Topic: Need advice! Going to look at a 1995 Camaro Z-28
in Forum: General Non-Vette Discussion
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Lifetime MemberC3VR Founder
Eagleville, PA - USA
Joined: 11/1/2001
Posts: 18375
Vette(s): Used to own a 1979 Corvette now owned by JB79
Anything you guys can tell me to look for?
|UPDATED|6/14/2012 10:50:10 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Anything I should know about 95 Camaros that would keep me from buying one?
Here's the description:
Selling an excellent condition, garage kept 1995 Chevy Camaro Z/28 ,Coupe.
It is Red with a Black Top.
The engine is V8 - 5.7 HP
Price: $6,000
Additional Features:
Power Windows
Power Doors/Locks
Bose Radio - Cassette
Air conditioning - not sure if it runs
One owner/adult driven
Trans rebuilt - seals went sitting in the garage 2 years ago
Engine tuned up - plus & wires
Tires - about 20k ago.
Maintenance records available at local Chevy deal where all maintenance was done .
80,000 Miles (less than 6,000 per year)
|UPDATED|6/14/2012 10:50:10 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry
My first Vette, now owned by JB79:
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Wish I knew more about them. Sounds like a solid car for the money though. I know I'd be tempted if the circumstances were right.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
Click to see larger views!
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Adam Wartell said:
Anything you guys can tell me to look for?
Yeah...look for a CORVETTE instead....
The drivetrains(engine/trans) are good...the rest of the car...not so much. Check to see if the doors sag ANY when you open them. Interior trim isn't made to last, so check it well, too. Brakes are so-so. The rear diff has had some durability issues in some cars, depending on how hard they have be thrashed. Suspension stuff is not very stout, so plan on doing some replacements of parts.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Since that is the LT1 engine, the Opti Spark distributor sits under the water pump. Make sure that the water pump isn't leaking. This usually will wipes out the Opti Spark unit and it is very costly to replace. In '95 GM did add a vent on the Opti Spark to help alleviate moisture buildup problems that earlier models were plagued with.
Ask the owner if he ever replaced the water pump. Also ask him if he replaced the cap and rotor besides doing the plugs and wires. The last LT1 I worked on was a '96 Corvette back in May. The water pump was starting to seep. So while I had the pump off, I did the cap, rotor and wires. The inside of the Opti Spark distributor was soaked in oil. So I replaced the o ring seals and saved the Opti Spark from certain failure.
The LT1's were a good motor, but I prefer the newer LS1 style engine over them. Less stuff to go wrong with them. I personally would opt for a '98-'02 newer Camaro with the LS1 engine. Plus LS engine respond better to minor mods than the LT1's. Mods being as simple as adding headers and exhaust and a Cold air intake. I talk from experience of modifying both the LT1 and LS1 over the years. The dyno results and drivability are miles apart.
That's my .02 cents. Good Luck!
Ask the owner if he ever replaced the water pump. Also ask him if he replaced the cap and rotor besides doing the plugs and wires. The last LT1 I worked on was a '96 Corvette back in May. The water pump was starting to seep. So while I had the pump off, I did the cap, rotor and wires. The inside of the Opti Spark distributor was soaked in oil. So I replaced the o ring seals and saved the Opti Spark from certain failure.
The LT1's were a good motor, but I prefer the newer LS1 style engine over them. Less stuff to go wrong with them. I personally would opt for a '98-'02 newer Camaro with the LS1 engine. Plus LS engine respond better to minor mods than the LT1's. Mods being as simple as adding headers and exhaust and a Cold air intake. I talk from experience of modifying both the LT1 and LS1 over the years. The dyno results and drivability are miles apart.
That's my .02 cents. Good Luck!
TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Lifetime MemberC3VR Founder
Eagleville, PA - USA
Joined: 11/1/2001
Posts: 18375
Vette(s): Used to own a 1979 Corvette now owned by JB79
Thanks guys.
Here's What I have so far:
- Check to see if the doors sag ANY when you open them.
- Interior trim isn't made to last, so check it well, too.
- The rear diff has had some durability issues in some cars, depending on how hard they have be thrashed.
- Suspension stuff is not very stout, so plan on doing some replacements of parts.
- Make sure that the water pump isn't leaking. (This usually will wipes out the Opti Spark unit and it is very costly to replace. In '95 GM did add a vent on the Opti Spark to help alleviate moisture buildup problems that earlier models were plagued with.)
- Ask the owner if he ever replaced the water pump.
- Check for new cap, rotor, plugs and wires.
- Battery age
- Tire age (check the DOT date stamp), anything older than 6 to 8 years will need to be replaced soon regardless of tread life (check the spare too),
- Check the window seals
- Check the brakes
- Check A/C Operation
- Check the paint
- Any corrosion or curb rash on the wheels?
-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry
C4 Vette Registry, C6 Vette Registry
My first Vette, now owned by JB79:
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Battery/tires wouldn't really be a deal breaker, at least for me. Those are consumables, anyway, and shouldn't really detract from the value of the car.
Sarge made a great point on the opti-spark...I dint even think aboot that. They can definitely be a pita to mess with.
Look up under the front of the car, too...look for any road rash, or curb scraping evidence. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff I've seen folks try to use to hold the front bumper cover on with...
Hope it turns out to be a really sweet car, tho....even if it ain't a Corvette.
Sarge made a great point on the opti-spark...I dint even think aboot that. They can definitely be a pita to mess with.
Look up under the front of the car, too...look for any road rash, or curb scraping evidence. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff I've seen folks try to use to hold the front bumper cover on with...
Hope it turns out to be a really sweet car, tho....even if it ain't a Corvette.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: General Non-Vette Discussion
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)