not sure where to post this so here it is...

i built a 350 for my dad with the intent to put it in a 71-81 camaro, but of course hes a PITA and wants a car in really good condition, with no rust for under $3500

so now hes telling me to look for something from 71-85, so i basically told him that if he doesnt care if the car is a 3rd gen, then we can look for anything up to 92, but NOOO "its worth more if its 85 or older"

so basically, is there any real difference between getting say an 83 vs a 92? im pretty sure theres no difference exp the 92 will be the price but alot cleaner

I've never heard that. If anything the later model cars go for a little more money. The 1991 and 1992 cars were produced in fewer numbers and given that they are newer they are more likely to be in better condition. They typically have fewer miles on them and fewer previous owners. The cars are also more refined and more powerful than earlier models within the same generation.

The third generation began in 1982. So comparing a 1982, 1983 or 1984 car to a 1992 car will yield quite a few differences. Many of them are cosmetic but there area few major changes. The 1982 car had the TH350 transmission while 1983-1992 cars got the 700R4 which got stronger and better with each year as it was revised. Of course there were differences in fuel injection as well. 1982-1983 cars got the LU5 Crossfire injection while 1984 had no fuel injection for the IROC-Z or Z28. You had the option for the L69 HO 305 which had a carburetor. In 1985 TPI was introduced and was available until 1992. In 1987 they added TBI to the mix on the base model V8's. 1987 was the last year of a carbureted engine being offered in an F-body. Higher end models are often a better choice because you get better brakes, more interior options, posi rear ends etc. If you are building a performance car the higher end cars will offer you a better platform to begin from. As will the newer ones. 1991-1992 cars are reported to have a stiffer chassis due to improved body sealants used in their construction. How much of an impact this makes 18+ years later is a topic for debate by itself.

If you want to know the exact differences between each year the technical data articles on this site is a good place to start. They cover the major changes broken down by year.

In my opinion the 1982-1984 cars are pretty ugly. 1985 to 1990 cars look better depending on the trim level and the 1991 and 1992 cars look the best as far as Camaros are concerned.

The later years were by far better. IIRC, the bodies were stiffer and sealed better than the earlier ones.

If you can find a 1992, it will almost ALWAYS be worth more than an 82. Unless you're talking about a pace car or a Mecham T/A, I don't think you'll find one that's ACTUALLY worth more than the later year cars.

All things being equal, I'd say no. If you have a run of the mill ragged out 1992 car vs. a low mileage or well preserved almost showroom / museum quality 1982 car then yeah, the 1982 car will be worth much more than the ragged out 1992 car would be. Barring a huge gulf in condition between the two, the newer car will always be worth more.

Another thing to think of is if you need emissions or not . You need to meet the emissions of the car you put the motor in most places , the older the car the easier it is to get passed and you can't carb a fuel injected car " legally " . Just another thing to think about emissions , but if your like most people me included you have someone to do the emissions that don't care .

One thing is if you were to get an 82 or 83 that was in good shape it would be worth a lot more than a 92 in the next 5 years or so. But as for right now the 92 in good condition is worth more. So in the long run yes the 83 would be worth more but for right now the 92 is worth more. Plus in my oppinion I actually like the look of the 92 better because of the front chin spoiler. But then again it all depends on your preferences.

A couple typo's, third gens never had a th350 installed from the factory, they came with the much much weaker th200c. Also keep in mind the 200c automatic tranny still available when the 700r4 first became an option. Also you could only get the 4 speed t-10 in 82 where as in 83 the 5 speed t-5 first became available. It really doesn't make any difference which year car you get unless you are trying to build something very stock. If you are looking to build something with some real power the origional drivetrains really don't matter any way. A big concern is really if you are going to want it to be an emissions legal vehicle or not. Since you already built an engine im assuming you are more or less looking for a roller anyway, if that's the case just look for the car with the best possible body and interior you can find in your price range, everything else is just nuts and bolts.

Not real sure of your line of thinking there. I guess you are simply assuming that just because something is older it will be worth more money? That doesn't really make much sense, the 92 was unarguably a superior car performance wise. Most would also agree they looked better both outside and in. All and all its a more desirable car if you have one of each in pristine condition. Years down the road I'd bet that will still hold true.. Think about it like this, a top of the line 1965 barracuda vs a top of the line 70 both in perfect condition... If you arn't sure what im talking about take a look at the price difference between the two.

Missed this before, that's true except it only applies to the 1992 model year.

I understand what you are saying about the whole performance thing but the guy has already stated that he already has a built 350 anyway so it doesnt really matter which one you get when you look at it based on performance. Also with most cars with a 10 year time span the older on is worth more. For instance the 67 camaro is worth way more than a 77 even though they both are really good looking. Plus the performance is somewhat similar.

well my money is on the hard to get cars, like say a Lingenfelter Z28
with low miles

now just think if you could dig up a 92 Z28, that lingenfelters shop did a stage 5 upgrade to
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Sorry I know this is a 3rd gen site but are you saying a 67 and 77 camaro are similar performance wise I don't have any numbers in front of me but I would doubt this