[Steve91T]

Hey so my neighbor used to own a 3rd gen Camaro years ago. His daily is an F150 and he wants a smaller car to run around in and thinks it'd be cool to get another 3rd gen.

So, that being said, an recommendations on what he should look for?

Thanks guys.

[trackbird]

I'd buy a 305 or 350 TPI car. I might suggest a 305 TPI 5 speed (if he's so inclined). Then you can toss a T56 in it and a 350 down the road if you want. The swap is a bolt in at that point. If he's going to stay automatic, look for a 350 car. The 8th digit of the VIN is the engine code.

E=305 TBI (throttle body injection....pickup truck injection)
F=305 TPI (tuned port injection)
8=350 TPI
G/H were various carbed models, but the last year for a carb was 1987.

1986 and later get the one piece rear main seal (less leaks) and the 1987 and later cars have the roller cam. So, I would buy at least a 1987 and honestly I'd consider '88-92 to be the right choice. 1988 got the serpentine belt assembly instead of a pile of V belts and a "rube goldberg" contraption of assorted brackets.

1987 and later have a slightly different cylinder head bolt pattern than the traditional 1955-1986 Chevy small block. The center bolts on the intake are at 72 degrees instead of 90. So, the bolts are angled up towards the hood. It's no big deal, but you'll need to know that if you ever buy heads or an intake for the car or plan to change them later (buy both and swap it all at once).

Look for a 10 bolt rear axle car instead of a 9 bolt Australian rear for better parts availability.