3.8 camaro purchase help - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

countryguy · 09-09-2013, 08:34 PM

So I'm downgrading. Long story. I commute about 90 miles round trip each day. I want something that looks good and does good on gas. I'm looking at 00-02 camaro 3.8 5 speed. I want some real input. My price range is 4k max. I don't want the v8 because of insurance and gas.

Questions about it. My uncle has a shop and said that 4th gen camaros are extremely hard to work on. But I've read online that the 3.8 Is really reliable, which is what I'm looking for.

Are the 3.8s a good motor and trans?

What should I look for when purchasing? Clutch, engine ect..

They are tough to find. I can't find many 00-02 with less than 100k. The ones i do find seem too cheap which bothers me, or they're beat up.

What does everyone get mpg with theirs?

As far as the clutch should it engage pretty close to the floor board?

I don't want a convertible, a t top if I can. But any advice?

MrCool · 09-09-2013, 08:59 PM

Does your commute include a lot of stop-and-go traffic? If so you might want to get something that is better on gas and just keep the V8 as a weekend car.

EDIT: The reason being is that, although the manual is better on gas than an automatic, it is going to stink if you have to drive stick in traffic.

gutterball · 09-09-2013, 09:21 PM

3.8's are good motors, had a 01, and got around 30 mpg on the Hwy.

countryguy · 09-10-2013, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCool

Does your commute include a lot of stop-and-go traffic? If so you might want to get something that is better on gas and just keep the V8 as a weekend car.

EDIT: The reason being is that, although the manual is better on gas than an automatic, it is going to stink if you have to drive stick in traffic.

I'm not getting a v8. I'm looking at a 3.8 I have about 25 miles of freeway usually pretty good flowing and another 20 miles of back roads 55mph with about 4 stop signs

09-09-2013, 08:34 PM	#1
countryguy Drives: charger Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: sacramento Posts: 3	3.8 camaro purchase help So I'm downgrading. Long story. I commute about 90 miles round trip each day. I want something that looks good and does good on gas. I'm looking at 00-02 camaro 3.8 5 speed. I want some real input. My price range is 4k max. I don't want the v8 because of insurance and gas. Questions about it. My uncle has a shop and said that 4th gen camaros are extremely hard to work on. But I've read online that the 3.8 Is really reliable, which is what I'm looking for. Are the 3.8s a good motor and trans? What should I look for when purchasing? Clutch, engine ect.. They are tough to find. I can't find many 00-02 with less than 100k. The ones i do find seem too cheap which bothers me, or they're beat up. What does everyone get mpg with theirs? As far as the clutch should it engage pretty close to the floor board? I don't want a convertible, a t top if I can. But any advice?

09-09-2013, 08:59 PM	#2
MrCool Drives: '95 Z28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Posts: 277	Does your commute include a lot of stop-and-go traffic? If so you might want to get something that is better on gas and just keep the V8 as a weekend car. EDIT: The reason being is that, although the manual is better on gas than an automatic, it is going to stink if you have to drive stick in traffic. __________________ 1995 LT1 Z28, "Bright Teal Metallic", Stock

09-09-2013, 09:21 PM	#3
gutterball Drives: 2014 1LS M6 Supercharged Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New Britain, Ct Posts: 937 View My Garage	3.8's are good motors, had a 01, and got around 30 mpg on the Hwy.