Question re: 4th-gen Camaro

[jwrebholz]

I'm looking right now at purchasing a '93 Camaro Z28. It's got 120,000 miles, has PW, PL, PM, auto, cruise, and the uplevel Bose CD stereo that was available on this car. The transmission was replaced at 95,000 miles. There's no rust. It's $3500. I haven't yet got my mechanic to look over it, so I don't know of any major gremlins lurking under the hood (though it's a small-block Chevy, and I don't expect any trouble after only 120K). My only real concern is that damn radio. I don't doubt it was a great stereo in 1993, but that was nearly 16 years ago. Technology has moved on. My first question is about reliability--if I decide to bear with it and keep this radio, am I going to have trouble with it? Second, if I decide not to keep it, what are my options for an upgrade? Any aftermarket head unit can be made to fit, yeah, but then the wheel controls won't work (if they're present...I forget right now). Would it be possible to replace the head unit with one out of a later-model vehicle that DOES have stuff like MP3 playback? (Even if it's just MP3 disc playback, I could live with that)

[jkennedy293]

If you want an aftermarket radio, visit crutchfield's website. They will give you everything you need to install the radio for free. Plus, they will tell you what will fit in your car and what won't.

[Uzzy]

Factory head units are damn near bullet-proof, except for some of the '80s tape deck models.

And if you get an aftermarket unit, "yes Virginia" the steering wheel controls can be made to work with the addition of the steering wheel control module. Or some decks now come with a little remote you attach to your wheel. I've got steering wheel controls in my truck and a Kenwood 7" screen for a head unit. The controls work just fine.

And no, you can't simply throw in a newer unit that has mp3 or line-in capability.

You're better off getting an aftermarket unit for that, anyway. A good aftermarket unit now will likely sound noticeably better than a Bose factory unit from 16 years ago.

[Firebird00]

The radio headunit will be fine, its the speakers in the car that will be crap. As far as radio/speakers go, there are a million combos that will work with MP3 and you a can keep your steering wheel controls if you want (although I don't believe Camaros had wheel controls in the earlier 4th gens). Firebirds did, but I'm not sure if Camaros did b/c I can't remember ever seeing them.

[GMfan1111]

the factory unit should be just fine the unit in my bu is sufficent with the excpetion of skipping when going over chuckholes. if your looking for an aftermarket unit though crutchfield is a great place to start looking

[AirCleaner]

my cousin has a 94 Z 28 and it runs fine and everything works great..granted..it only has 53,000 original miles on it...

[jwrebholz]

Thanks for all the help. I'll be calling the owner tomorrow to get a better look at the car, and hopefully have a mechanic check it out.

[demonspeed]

I don't believe a 93 would have controls on the steering wheel. The earliest they might have ever shown up would have been in '97 (though it may have been '00).

With the LT1, the biggest maintenance issue would be the Optispark distributor. Ask the owner when/if it had been replaced along with the plugs and wires.

[jwrebholz]

Good advice on the Optispark. I'll be sure to ask. If it wasn't done recently, I might be able to use that as a bargaining chip to knock the price down.

[MCGARRETT]

No steering wheel controls on those Camaros, Firebirds yes, but not Camaros. As someone else pointed out, the Optispark is something to watch out for, and the 460LE is not known for a really long life span in some F-bodys, though I think that has to do with treatment of the vehicle, though this one has been replaced. Another thing to check is if the vehicle has the peformance axle or the base one, one quick way to tell is performance axle cars have the 150mph speedo where non perf have 120mph ones. As for the radio, I imagine that this has one of those Delco-Bose Gold Series stereos, I would keep it if it works fine, and maybe replace the speakers.

[jknudson98]

The stereo in the 93-96 years was decent for a stock setup. Check the power window motors if equipped. They have a habit of going out. I replaced 3 in my '96 Z28. Also check the water pump for leakage. It's located above the optispark and if it goes will shower the distributor with coolant.

[jwrebholz]

OK..another question for the minds here. Since the car will be mine shortly (I decided to buy the car, I'm just waiting for some things to clear up) I was also planning on doing some chassis/suspension upgrades. Nothing too radical as this'll be my daily driven car, but I was planning on a set of subframe connectors and a strut tower brace. Any recommendations on a brand?

[demonspeed]

UMI Performance www.umiperformance.com

I notice you're in Pittsburgh... UMI is in Bigler (Clearfield), so it's not too far from you (depending where you live). When you order, make sure you say demonspeed sent you.

[jwrebholz]

I got the car! WHOO!

Sorry, couldn't help myself. It needs a very little bit of work--blower fan is not working properly, and the headliner is sagging, but otherwise the car's in great shape.

[red_rider]

congrats man. I've only driven a 3rd gen and loved the low go-kart stance. If the newer ones are anything like it, you've got a great ride.