94 Camaro Z28

Hi, im new to these forums and it seems like they will help me from buying my first car to even when i need advice on aftermarket upgrades. For some background, im 18 years old and have been driving for 2 years now. I know a camaro would not be an ideal first car, but I was waiting and saving up money to afford a quality car instead of opting for a beater. Im a fan of imports and domestics and was considering a 4 cyl. for a first car, namely a 2nd gen eclipse (non-turbo) or a acura integra. After looking on the forums i've seen alot of people say that a 4th gen camaro is the best for speed on a low budget. I dont have any intention (or the money) to build an 11 second car, but I do want something that looks good, packs a good punch, and is somewhat reliable. My main purpose is to try to learn about modding cars slowly by upgrading what I can, but after some searching I would have to spend alot more money to upgrade an integra or n/a eclipse than to just buy the domestic v8.

I found a (seems to be) good example of a 94 Z28. The owner has mutilple older street rods built and seems to have a great deal of knowledge and respect for muscle cars, and to not have beaten the Z28 senseless. I have done alot of homework on this topic, but maybe there are some people with similar stories who can prevent me from making a big mistake. So any input is appreciated.

Specs

1994 Camaro Z28
Overall good condition
Auto w/ overdrive
115,000 miles
Cold air induction system
Dynomax exhuast system
Hypertech chip (I think)

Total cost: $4500

Like I said, he has built mutiple drag cars, so part of me thinks he has treated the car with care, ( he said it was covered for every winter), or maybe he could have beat it up because it is probably his least valuable car. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Well, the Z28 will out perform the prementioned two in a straight line no doubt. It also depends on who has owned the Camaro as well. A lot of Camaros have been owned by younger people who have beat them up and down the block. After that, they can be a ticking time bomb. That is why when I bought my VR4 I was the 2nd owner with the previous owner an older guy. I think the LT1 and LS1 motors also require premium fuel which is something to consider. And correct me if I am wrong, but the 94 F-body Camaros had a LT1 right? I know they have loads of torque and are good for a lower 14 second 1/4 which isn't too shabby. It would be something you would want to be careful with driving. Personally, I started off in my SL 3000GT which served me well in learning to drive before I bought a 3**hp turbo VR4. Which looking back, it was a very good decision. Really it all depends on what type of person you are. Are you mechanically inclined? Are you really responsible enough to take on a deciently quick car? If so, maybe it is the car for you. Like I said before, try and check the background on it as I know a LOT of those F-bodies were beat up by a younger crowd. Best of luck with your purchase!

I hate to sound negative but at the age of 18 , your insurance for the Z28 will be very high . Just something to think about !

Oldblu - Nah, its cool I know your not even being negative but it is a little unrealistic to try for a camaro right off. Well I could technically afford it, but it would stretch my paycheck so thin that I would be working just to keep a car on the road that is undriveable in snow. I wanted to go for a "tuner" or something smaller, i.e. of a honda prelude or a caviler z-24, but it was hard to resist when I saw one of my favorite cars for a price i can afford.

SL3000 - I had no clue that the lt-1 required preminum fuel, but that is one other check mark to the "can afford but not worh it" box. I didnt want to find a beater because I do wanna add a little more then a cold air intake, but I know how difficult and expensive it will be to upgrade 150 hp to 200, then from 275 to 300. At first I thought i was reponsible enough, until I got my lincense then I got a ticket and now just want something to work on to get to know a car better. I do have access to a garage and help to work on a car too.

Maybe anyone has some suggestions on a car I can get from 130-150 hp and eventually bring it to like 210-230 hp while keeping it w/o a turbo setup?

Thank you guys for the help, and your both right, a z28 might be pushing the bank alittle.