What do you guys think? I'm in the market for some good winter transportation and I've come across a 92 Caprice Classic with a V8, no rust, 70K and they only want $2200 for it.

Now when I'm thinking towing with it, I mean nothing of great distance. Maybe ~100 miles one way tops.

Do you think it might be a worthy investment or should I throw down a couple more grand on an old Bronco or something?

Thanks!

 

I'm sure Crack Monkey will be replying to this one, shortly.

 

The civilian version of the Caprice has a 302ci small block (code LO3). It's a good engine, but pretty anemic. I think about 260lb/ft and 170hp (vs. 300lb/ft and 210hp for the 350ci found in the wagon and police 9C1 version which is coded LO5). The car can tow 5000lbs, but requires the use of a weight distributing hitch to do so. The brakes are pretty good.

In '94, the heavy duty packages got the LT1 (same as Impala SS, Corvette from those years) that made 260hp and some ungodly amount of torque. The only problem with the LT1 cars is the cost of rebuilding the transmission. The LO3 and LO5 cars had a 700R4 transmission, which will cost about $800 to rebuild. The LT1 cars had a 4L60E, which costs over $1000 to rebuild.

My personal opinion... wait and find a wagon or 9C1 with the 350ci motor. And if you can swing a few more dollars, get a 94-96 with the LT1.

Key Motors is a dealer that specializes in used government cars. I haven't dealt with them personally, but they get pretty good reviews and have a large inventory.

http://www.keymotorsusa.com/

Also, hit Yahoo Groups. There is a group called 9C1, which is very useful, even if you have a civvy version of the cars.

http://www.imapallssforum.com is also useful, especially for the LT1 powered cars.

All Chevy's have a RPO sticker (regular production options) on the underside of the trunk lid. The engine codes to look for are LO3 (302ci) LO5 (350ci) and LT1 (350ci, lots of power). Also G80 is the code for a positraction rear. 9C1 is the code for police package (most had oil cooler, trans cooler, LO5, and some other stuff).

[edit] Having said all that, if you can talk them down to just under $2000, go for it.


[Modified by Crack Monkey, 6:38 AM 11/7/2002]

 

Great!! I've copied your info for my future reference.