opinions needed

**chuckie669** · 02-08-2011, 08:48 AM

I've been browsing around for a bit, looking for an affordable project or fun toy to enjoy on the weekends and with my family.

Looking mainly at fieros, older firebird and camaros. Must have an open top option such as sunroof, t-top, etc.

Stumbled across this and trying to see if what yall think? Also, if I were to go look at it anything I should keep an eye out for with the lt1.
Needs interior and soft top work. Has hood pins that would need to be addressed. Supposedly engine/trans is strong. Approx 100k.

Send me honest opinions, pass or whatever you think.
http://Houston.craigslist.org/cto/2200300803.html

**Schmalgar** · 02-08-2011, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by chuckie669

Must have an open top option such as sunroof, t-top, etc.

Amen, brother, open top is the only way to go!!

I don't know enough to say if that's a fair price. But I like it, looks very nice! I don't see the exhaust or a Z28 badge on it, though. The LT1 Camaros just had dual downward pointing pipes, didn't they? So maybe just can't see them since they're not protruding tips. But still, be sure it's really a Z28 of course...

Beyond that, I'm not really sure what you need to check specifically for an LT1. But I'm sure someone will say something useful...

**Never-Enough** · 02-08-2011, 09:01 AM

ttop fox mustang. I used to have an LT1Z. Never again. Too much of a bitch to work on.

**Never-Enough** · 02-08-2011, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by Schmalgar

Amen, brother, open top is the only way to go!!

I don't know enough to say if that's a fair price. But I like it, looks very nice! I don't see the exhaust or a Z28 badge on it, though. The LT1 Camaros just had dual downward pointing pipes, didn't they? So maybe just can't see them since they're not protruding tips. But still, be sure it's really a Z28 of course...

Beyond that, I'm not really sure what you need to check specifically for an LT1. But I'm sure someone will say something useful...

No, they had the rectangle tips

**Schmalgar** · 02-08-2011, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by Never-Enough

No, they had the rectangle tips

Ah well there you go, then definitely should be seeing that. Maybe I'm thinking of 3rd-gens? There's one out there somewhere with dual downturned pipes, right? But anyway, unless the guy dumped the exhaust, I'm thinking that might not be a Z28...

**SiggyZ** · 02-08-2011, 09:23 AM

If you're serious about it, get the cars VIN and run it to make sure it's a Z28.

**chuckie669** · 02-08-2011, 09:35 AM

Were there any v8's that weren't z28 or ss? If its a base model v8 convertible then it should be a z28?

I know it has a 2800 stall and 3:73 gears put in if told truthfully

**c5z28** · 02-08-2011, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by chuckie669

Were there any v8's that weren't z28 or ss? If its a base model v8 convertible then it should be a z28?

I know it has a 2800 stall and 3:73 gears put in if told truthfully

Would be the first I heard otherwise for a 4th gen.

**Schmalgar** · 02-08-2011, 10:02 AM

Ya ya 4th-gen V8s are going to be Z28s or SSes. 3rd-gen also had RS which came in both a v6 and v8 package I *think*. And I also think that's what I am thinking of, regarding the downturned exhaust...

**SiggyZ** · 02-08-2011, 10:03 AM

In 1995 the only V8 Camaro was a Z28.

Originally Posted by chuckie669

Were there any v8's that weren't z28 or ss? If its a base model v8 convertible then it should be a z28?

I know it has a 2800 stall and 3:73 gears put in if told truthfully

**GTP231** · 02-08-2011, 10:07 AM

Headgaskets usually go between 100-130K range. Make sure the water pump isn't leaking if it is you'll more than likely need an optu as well

**chuckie669** · 02-08-2011, 11:16 AM

Good info, Thx. Need to check rear, trans and engine for misc leaks. Do lt's make the sewing machine noises that I know and love from the ls?

Also, pull the oil cap with engine running and feel over the tube for excessive puffing to test PCv system? Don't know if this is a myth or not, but my friend swears by it.

**wheeliE-maxx** · 02-08-2011, 11:22 AM

Excessive puffing is blow-by. I'm not sure what county you're in, but obd-2 sure makes it nicer to pass inspection in fort bend. Non obd-2 cars newer than 25 years old have to pass the exhaust sniffer. Not sure if you want to modify the car..

**Transamws6** · 02-08-2011, 11:31 AM

Above everything else, I'd go with a T-Top or vert LT1 F-Body for sure, they're great cars with a ton of potential, despite a few issues that aren't hard to deal with.

If not an LT1, I think the second best thing would be a 94-98 Cobra vert which were about even with the LT1's from a performance standpoint.

**chuckie669** · 02-08-2011, 11:32 AM

Oh no... I didn't think about emissions standards on a 95. I need my full exhaust. Wonder if sniffer is required in galveston county.

**Transamws6** · 02-08-2011, 11:36 AM

Actually, I take the last part of my previous statement back, it's the 96-98's that were about even with the LT1's, not the 94-95's.

**Schmalgar** · 02-08-2011, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Transamws6

Above everything else, I'd go with a T-Top or vert LT1 F-Body for sure, they're great cars with a ton of potential, despite a few issues that aren't hard to deal with.

Yeah it was a 95 convertible Z28 that got me started on pony cars. Back in 99, a good friend let me borrow his red Z28 when my POS was busted and in the shop. After driving that for a week, I was hooked. If not for him, I might never have known the joys of the f-body, or the convertible in general for that matter...

**wheeliE-maxx** · 02-08-2011, 11:37 AM

I think the Texas dps site has all that info. A 96-97 lt1 would work..

**Transamws6** · 02-08-2011, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Schmalgar

Yeah it was a 95 convertible Z28 that got me started on pony cars. Back in 99, a good friend let me borrow his red Z28 when my POS was busted and in the shop. After driving that for a week, I was hooked. If not for him, I might never have known the joys of the f-body, or the convertible in general for that matter...

I agree with you, the LT1 cars are nice. I'm not a vert fan though, hardtop is the way to go.

**The Project** · 02-08-2011, 12:58 PM

Water pumps tend to go.

Opti's are a nightmare and expensive to fix (I know club members who have an extra opti in their cars, just in case).

Build quality on 95's are questionable at times.

Personally, I would save up for a 98+ LS1 car or a good 91 or 92 Z with a 350.

Lastly, seller having extra fenders and hoods but you need to buy a new rear window doesn't instal confidence.