Need some opinions.

[travism76]

First off Im new to this forum, and would like to thank everyone for their help and advice ahead of time.
Now to get down to it. Ive always wanted a Camaro, but have never had one. I just got back from looking at a 91 RS for $700 with a prior salvage. It looked like a very clean car. The only rust I found was one spot about 2 in by 1 in on the drivers side rear wheel well. and that same panel had a dent which had been pulled out, but there was still a slight ripple in the metal. Other than that and a few chips in the paint the ext. looked good. It also has one electrical problem the taillights dont work. The brake lights and turn signals are fine, just the night time running tails.It looked to have a new exhaust installed with nice chrome tips. But the biggest problem is it doesnt start. The owner says it was idleing in the drive and it just stopped running. He tried to spray starter fluid in it and it started again for a second then died again. He thinks its either the fuel pressure reg. or the fuel pump. The engine tries turning over when you turn the key but it just wont fire.
So my questions are what would you think is the starting problem? And Do you think this car would be worth buying?
Thanks or the time and the advice.

[SG007]

If it is the fuel pump, they aren't difficult to install but time consuming. And taking it to a shop will set you back a few hundred bucks. I would keep looking...third gens are EVERYWHERE. Good luck with your search and welcome to the forums!

[goldz28]

I agree keep looking. You don't want to get a car that is going to be a money pit.

[Genopsyde]

doesn't sound like a money pit to me, more details would help tho, like v6 or v8. testing for fuel pressure and spark will narrow down the possibilities of what the problem is.

fuel pump is very likely tho since the starting fluid gave it life for a second. a way to test is to see if the fuel pump primes, all you do for that is turn the key to the on position and listen for the hum of the fuel pump, if you hear nothing, then it's not priming. but make sure you test the fuel pump relay and check the fuel pump fuse before replacing the pump itself.

[goldz28]

The salvage title is what scares me the most.

[travism76]

Originally Posted by Genopsyde

doesn't sound like a money pit to me, more details would help tho, like v6 or v8.

It is a 1991 RS V6 hard top. The salvage title is one thing that I questionable on also. But the crazy part is how clean this thing is. Under the hood looked super clean. The interior was good even the carpet, no stains, fades, rips, the dash had one crack. The stereo had been taken out. I know that there are alot of third gens out there but I dont have much money to spend on it right now. $1000 max including immediate repairs to get it running. And I really like the later third gens 1990-1992, I dont know why exactly. They just seem to jump out at me a little more. And of what Ive seen so far most of the third gens Ive seen are going for $2000-$3500, and most of them dont look nearly nice enough to be pullin that much money.

So should I:
A)keep saving,
B)grab this one and repair it. Or
C)win the lottery and buy a 1969 Camaro ZL-1?????????

[travism76]

Also if anyone can tell me some good places to look for decent cheap third gens please let me know. Right now Ive been looking on Craigslist and Ebay, so if there's any others I should take a look at let me know. Thanx.

[snupytcb]

how hard was it hit? if you dont hear the fuel pump check the inertia switch before digging to far.has it run since it was hit? if you hear the pump (you may not hear it unless you bump the engine over) is it a steady whine? if so buy a cheap pressure tester or borrow if you can. i beleive you should have about 50psi after bumping it over.

[SG007]

Autotrader, Cars.com...there's also classifieds on camarosource.ca.