What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Supreme Member




Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 100
From: So. Ohio
Car: 88 Camaro
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: 700r4
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
I'm not feeling any love for this system myself. Mine crapped out this morning leaving work, second time it's done this. Wait 7 minutes, got lucky, it started. Eliminated the key deal last time, used a resistor. Now looking to build a timer module to bypass the whole deal. Wish there was another way to get rid of the whole deal (available in this area.)
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Port Orchard,WA
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 355 SD TPI
Transmission: WCT5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
I'm not feeling any love for this system myself. Mine crapped out this morning leaving work, second time it's done this. Wait 7 minutes, got lucky, it started. Eliminated the key deal last time, used a resistor. Now looking to build a timer module to bypass the whole deal. Wish there was another way to get rid of the whole deal (available in this area.)
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: N. Ky
Car: 86 T/A - 70 Z28/RS
Engine: Broke - 350
Transmission: 700R4 - M22
Axle/Gears: G80, 2.73 - ZQ9 G80 4.10
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
My complaint is the use of the small Vega 7.5" 10-bolt instead of the 8.5" which is much more reliable
Yup Norwood developed a method of putting a charge into solvent based paints and grounding the material to be painted. This was to reduce the VOC emissions because it would attract more paint to the surface. GM then moved the process out to Ca. and the state still denied them the use of solvent based paints due to VOC emissions. They had to develop a new based paint to meet the states standards. Not until much later did anyone realize that the paint didn't bond with the primer.
My car is an 86 Van Nuys car and the paint on the roof was totally gone. Only way to cure it is to strip the car down and repaint the car.
....also, don't know about the other years, but my 92 has pitiful paint. Something about Van Nuys cars had some new formulation because the state of California outlawed solvent based paints??? I know, after 20 years it's time for a repaint, but I have seen many Chevrolet products from the early 90's with horrible paint.
My car is an 86 Van Nuys car and the paint on the roof was totally gone. Only way to cure it is to strip the car down and repaint the car.
COTM Editor (Retired)
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 83
From: Washington
Car: 89 Formula 350, TTA
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
i can live with all of the squeaks and rattles - upgraded supension helps. i can live without a cup holder or glove box, as it isnt a daily driver. i could care less about the "white trash stereotype." the one thing that is most bothersom to me is an asthetic issue. its an issue common in the eighties and throughout the nineties, but it is very pronounced on our beloved third gens. and you dont see it on cars today or from the 60's & early 70's.
and that would be the excessive overhang of fender and facia past the front wheels. there is just SO MUCH CAR forward of the front wheels. its almost ridiculous-looking from a side-view. sorta like a really hot chick with a really long nose. even causes some drivability issues as it relates to ramps. i wish our cars didnt have that.
and that would be the excessive overhang of fender and facia past the front wheels. there is just SO MUCH CAR forward of the front wheels. its almost ridiculous-looking from a side-view. sorta like a really hot chick with a really long nose. even causes some drivability issues as it relates to ramps. i wish our cars didnt have that.
Last edited by Linson; Sep 12, 2012 at 12:18 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 680
Likes: 2
From: Lincoln, NE
Car: 86 Iroc-Z28
Engine: 5.3
Transmission: 4l60
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
The factory dash fixed that with a 96 camaro dash and console. And motor working on solving that with an lsx
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Port Orchard,WA
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 355 SD TPI
Transmission: WCT5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 Posi
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
i can live with all of the squeaks and rattles - upgraded supension helps. i can live without a cup holder or glove box, as it isnt a daily driver. i could care less about the "white trash stereotype." the one thing that is most bothersom to me is an asthetic issue. its an issue common in the eighties and throughout the nineties, but it is very pronounced on our beloved third gens. and you dont see it on cars today or from the 60's & early 70's.
and that would be the excessive overhang of fender and facia past the front wheels. there is just SO MUCH CAR forward of the front wheels. its almost ridiculous-looking from a side-view. sorta like a really hot chick with a really long nose. even causes some drivability issues as it relates to ramps. i wish our cars didnt have that.
and that would be the excessive overhang of fender and facia past the front wheels. there is just SO MUCH CAR forward of the front wheels. its almost ridiculous-looking from a side-view. sorta like a really hot chick with a really long nose. even causes some drivability issues as it relates to ramps. i wish our cars didnt have that.
COTM Editor (Retired)
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 83
From: Washington
Car: 89 Formula 350, TTA
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
you sound ridiculous.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Delaware
Car: 1988 Iroc-Z tpi 5.7
Engine: ls2
Transmission: 4l80e
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Ok,
since when was a Thirdgen a Symbol of American Trash?
last I remember it was always a joke when I had my Iroc that I was a guido lol or uncle vinny Italian guy with a beater and gold chains with a firebird I guess some of the older members knew this and not "American Trash" lol.
BTW American made vehicles dont mix with Trash its a oxymoron.
Oh well take it for what it is next time I hear trash and american I hope that person gets stabbed with a big american flag. HOOOORAH!
since when was a Thirdgen a Symbol of American Trash?
last I remember it was always a joke when I had my Iroc that I was a guido lol or uncle vinny Italian guy with a beater and gold chains with a firebird I guess some of the older members knew this and not "American Trash" lol.
BTW American made vehicles dont mix with Trash its a oxymoron.
Oh well take it for what it is next time I hear trash and american I hope that person gets stabbed with a big american flag. HOOOORAH!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: beaver dams new york
Car: 86 firebird t/a
Engine: 305
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
the pos electronic carb is JUNK!!! ill be switching to a holley soon
the drivers side door clunk when i shut it
and the fact the one of the po took the headliner out? and its hard to find a t-top headliner
thats all i have to complain about the drivers door will be fixed soon.i love my car this is my 2nd 3rd gen.and the th200 is weak i had one in my 85 monte with a 4.3
the drivers side door clunk when i shut it
and the fact the one of the po took the headliner out? and its hard to find a t-top headliner
thats all i have to complain about the drivers door will be fixed soon.i love my car this is my 2nd 3rd gen.and the th200 is weak i had one in my 85 monte with a 4.3
Supreme Member

Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 9
From: Lynden WA
Car: 84 Trans Am, 84 Fiero, 86 944
Engine: 5.0, 2.5, 2.5
Transmission: 5spd
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 653
Likes: 5
From: Long Island, NY
Car: 87 Trans Am, 99 WS6, 16 Mustang GT
Engine: LB9, LS1
Transmission: 700R4, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi, 4.10 Posi
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
What a shame.
It's pretty hard if you don't look. Everyone needs a headliner, it's very easy to find one.
Here is the headliner by itself.
Here is an entire kit. It gives you sun visors and sail panels in addition to the headliner.
You couldn't get a TH-200 in any '86 F-body. I think the only time they ever came in a third gen at all was in the 20th anniversary Turbo T/A.
and the fact the one of the po took the headliner out? and its hard to find a t-top headliner
Here is the headliner by itself.
Here is an entire kit. It gives you sun visors and sail panels in addition to the headliner.
and the th200 is weak i had one in my 85 monte with a 4.3
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 15
From: St. Cloud, MN
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LS1383 in work
Transmission: Magnum F - to be installed
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen 3.73, 28-spline mosers
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
What a shame.
It's pretty hard if you don't look. Everyone needs a headliner, it's very easy to find one.
Here is the headliner by itself.
Here is an entire kit. It gives you sun visors and sail panels in addition to the headliner.
You couldn't get a TH-200 in any '86 F-body. I think the only time they ever came in a third gen at all was in the 20th anniversary Turbo T/A.
It's pretty hard if you don't look. Everyone needs a headliner, it's very easy to find one.
Here is the headliner by itself.
Here is an entire kit. It gives you sun visors and sail panels in addition to the headliner.
You couldn't get a TH-200 in any '86 F-body. I think the only time they ever came in a third gen at all was in the 20th anniversary Turbo T/A.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 15
From: St. Cloud, MN
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LS1383 in work
Transmission: Magnum F - to be installed
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen 3.73, 28-spline mosers
COTM Editor (Retired)
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 83
From: Washington
Car: 89 Formula 350, TTA
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: N. Ky
Car: 86 T/A - 70 Z28/RS
Engine: Broke - 350
Transmission: 700R4 - M22
Axle/Gears: G80, 2.73 - ZQ9 G80 4.10
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Problem with the Q-jet is you have to have a good casting to start with. Many times the parts can be warped plus there have been problems with the metering rods from the start with re-manufactured ECM controlled Q-jets.
I swapped mine out because mine was garbage and I didn't want to have to go through multiple carbs from the part store just to get a good one (past experience). I also didn't want to mess with the PROM as well so I removed all the ECM stuff on my LG4.
The Holley is a good racing carb but for cruising and street performance I would go with an early Q-jet, or Carter/Edlebrock carb.
I swapped mine out because mine was garbage and I didn't want to have to go through multiple carbs from the part store just to get a good one (past experience). I also didn't want to mess with the PROM as well so I removed all the ECM stuff on my LG4.
The Holley is a good racing carb but for cruising and street performance I would go with an early Q-jet, or Carter/Edlebrock carb.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Vernon B.C
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 350 SBC
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
This one isn't so much a dislike about my T/A, but the more I've driven my black '86 this year the more KITT and Knight Rider references I've gotten. I'm sorry to those who like the show, but it drives me crazy when people constantly mistake my car for KITT. People are always surprised when I tell them I don't like the show, but my love for Trans Am's came from Smokey and the Bandit. haha
Anyway, I guess now I can see why 68-70 Dodge Charger owners get annoyed when people always call their cars the General Lee. lol
Anyway, I guess now I can see why 68-70 Dodge Charger owners get annoyed when people always call their cars the General Lee. lol
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 35
Likes: 7
From: Kingston, ON, Canada
Car: 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula WS6
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 L-Slip w/ discs
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
I don't have many complaints, but here's my short list:
Squeaks and rattles, but I've learned to live with them.
Window motors are definitely a PIA.
Headlight motors are okay when the bushings don't turn to dust.
T-Top leaks that seem to reappear even after sealing them. Next up: Sikaflex.
Suspension can be way too clunky, especially on these wonderful well-maintained Ontario roads.
That scratch that some a$$hole gouged into my door literally a week after I bought the damn car.
No cup holders. But I'm used to this as my previous daily driver was my '75 Apollo and it doesn't even have a console.
Tiny 7.5" rear end does kind of limit the imagination.
And why so much hate on the 305? My 305 TPI lets me overtake every annoying ***** on the highway I run into who insists on trying to race.
Only thing I'd like different with my car is a 5 speed instead of the 700R4.
And maybe I'll stuff my 400 into it eventually. Maybe.
Squeaks and rattles, but I've learned to live with them.
Window motors are definitely a PIA.
Headlight motors are okay when the bushings don't turn to dust.
T-Top leaks that seem to reappear even after sealing them. Next up: Sikaflex.
Suspension can be way too clunky, especially on these wonderful well-maintained Ontario roads.

That scratch that some a$$hole gouged into my door literally a week after I bought the damn car.
No cup holders. But I'm used to this as my previous daily driver was my '75 Apollo and it doesn't even have a console.
Tiny 7.5" rear end does kind of limit the imagination.
And why so much hate on the 305? My 305 TPI lets me overtake every annoying ***** on the highway I run into who insists on trying to race.
Only thing I'd like different with my car is a 5 speed instead of the 700R4.
And maybe I'll stuff my 400 into it eventually. Maybe.
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 35
Likes: 7
From: Kingston, ON, Canada
Car: 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula WS6
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 L-Slip w/ discs
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Lol its usually fox bodies and civics. Their drivers seem to think they've got something to prove.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: The Okanagan, British Columbia
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Me and my friend driving around in his 1980 Camaro with a 350, every idiot in a fox body or civic or any ***** type car for that matter gave us the look and tried to race, we just blew them away.
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Car: 1987 Chevy Camaro Iroc Z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Automatic (700R4)
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
I was driving home the other night just cruising and minding my business and I can see in my passenger side mirror bright blue lights and I say to myself "It has to be a *****." ***** comes flying by me. Now I am driving and he keeps jumping in front of me. So decide not to signal and just take him, he keeps jumping in front of me. So now I am on his *** but at the same time I don't want to rear end him. I can hear him trying to out run me but he could not. I also can hear his exhaust but mine was drowning him out and he had those stupid euro taillights. so now he moves over I punch it right by him. I punch it and he did and I took off on him and just kept going. I was kinda annoyed that he did that also I really don't like to race around the highway especially when there are a lot of cars. I may have a 305 and I dont mind losing to a car I hate but I respect. Any newer sports car will beat me however I didn't buy my car to race. I will not lose to a ***** and if I do I will sell my car.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Vernon B.C
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 350 SBC
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
I was driving home the other night just cruising and minding my business and I can see in my passenger side mirror bright blue lights and I say to myself "It has to be a *****." ***** comes flying by me. Now I am driving and he keeps jumping in front of me. So decide not to signal and just take him, he keeps jumping in front of me. So now I am on his *** but at the same time I don't want to rear end him. I can hear him trying to out run me but he could not. I also can hear his exhaust but mine was drowning him out and he had those stupid euro taillights. so now he moves over I punch it right by him. I punch it and he did and I took off on him and just kept going. I was kinda annoyed that he did that also I really don't like to race around the highway especially when there are a lot of cars. I may have a 305 and I dont mind losing to a car I hate but I respect. Any newer sports car will beat me however I didn't buy my car to race. I will not lose to a ***** and if I do I will sell my car.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: The Okanagan, British Columbia
Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
R icers just **** me off, I don't like euro tail lights on bit, my tail lights are tinted on my car but only to a point, I think it looks good on my stock white firebird and it still is highly visible.
Supreme Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 1
Car: 90 IROC
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
The fly away paint. I really tried to take good care of my car, but the paint cared not. Almost the whole roof, a bunch of the hood now (all in the last year) and the hatch (not the spoiler). It's only paint that was on metal. All the plastic ground effects etc are still excellent. The vertical surfaces faired better, but they're starting to get little spots. It won't be long now.
Five years ago it all looked great.
Five years ago it all looked great. Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Car: 1991 camaro RS
Engine: 3.1 v6 LHO
Transmission: 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.26
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Where to start?
Not enough room for me and the 8 kids
Food stamps don't pay for gas
No cup holder for my keystone
The window always catches my Mu**et
Too low to the ground for the fatties (scrapes on the speed bumps in the trailer park)
Oh yeah the white trash BS.... Lol
Not enough room for me and the 8 kids
Food stamps don't pay for gas
No cup holder for my keystone
The window always catches my Mu**et
Too low to the ground for the fatties (scrapes on the speed bumps in the trailer park)
Oh yeah the white trash BS.... Lol
Last edited by Jeremy_worden; Oct 17, 2012 at 11:08 AM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, NE
Car: 1992 Camaro RS, 2012 Camaro SS 45th
Engine: L03 305 TBI V8, Blown 6.2L LS3
Transmission: 700R4, TR6060
Axle/Gears: GM 7.6" 10 Bolt 2.73
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
I have a 1992 Camaro RS; what I don't like about it...
-The lack of power output on the 305 V8
-The 2.73 rear gear ratio
-4 speed automatic transmission
-The stock rims (would prefer 89 IROC rims)
-Stock exhaust set up
-Gauge cluster (I prefer the older gauge cluster)
-The fine scratches and chips on the front bumper caused by rocks from gravel roads
-**** gas mileage, although it never bothers me
-A.I.R smog system
Other then that I love my car, and everything I mentioned above can be customized, fixed, or replaced, so in time, I will have my dream third generation Camaro.
-The lack of power output on the 305 V8
-The 2.73 rear gear ratio
-4 speed automatic transmission
-The stock rims (would prefer 89 IROC rims)
-Stock exhaust set up
-Gauge cluster (I prefer the older gauge cluster)
-The fine scratches and chips on the front bumper caused by rocks from gravel roads
-**** gas mileage, although it never bothers me
-A.I.R smog system
Other then that I love my car, and everything I mentioned above can be customized, fixed, or replaced, so in time, I will have my dream third generation Camaro.
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
I Love my GTA because it is my kinda like a high school sweetheart, but the ride quality sucks, and it has less performance than my 4 cylinder honda. Doesn't mean I will ever let it go.


Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 482
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Car: 1990 IROC-Z 1LE
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G92 3.23
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Where to start?
Not enough room for me and the 8 kids
Food stamps don't pay for gas
No cup holder for my keystone
The window always catches my Mu**et
Too low to the ground for the fatties (scrapes on the speed bumps in the trailer park)
Oh yeah the white trash BS.... Lol
Not enough room for me and the 8 kids
Food stamps don't pay for gas
No cup holder for my keystone
The window always catches my Mu**et
Too low to the ground for the fatties (scrapes on the speed bumps in the trailer park)
Oh yeah the white trash BS.... Lol
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
From: Kennesaw, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: L03 5.0L
Transmission: 700R4 Auto
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Car: 1991 camaro RS
Engine: 3.1 v6 LHO
Transmission: 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.26
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
I find it harder and harder all the time.
Such a welcoming place
Their are a few things about my car I truely dislike, but all are from the previous owner.
Considering the amont I spent on the car I have no real complaints.
Such a welcoming place
Their are a few things about my car I truely dislike, but all are from the previous owner.
Considering the amont I spent on the car I have no real complaints.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 653
Likes: 5
From: Long Island, NY
Car: 87 Trans Am, 99 WS6, 16 Mustang GT
Engine: LB9, LS1
Transmission: 700R4, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi, 4.10 Posi
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
its an issue common in the eighties and throughout the nineties, but it is very pronounced on our beloved third gens. and you dont see it on cars today or from the 60's & early 70's.
and that would be the excessive overhang of fender and facia past the front wheels. there is just SO MUCH CAR forward of the front wheels. its almost ridiculous-looking from a side-view. sorta like a really hot chick with a really long nose. even causes some drivability issues as it relates to ramps. i wish our cars didnt have that.
and that would be the excessive overhang of fender and facia past the front wheels. there is just SO MUCH CAR forward of the front wheels. its almost ridiculous-looking from a side-view. sorta like a really hot chick with a really long nose. even causes some drivability issues as it relates to ramps. i wish our cars didnt have that.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 0
Car: 2012 Corvette
Engine: LS3
Transmission: TR6060
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 315
Likes: 1
From: St.Amant, La.
Car: 1989 IROC
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Auburn
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
The exterior door handles. They look fine and fit the look of the car but they just fall apart after some use.
Secondly the fact that gm used those Torx headed screws all over the interior, well not so much as them using them or the fact of how many their are but the fact that some are fake. Learned my lesson the hard way on my first camaro which were real.
Secondly the fact that gm used those Torx headed screws all over the interior, well not so much as them using them or the fact of how many their are but the fact that some are fake. Learned my lesson the hard way on my first camaro which were real.
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal
Car: 1985 Camaro Z-28
Engine: 305 V-8 4BBL (H) Supercharged
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Eaton Posi
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
No cupholder.
Bad gas mileage 15-18 MPG.
Heavy, rattling doors.
The fact that fourth Gen V-6's are faster than a stock 305 all while getting 27 mpg!
Bad gas mileage 15-18 MPG.
Heavy, rattling doors.
The fact that fourth Gen V-6's are faster than a stock 305 all while getting 27 mpg!
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
From: Goose Creek, SC
Car: 1987 IROC-Z and 1988 Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7 350 V8 and 5.0 305 V8
Transmission: 700R4 Automatic Transmission
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Supreme Member

Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 9
From: Lynden WA
Car: 84 Trans Am, 84 Fiero, 86 944
Engine: 5.0, 2.5, 2.5
Transmission: 5spd
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
right, i get 9 on a good day on the highway, and all his problems are fixable somethings up with his if he gets that bad mileage from a tpi, the cupholder one is easy the window rattling too, as for making it faster theres a world of things he can do, but if he can port all he needs is some 27 dollar carbide bits and time he'll make it faster
COTM Editor (Retired)
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 83
From: Washington
Car: 89 Formula 350, TTA
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Billings, MT
Car: 92 Firebird--02 Grand Prix GTP 2Dr
Engine: Poncho 400--3.8 Supercharged
Transmission: T56 6 Speed--4T65EHD
Axle/Gears: Open 10 bolt 3.42--Internal 2.93
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
squeaks dont bother me xD
the shitty door hinges
the cat conveter hump annoys the hell outta me
interior pulling apart
minimal interior lighting
brakes...those scare me
but i love my car overall
the shitty door hinges
the cat conveter hump annoys the hell outta me
interior pulling apart
minimal interior lighting
brakes...those scare me
but i love my car overall
Supreme Member




Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,177
Likes: 24
From: Dallas
Car: 1991 Trans Am Vert
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: T-5 baby
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
lmao I get a kick out of reading some of the complaints. If some of us could go back to when these cars were brandy new off the line, they held their own for speed, the handling was pretty unreal. the rattles were not like they are now 25 years later.
Heck how many 1980's Dodge Chargers/omni's are still on the road? hahaha
The only real bit&#'s I have: Not even a option for cup holders. and no quick way to replace the fuel pump.....
Heck how many 1980's Dodge Chargers/omni's are still on the road? hahaha
The only real bit&#'s I have: Not even a option for cup holders. and no quick way to replace the fuel pump.....
my current GTA rides better due to softer tires but still ratttles
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: St.Louis, MO
Car: 1991 Firebird Formula
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2:73
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
it's a love hate relationship like everyone here:
leaky t tops
spiderwebbed bumpers
rear tire rub(my fault)
2:73's
have to drive it on boards to fit a jack under it
... but unlike so many others i have cupholders and it's my first car so gotta love it
leaky t tops
spiderwebbed bumpers
rear tire rub(my fault)
2:73's
have to drive it on boards to fit a jack under it
... but unlike so many others i have cupholders and it's my first car so gotta love it
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
No cup holders ,the shitty door hinges , the trunk pull down, the dog doo engines they all came with , the dashboard that's more delicate than glass, I could go on for days . But somehow I wouldn't want any other car. It's cheaply made rattle trap. But I love it
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
From: Kennesaw, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: L03 5.0L
Transmission: 700R4 Auto
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
Wow, I can't believe it's been a year since I this thread was last active.
I think that's the charm of these cars, it's the cheaply made 80's build quality, but they have so much character because of it. They're not boring and efficient. They're fun and gnarly.
I think that's the charm of these cars, it's the cheaply made 80's build quality, but they have so much character because of it. They're not boring and efficient. They're fun and gnarly.
Junior Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park (KC), Kansas
Car: 1992 Z28 Z03
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: What do you not like about your thirdgen?
I haven't read all the pages so far, but I'll add my gripes with our beloved 3rd gens.
The 3rd Gen F-Body is a symbol of 80's white trash and/or hair metal. Both times when I bought my '84 and '92 Z28s ('99 and now) it was nonstop with jokes about ******s (why is m-u-l-l-e-t-s censored??) flying in the wind and listening to Whitesnake.
What irritates me more than that is the 3rd gens are used as ashtrays in Hollywood movies. Pretty much anytime you see one in a movie, it gets absolutely destroyed.
Just a few quick references off the top of my head:
Gone in 60 Seconds - Kip's firebird in the crusher
Exit Wounds - Stevan Seagal tosses a thug into the back window of a red Camaro
Transformers (1st movie) - ok it was a yellow GTO but right when I saw it I knew it was a setup for it to get pumelled.
Heat - Pretty sure there was a 3rd gen getting tore up in the bank shootout
Final Destination 2 - Firebird drove under the gas tanker. KABLOOEY!
Aside from that, I'll complain that there is no reason to put that paperweight of a starter and an exhaust pipe right next to each other. I also am not a fan of how choked off the engines are from the factory, but it makes it that much more fun to mod them!
The 3rd Gen F-Body is a symbol of 80's white trash and/or hair metal. Both times when I bought my '84 and '92 Z28s ('99 and now) it was nonstop with jokes about ******s (why is m-u-l-l-e-t-s censored??) flying in the wind and listening to Whitesnake.
What irritates me more than that is the 3rd gens are used as ashtrays in Hollywood movies. Pretty much anytime you see one in a movie, it gets absolutely destroyed.
Just a few quick references off the top of my head:
Gone in 60 Seconds - Kip's firebird in the crusher
Exit Wounds - Stevan Seagal tosses a thug into the back window of a red Camaro
Transformers (1st movie) - ok it was a yellow GTO but right when I saw it I knew it was a setup for it to get pumelled.
Heat - Pretty sure there was a 3rd gen getting tore up in the bank shootout
Final Destination 2 - Firebird drove under the gas tanker. KABLOOEY!
Aside from that, I'll complain that there is no reason to put that paperweight of a starter and an exhaust pipe right next to each other. I also am not a fan of how choked off the engines are from the factory, but it makes it that much more fun to mod them!
Last edited by Cale Sahl; Sep 14, 2014 at 07:09 PM.



