Dartht33bagger

Oh I wouldn't call it a restoration, and I understand why they get top dollar because there are people that like that type of thing. Just for me, I don't see the point in having complete originality performance wise.

Jason E

The problem with swapping an LS1 in a third gen is, there will ALWAYS be something better down the road. Take all the G bodies, for example, that everyone and their mother popped a TPI 350 into back in the mid '90s. Now, they look weird. When the Gen V SBCs come out in a couple years, all the LT1 and LS1 swaps will look dated as well.

Conversely, leaving the original engine with the car keeps it period-correct. I took my RS out to a cruise night last night, to a place I rarely go (speaking of, where the hell were all you CT third genners last night???? Not on the Pike!!!). Anyway, EVERYONE loved the car...and I was surprised only a couple people said "you should throw an LS1 in it."

Everyone appreciated it for what it was...a bolt-on car with a period correct, sweet-sounding little 305. It was more well-accepted than I expected

KMK454

The 4th gen dash swap boggles the mind. Neither interior (3rd or 4th) are the pinnacle of interior execution for their respective eras, but the 4th gen interior is uglier than the 3rd gen and doesn't offer any technological or packaging benefit over the 3rd gen (well, maybe a cupholder). About the only argument I can understand is greater parts availability.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

I agree completely Jason. I remember in the '90s when people used to do LT1 swaps. They looked pretty silly after other people started swapping in LS1s. When the Gen V smallblock comes out, it'll make the LS1 look like a Flathead. So as you said, there will ALWAYS be something better around the corner - but stock never goes out of style.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

My personal opinion is that the 4th gen dash swap is one of the more heinous mods out there. I simply cannot understand why anyone would even consider doing that.

mike_c

iTrader: (13)

Tasteful modifications hidden beneath a factory-fresh exterior. That's what I like and that's what my car's turning out to be. Hell, it still has the original cassette deck.

58mark

iTrader: (3)

I love factory radios! Nothing looks better in my opinion, though there used to be some 1 1/2 DIN decks that were close

8t2 z-chev

Iam not at all concerned with keeping my '82 z factory
original,but it is an american GT coupe from the year
1982 so i do keep it as authentic and period correct as
possible while i have improved and upgraded it over
the more than 20yrs i have had it;the chassis is rigid,
nas modified '84 vette engine for way more power than
stock,ETC,ETC,...
BTW has "period correct"up-amped modified'84 vette
delco cassette

puma1552

iTrader: (1)

This is my big qualm with the LS1 swaps. Everyone and their dog has one or is going to have one, and then when something else comes out, the LS1 is going to look out of place, much like how now LT1 swaps are like "lol wut". I feel like I should go with an LS1, but I know it's going to end up in the same bin as the LT1, and I really am not planning on doing a whole new build (a very expensive one at that) every 5 years. At the same time though, a Gen 1 350 seems really 'meh' to me these days too. God, maybe I'll just do a 100% stock restoration for lack of any choice I really like...god knows rebuilding the 305 and the tranny would be cheaper than anything else.

Also, 4th gen interiors are disgusting. Gaudy bulky bubbly plastic, in typical GM fashion. It'd be nice if GM could get an interior right for a change, 2011 GMs aren't any better. That said, the 3rd gen isn't bad style-wise, it's just ****-poor quality. As I've said before, "Fischer Price: My First Interior".

TheGr8erG00d

iTrader: (2)

I'm glad this thread is here. I just picked up an 89 Iroc, a Georgia car with 90,000 miles, and it was so solid and 100% original that I'd really hate to change it much. Plus, there are so many people modding out their cars and of the cars that are original, many of them haven't been cared for, so I feel like having a really clean, original car is pretty neat.

That said, I don't have a huge problem with upgrades, I'll probably do a few small ones myself, but I'll keep the original parts so I can always put them back, and whatever I do, I plan to keep it looking original. I prefer the look of the stock radio, but I certainly wouldn't mind having one that has been modded to have an aux cable out the back...

I just wish it was easier to fix/replace some things that are original. My PCV hose cracked and I had to make up a replacement that looks like crap, and I have a hole in my tweed w/ black insert seat and they don't make tweed reproduction seat covers. No way in hell am I buying one of those velour repros, I don't like that material at all. Tweed came in my car and only tweed will go back into it.

And don't even get me started on those "your original 305 is worthless, you HAVE to swap in a 350" purists. I have more respect for a Mustang owner...

Here's to keeping it original.

89rs454

You don't like 17" Crager SS Wheels?. Everyone i come across thanks me for bringing them back to life.

86WS6

iTrader: (1)

When we bought the 86WS6 back in 2005, my goal was to build her into an Autocross car.

She was totally original and stock with 25K actual miles on the clock...

Still we bought her to have fun with...

Then on a lark, I decoded the RPO codes, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. This one was going to remain stock.

Now that she has earned Class Winner 82-87 Stock Firebird at G-13, and again at G-14, and was Scott Settlemire's "Best Firebird" at G-14, I know that I made the right choice for this car at this time.

It gets tough to keep everything stock as things age, however I am committed to keeping it as built.

If I decide that I want an Autocross car later on, I will buy a high miler and mod it to my heart's content.

Jason E

I don't have a problem with 17s...15s, especially with white lettered tires, just screams ******-mobile. I have 17" Torq Thrusts on the RS...they're the first thing people compliment on the car when they see it.

I don't mind 17" Cragars...I don't mind white letters on stock 15s. What I hate is old 15" Cragars with white lettered Futuras/Cooper Cobras/some other off brand tire. Hell, why not just put some air shocks on the back, jack it up a little, and put some 275/60/15s on it while you're at it

Shadow Z

iTrader: (2)

Incredibly clean car. I really appreciate the 100% original cars, but stock isn't my style.

Probably the only thing I wouldn't ever touch would be along the lines of a ridiculously pricey supercar. Not that I'll ever own anything such as an Enzo, Veyron, Pagani Zonda, etc, but hose sort of cars.

I drive them, break them, upgrade them, drive them again. It's working out good so far. Broke my TR-3650 5 speed, upgraded to a 26 spline T56, so now I'll throw more power at that, and eventually have it professionally rebuilt at Tick Performance down in NC.

Dartht33bagger

I don't like the look or the sound of an LS1. I personally will never have one in my car. However, whenever I need a new motor a 350 will be going into it.

puma1552

iTrader: (1)

I kind of agree with the look of the LS1; it takes a LOT of work to make it look good (note how clean Spike-Zs LS1 swap looks) and even then you are stuck with a plastic intake and exposed coils, or using Corvette covers on the coils which is kind of "meh"; I guess they would be good for the wow factor when you pop the hood for someone who knows little about cars who will just go, "Wow, Corvette engine!" but beyond that it just seems a bit off.

If the LS1 could be cleaned up really well, it could look pretty good. Most LS1s don't look that good IMO though, probably because swapping it in is a chore in itself, let alone trying to dress it all up afterwards.

I also don't like the 15" Cragars on our cars, although they would be the first thing I'd throw on my future '68 Charger, with RWL tires. That said, there is one guy here with a green bird running Keystones and white letters and I have to say, his looks really good with them.

Dartht33bagger

I just don't like the look of the LS1's. They look too modern and cheap with the plastic look to it. Personally, I love how a SBC looks and sounds. Always have and always will.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

The LSx engine are great performers, but they are one of the ugliest looking motors around. Cosmetically, not even a contest between them and a TPI motor.

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Surprising thread here. For as many 3rd gens as GM built I dont see why people give two flips about value. It'll be a LONG time before they ever become worthwhile for putting up with the storage costs or living with the dated/problematic technology

That being said, when Im strolling through a car show. If I see a totally stock car, I think how boring

As for the appearance of LSx engines, there are very simple changes to make them look dated. A SD tune, single plane intake and coil relo will make it look like a BBC and Ill wager 3/4 people not familiar with them will be able to tell the difference

To me, an enthusiast seeing a particular element from another car and thinking it would be much cooler in his car is much more appreciated than an owner who put up with a dozen thing he hates just to keep it stock. Sure, there are bad examples of modding gone wild and half-assed restos. Ever seen a garage queen classic with 1/2" of bondo over the rust holes? I sure have

KMK454

I like period-correct mods. So what was the biggest, baddest motor to overlap with the thirdgens? The ZR1 LT5. That'd be a neat swap... and that's a good looking motor.

The LSx can easily look great - remove the plastic, put on some traditional valve covers and do the fuel rail/injector relocation and you have a great looking motor. Example:

http://www.katechengines.com/katech_inc/

Throw some long tube headers and a Corsa exhaust behind it and you have one of the best sounding V8s out there.

Dartht33bagger

The biggest thing with me is the intake. To me, the intake is just ugly.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

This opinion only works if the owner considers other people's opinions as valid. I want to drive it, I want to mod it. MODDING is fun for me. It keeps the car fresh. I couldn't avoid modding a car. As soon as the warranty is up on my 06' G6 GTP Manual its getting a CAI, Exhaust, and tune. If someone made headers for it I'd do that too. Increased fuel economy, increased power.

Some think its hideous, but other people don't. Thats part of modding. But there are other real reasons to do the swap. The Gauge cluster on a thirdgen bird is horrid ergonomically. Only the tach and speedo are easily seen, and the other two pods are blocked if the wheel is at anything other than perfectly straight. The 4th gen cluster is much easier to read at a glance. A big tach right next to the speedo with the other gauges filling in the spots.

I've already bought a 4th gen camaro dash complete including HVAC ducting and controls. I'll be swapping it into my car. This along with a BCM and harness out of a 98 Camaro so I can have retained accessory power, auto dimming lights, Remote door/trunk unlock, and a 3rd button which I have yet to assign it to something. In the end, the only thing thirdgen about my car will be the frame. The wiring/drivetrain will be entirely 4th gen.

But I already have a 4th gen drivetrain completely in the car. So my car is currently a 3.5gen.

Brock Lee

I don't give a crap about value. I prefer stock. Thats the way I remember them when I was young and they were brand new. Like people that prefer the factory configuration are automatically thinking about investing in the car..no..most all of the mods look like hot dog.

IMissMy86TA

Mine has 21K miles. All original 5 speed car (809 made in 88 GTAs). Changed tires and rims. Powder coated formula turbo style wheels with original WS6 caps. I have the perfect gold cross-lace gta rims with orig tires. I will get the windows tinted this week weather permitting. Orig floor mats even. No mods that can't be un-done easily. I actually am all abt originality!. Got build sheet and invoice. I did add period correct dual exhaust tips like the 89 TTA

Carlos773

iTrader: (3)

Been there done that. I do appreciate a stock clean thirdgen but I appreciate a built one more. You get to know the owner and see what he built it for. My 86 is gonna be 0% stock but 100% better than it will ever be in stock form.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Factory radios are great to fill in the very hard to get after market 1.5 DIN size. Although, I am willing to add an MP3 connector to the back of the radio instead of the front like on some being sold on EBAY and run the wire through the hole in my center console where the former quartz clock option time change stem would go. Nice neat mod with the hidden benefit of modern.

89Formula3

Stock all the way the only mods on my car are vette rims and flows. The Vette rims will be gone once i get my ronal's.

White93z34

iTrader: (1)

I've always been a sucker for stock or close to it, I spent a year plus looking for the IROC I have now, Its hard to find something in decent driver condition that is not rusted to the ground, molested, or beat into the ground with a hammer. I have some old Super Chevy magazines from 83-85ish and from brand new people were ripping the smog equipment off, building them up so 25+ years later its rather difficult to find one that is not a sub 20k mile show queen and not beaten into the ground.

DAVECS1

iTrader: (2)

The only thing left stock on mine are a couple panels on the body, the glass, The K member, the driveshaft, the rear brakes, tail lights, the dash, and some hardware here and there :-)







I have replaced stock items with other stock looking items like the headlights and fog lights. The rest has been modified or replaced. Stock is ok, but cars are my canvas, and I like to see were it can take me. The car is a blast to drive and it never fails people still ask what year it is and if it is stock. Well until I dump the cut outs :-)

IMissMy86TA

Just wait till you try to sell it. Stock sells. Mod cars sell to very few with those specific tastes. I can put mine to stock in an hour.. I have the wheels changed back The only thing I cant change are my exhaust pipes. I have dual slash cut euro style exhaust tips welded on and they had to cut the exhaust. they, however look just like the tips on the TTAs

58mark

iTrader: (3)

as tastful mods go, I kind of like dave's car (I could live without the stickers under the hood though, but if that's his canvas then so be it)

Shadow Z

iTrader: (2)

I honestly hate reading that line over and over when it comes to these cars. Generally, owners of third gens are split into two groups. It's either most likely going to be a 25-40 year old guy who was young when these cars were new, or a younger guy, with it being one of their first Camaros/Firebirds/Muscle car in general (Or sports car, whatever you wanna call it, since they handle well) and either of them are going to hold on to it for years upon years, until they couldn't care less if it sells cheap, or they won't get rid of it, period.

I really don't know of many people who buy a third gen for a daily driver, or an investment car. However +1 to you because I do like how they look in stock form. I'm really thinking about just throwing a TPI L98 in mine to give myself the challenge of getting power out of a TPI setup, and keeping it close to original looking. However the stock 305 is long gone, stock 700R4 is pulled out and being sold soon, interior is completely gutted, no more AC, no more heat, no more radio, no more anything for that matter. It'll just be my weekend fun car. If I want driveability out of it, I'll get a 12 volt to 120 volt inverter, and plug in a small portable air conditioner meant for a house.

I can always save the (unoriginal, it was originally a 305 IROC) 4 bolt 350 block I pulled out of it for a car I like more, the 1980-1982 Corvette.

58mark

iTrader: (3)

No ac, no heat, no radio, gutted interior. Sounds like half the cars on craigslist that stay there, relisted over and over because nobody will touch them with a ten foot pole.

You may not ever plan on selling your car, but i'm shopping for a couple dd for my wife and son, and it really bugs me to see so many cars that have been trashed

DAVECS1

iTrader: (2)

So selling it would be silly. The paint cost more than the original car did. I knew going in this was not an investment opportunity. 93% of cars are not investment opportunities. The stickers wer not my ball of wax either but when i removed the Stock over flow tank it had left some nasty stock marks on the fender. I wasn't about to rattle can it so i had a sticker bag hanging on the wall that i raided until the engine bay get a complete respray.

If told hundreds if not thousands of people: "I really like Fbodies, but they are just Fbodies. Stock they were produced to sell to a mass market and a mojority of the design is a comprimise between money style and performance.

I have tried to eliminate that comprimise

eseibel67

All cars are a compromise. It just depends where it falls on the triangle.

IMissMy86TA

Yah, I searched and searched for a great condition car with low miles for occasional driving but one that will hold its value. I passed over quite a few that had a low low miles but had been modified.. I was like WTF! I even found one in MI that said it had like 12K a stock original motor, but had gagues sticking out the hood... stock my A... kept on looking.

lunaticinaZ

I'm half and half. I love the stock look but I like the Idea of the look on the corvette guys face when he realizes he just got his a** handed to him by a thirdgen. But I agree if it is mint leave it original. If it is close, do the engine mods, make it fast but don't mess with the look. And if it is a beat up junker. make it whatever you want
I have a 1991 Z28 it's all original except the 350 and tires. I will build a nice sbc and upgrade the suspension, maybe a 6 speed. But as far as the rest of the car. It will be restored to original. I love the look of these cars in original form. But I still like to go fast.

scottmoyer

58mark and shadowz, take your argument to PMs and don't clutter the forums with this garbage. Having to delete 17 posts of bickering is not what how I wish to spend my evenings!!!!