In the third generation f body, what do you guys think is the best looking year? How about as far as performance and handling? How about reliablilty and workability? Whats a good price range for a reliably running third gen camaro?

Thanks a bunch people.

Regards,
Aaron

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Second Gen Lover!
1980 Z28
1970 Z28
1973 RS

 

If I had to do it over again, I would get my same bird. Not with the 305 tbi, I would get the formula. But I guess the best thirdgen/best price would have to be a IROC-Z with a L98 350 in it. Make sure its the L98 though. You will have fun with that car. Best all round 3rdgen vehicle in my opionion stock.

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Eric Natzke
91 Firebird 305 TBI (ZZ4 summer of "01")
ASCD Ram Air Hood-3" custom exaust-Flowmaster 80 Series-No Cat-Edelbrock TES Headers (coated)-March Pulleys-TBI Spacer-K&N Open ELement-TransGo Shift Kit-B&M Supercooler 28,000 GVW-Hypertech Thermomaster-160 Stat-3:42 GM Gears-Auburn Posi Unit-Edlebrock Strut Tower Brace-MSD Superconducters-Accel Cap & Rotor
-Rapidfire Plugs-265/50/R15 Tires-Emmison's all Gone

http://members.aol.com/j007golden/91firebird.html

 

Price wise, depends on the year. Keep away from the 2.8 v6 (produced until 1989). If you want performance go for the 350 IROC or the 91-92 Z-28 with the 350. Suspension, look for a 1LE. A 350 IROC will run anywhere between 1500 and 6000 depending on contidition and options. A 91-92 350 Z28 will run you between 4000 and 8000. If you want relability go for a 305 TBI. Best looking would have to be the 91-92 Z28.

 

Personally, I think that the Formula Firebirds are the way to go; You can get the best drivetrain available (350TPI, 700R4, rear disc brakes w/posi, etc)in the lightest package. GTAs and Trans Ams have ground effects and such that make them a little heavier.

You can also get a Z28 or IROC-Z with the same drivetrain, but personally, I like the looks of the firebirds better.

I think the best looking thirdgens are the 91 and 92 Formulas. Probably run between $4000 and $8000.

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L98, stock 3.27s, Hooker shorty headers, custom 2.5inch Y-pipe, no cat, 3inch 2chamber flowmaster, JET AFPR, Ported MAF, Best ET: 13.86 @100mph. 1.99 60'
17 inch ROH "ZS" wheels. 17x8.5(front) and 17x9.5 (rear). And just recently T56!

 

I'd love to have a blue 92 Z w/ the 350. The 92 Z28s are my fave 3rd gen.

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1986 Berlinetta, 2.8L, newly rebuilt 700R4, 3.42 Posi. 130K miles and counting, K&N air filters.
Wins:
1996 Mustang
1994ish Olds Acheiva
1994ish Saturn SC1
Losses:
1999 Grand Am SE
1996ish Honda Accord (twice)
1990ish Vette (never should have been dumb enough to race a vette in the V6)
Late model ZX2, five speed (3 friggin stoplights in a row)

 

I made my 91 Firebird look like this. I added a ASCD Ram air hood. I bought my bird for 6,000. But I have dumped about 2,000 in it. Mods, and the hood. Just look in the sig.



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Eric Natzke
91 Firebird 305 TBI (ZZ4 summer of "01")
ASCD Ram Air Hood-3" custom exaust-Flowmaster 80 Series-No Cat-Edelbrock TES Headers (coated)-March Pulleys-TBI Spacer-K&N Open ELement-TransGo Shift Kit-B&M Supercooler 28,000 GVW-Hypertech Thermomaster-160 Stat-3:42 GM Gears-Auburn Posi Unit-Edlebrock Strut Tower Brace-MSD Superconducters-Accel Cap & Rotor
-Rapidfire Plugs-265/50/R15 Tires-Emmison's all Gone

http://members.aol.com/j007golden/91firebird.html

 

A few of my favorites are:
'90 IROC-Z with 350 (black)
'89 GTA (green)
'92 Z28 with 350 (blue)

 

Look for a 91/92 Trans Am, Formula, or GTA.. you'll pay a decent amount for one (especially a GTA), but they are the best looking Thirdgen Birds, they aren't boxes like the earlier cars. They have structural adhesives as well, so there are much fewer squeaks and rattles. DO NOT settle for a 305 TBI, look for a 305 TPI 5 speed or 350 TPI auto, but if you can't find one a 305 TPI auto is fine too, and is only a little slower than a 305 TPI 5 speed. If you like Camaros, go with a 91/92 Z28, they look AWESOME and have the same structural improvements as the late Birds.

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91 Trans Am WS6
Bright White
5.0 TPI auto
Flowmaster 3" 2 chamber catback
Trans Go shiftkit
2000 stall converter

supposed 'peanut cammed' car (yeah, right)

Built on Wednesday

 

I'd say the best years for 3rd gens would be 91-92 in either Birds or Camaros. I have a 92 Z but found it looking for a 92 Formula. Pontiacs tend to have a better interior than the Chevy's.

I think motor wise you'd want a speed density set up 90-92 (I think). They can be driven 300,000mi plus (some thirdgen members have done it, ask around). They are basically GM's surplus of Corvette blocks and TPI.

Handling is all CAMARO!!! They ride like tanks and end up rattling themselves apart but they could pull the snot out of your nose on an exit ramp!

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92 Z28 - 5.7 - Black/Grey Leather
Macewen White Faced Guages
SLP T-RAM, 24lb/h Injectors
Accell 52mm Throttle Body
SLP 1 3/4" Headers and Cat Back Sys.

My T-Rammed L98

 

Mr J, what are these "Structural Improvements" that you speak of?

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The IROC Homepage
<A HREF="http://www.rit.edu/~jli4307/camaro" TARGET=_blank>
View the restoration of an 85 IROC</A>
"I didn't know a bored out Ford could go so slow" -Shenandoah

 

The 'body glue', and extra sound deadener on the 92 cars.

 

Whatever you decide to get, get a manual tranny. You will have the most fun with a 5-speed...although this will mean you will have to settle with a 305, because they did not make 350's with manual tranny's. But believe me, I have no problem kicking @ss on 350's with my 305 manual.

Tommy

 

get something with a 350 in it from 91-92. You won't regret it then. I am taking out the 305 tbi. I did all these mods and the best I can get is a high 14's off it. If I had these mods on a 350 I would be into 13's.

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Eric Natzke
91 Firebird 305 TBI (ZZ4 summer of "01")
ASCD Ram Air Hood-3" custom exaust-Flowmaster 80 Series-No Cat-Edelbrock TES Headers (coated)-March Pulleys-TBI Spacer-K&N Open ELement-TransGo Shift Kit-B&M Supercooler 28,000 GVW-Hypertech Thermomaster-160 Stat-3:42 GM Gears-Auburn Posi Unit-Edlebrock Strut Tower Brace-MSD Superconducters-Accel Cap & Rotor
-Rapidfire Plugs-265/50/R15 Tires-Emmison's all Gone

http://members.aol.com/j007golden/91firebird.html

 

I have to disagree with you 91Bird305.
First of all you have a TBI...not good. TPI makes a world of difference. Although I am not running 13's in my car (305 TPI, Manual) it is very easy to get there. Currently with just headers and simple engine mods, I am at low low 14's. That's with 3:08 gears.

Thanks

 

Without a doubt a 91-92 Z.
Of course, that's what mine is...

Just try to avoid the red interior (sorry to offend those who have it)...

My 350 stock ran 14.4 and that was with a catback system of the cheapest kind because the person before me got in a wreck and wouldn't replace it with factory, Normally they should run 14.2's on a good day.

 

yeah, i would say the 91-92 camaros are my personal favs. I have tbi, which is better than the avg car, but i would prefer the speed and power of TPI. My dream thirdgen would have to be a 91 or 92 z with a 350 and t-tops, but i guess i would take any v-8 91-92 camaro with tpi.
I would avoid red int too. I Just like the looks of the grey.

Check out Mr. Iroc Z's (i think it's his) car. Personally, that is the best iroc i have ever seen.

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91 rs, convertible, K&N, Edelbrock open element cleaner, 3.73, B&M mega-shifter, goodmark cowl-induction hood

 

I'd have to say anything from 91 or 92. You can't beat the 91-92 ground effects on either the TA or the Camaro, plus that nose on the 91-92 Firebird makes your car look wicked, especially if your cruisin with just the running lights on!

As far as interiors go, I'd stick with a Pontiac just because I don't like the illumination colours of the Camaro dash!

And maybe it's just me, but i find the WS6 suspension amazing....it lets ya drive like an idiot while you still have some control over the car!

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1991 Firebird Formula, 305, TPI, Auto...stock till I get some money!!!
Former owner of an 88 2.8 Firebird....RIP

 

go find yourself a 1989 turbo transam. I think its better to spend the a few extra grand upfront to buy a car you don't have to spend thousands on to get to run 13's. these are the fastest of the regular production third gens powered by the buick 3.8 liter turbo motor. with only 1577 made you can drive this car for a few years and sell it for what you paid for it or more.look on www.autotrader.com or hemmings motor news to locate one happy hunting Mike