The A/C was dead before I bought the car.
The brake lines deteriorated at 115,000 miles.
The fuel line eroded at 120,000 miles.
The water pump failed at 138,000 miles.
My 1982 Z28 was relatively light, with the factory plastic hood, solid roof (no T-tops), manual windows, and very few options.
It was equipped with a Corvette BW 4-speed manual transmission.
It did have a torquey engine. Don't let the horsepower numbers fool you... when you look at the real-world power per weight of the car, it could be quick if driven skillfuly. Could easily 'chirp' second... didn't try for third, since I wanted to baby the car. Top speed was about 145 (verified by a chase car, driven by a friend). Even at that speed, the Camaro remained very stable. It seemed stock, but a previous owner may have made a few sleeper modifications to my Z!
Handled like an exotic car
Never left me stranded
The seats were comfortable, even for long distances.
Dramatic looking interior, but used liberal amounts of cheap-feeling plastic.
I restored the body to factory specs (including the stripes etc.), and did *not* hot-rod the car. It got many looks and compliments wherever I drove it.
These cars can be *extremely* nice when well-maintained, but become crappy and fall apart if they're not.
I also have an LG4/4Speed Z28. I ordered mine new and took delivery in May 82. It does have a T-10 Trans and 3.42 posi. I also have had it @ 130mph. I did blow the spider gears banging second gear too many times at redline. 165,000 miles and engine and trans never apart and still strong. My Granddaughter gets this one in a few years.
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