DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
i know its kinda general and not exactly body. but my friend has a 89 rs maro w same powertrain and he said my car feels alot lighter! i know he has the ground effects and stuff but i dont see how my care would be so much lighter?!
Supreme Member

Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 0
From: Osceola Indiana
Car: 92 RS(sold) 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: ones that turn
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
he said it felt lighter in how it drove, igeuss his feels like a tank
lol, i really dont know. i also run no aircleaner and i notice that makes a big differance in power for me so maybe his with the cleaner is slower and feels heavier i geuss??
lol, i really dont know. i also run no aircleaner and i notice that makes a big differance in power for me so maybe his with the cleaner is slower and feels heavier i geuss?? Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 0
From: California
Car: 1982 Trans Am & 1982 Corvette
Engine: L-98 with LO-3 induction. 350 CFI
Transmission: 5 speed and vette has 700r4
Axle/Gears: 373's in T/A .. vette unknown
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
Keep driving it with no air cleaner and I'm sure you will feel a huge power difference sooner or later
Trending Topics
Supreme Member

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 1
From: NY sucks
Car: 84' Corvette, 96' Caprice
Engine: LT1, L99
Transmission: T-56, 4L60e
Axle/Gears: 3.07 POSI, 2.93 Open
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
No aircleaner? you crazy? Well you might be faster now but when your engine is dead you won't be.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, NY
Car: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 383 Stroker
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 7 1/2 Inch 3.23
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From: near greenbay WI
Car: Camaro RS
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: manual
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
ok guys lets get alittle serious in here before he really starts to beleive that running a car without an aircleaner has advantages. im tellin you no matter how crappy your aircleaner is..put it back where it belongs!..or upgrade to an aftermarket one. now the whole weighs less theory can be tested by actually weighing the car..go to a feed mill or any place where the have a weigh scale. the reason why your car may feel lighter to him then his possibly could be found in the suspension portion. as things get worn out and poorly maintained they seize and tighten causing the car to feel like your driving a big snickers bar down the road..the hard chocolate represents the body and part of chassis being nice and stiff and beautiful...then the caramel on the inside is where the suspension plays its roll..literally a "roll". its wavy and flexible and overtime tends to melt away if not properly maintained...and finally the nuts..which is where you come into play because anyone who would drive a thirdgen or any car without an air cleaner is NUTS
Last edited by blimko; Aug 30, 2007 at 01:25 PM. Reason: gramatical error
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento, California
Car: 92 RS
Engine: a slow one
Transmission: a crunchy one
Axle/Gears: a whiny one
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
Put your aircleaner back on... The "big" difference you notice is probably mostly in your head. I'm sure you might notice a little throttle response or something along those lines which makes it FEEL alot faster, but if you ran it down a track back to back with it on and then off, I bet you don't see a bit of difference. You WILL notice a difference when your motor dies from sucking dust through it though.
And traditionally it has always been said that a Firebird is slightly heavier than a Camaro in the same trim. Usually Firebirds are a little more luxo with a few more options. I do not know if these claims have any real substance but I've heard it many times from many different people (and read it a few times too) over the years. Whatever the case, I doubt it's anything substantial that you can feel. Your car undoubtedly was taken better care of and has nicer rubber underneath, hence less sway, hence a tighter, "lighter", feel.
And traditionally it has always been said that a Firebird is slightly heavier than a Camaro in the same trim. Usually Firebirds are a little more luxo with a few more options. I do not know if these claims have any real substance but I've heard it many times from many different people (and read it a few times too) over the years. Whatever the case, I doubt it's anything substantial that you can feel. Your car undoubtedly was taken better care of and has nicer rubber underneath, hence less sway, hence a tighter, "lighter", feel.
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
Put your aircleaner back on... The "big" difference you notice is probably mostly in your head. I'm sure you might notice a little throttle response or something along those lines which makes it FEEL alot faster, but if you ran it down a track back to back with it on and then off, I bet you don't see a bit of difference. You WILL notice a difference when your motor dies from sucking dust through it though.
And traditionally it has always been said that a Firebird is slightly heavier than a Camaro in the same trim. Usually Firebirds are a little more luxo with a few more options. I do not know if these claims have any real substance but I've heard it many times from many different people (and read it a few times too) over the years. Whatever the case, I doubt it's anything substantial that you can feel. Your car undoubtedly was taken better care of and has nicer rubber underneath, hence less sway, hence a tighter, "lighter", feel.
And traditionally it has always been said that a Firebird is slightly heavier than a Camaro in the same trim. Usually Firebirds are a little more luxo with a few more options. I do not know if these claims have any real substance but I've heard it many times from many different people (and read it a few times too) over the years. Whatever the case, I doubt it's anything substantial that you can feel. Your car undoubtedly was taken better care of and has nicer rubber underneath, hence less sway, hence a tighter, "lighter", feel.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: '89 Firebird Formula
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: T5
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
and yet your the same kid with multiple threads about fixing this car up, make up your mind
i dont think anyone honestly cares if your beat up base model firebird takes a crap or not, but its still our job to point out when someone is doing something stupid
at any rate, sounds like its headed to car heaven, I will say a prayer for it, try not to wrap yourself around a tree
i dont think anyone honestly cares if your beat up base model firebird takes a crap or not, but its still our job to point out when someone is doing something stupid
at any rate, sounds like its headed to car heaven, I will say a prayer for it, try not to wrap yourself around a tree
Supreme Member

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 1
From: NY sucks
Car: 84' Corvette, 96' Caprice
Engine: LT1, L99
Transmission: T-56, 4L60e
Axle/Gears: 3.07 POSI, 2.93 Open
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
just another person wh odoesn't care about their third gen... if it was me i'd be trying to save it.....
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
Depending on the year, a Firebird would weigh more or less than another Firebird even.
In 1990 Gm started using ALOT heavier side impact bars in the doors, my 84's doors were noticably lighter then my 90 Formula doors, Both with Manual Windows, Door Locks & Mirrors.
So a 1982 Firebird with a 4 cylinder and a 4 speed without a/c or any power options, would weight alot less than a 1992 Trans Am with a 350, Auto, A/C, Power Everything etc... etc....
So depending on the year of the Camaro, options etc... it may weight more than your Bird.
In 1990 Gm started using ALOT heavier side impact bars in the doors, my 84's doors were noticably lighter then my 90 Formula doors, Both with Manual Windows, Door Locks & Mirrors.
So a 1982 Firebird with a 4 cylinder and a 4 speed without a/c or any power options, would weight alot less than a 1992 Trans Am with a 350, Auto, A/C, Power Everything etc... etc....
So depending on the year of the Camaro, options etc... it may weight more than your Bird.
Member
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Allentown, PA
Car: 87 Trans am
Engine: 350tpi
Transmission: 6spd
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
Not sure if its true but I always heard that the firebirds weighed a little more because of the flip up headlights but they were more areodinamic thats why a lot of people used them for the salt flats. also the gound effects do add some weight to the veihcals and no aro advantage. just stuff I've herd though the years no t sure if any of it is true.
Oh and if you think your engine is on the last leg why do you want to finish it off quicker by not running an air fillter I would think you would be tring to make it last as long as posibale so you could have one ready to go in when it happens.
Oh and if you think your engine is on the last leg why do you want to finish it off quicker by not running an air fillter I would think you would be tring to make it last as long as posibale so you could have one ready to go in when it happens.
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
and yet your the same kid with multiple threads about fixing this car up, make up your mind
i dont think anyone honestly cares if your beat up base model firebird takes a crap or not, but its still our job to point out when someone is doing something stupid
at any rate, sounds like its headed to car heaven, I will say a prayer for it, try not to wrap yourself around a tree
i dont think anyone honestly cares if your beat up base model firebird takes a crap or not, but its still our job to point out when someone is doing something stupid
at any rate, sounds like its headed to car heaven, I will say a prayer for it, try not to wrap yourself around a tree
im here to learn.... and some peoples approach to giving out advice is somewhat abrasive or annoying...and everyone says get rid of the 305.so im not seeing a real reason to be nice to it.basically i dont drive the car since have no insurance on it anyhow.either way i will give in and put the air cleaner back on it. its just its a mess, it leaks out the valve covers and causes smoke when driving sometimes, it hard to want to put alot of time or love into the power train. the body im cleaning up. since im considering making a nice track car out of it to race
----------
oh and isnt a base model fire bird a 4banger or v6?? this is a 305 s/e is that a base model bird still?
and yet your the same kid with multiple threads about fixing this car up, make up your mind
i dont think anyone honestly cares if your beat up base model firebird takes a crap or not, but its still our job to point out when someone is doing something stupid
at any rate, sounds like its headed to car heaven, I will say a prayer for it, try not to wrap yourself around a tree
i dont think anyone honestly cares if your beat up base model firebird takes a crap or not, but its still our job to point out when someone is doing something stupid
at any rate, sounds like its headed to car heaven, I will say a prayer for it, try not to wrap yourself around a tree
Last edited by 84noname; Aug 31, 2007 at 09:22 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
Depending on the year, a Firebird would weigh more or less than another Firebird even.
In 1990 Gm started using ALOT heavier side impact bars in the doors, my 84's doors were noticably lighter then my 90 Formula doors, Both with Manual Windows, Door Locks & Mirrors.
So a 1982 Firebird with a 4 cylinder and a 4 speed without a/c or any power options, would weight alot less than a 1992 Trans Am with a 350, Auto, A/C, Power Everything etc... etc....
So depending on the year of the Camaro, options etc... it may weight more than your Bird.
In 1990 Gm started using ALOT heavier side impact bars in the doors, my 84's doors were noticably lighter then my 90 Formula doors, Both with Manual Windows, Door Locks & Mirrors.
So a 1982 Firebird with a 4 cylinder and a 4 speed without a/c or any power options, would weight alot less than a 1992 Trans Am with a 350, Auto, A/C, Power Everything etc... etc....
So depending on the year of the Camaro, options etc... it may weight more than your Bird.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: '89 Firebird Formula
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: T5
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
ok well for one im 31, not not really a kid, second i drive the car less than 5 miles a month. third ive already wrecked a few cars, i dont try to do that anymore just for insurance purposes. fourth i dont think this motor is worth rebuilding when i can get a 350 at the boneyard for 75 bucks for a long block and rebuild it. so i dont think i will ruin it driving it to the store every blue moon for 2 blocks.
im here to learn.... and some peoples approach to giving out advice is somewhat abrasive or annoying...and everyone says get rid of the 305.so im not seeing a real reason to be nice to it.basically i dont drive the car since have no insurance on it anyhow.either way i will give in and put the air cleaner back on it. its just its a mess, it leaks out the valve covers and causes smoke when driving sometimes, it hard to want to put alot of time or love into the power train. the body im cleaning up. since im considering making a nice track car out of it to race
----------
oh and isnt a base model fire bird a 4banger or v6?? this is a 305 s/e is that a base model bird still?
im here to learn.... and some peoples approach to giving out advice is somewhat abrasive or annoying...and everyone says get rid of the 305.so im not seeing a real reason to be nice to it.basically i dont drive the car since have no insurance on it anyhow.either way i will give in and put the air cleaner back on it. its just its a mess, it leaks out the valve covers and causes smoke when driving sometimes, it hard to want to put alot of time or love into the power train. the body im cleaning up. since im considering making a nice track car out of it to race
----------
oh and isnt a base model fire bird a 4banger or v6?? this is a 305 s/e is that a base model bird still?
your creepy, go away.
and yes, it is, you can get a 305 in a base model.
edit: I think I mis-remembered the other thread, so my apologies in advance, no hard feelings eh ;p
and that picture really does clear everything up, we need more visual explanations
Last edited by dr1; Sep 1, 2007 at 04:14 PM.
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
that was the kid who posted in my thread, u need to read better, i hate idiots who jumjp to conclusions and call people creepy. im 31 get over it and reread the thread, the kid was saying he couldnt get in, i said its 16 w parent where i go, i didnt say im 16. so STFU
yeah, ok, so you claim your 16 in another post, that your too young to even get into a junkyard to get a new fender, and now your 31
your creepy, go away.
and yes, it is, you can get a 305 in a base model.
edit: I think I mis-remembered the other thread, so my apologies in advance, no hard feelings eh ;p
and that picture really does clear everything up, we need more visual explanations
your creepy, go away.
and yes, it is, you can get a 305 in a base model.
edit: I think I mis-remembered the other thread, so my apologies in advance, no hard feelings eh ;p
and that picture really does clear everything up, we need more visual explanations
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,552
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
Car: 86 Corvette, 89 IROC, 1999 TA
Engine: 350, 350, LS1
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.07, 373, 4.10
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
Those illistrations are priceless, I love how big bird is closer in weigh to a maro than the other birds lol
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
yeah, ok, so you claim your 16 in another post, that your too young to even get into a junkyard to get a new fender, and now your 31
your creepy, go away.
and yes, it is, you can get a 305 in a base model.
edit: I think I mis-remembered the other thread, so my apologies in advance, no hard feelings eh ;p
and that picture really does clear everything up, we need more visual explanations
your creepy, go away.
and yes, it is, you can get a 305 in a base model.
edit: I think I mis-remembered the other thread, so my apologies in advance, no hard feelings eh ;p
and that picture really does clear everything up, we need more visual explanations
Supreme Member

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 1
From: NY sucks
Car: 84' Corvette, 96' Caprice
Engine: LT1, L99
Transmission: T-56, 4L60e
Axle/Gears: 3.07 POSI, 2.93 Open
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento, California
Car: 92 RS
Engine: a slow one
Transmission: a crunchy one
Axle/Gears: a whiny one
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
I wasn't being "abrasive". I was simply trying to give you advice on the situation. They are simply text words, and nowhere in my post did I say anything unkind or aggressive. You can interpret them how you want... Try reading them in a better mood if you think I had an attitude. Sorry for any misunderstanding otherwise.
And everything you listed might not mean much. He might have a nicer car, but maybe it was driven in the snow for some years and has deteriorated rubber all around? Is this a man that is reasonably familiar with automobile suspension in general? There are plenty of intelligent people out there that will say a car with a heavier pull on the steering wheel feel "heavier" in general. It could be 1000 things.
But facts are facts... And being a reasonable man of 31, you must realize that unless your air cleaner has a rag stuck in the snorkel somewhere or the most plugged element ever known to mankind... The difference between it being off and on will be almost completely audible. It will most certainly not allow the car to suddenly be able to roast from 10 mph when it couldn't before, other changes are responsible for that fact. And with all the talk of WOT problems and air cleaners making a huge difference... I'd be looking for interference with your throttle pressure cable and/or linkage.
And everything you listed might not mean much. He might have a nicer car, but maybe it was driven in the snow for some years and has deteriorated rubber all around? Is this a man that is reasonably familiar with automobile suspension in general? There are plenty of intelligent people out there that will say a car with a heavier pull on the steering wheel feel "heavier" in general. It could be 1000 things.
But facts are facts... And being a reasonable man of 31, you must realize that unless your air cleaner has a rag stuck in the snorkel somewhere or the most plugged element ever known to mankind... The difference between it being off and on will be almost completely audible. It will most certainly not allow the car to suddenly be able to roast from 10 mph when it couldn't before, other changes are responsible for that fact. And with all the talk of WOT problems and air cleaners making a huge difference... I'd be looking for interference with your throttle pressure cable and/or linkage.
Last edited by Dizturbed One; Sep 3, 2007 at 08:51 PM.
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
SOME TAB ON THE CARB NEAR THE CHOKE IS BENT, the secondaries were stuck even after cleaning everything with carb spray. finally freed it up and its really funny you mention a rag because there was some of those blue paper towel things you get at the gas station shoved in the snorkel!!! i found them yesterday when i put the cleaner back on. now it drives much better...gee i wonder why , lol. anyways i was talking to u really but more the comment about my age, and we cleared that one up, so lets move on with that.
yeah the camaro guy doesnt know jack about cars, and i havent driven his myself so i dont know.but anyways the illustrations with bidbird seem to point ot a bird being lighter ,lol!!!! ----------
you mis interpreted any emotion behind this, im not up set, infact i was kinda saying sorry for my part in a round about way, but anyways everything is fine
yeah the camaro guy doesnt know jack about cars, and i havent driven his myself so i dont know.but anyways the illustrations with bidbird seem to point ot a bird being lighter ,lol!!!!
I wasn't being "abrasive". I was simply trying to give you advice on the situation. They are simply text words, and nowhere in my post did I say anything unkind or aggressive. You can interpret them how you want... Try reading them in a better mood if you think I had an attitude. Sorry for any misunderstanding otherwise.
And everything you listed might not mean much. He might have a nicer car, but maybe it was driven in the snow for some years and has deteriorated rubber all around? Is this a man that is reasonably familiar with automobile suspension in general? There are plenty of intelligent people out there that will say a car with a heavier pull on the steering wheel feel "heavier" in general. It could be 1000 things.
But facts are facts... And being a reasonable man of 31, you must realize that unless your air cleaner has a rag stuck in the snorkel somewhere or the most plugged element ever known to mankind... The difference between it being off and on will be almost completely audible. It will most certainly not allow the car to suddenly be able to roast from 10 mph when it couldn't before, other changes are responsible for that fact. And with all the talk of WOT problems and air cleaners making a huge difference... I'd be looking for interference with your throttle pressure cable and/or linkage.
And everything you listed might not mean much. He might have a nicer car, but maybe it was driven in the snow for some years and has deteriorated rubber all around? Is this a man that is reasonably familiar with automobile suspension in general? There are plenty of intelligent people out there that will say a car with a heavier pull on the steering wheel feel "heavier" in general. It could be 1000 things.
But facts are facts... And being a reasonable man of 31, you must realize that unless your air cleaner has a rag stuck in the snorkel somewhere or the most plugged element ever known to mankind... The difference between it being off and on will be almost completely audible. It will most certainly not allow the car to suddenly be able to roast from 10 mph when it couldn't before, other changes are responsible for that fact. And with all the talk of WOT problems and air cleaners making a huge difference... I'd be looking for interference with your throttle pressure cable and/or linkage.
you mis interpreted any emotion behind this, im not up set, infact i was kinda saying sorry for my part in a round about way, but anyways everything is fine
Last edited by 84noname; Sep 3, 2007 at 10:17 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 4
From: Killam, AB
Car: 1989 IrocZ Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5 - 5 Speed Standard
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
This topic has been quite entertaining!
When the pi$$ing contest starts, rarely is anyone man enough to apologise let alone back-off.
What was the original question again?
When the pi$$ing contest starts, rarely is anyone man enough to apologise let alone back-off.
What was the original question again?
Supreme Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Maui, Hawaii
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: broken 385sbc
Transmission: G-Force rebuilt T-5
Axle/Gears: Currie 9" Ford 4.30:1
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
i would think that if you had both cars with the same exact options, the camaro would be lighter.. have you seen the headlight assembly on a bird?? about 15-20lbs of motor and levers.. EACH.. and the fenders are longer.. more metal surrounding the rear tail lights..(the camaro lights are bigger=more plastic)
Supreme Member

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 1
From: NY sucks
Car: 84' Corvette, 96' Caprice
Engine: LT1, L99
Transmission: T-56, 4L60e
Axle/Gears: 3.07 POSI, 2.93 Open
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
I would imagine both cars are relatively the same weight...... i doubt its really anything noticable.... but you never know, depending on mods too
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 4
From: Killam, AB
Car: 1989 IrocZ Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5 - 5 Speed Standard
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
The difference does seem so minimal that the driver's weight (or if there's a passenger) or how much fuel is in the tank might be of greater influence.
Re: DOES A BIRD WEIGH LESS THAN A CAMARO??
i would have to think a bird weighs more as said above, but thought there may have been something differant as far as inner structure of the unibody goes
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Navy8125
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
10
Aug 22, 2015 07:13 PM
1989formula5.7l
DFI and ECM
1
Aug 15, 2015 11:35 AM





lol





