Need help: cant tell if its an original z26 or not

[Btta95]

hey guys, 1st post, and a Beretta noob.

Im about to buy a 95 Beretta, it has a 3.1 V6, which would make it a z26. However, the trim model is not said on the back or side of the car, as is usual. Is there something wrong with that picture? From what I read, the 3.1 v6 can only be the z26. If I get the VIN and carfax it would that tell me the trim?

Its got 55k miles, and Im just wondering if its had an engine conversion and the odo rolled back or what. It looks like original paint, so I dont think the z26 on the siding could be painted over. And usually the only time the trim is taken off the back is for a sleeper car to race, but its all original, no mods.

What you guys think?

[Barry]

The 3.1 came as a base, z26, gtz, gtu, gt, and indy haha. They all got the v6.

From 94-96 they got the 3100 v6, a few 94's got the 2.3.

Differences from base to z26 is z26 got a full gauge cluster, nicer seats, a z04 bodykit(with foglights), cheesecutter wheels, dual exhaust tips, and "better" suspension. They came in automatic ONLY.

[Chad91GTZ]

The side skirt mounts are pop riveted into the side of the car. You'd know if it was a Z26. Like Barry said, even the base models got the V6.

[Red_Bra_Black_GTZ]

we need the vin to decode all that info.

[DTMAce]

^

Correct. Sounds like you have a 95 Base with the 3100 (3.1) engine. Nice car. Main differences from the base to the Z:

Z04 kit (includes front and rear bumpers, lower body molding/trim, spoiler, and seperate fog lights/turns up front and a solid upper grill), FE3 suspension(I think, FE7 came on the GTZ or GTU), with upgraded shocks and struts, body hugging seats (they had a lower support sides, full gauges as mentioned, trunk popper, power windows, Z26 decals, etc. Just a performance package, but driveline would be identical. Same engine, same transmission.

Keep in mind, the 94 and 95 model years also had an OBD1.5 harness. It was the hybrid between the OBDI (93 and down) and the OBDII (96 and on)

If it does have that many miles, start watching for hose leaks, seals, etc. I hope it didn't sit for a long time during its aging process. Be sure to check all that stuff, seals and that tend to dry out if not used enough. Another thing you may have to do is the lower intake gasket change. Pain the ass, but if you do it early, rather than wait for symptoms to occur, you can prevent a larger engine failure. Upgrade it to the metal fel-pro gasket kit and you won't have to worry about it for a long time. I managed to go 212k miles on my LIMG, but that's unusual for most people. They typically start to go bad (depending on care) between 75k and 150k.

Have the transmission fluid/filter and the radiator fluid changed, etc. Engine oil obviously too.

[Btta95]

OK. Thanks for the info. I got confused because Kelly Blue Book completely changed their website around, and by default it was giving the 4 cylinder to the base model and the v6 to the z26, it just figured out now how to edit the options. the kbb website stinks now imo

DTMAce you serious 55k is alot of miles? To find any 1995 car with 55,000 miles is insane now a days. Thats less than 4k miles per yer. I found this at a used car dealer, but quick internet search most berettas I see have well over 100k miles. Hell most cars made in 2000 have 100k on them by now

[mickaz]

nice info but watch out. some base got Upgraded suspension And Full gauge cluster, meaning its not an Z26 thing only.

[2.2H8TA]

I'm just curious, are you buying this car in PA? There was a black 95 base on craigslist last week, and it had 55k on it. I belive it was in Palmerton PA, at a used car dealer. I cant remember the name of the dealer, so I cannot post a link, and the post has been deleted on CL. If it is the same car, it's a base model, with a V6, and it's a very common combination. Also, I called about it, and it did not have a full gauge cluster. So it's just a plain ol' V6 base model. They wanted, I belive, $2499 for the car, so if it's the same car, It's a nice deal. Good luck, hope this was helpful.

[DTMAce]

DTMAce you serious 55k is alot of miles? To find any 1995 car with 55,000 miles is insane now a days. Thats less than 4k miles per yer. I found this at a used car dealer, but quick internet search most berettas I see have well over 100k miles. Hell most cars made in 2000 have 100k on them by now

Where did I say it had a lot of miles?

What I mean to point out, is that since it has low miles, likelihood of problems increase. Lack of use and such can cause as many troubles as using it to death.

Just be aware of the possibility and be preventive is all I,m saying.

[2.2H8TA]

http://www.terryswinnercircle.com/cgi-b ... l?limit=15
Is this the car? I found it, says sale pending.

[3X00-Modified]

Z26


Base


Sad thing about that is there was really no performance improvement of the Z26 over the base from 95-96... (94 had a quad 4 option) They were identical engine and trans wise. Only gains were suspension and cloth and appearance.

[Chad91GTZ]

Z26 is actually even just slightly slower as its a little heavier iirc. Looks way better tho

[SuzukiGhostRider]

Give me a VIN and I'll tell you if it's a "fake" or not.

[Asylum]

www.compnine.com and run the VIN

[SuzukiGhostRider]

I love that everyone loves my little discovery...