Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
#1
Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
Z28s that is boys
And why would you want an 85 over an 84 or the rest?
After I finish my 82 I want to get another 82-85 but want the personal nitty-grittys from the best and brightest
And why would you want an 85 over an 84 or the rest?
After I finish my 82 I want to get another 82-85 but want the personal nitty-grittys from the best and brightest
#2
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Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
An 83 or 84 is better than the 82 because there are many parts that are specific to 82 that you can't get any longer. The 83 on up was available with the L69, or a 5 speed trans. The 84 had the newer dash style making the 82 and 83 very difficult to find.
All of the early years had something about them that made them great. You need to decide what it is you like and want to decide what year to get.
All of the early years had something about them that made them great. You need to decide what it is you like and want to decide what year to get.
#4
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Car: '86 Camaro, '94 Camaro, 3 others
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Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
'82 front fenders had slightly sharper creases in the fenders around the wheelwells.
#5
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Car: '84 Z
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Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
Transmissions were the biggest reason I passed on '82. Still a fine car, but may not perform well if auto. The 83 four speed auto gearing gives better acceleration from start, IIRC (correct me if wrong). And more importantly is no overdrive in auto or manual in '82.
As with many new cars, there are incremental improvements through the years. '85 performs even better with TPI, and had one of the nicest custom interiors of all years. However body cladding grew, changing the appearance somewhat (heavier look IMO) and lengthening the nose.
'82 and '83 had nice custom interiors, too, with quality fabric, and were a bit more old school carryover from the 2nd gen with the high back buckets. Not a bad thing.
As with many new cars, there are incremental improvements through the years. '85 performs even better with TPI, and had one of the nicest custom interiors of all years. However body cladding grew, changing the appearance somewhat (heavier look IMO) and lengthening the nose.
'82 and '83 had nice custom interiors, too, with quality fabric, and were a bit more old school carryover from the 2nd gen with the high back buckets. Not a bad thing.
Last edited by Saxondale; 07-26-2016 at 08:49 PM.
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Car: 84 Z28
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Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
I like the 84 because that's when I graduated from high school! Not very scientific! I actually didn't have a car until I graduated from Army basic training but while in high school i clearly remember a kid from a family that had money and he had a white 81 or 82 Z28 and it was super cool. He promptly wrecked it in a month and got something else, but I remembered that car.
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#8
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Car: '84 Z
Engine: L69
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
Yes. That's often the biggest reason for our cars. It's whatever's available during the search, within the range of criteria.
#9
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Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
LOVE my '82 because of the ST-10 4 speed
#11
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Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
IMHO. YES ... Much stronger, even though the LOW 1st (3.42) ratio ST-10's were amongst the weakest versions ... living behind my 388 just fine
~DaVe
~DaVe
#12
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Car: '86 Camaro, '94 Camaro, 3 others
Engine: LG4 ->L29, L32->LR4, L36, LG4, L31
Transmission: 700R-4, T5WC, 4L80E, SM465, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, WTB/WTT 2.93
Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
When first gear is that low, you can use a taller axle to compensate, works fine. Was still close-enough ratios.
#13
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
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Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
THe sharp creases in the rear quarters were also part way through 1983. Some cars actually got different creases on different sides...
#14
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#15
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
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Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
When Scott and me were in Indy (back to the brickyard) show in 2008 I noticed this. If you park an 82 next to a later car you can see the difference if you look closely.
1982/1983
1984 & up
They are definite different stampings... It amazes me that some people never realize that the Firebird is completely different yet.
1982/1983
1984 & up
They are definite different stampings... It amazes me that some people never realize that the Firebird is completely different yet.
#16
Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
An 83 or 84 is better than the 82 because there are many parts that are specific to 82 that you can't get any longer. The 83 on up was available with the L69, or a 5 speed trans. The 84 had the newer dash style making the 82 and 83 very difficult to find. *
All of the early years had something about them that made them great. You need to decide what it is you like and want to decide what year to get.
All of the early years had something about them that made them great. You need to decide what it is you like and want to decide what year to get.
Mine was converted by a family member to an automatic many years ago,*
'82 front fenders had slightly sharper creases in the fenders around the wheelwells.
Odd fact that I think I kinda love,*
Transmissions were the biggest reason I passed on '82. Still a fine car, but may not perform well if auto. The 83 four speed auto gearing gives better acceleration from start, IIRC (correct me if wrong). And more importantly is no overdrive in auto or manual in '82.
As with many new cars, there are incremental improvements through the years. '85 performs even better with TPI, and had one of the nicest custom interiors of all years. However body cladding grew, changing the appearance somewhat (heavier look IMO) and lengthening the nose.
'82 and '83 had nice custom interiors, too, with quality fabric, and were a bit more old school carryover from the 2nd gen with the high back buckets. Not a bad thing.
As with many new cars, there are incremental improvements through the years. '85 performs even better with TPI, and had one of the nicest custom interiors of all years. However body cladding grew, changing the appearance somewhat (heavier look IMO) and lengthening the nose.
'82 and '83 had nice custom interiors, too, with quality fabric, and were a bit more old school carryover from the 2nd gen with the high back buckets. Not a bad thing.
I know there's a range of fabrics and designs per year but I was thinking of getting my seats changed with leather/leather alternative ones as I have seat covers anyways. I just hope there's none with the tennis ball back that some fabrics have.*
I like the 84 because that's when I graduated from high school! Not very scientific! I actually didn't have a car until I graduated from Army basic training but while in high school i clearly remember a kid from a family that had money and he had a white 81 or 82 Z28 and it was super cool. He promptly wrecked it in a month and got something else, but I remembered that car.
That isn't very scientific but I also haven't ever heard of negatives for 84s, anyone know some small positives?*
Not my personal thing but if it's what you love I'm glad you told me about it.
When Scott and me were in Indy (back to the brickyard) show in 2008 I noticed this. If you park an 82 next to a car you can see the difference if you look closely.
1982/1983
1984 & up
They are definite different stampings... It amazes me that some people never realize that the Firebird is completely different yet.
1982/1983
1984 & up
They are definite different stampings... It amazes me that some people never realize that the Firebird is completely different yet.
Another thing I will now look for on vehicles, I personally like 82/83's more! *
Last edited by 82' Z28; 08-08-2016 at 12:10 AM.
#17
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Car: '84 Z
Engine: L69
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
As time passes I've evolved to like 82-84 equally. Each as positives over the other two if only based on uniqueness alone. I would not pass up a clean 82 any more because of the transmission or engine. And frankly a clean 82-84 LG4 auto is not an issue for me.
I go to many car shows in the Twin Cities area and Western Wisconsin, and clean original 82-84 Z28s just are not there. There is always a number of clean examples on Craigslist, but these cars are not on the road and not at shows.
I'm amazed how such a popular car when new is so scarce now. There are plenty of newer thirdgens in various configurations, but not the early cars.
I go to many car shows in the Twin Cities area and Western Wisconsin, and clean original 82-84 Z28s just are not there. There is always a number of clean examples on Craigslist, but these cars are not on the road and not at shows.
I'm amazed how such a popular car when new is so scarce now. There are plenty of newer thirdgens in various configurations, but not the early cars.
#19
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Car: 1985 Camaro Z28
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic with Overdrive
Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
1985 Z28's are cool because they have the extended ground effects. That's something I like about my '85
#20
Re: Why would you rather have a 83 over an 82 and an 84 over that?
I gotta say I've very much so appreciated all of everyone's replies and personally wish for more
Last edited by 82' Z28; 08-12-2016 at 02:28 PM.
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