I need a little advice on some cars

[Mike71]

ok im looking for a 25 year old camaro...cant really go newer then that since i live in cali it will just make things easier on me..plus i like the old body styles

im looking at a 1980 (its clost enough to 25 years old) camaro V-8 looks to be in supurb condition aside from the ghetto small wheels and it doesnt say if its an AT or MT $3,500

i need to know if 80s a good year or not? im not really liking the front of it so if its not not a huge losse

then theres a '77 350 4spd 82k miles also body looks totaly straight $5,600

ok this is the car i really want but it costs a bit more so id have to get a loan '71 1/2 split bumper ss 350/350 turbo trans $8,00 i love the look of the split bumper..but its an auto theres also a '70 same deal AT only $7,500

so if anyone has any input on any of those cars let me know..i really dont know a TON about camaros i mostly know old mustangs

now if it comes down to say the 3.500 car i can have that buy the end of the week..the others id want to save more so they would take a few months..im not really in a huge rush though since i do have a car thatgets me around

[Benm109]

Hmmm, this is a tough decision. I really like the 2nd gens. A 2nd gen is gonna be my next car (someday ). But, anyway, If it were me, I would go the '77 350 4-spd. It seems to me like you really want a manual trans., so I say go with that one unless the 80 is a manual. The 80 is a good deal for only $3500 but it's not the best looking year for the Camaro IMHO.

I don't really know about what years are best mechanically or anything, so I can't help you there.

I am always a fan on going for the middle plain in things. You know, like don't buy the cheapest auto parts you can find but not the most expensive either, etc. The '77 seems to be right in the middle of what you want (manual trans, not too expensive).

Well, that's my opinion. Good luck!! All of those cars sound nice and whichever one you get let us know. And get some pics if you can. I love 2nd gens!

[Mike71]

yah that 80s front end is kinda fugly lol...thats my only hang up with that car

and dont worry whatever car i get there will be a ton of pics..plus work logs =) it wont stay stock for long lol

[Mike71]

i notice on this site there doesnt seem to be alot of people with older camaros..that sucks lol

if i had the money to burn id get a new one..but it would just cost to much for payments/insurance/mods at the same time


anyone live near sac in cali that is willing to go look at a few cars with me =) ill buy the beers afterwards =)

[Dean80Z28]

I've got an 80, I agree that the front end isn't the most attractive but overall I like the car. Its in the shop now and I haven't gotten a chance to drive it yet... but I'm pretty excited to. I've heard good things about the Auto trannies in the older cars, though, so don't be too disappointed if you find one. Test drive a few cars, though, see if you like the Manual trannies in older cars.

Good luck

-Dean

[SteveH37Formula]

I have a '79 base model and I have the Z28 hood scoop and ground effects. It will be a great looking car when done. I like the look of the late 2nd Gen. Z28's. I will not be passing it off as a Z28 or putting Z28 stickers on it because thats not my style but I do like the looks of the Z28 fenders, hood scoop and wheel flares. I'll have to post a pic of it. I'm still working on it but its getting there!

[Mike71]

yes please post all the pics u want =)

as for the 80s front end..i guess it could grow on me..it isnt like the uglyest thing in the world just to me compared to like the split bumper it isnt as flowing or nice..but it isnt a an STI bumble be bubble of a front end lol

also..do u guys know where i can get like some after market books for these cars?? i used to see them advertised on TV all the time but i cant find the catalogs now..i just kinda want to check out the aftermarket so i can see how easy or hard the car will be to mod

nothing can be harder then my tracker lol so its all good

[Benm109]

For aftermarket books, try Year One, The Paddock, National Parts Depot (NPD), and some others I'll have to check because I can't remember them right now. The aftermarket is pretty strong for 2nd gens, a lot more for 2nd gens than it is for 3rd gens, trust me, I know .

[Mike71]

what about first gens though? like im not to worried about engine bolt ons that will be the easy part..im more worried about suspention bits and int. parts like my DD pos i cant get a radio bezel for the life of me..they just dont make them anymore lol

[Dean80Z28]

Check ebay for the bezel

[bill3969]

of course if you go with any third gen, there's this option
http://www.euroworksltd.com/EvoluzioneII/

[Mirroredshades]

I've got an 80 Z28 I'll sell you for $1800. AT, T-Tops, straight body, NO RUST, etc. Polygraphite, kyb, sway bars. Runs but needs rebuild.

I like the way it looks myself.

[markd79ta]

If you go with an '80 make sure it doesn't have the computer and computer controlled quadra-jet...not a big power combo. '80 was a transition year...I believe some had it and some didn't. They all had it in '81. If you go into the 80s, stay with the post '85 TPI cars. If you can get a 70 or 71, do it. They are the best...no emissions for the most part...and you can do what you want with it. In '80, you need the air pump, computer if required, cat, etc. I had an '81, changed everything out, and changed it back for smog tests...what a pain. The '77 isn't too bad...you need cats, an EGR intake, and a charcoal canister. As far as looks...loved the split bumper Camaros...nice cars. I also liked the '78-'81 Z28...just the emissions are a pain.

[Mike71]

hey thanks for all the help guys...about the car for 1800 do u have any pics =)