGHTERS
DETROIT LOCKERS
CUSTOM MADE REAR BUMPER. (MISSING PLATE LIGHT)
SIX INCH BDS LIFT KIT
CD PLAYER

I KNOW WHAT I HAVE PUT INTO THIS PICKUP, AND I KNOW HOW STRONG IT RUNS.

I AM INTERESTED IN TRADES ON: FIREBIRDS, TRANS AM, MUSTANGS (NO FOX BODY MUSTANGS) CAMAROS, SPORTS CARS, MUSCLE CARS, NEWER 660r OR BIGGER QUADS, NEWER JET SKIS.

I DONT WANT TO BE OFFERED: SNOWMOBILES, BOATS, WINDOWS, DOORS, TOOL BOXES, MOPEDS, BICYCLES, FOUR CYLINDER CARS, CARS THAT ARENT RUNNING, PROJECT VEHICLES, LAWN MOWERS OR SUBS.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18, PLEASE DONT CONTACT ME. IVE HAD KIDS CONTACTING ME ABOUT CARS, BEFORE THEY EVEN ASK THEIR PARENTS ABOUT TRADING VEHICLES. THIS IS A WASTE OF EVERYBODYS TIME.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED OR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS...PLEASE CONTACT ME EMAIL/PHONE OR TEXT AT

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

first thing i notice is. thats not gonna save you any gas. probably not a practical dd either. sounds like a weekend car to me. and cue in if im wrong (ill admit defeat) but if you have a 400 crank in a 350 thats bored to a 355 dont you get a 383. or 377 without overbore?

4playprincess

i have no idea how to answer your engine questions. I do know that whatever i trade for isnt going to be a daily driver, its going to be a summer cruiser. i have a 1993 ford ranger splash as a daily driver.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

i hoped someone else would chime in with the engine part. but that is for sure a summer toy

jstoltz

iTrader: (16)

tylercamaro is right 350 with stock bore and the 400 crank with 350 mains is 383then if the cylinders got .030 then it is actually 388 or around there. If you want speed this should be fun sounds like a stout motor. 10:1 compression isn't too bad but you should either run premium octane or you can get by with 87 octane with a fuel additive (normally I ran NOS off -road additive in every tank My 406 was 10.14:1This is to avoid detonation. Mine was cast iron bowtie heads so if this has aluminum heads you may not have to worry about it. I think it would be fun too but way faster than the convertible, just depends on what you actually want. only change I would possibly make is to swap out the Edelbrock for a 4150 Holley some people like the Edelbrock carbs but I never cared for them but even then it is preference.

WS6LOVE

yes, if it has a 400 crank, it's not a 355, it's a 383

jstoltz

iTrader: (16)

377 is the 400 block with a 350 crank(normally used with main bearing spacers or semi custom crank. 350 stroke with bigger 400 mains) 3.480" stroke x4.155 bore just a little added info.

4playprincess

I will have more pics tomorrow if i end up talking to him

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

also have you ever operated or driven a carburated vehicle before. its much different than fuel injection. and if the car stops working properly or one tiny thing goes wrong, it becomes a pain to start and drive. until its rebuilt again.

4playprincess

I used to own an old f150 pickup that had a carb. I never had any issues with it, but it was a gutless truck, it had no go what so ever. This may be due to the fact that it was an 86 extended cab with a straight 6 motor.

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

ah the great lakes 4x4 guys are something else. Anyways, not sure if that camaro is worth the same amount as your truck. I hope you have someone who knows about them to look the car over before trading, you might be getting someone elses problem vehicle.

Iroctopless

My gut feeling is I'd pass on this ride. Personally, I'd rather sell my truck for the best cash possible and if it was a Camaro that I wanted, I'd use the money to buy a decent, well mantained, not abused, and failry close to original (minor mods OK) 3rd gen. There are many nice rides like that out there for only a few grand. I think that would be a better daily driver, better fuel mileage, still handle really nice, and be cheaper to repair should anything happen. Most drivetrain parts are still available and for not much $$$.
But that's just me. I'm also more a cruiser than a light to light racer.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

Z28 FRONT BUMPER RE ENFORCEMENT
RUNS DUEL ELECTRIC FANS ON A TOGGLE AND A SOLID CLUTCH FAN
these are curious too. i know chevy had a aluminum impact bumper. maybe thats whats being referred too instead of the steel one.
and why would you have dual elecric fans on a toggle and a clutched fan. unless it overheats and he tried to cover it up, but it would still exceed proper heating levels eventullay. a clutched fan is always working, where as dual electric fans, can be turned on by choice. sounds like a hack job to me. id get a thermostat controlled fan switch and ditch the cluch fan connected to the water pump if the electrics actually work

4playprincess

This is literally all the info on this car I currently have, as he wrote it!!
Black front seats. Misc black int another flat hood. Z28 front bumper re enforcement. Black kick panels. Black sill panels. New stock speakers (installed) sun visors. Extra t top trim. Leather t top bag. Extra back seats. 4th gen camaro front seats... 2 sets on tail lights normal 82 to 84 and 85 to 92 style grids.

Built 355 built th350. Posi rear end with 3.73 rear gears.. Edelbrock performer intake. Edelbrock 650 carb with mech secs. Runs with two dual electric fans on a toggle and a solid clutch fan. Runs real cool. 10:1 compression. New dist and coil. New plugs and wires. Headman headers ported and polished heads and intake. True dual with flowmasters.... Trans has stage 2 shift kit from B&M and a B&M mega shifter. Hi tourqe starter sbc 400 crank... Roller rockers.. Corvette pink rods. Stage 1 cam one step up from stock. Chrome valve covers. Chrome chevy air cleaner (new) new goose neck gasket and header gaskets..



**I CAN GET MORE INFO ONCE I SPEAK TO HIM ON THE PHONE, I REALLY LIKE THIS CAR BETTER THAN THE RAGTOP. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH HE KNOWS HIS CAR BETTER, NOT SAYING THAT IT IS A BETTER CAR. I LIKE PEOPLE TO BE EDUCATED ON THE THINGS THEY ARE SELLING, IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER****

also as far as selling my pickup for cash....ive had my truck posted online for three months. I need to get rid of it. Im not even asking nearly as much as i have dropped into that thing. people just dont want to pay that kind of money for a toy. Especially in todays market. Cash is king, always! With the cash, i was going to purchase a summer cruiser. If the only way i can get a summer cruiser is to trade, then i am all about it.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

th350 wasnt available in 84 was it. i thought they only used the 3 speeds on 82 v6's. and then 83 they changed it to 700r4 for all v6'and v8 automotics. is that right. someone wanna chime in on that for me?

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

i'm sure the motor and trans are both swapped in since there was no 350 option in 84

A th350 bolts right up as well, I used to run one.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

i know it bolts up, i just never thought it was optioned for 84 or any thirdgen. so this may not even be a z28 for all we know. coupe be a sc or berlinetta clone. and if its a different engine who knows how well he wired it together. i just wouldnt like the though of buying someones catastrophe

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

it's not a factory installed piece....wow you're missing the point. They didn't come in a 3rd gen ever. Just the th200 trans only for 3 speeds and that was 82/83

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

that was my point, i just didnt state it clearly enough

88gta3508

they never installed the TH350 Period...... and the 350 was never installed in 82 - 86

cuisinartvette

Hes either full of it or doesnt really know whats in the motor.

Its either a 355 or a 383 with a 400 crank not both. Could be anything never know.

Ask him for some real info from the person that built or machined it.

Too many times supposedly "ported and polished" arent at all, assume youre getting at best a stock 350 with an intake carb and headers, if youre good with that then-

The fact this person wouldnt fix their heating problem (and it has one!) says it all..thing has a history of running warm,they dont trust it enough to work off a temp switch and relay like it should or dont know how to fix it right but someone he knew owned some tools and hacked it. lol

it COULD be what he says it is but insist he verify, he got his info from somewhere albeit a genuine purchase or a picture hes trying to paint to unload it.

If you could find one bone stock that hasnt been messed with that would be the way to go, much safer purchase.

Iroctopless

I new my spidey senses were tingling on this one.

jstoltz

iTrader: (16)

without actually seeing/hearing and driving it I really don't know but yeah the cooling system would need attention which is partly due to the higher compression but that is a simple fix with a flexalite black magic fan or two and a shroud and fan switch kit. you can normally find the fans on Ebay cheap and more than likely the wiring too. check and see if there is a thermostat in it if not then yeah it probably overheats and then I would probably pass as it could be warped on the deckand without taking off the top end and checking with a straight edge you will never know but just maybe whoever built it put the locked clutch fan on as a pecautionary measure and it kept it cool so they just kept it that way.same deal with this one as with any other car go by with what it runs/sounds/drives like.if there is something that makes you uneasy about it then pass and move onto the next one. I am normally more one of the people I go by the potential of it but that is why I end up putting more money into stuff than alot of people but I always change/modify anything I don't like. after seeing this thing has a 3 speed your mileage will more than likely be a liyyle lrss than the trucks especially depending on how much you get into and make sure it isn't too wet or too cold before trying. If it is tuned decent it souldn't have any problem breaking the tires loose through 1st and 2nd. If it will be a toy I would also want some info on condition of the trans and if it ever went out even though it is heavier I would replace with a TH400(3 speed) or 4L80(overdrive but more expensive to buy and rebuild.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

iroctopless are spidey senses are in sync. and just as jstoltz said pretty clearly. try to find one thats bone stock, just so you know that all the parts that wre ever replaced were stock replacements and not hack jobs. overheating even a little can mess up one thing, and even though it seems fine for the time being, it could possibly become a fatality in the long run

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Just based on the description given, I wouldn't even think about that car. Anyone trying to use a new thermostat gasket as a selling point is a clown.

Sierra XB

4playprincess...I can understand what you are dealing with here, it's difficult to pass up on what seems to be a screamin' deal on a car that you really want, but I would agree with the other guys here and be patient and try to find a camaro that hasn't been seriously modded (unless they have receipts to show it was done professionally). Stock or near stock is much better IMO because you don't have to be always wondering if someone else did a lousy job when they fixed/installed/swapped something in your new car.

I had a similar problem when I bought my 85 IROC. It had all kinds of "new" items listed in the ad that were supposedly installed recently (turns out they weren't), was advertised as a 350 car, supposedy the t-tops didn't leak, and supposedly ran great. I reality, it was a 305 (although it HAD a 350 in it at one time...why would they downgrade?), the t-tops leaked, the cooling fan was hard-wired to on all the time, the air dam was bent backwards (probably why it ran hot), and the rear end was toast (bad bearings, bad gears, bent axle).

I bought it anyway, because I can fix all of those things with little trouble and it was the only TPI IROC for sale within 500 miles at the time. In your case, unless you are willing to possibly spend lots of time and $$$ fixing someone elses mistakes and neglect, wait until you can locate a basically stock but good condition Camaro and have fun with it YOUR way

4playprincess

I just received the phone number of the gentleman who owns this camaro.I am currently texting him, and will be calling him either late tonight or early tomorrow. does anyone have any questions that they suggest on me asking him?

I know that everybody here seems to be leaning away from this car, but I want to do my homework and really take some time to check into things before I pass up on an offer. I had an offer for a beautiful 78 drag camaro, with a stunning engine that I passed up on about a month ago. the car only needed body work, now looking back I wish I hadn't have done that. so from now on everybodys vehicle is going to have some time put into it, to give everybody the same amount of thought before I say no.

jstoltz

iTrader: (16)

depends on what you actually want the drag camaro was probably not as good a deal as you think unless you always used it for drag drag cars don't really make good street cars unless it is set up for street/strip. I would ask the guy about as much of the stuff as you can that we all pointed out. with your truck you know what you have, want to make sure of the same with your trade.

4playprincess

alright so here is my opinion on this car after seeing the the you tube videos of it. I think that this kid has probably beat the **** out of this car, and its got something seriously wrong with the motor.

Its very easy to hear that it has some type of knock.I think after seeing these videos, I am just going to end up keeping my dodge ram. It may need body work, but i know it runs like a champ, and i know it hasnt been beat on.

Thanks to everybody for your opinions.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

There are cars you can actually drive, ranging from nice cars to project cars, then there are pieces of $4!t that people throw together with a lot of fancy sounding parts. That list of modifications reads just like every other list thrown together by a clueless red-neck. The trick is knowing what's actually being described. What's being described is a bunch of extremely low rent performance parts, and a hastily thrown together engine, stuffed into a beat to hell body. You could take any $200 beater 84 Z28 and build that car from the junk pile out at the farm, and the performance corner of the local Western Auto.

Seriously, don't waste your time thinking about it. That piece of crap is going to break before you've had it for 6 months and there it will sit. Based on the description and the pics, you're going to find all kinds of things on that car that aren't right. It's not a car, it's a bunch of parts that won't work well together for any length of time. It'll be a money pit that will never be worth what you've got invested.

4playprincess

What i have gathered from you guys is that you all prefer stock cars. Im still determined to get that summer cruiser even if i have to take an even bigger hit on my pickup. I think this car is cute, and its about 12 miles from my house. (granted in a very bad area of michigan)

Check it out!

http://swmi.craigslist.org/cto/2216417521.html

valicswarrior

iTrader: (1)

on the last car posted i would never fork over 4grand for a salvage title value rules for salvage titles states clearly going by the lowest value of these vehicle in question its up to you but if you ever decide to want to get rid of it you will have a very hard time not to mention not sure how your state is but here in CT if you have a salvage title you need to pass a safety inspection which means the car in some cases needs to have been repaired in the manor it was built in the factory which most people don't do. point is welds need to be spot welded if thats how it was built instead of beaded. and things of that nature again my personal 2 cents is that i would never buy a vehicle with a salvage title unless i know the person personally and well that repair the car

4playprincess

Thanks valicswarrior, i appreciate that input. Its so hard to find older style vehicles in michigan that dont have rust, especially in my price range...and close to where i live.

Heres another link up to a 1979 Firebird that i was looking into..I love the color!!

http://battlecreek.craigslist.org/cto/2232636723.html

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

salvage titles arent the greatest out here, unless your the salvage yard then they go through channels and the salvage part is still there on the cars record, but it isnt considered salvaged anymore.. hes not a salvage yard. id say pass. we dont all like just stock cars, its just that they way he worded everything reassures you he has basic knowledge of cars and just threw stuff on there. with a clean all stock platform then its like a blank canvas and you dont have to erase anyone elses pencil marks.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

the 79 looks a little dry to be honest. headliner fell, interior is quite faded. i dont remember the interiors being two different colors either. my 79 the interiro was all blue not two different colors. the weatherstripping is missing. ask him if he took it off, or did it fall of. if it fell of youll be replacing seal, and then you dont know what rust youll find. i understand the whole michigan rust free thing. im not too sure how far hagar shore is from clinton township either. you might wanna check out mifbody.com. theres a guy selling his 83 bird and a few other cars if you look in the classifieds

4playprincess

Heres another car...This guy is only the second owner of it. I have to say i dont like this one as much as the others. I may think that its kind of ugly but the car could have potential.Its a 1984 Pontiac Trans AM

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/2215661594.html


I really do prefer the 70s body styles. I do not know how far away from clinton township i am. I have only driven about 45,000 miles my entire lifetime, I absolutely hate driving any where away from home.

jstoltz

iTrader: (16)

couldn't have said it any better myself. Second gens aren't bad and the steel was a little better than what they used on the third gens. You can still come hang out with us well me anyway I can't speak for everyone(I am sure most will agree). but you can apply alot of the same info on what to look for to all cars some info is more specific to third gens you can pm me on here you are not too far away from me so if you need help or have any questions just ask. clinton township is just north of Detroit I have bought some engines and misc from people there.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

maybe i can help a little. i dont know how far you wanna travel but i know that these are both very nice cars. so its your call just trying to help
http://www.mifbody.com/vbulletin/sho...ebird-for-sale
http://www.mifbody.com/vbulletin/sho...s-am-4-000-obo

87 player bird

I'd pass. If you want a third gen camaro, I'd be on the lookout for an UN-MODDED pos. All you will get is someone elses mess. Keep lookin girl, if I find a nice clean one up here I'll let ya know.

the solitaire

I must admit, no offence intended, that you appear to have a talent in picking cars I´d steer clear from by all means.

Another few pieces of advise might help however. This post is not meant to discourage you. It is here to prevent paying money for a moneypit. I would love to see a next post showing how you purchased a nice clean third gen (or second gen, I personally like several Camaros and birds from both generations so never mind seeing a nice second gen either) and are getting set to get it ready for the summer.

Most important maybe. Never spend money on a car you do not like. If you do not like the third gen firebirds all that much, don´t buy one.

Second, be prepared to travel to get a good car. I was lucky to find mine within a 200 mile radius. Would have been prepared to travel further had I found a better offer. Do not let travel expenses stop you. The money you spend on driving to get a good car will be saved later in parts you might not have to replace right away.

It was mentioned before and I´ll have to agree, look for a stock or near stock vehicle with a good maintenance record. You will more then likely be able to find a good (near) stock third gen Camaro in the US for $2500-$4000 which appears to be the price range you´re looking for. I´ve seen quite a few recent purchases in this range, and they appeared to need some smaller repairs but were good otherwise.

The main reason to advise to look for a stock vehicle is that there is no risk of paying for parts that were not fitted after all. An unmodified car does not blend with show and shine. You will directly see whether or not it was well kept and maintained, and any repair manual will give accurate information. Modified vehicles can hide a lot and if something´s wrong a repair manual will be of little help.

High power engines are often require strong transmissions and drivetrains. They require susension work, or at least overhaul, and require further modification. Only the fewest offers in your price range will offer a fully completed well built car, leaving a lot of work and investments still required to get the car reliable and good.

If you find a stock berlinetta, IROC, early Z, Z28E or another not all that common third gen Camaro you might own a vehicle which value will increase within the next few years.

These are a few of the reasons to look for a good unmodified vehicle, and a few of the reasons why most of the people on this forum appreciate purchasing a car stock rather then modified.

If you find a modified third gen which is well built, in good shape, with a clean service record and reliable seller who can hand over receipts for the parts he installed, and is within your price range, by all means go for it. Just saying it´s not easy to find such a vehicle for under $5000 or more.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

i think shes good at finding vehicles that if your intentions were to rip them apart completely and start from ground up

-srs-

Stay patient. It took me two years and three deals gone bad to find my vert.

scottmoyer

I'm not seeing where this is History or Restoration related. I'm moving this to the Wanted section.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

i didnt know what section it even was in. i thin kwanted is a little more suiting

jstoltz

iTrader: (16)

yeah I think she is just keeping the truck for now.