Print Page - Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions

Off Topic Forums => General Chat => Automotive => Topic started by: jesterrace777 on August 30, 2005, 07:37:00 PM

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on August 30, 2005, 07:37:00 PM

The car is one heavy SOB (I knew that already) but the handling wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be. It certainly isn't my RX-7 but did much better than the typical American POS body-roll and handling. In addition the clutch is about as hard as it gets for a street vehicle. When I got back into the RX-7 it felt like I was going to put the pedal through the floor. The upsides: Give the car a little nudge and it turns into a charging bull. No shortage of torque/power in this thing. The 6-speed manual transmission makes freeway driving great. Never been in a car where I could be doing 75-80MPH and sitting at 1700-2000RPMs before. Not many V-8s out there that will get decent gas mileage even if you take it easy on them so this car is a nice find. So the verdict: the weight/handling will take a little getting used to as will the stiff clutch. In all other respects the car is made for me. Thanks to all for their recommendations as I was narrowing down a car to fit my needs. Now I just need to narrow it down to the individual car itself.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Psykomantis00 on August 30, 2005, 07:40:00 PM

What year RX-7.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on August 31, 2005, 02:49:00 AM

'88 GXL.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Psykomantis00 on August 31, 2005, 09:28:00 AM

Oh.

Have you tried looking for an older awd suburu? those are nice, hug the road like super glue.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Hercules Q Einstein on August 31, 2005, 11:16:00 AM

*Cough* SVX *Cough*

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on August 31, 2005, 11:29:00 AM

Uh yeah, but older Subarus that perform ie SVX are more expensive and they are worthless POS' that will spend as much time in the shop as my RX-7. Had a buddy who had one that was in good shape but the whole thing fell apart on him in less than a year.
I realize that there is no such thing as a reliable sports car but most people who I have talked to who have owned mid-90s Z-28s have had very little extra-ordinary maintenence on them. That and when it comes to maintenence as a whole, parts are a hell of alot cheaper for the Z-28. Don't get me wrong, the SVX is a sweet looking car but the bottom line is that I am sick of owning a car that has to go into the shop every other week. That and it should be noted that the Z-28 with the 6-speed gets just a hair better for gas mileage.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Rylinkus on September 01, 2005, 08:25:00 PM

SVX=ONLY ATX = GHEY

No offense to any SVX owners. Cool car. Rare car. ATX is for sallys.

And we all know T Tops rule.

Jest, hit me up on AIM @ Rylinkus13 if you have any questions.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: thesideinguy on September 01, 2005, 09:26:00 PM

if you decide to get it, take it easy untill you get used to this car. this may sound like bs, but their are 2 types of people. those who can drive a 4th gen f boady and those who try and just cant do it. they preform more difrently than any other car i have ever drove. but if you can get the feal for it, you will swear by that car befor its over.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on September 02, 2005, 02:57:00 AM

The clutch will just take some getting used to as will the handling. As mentioned above though for the SVX the cost of parts and the overall integrity of the vehicle is not something I am prepared to deal with. That and a Z28 with a couple of minor mods would easily kill an SVX. There isn't much that can't be done with a 350 chevy.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: deacon187 on September 17, 2005, 07:48:00 AM

im not a big fan of the camaro body style but i drove one during a valet fill in for the valet guys lucnh break and damn you arent kidding about the stiff clutch, shit you gona have start using a stair master or something to built up leg strength for this car

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Psykomantis00 on September 17, 2005, 12:23:00 PM

QUOTE(deacon187 @ Sep 17 2005, 03:59 PM)

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Capon-E on September 17, 2005, 08:43:00 PM

QUOTE(jesterrace777 @ Aug 30 2005, 07:48 PM)

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: KDragon on September 18, 2005, 01:32:00 PM

Yeah this car sounds great that and i like a stiff cultch ther fun

Mine on a 94 eagle summit wagon is like butter

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on September 28, 2005, 11:40:00 AM

Okay, here is a question for ya. Are there certain RS models that come with the 350 in the '94-'97 year range?

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Rylinkus on September 28, 2005, 02:45:00 PM

QUOTE(jesterrace777 @ Sep 28 2005, 07:51 PM)

Okay, here is a question for ya. Are there certain RS models that come with the 350 in the '94-'97 year range?

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on September 28, 2005, 03:30:00 PM

Yeah, that is what I thought. Someone told me that you could get the V-8 in the RS if it was special ordered that way (didn't sound right to me). The RS for those years ('94-'97)was a 3.6 or 3.8 Liter V-6. IMHO not worth owning a camero unless you are getting a V-8. Plenty of better options for a V-6. You are right that the SS' are horribly overpriced/valued. They are intended to be collectors editions. The regular 6 speed Z-28 is exactly what I am looking for since it seems to be the best comprimise for my needs (power and gas mileage).

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on September 28, 2005, 03:47:00 PM

QUOTE(Capon-E @ Sep 18 2005, 04:54 AM)

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: thesideinguy on September 29, 2005, 08:33:00 PM

sounds like the engin could use a complete over haule.

and the roters are probly warped because this car has been dogged hard.
thats probly why the enjein is leaking every were also. wouldnt be surprized if the pistons were on the verge of cracking.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: mrright01 on September 30, 2005, 09:55:00 PM

ok, here's my .02

6spd z28 is what you want, get ttops because convert's are insurance killers, and hard tops look like shit IMO. i'd get a pre96 because i think that's the year they got obd2(or something like that) it's a huge PITA from what i've heard. i wouldn't get a 93, they had some problems when i was looking at fourth gen fbody's back in 2000. i got a 94, and have only had one problem with it, the cam position sensors went bad, it seems they are right under the water pump, so when that leaks, you have to replace those. i was told that they have magnetic sensors that tell the ignition system where the cams are and that's how the plugs fire. makes sense to me so i'll go with that. to fix these the dealer replaced all sorts of parts till they found the problem. 3 grand later i was back on the road.

otherwise, great car, i miss it. it would make a bad day fade away with a quick fishtail. and also invest in a valentine radar detector :-P

happy hunting

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 01, 2005, 04:16:00 AM

QUOTE(mrright01 @ Oct 1 2005, 06:06 AM)

ok, here's my .02

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Rylinkus on October 01, 2005, 07:20:00 AM

Optispark. Cant remembe5 what year they started using the vented ones, but worth finding out. And going that yuear or later if you can.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 01, 2005, 11:33:00 AM

QUOTE(Rylinkus @ Oct 1 2005, 03:31 PM)

Optispark. Cant remembe5 what year they started using the vented ones, but worth finding out. And going that yuear or later if you can.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Rylinkus on October 01, 2005, 03:39:00 PM

Yeah, they put em right below the water pump. (Way to go GM engineers) So of course one slow dripping leak in your water pump that wouldnt be a big deal kills the damn thing and you end up with no spark. They vented em in 95 I believe making them dry out faster, hence prolonging their life. The most likely part of th car to go. So asking about that and the waterpump, If theyre replaced or not would be a good idea probably. At least that way you know.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 11, 2005, 08:18:00 PM

Got a funny addition to this thread. The other dealer finally got off their arse and got their '95 Z-28 up and running. I was prepared for the stiff clutch this time and I seem to be more comfortable with it. Anyways, I took it out for a testdrive tonight and on my way back to the dealer the car started to shudder. The guage indicated that it was low on gas but it certainly wasn't empty. So I kept going and the car lurched more and more and finally died. So I had to call the dealer and my GF and another guy helped push the car out of the major road that we were on. The guy who came out to help us missed us the first couple times around and I had to chase him down and get his attention. He dumped a bunch of gas into the car and sure enough the car fired right up (so much for the accuracy of the gas gauge). Anyways, so I get back to the dealer and of course he wants to make the sale right then and there and I tell him I am not doing a thing until my mechanic checks it out. Anyways, then he tells me the dealer wants $9K for this SOB. I gave him a funny look and he quickly added, but we are flexible. The car is a '95 Z-28 with T-Tops and 6 speed tranny. It is bright red (YUCK!!!). The car's passenger side mirror shakes more than a crack whore. It looks like there is a little bit of rust on the engine. In addition I took a look at the car several months back before it was ready to be shown and the following needed to be fixed: The right passenger mirror, The E-brake, the check engine light, the rear rocker panel was damaged. Anyways it looks like they fixed these things but the point it that this car is no where near worth 9K. I already told him I could get easily get one for 7K (the one listed at the begining of this thread) and that made him think a bit. Anyways, we shall see what the mechanic finds tomorrow. Either way it was an interesting night.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: mrright01 on October 11, 2005, 09:17:00 PM

yeah, i forgot about that, my 94's gas gauge is wrong too, i always wanted to fix it, but didn't want to break anything, so i just left it alone and filled it up at a half a tank. and my e-brake has always been way too stiff, it wouldnt' even stay up it was so tight, so i just left it in gear 99% of the time

good luck
keep us posted

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Psykomantis00 on October 11, 2005, 09:34:00 PM

Or know any 2nd gen's for sale anywhere?

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Rylinkus on October 11, 2005, 09:41:00 PM

My Z was in better shape then that, less mile on engine, and I got it for less.

Find book value on it and tear down from there. Book minus what it would take to fix everything wrong is where you need to be. If they don't like it have them fix all the issues with it. Winters coming. The cars harder to sell mid winter. (Granted you may live somewhere where this doesn't hold true) I could find one in better shape EASILY for 2k less then that locally. (5Kish)

The gas gauges on these cars suck. But I'd get an estimate on what a dealer would charge to replace one and subtract that from book value as well. Dealer cars are supposed to be damn near pristine. If not they shouldnt be asking 9k for that. If you were closer theres been some very solid buys on some around here.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 11, 2005, 09:43:00 PM

Anyway to put a mechanical gauge in one of these rather than the electrical ones? I heard that the mechanical ones are more reliable. Yeah, BTW Rylinkus my area is probably one of the worst areas to buy cars in. The market here is terrible. I agree that the car is no where near in pristine condition. It is in decent condition but certainly not pristine.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Rylinkus on October 11, 2005, 09:47:00 PM

Where are you located dude?

http://www.unclehenr.....0#-2137341911

Just a local one I found. Not bad for what it is.

A guy I knows ad....

"teal 95 Z28, LT1, automatic, 150k miles, i had it on campus 2nd semester last year, ive got it listed for sale down in mass, tryin to get $3000 for it."

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 11, 2005, 09:48:00 PM

QUOTE(Psykomantis00 @ Oct 12 2005, 05:45 AM)

Wanna sell me your RX7 when you buy a new car?

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: mrright01 on October 11, 2005, 10:59:00 PM

oh yeah, i got my 94 z28, 6spd, t-tops, great condition, back in 1998 with 60k for $10k

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Psykomantis00 on October 12, 2005, 07:56:00 AM

QUOTE(jesterrace777 @ Oct 12 2005, 05:59 AM)

2nd Gens are a dime a dozen. Where do you live?

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 12, 2005, 09:31:00 AM

I entered the Zip Code in for Buckeye Lake (not sure where you live) and gave a 200 mile radius and returned these results on autotrader.com

http://www.autotrade...43008&x=54&y=10

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 12, 2005, 09:37:00 AM

QUOTE(DaleSr3RCR @ Oct 12 2005, 08:55 AM)

I drove all type's of camaro's and TA's my favorite by far is the 98-02 camaro's the LS1 is probably one of the best designed v-8 but i currently own a 98z28 i put a 2004 Z06 Corvette motor in my car gained 100hp over the 305hp ls1 it had. I really like the RX-7 80's style and 240 SX cool thing about those cars is you can put a LS1 v8 in them. But if u get a 98-02 6 speed they can get like 24 mpg city and about 30 highway. check ls1tech.com also i believe 95-97 have vented opti spark. I owned a 96z28 before my 98z. Also no RS camaro 93-02 came with v8. Must be talking about the 82-92 camaro u could get a RS with V8. Also if you wanted to you can get a aftermarket setup for the opti spark where u wont even need it. Seen a kit online. I would like to have gotten a 6speed couldnt find any here in CT. I picked my 98z up in Mass. Worchester area. Heres pics of my 98z

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: Psykomantis00 on October 12, 2005, 02:16:00 PM

QUOTE(jesterrace777 @ Oct 12 2005, 05:42 PM)

I entered the Zip Code in for Buckeye Lake (not sure where you live) and gave a 200 mile radius and returned these results on autotrader.com

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 12, 2005, 06:04:00 PM

QUOTE(Psykomantis00 @ Oct 12 2005, 10:27 PM)

What would you expect me to pay for one? A decent car no major body damage and no rust, decent motor (ive heard these are very strong and dependable motors if they arent hounded) ? I would love to find a white RX7 non convertable, turbo or not, but must be 5 speed. Or a Yellow or dark blue would work too but white RX-7's raise my pants. I think 4k and lower would be a good price, but no more than that. I mean, it is an older car that has a motor type not a lot of people around me know about (I asked my mechanic if he knew of any RX7's when I bought my sunfire and he said I didnt want one because of the rotary engine, but after I told him I already knew about the rotary engine he said that he knew nothing about them).

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 17, 2005, 01:13:00 PM

Okay, looks like I will be taking the Z-28 down to my mechanic on Wednesday to get a good going so I know what I am getting into before I even sit down to barter.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 19, 2005, 08:33:00 PM

Okay, well I took it down to my mechanic today and I found out why they are asking 9K for the sucker. They had to put in a rebuilt or brand new transmission. They showed me the thing and the tranny virtually shines. It also has an after market airfilter and custom intake (can't remember the name but it starts with an M). I got the dealer down to about $7500 and I think I can get them down further. The owner needs to look at my RX-7 (at the rate it keeps coming and going from the shop, I won't be able to get top dollar for it or keep it in solid running condition long enough to sell it for top dollar). The good news is that apparently the owner is an RX-7 nut and they don't get many of them in anymore. We will have to see what happens. Anyways my mechanic says that it does have the crank seal issue but that is common on these cars. Beyond that there wasn't really anything major wrong with it and it is in solid running condition. I just wish that I lived in an area with a decent car market. In all fairness though the Blue Book on this car is between 7K-7.5K for a dealer in my area.

Title: Test Drove A '95 Z-28 Today. First Impressions
Post by: mbood82 on October 26, 2005, 04:27:00 PM

QUOTE(jesterrace777 @ Oct 1 2005, 07:27 AM)

No arguments about the convertible. There are several other reasons why I don't want one on top of that. 1. Anyone with a pocketknife can break into a convertible car without rousing the whole neighborhood. 2. I plan on putting in a soundsystem setup similar to the current one in my RX-7 and subs in trunk sound like shit compared to subs in a hatchback (convertibles have trunks). 3. The convertible roofs are no where near as durable and cost a fortune to replace. 4. With the T-Top who needs the convertible as they are so much easier. Anyways, the '95 is kinda what I am steering towards since they seem to be the most common that come up for sale in my area.

I won't touch the '93 as it didn't have a 6 speed, nor the torque/HP ratios that the '94-'97 models do.

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Off Topic Forums => General Chat => Automotive => Topic started by: jesterrace777 on August 30, 2005, 07:37:00 PM