Ok so I might have a line on a late '80s Camaro. It is a V6 with an automatic and T-tops which seems to me to be the worst possible starting point ever but it is running. So first question what is a reasonable price for this car? Two what automatic would it be? Three is there any point messing with the stock V6? If there isn't, how hard is a V8 swap? Is there a way to "convert" to a slicktop (ie weld panels in to replace the T-tops? What automatic would it have? And finally any Challenged price suspension modifications?
1.2.3 Go!
Correction I believe it is a '92.
tuna55
SuperDork
10/15/11 6:28 p.m.
No point in the V6. Swapping is super easy. I did it with three guys and some hand tools. Not even an engine hoist or a stand or anything hydraulic. We paid $125 in about 1998 for the same combo, but with a non running, OK bodied example. We sold the V6 to someone for about $75.
The biggest mods you can do to the suspension are subframe connectors and attaching the long torque arm to the chassis instead of the transmission. Beware, some have made 11 second passes with the stock rear, but many have gernaded it trying. There is a unicorn rear that bolts in and is a bit stronger, but don't bother, just weld something in more common if you plan on going faster than that.
Neat cars. Ours was an 86, and it only weighed 3000 lbs.
In reply to tuna55:
Is the engine just a drop in swap or does it need different mounts?
Unless you're getting it for $500 and it has minimal rust, don't bother. You can find 3rd gens all over the place with v8s for under $2k. Good examples go for $5-$7k. Cherry 3rd gens go for around $12k. At least thats what I see in my area.
All kinds of engine swaps have been done. Currently the LSX swaps seem to be very popular.
I know it has no rust and I am hoping to get it for around $500ish.
I paid $600 for my fourth gen V8. I just missed a $700 fourth gen yesterday. There are cheap deals on these cars if you're patient. The fourth gen has a much better front suspension with double wishbones compared to a modified strut. If you stick with the third gen wait for a hard top V8 car to come along. Stronger rear and trans as well as beefier suspension.
What is a reasonable price for that car then?
cant help on reasonable price, as i never seem to pay it. i always overpay.
your questions, in no p[articular order:
the 60 degree v6 can be a fun motor to play with. light, fairly peppy, durable.
cheap turbo solutions abound for cars with a MAF. also an option to build a high compression, high RPM screamer with a 3.4 block, 3500 fwd aluminum heads and intake. thise motors are lots of fun. i loved mine that i had in my s10 (very mildly worked, mostly stock 3.4 from 4th gen camaro)
the tranny is a 700R4 auto. able to be paddle shifted with a kit from twistmachines.
chassis are cheap and easy on these. youd be shocked what a fresh rebuild with good tires, poly bushings, and bilstein shocks will do. throw in a set of eibach or hotchkis springs, and have a ball.
theres no easy t-top delete. can fix rigidity issues with subframe connectors, engine bay brace, and 4 point cage.
check out www.thirdgen.org for more bad ideas.
michael
Two fourth gens in your area with V-8s. One with slight body damage the other who knows. $900 and $1,300 respectively.
4th gen trans am
4th gen z28
I've got a 86 T-top, that had a v8 & 700r4. You can have it, just come get it.
I might be willing to sell the transmission....
