94 Camaro Z28

[jwritzko]

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.

[VR43000GT]

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!

[oldblu65]

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 !

[jwritzko]

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.