Newbie looking to get a 87-90 Caprice

So I'm pretty new to the forum, and I'm mostly interested in the older American B-body cars. Specifically I'm interested in buying an 1987-1990 Chevy Caprice with the 305 cid engine and the 4-speed transmission. I'm not gonna lie, I know barely anything about repairing old cars and have no idea where to begin. I figured it would be best to buy the car and learn from it step by step. I taught myself how to rebuild a computer from scratch, so I figure if anything I could be mechanically inclined. I am just wondering a few things before I go out and buy it and piss my money away.

-Is there anything specific to the Caprice and model year that I should look for when I check out the car? (I mean besides the used car buying basics)
-Would you recommend that I get the carbureted or fuel injected version? (I am looking more for fuel economy, which is why I'm not going for the 350).

I am looking for one that is in good condition as is, so that I can learn down the line the basic repairs when things go wrong.

Any information for the noob would be great. I do plan to get the car checked out by my family's mechanic also.

Thanks, John

welcome to the forum


fuel injection is more reliable, more complicated than a carburetor though.
for the years you're looking into getting i belive the majority of the cars will be carbureted if the do have fuel injection it will be TBI (throttle body injection) its basicly a glorified carb same operating princeable just more reliable

you know with buying an older used veihicle you are going to have to replace worn parts good choice with the caprice its realitively easy to work on and the big engine bay makes things easier (and in some cases more of a pain) when working under the hood


the 305 is a damn good engine they will last forever if properly maintained

good luck and if you need any advice you where to ask

TBI is extremely simple to work on and maintain. I would say 10 times easier than working with a carb if you are keeping the vehicle in its stock configuration. Start modifying it and then all bets are off.

Personally, I love my 89. It's TBI. So I get instant starts in all weather conditions and it runs the same in all temps too. Not like the stumbling, coughing etc from my 86 when I had it.

Also, the 89 has the seatbelts mounted to the b-pillars. The 90 models got them mounted to the doors. I've always hated that "feature".

You will come to appreciate the TBI much more than a carb. As CD Smalley noted above, the engine runs smoother, starts instantly always, and gets better economy than with an carb. Also, you have two injectors in the system that pulse back and forth depending on crank location (dual plane intake) and run completely by the computer (but have a backup device called a CALPAK that keeps the engine running should the computer fail). No adjustments necessary -the computer handles it all. It's actually a simpler system than a carb. I have a carb setup on my own car and am strongly leaning to converting it to TBI.

Thank you for your suggestions. I figured it would probably be better to get the fuel injected model, both for reliability and fuel economy. I don't really know when I will have time to actually get the car, but I won't pass up the right offer. So far I've mostly been looking on craigslist for the right deal. I'm use to living with older cars. I've been driving my dad's '94 Olds Ciera for a couple years, and it's definitely had it's share of issues (starter went out last year, along with the transmission, battery then the alternator and a slight oil leak), so "old car problems" aren't really anything new to me, I'd just like to learn how to fix some of them myself. I'll keep you posted on what I finally get.

-John

Aesthetically (if it matters to you), if you're getting an '87 or older, get a 2 door.