1997 RS Camaro Help Needed!

Hey all, I am a first time poster. I'm looking to buy a Chevy Camaro. There's one that I'm considering right now. It's a '97 RS coupe. It runs well, but the engine has 147K miles on it. I need some expert opinions. Do you think it'll still be reliable with so many miles on it? If I wanted to replace the engine, what engine should I put in there? I'm just worried that if I buy the car, it would break down on me. And if I buy it, I'm considering replacing the engine, but I don't know how to go about doing that. For example, what compatible engines are out there and what would it cost me? Thanks guys.

With that many miles parts are going to start failing (most likely alternator,Distrubutor, brakes, esc.esc) just like they would on any car. The good thing is that because of the year and mileage most likely they are highway miles which means that less stress then stop and go trafic would have been put on the engine but most likely the engine should make it to 200k as long as the owner/owner's before you did regular maintance. Also if it is a auto this is most likely the major concern. They usually go before the engine would although they usually start giving signs of break down before they actually call it quits. I would test drive the car under light and WOT throttle condition to make sure it engages each gear smoothly and fairly quickly. Also from a dead stop if you mash the gas pedal a auto tranny that has alot of wear or is on its way out will most likely slip causing the rpms to rise and hover before the car catches up. Also unless you have a donor car to swap the whole powertrain (this includes the PCM)your stuck with using the same engine type you have in there which should be a 3.8 I believe

Wow I think that is the my longest post ever.

Well I bought a 97 RS from my neighbor's son's girlfriend who didnt know jack shit about cars and prolly didnt do any maintenance. I know before I got it the IAC i think died but got fixed; I've had no major problems and i bought it with 145 k and now its got over 155 k. (about a yr ago I got it btw); so I'd say test drive it and see. What's the price?

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your input because I am still a newbie when it comes to cars and the terminology that comes with it, but I know enough to get by. I'm from New York City which explains the lack of need to know about cars because there's public transportation! haha. Anyway, the seller is selling his car for $2500. The price is low because the seller has relocated to Europe and has left the car with a relative in the states. And FormulaLT1, you are right. They are mostly highway miles. The highway miles were from the first owner. The current owner (meaning the seller) lived in the city and put around 30,000 miles on the engine. I had my friend test drive the car and he said the transmission was fine. However, we couldn't go on the highway because the car didn't have plates. I have to let the seller know by the end of the week on whether I want it or not. So what do you guys think? And FormulaLT1, how much do you think it would cost me to replace the engine if I wanted to? Thanks again guys.

Well that depends on if will take a used engine which I just did a quick salvage yard check and they are running between $350 -$950 for between 45K -90K miles and if you want a rebuilt engine with your core your looking at about $1500.00 and to do the install if your not going to attempt this yourself or don't know anyone who can help you. I would think its going to run around a grand for taking the old engine out and installing the new one which is not too bad since these cars where meant to have the engine taken out from the bottom which would require a lift although It can be done from the top with alot more work.

New york city eh? youre liek right next to me (well depending on waht part f the city), where's the car at?

I'm around the lower Westside and the car I checked out is in New Jersey.

Where in NJ?

Westfield, NJ.

Wow that is only like a hour from me.

Mapquest says its 55 min from me

Wow, both of you are kind of close by. I didn't even realize the Jersey plate on your picture haha.

I hope you take full advatantage and get NY insurance

Hey 97CamaroRS, I asked you this question on the other thread but I guess you haven't seen it so I'll ask you here. How many more miles do you think you have left on your baby?

I'm definately feelin im gonna hit at least 200k, i hope... dont feel ne signs of her dying soon