Questions and Answers
Older Camaro or Firebird
Q. I'm thinking of buying an older Camaro or Firebird, 1975 to 1980. The car I'm looking for is one with a 3.8 (231) V-6. What are some things I need to look for when buying a car like this? I know about the stuff to look for in buying a used car, I read your guide. What do I need to look for to tell if the engine and transmission are in good shape?
What do I need to tell the mechanic when checking the car over? Can I put a turbo kit on the 231? I know that this is available with the Grand National. I will be looking for an aftermarket kit for a turbo system. A non-related question, for instance there is a Camaro for sale and it says 350/30 over what does the 30 over mean.
Thanks
MikeA. All you need to do is tell the mechanic that is going to inspect it is that it's a used car you're thinking about buying. Also make sure he does an engine compression test, wet and dry, to make sure the engine is sound. If he is an experienced mechanic, he will know what to look for.
As far as installing a turbo kit on it, if someone makes a kit for it, then it should be just a matter of installing it. I have never tried to retrofit a turbo on a non-turbo engine, but I guess you could do it.
The only 1975 to 1980 Chevy that was turbocharged, that I know of, was the 1980 3.8 liter Chevy Monte Carlo. The first Pontiac car that was turbocharged was a 1984 1.8 liter Sunbird, followed by the 1987 .9 liter Firefly. The first V-6 turbo engine was the 1990 3.1 liter Grand Prix. The Pontiac 3.8 liters were not turbocharged, they were supercharged.
As for the 350/30, that is the way vehicle warranties are expressed. In this case 350 miles or 30 days, whichever comes first. A car with a 5/50 warranty means it is covered for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
