Well, I finally did it! I sold my 1987 Mustang GT. About a year ago, I bought my first Chevy. (BTW, I've owned a total of 15 different fox mustangs, so this was a big step for me.) My 93 Beretta has been the best car I've ever owned. So, to replace the Mustang, I'm planning to buy a 3rd gen Camaro/Firebird. Which ones to look for/what to avoid. I'm open to all suggestions. The only things I know I really want are a V-8 and a five speed.

p.s. I know alot of you will think this is a stupid question: I've looked at alot of pics here, But where's the spare tire???

 

LoL, behind the right rear wheel in the rear fender well.

Go by with what style you like best. Obviously you must first choose whether you want a Bird or a Maro. After that you must determing whether you want a 350 or a 305. I would suggest a 350, but they arent available in a 5 spd. So if you want a 5-spd you have to get a 305.

Look through the readers rides from the main page and try to find any specific years in which you like the styling. Then go from there.

-Josh

 

I think I should clarify what I'm looking for before everyone tells me to get whatever I can find because they are all great
I'm not into drag racing, I prefer autocrossing, and I'd like to try open track racing. Suspension is a huge priority, 1/4 mile times are not. Weight is an issue (I think that's why I kept buying Mustangs: an easy 275 rwhp and less than 3000 lbs). It will only be a weekend driver, so power options aren't a necessity.

 

I suggest getting a T/A

1982-1984

Engines: 305 4bbl (82-87), 305 Cross-Fire Injection (82-83), 305 4bbl H.O. (83-86)

1985-1990

Engines: 305 4bbl (82-87), 305 4bbl H.O. (83-86), 305 Throttle Body Injection (88-92) 305 Tuned Port Injection (85-92), 350 Tuned Port Injection (87-92), 231 Turbo (89 only special edition Turbo Trans Am)

1991-1992

Engines: 305 Throttle Body Injection (88-92), 305 Tuned Port Injection (85-92), 350 Tuned Port Injection (87-92)

 

The earlier cars are lighter than the later cars but the suspension on the later cars is better stock. All of them can be built to handle.

 

I'd go with a 90 Iroc with a 305, 5-speed, and g92. It would be the best handling and have more HP than earlier years.

However 1990 is a low production year, so that combo will be harder to find.

 

my first car was a 86 fox body stang........piece of crap compared to my 87 camaro and my 87 formula 350.....like said before earlier models are lightweight. really these cars are all at least 11 years old or older......so if you are into auto-x i would just find an 82-84 z28 or trans am replace the suspension how you want it. good luck.

 

I think a 91-92 formula 305 tpi with 5 speed . Light weight and good gears. And the nice areo look.


Conrad

 

I would suggest a 1987-1992 Firebird Formula w/ a 305 TPI and a 5 spd. Formulas were generally the lightest of the performance models. They also included the WS6 suspension package standard.

 

Thanks Everyone! I've been looking at pics the last couple days and the look of the late '80's IROC is starting to really grow on me. I've got a friend at work who let me drive his 87 IROC (383w/automatic)...........:lala: I couldn't stop grinning for nearly an hour!!!!! Time to look for an 87ish IROC to put on a diet.

 

IROC huh.. I like the way you are headed!!

And if you did not know about this already the T56 6 speeds from fourth gen F bodys is a popular and direct swap, doing so will not limit you to a 305 if you wanted stick. Also they are very strong so it would be no problem mating it up with a 350 or better.

Kevin

 

Go for an 87-90 IROC-Z () or 91-92 Z28 with the 350 TPI and G92 or the 305 TPI G92 5-Speed. Also read through our Tech Data on the main page.

 

Pontiac and Chevy have different theories on how to set up suspension, IF your looking for an Autocross car you sould take this in consideration.


Camaros and Firebirds are generally identical in their basic suspension...

Chevrolet will generally put stiffer springs whereas Pontiac will put larger swaybars. The reason is Pontiac wants a better ride.

I do not think Chevy has a comperable suspension to the WS6, as far as the diameter of swaybars, BUT for the IROC there was the "Wonderbar" which helped stiffen the front subframes.

If I was going to do autocross here is what I would do:
1) get a Formula - like stated above, for the performance models it was the lightest. Besides I am partial...

2) get Sub frame connectors (weld on preferably)
3) get a strut tower brace
4) get a wonderbar
5) weld and box in or get aftermarket rear axel arms.
6) IF your going to race, get 89+ rear disk brakes are larger. AND then buy 12" or 13" Baer brakes for the front. The stock brakes would be inadequate. EXCEPT for 1LE cars, and those are rare, probably would not want to race it anyway because of its rarity...

John

 

For autocross, I'd suggest an early Z/28 with the factory HO motor and 5 speed... some had factory fibreglass hoods, all 5 speed cars had the snappy 3.73 rear gears, and the HO (5.0L) motor has long legs compared to most other V8s available at the time.

I think the 305 HO was '83-86... the rear for an auto was 3.42 I think... still not bad, but 5 speed and 3.73 is better.

 

Ok, you're going for road racing. The best choices would be either the above suggested of an H.O Z28 and the best would most likely be an 87-90 IROC-Z G92 305 TPI 5-Speed. Camaros are in general lighter than Firebirds even with GFX because of the lack of things like flip-up headlights and big heavy spoilers which are bigger weight adders than they look. (GFX are light if you've ever held them off of the car) Camaros are generally the all out handlers also, no F-Body since the IROC-Z hit .92 Gs on the skidpad or was consistently in the .9s year after year, which is one reason that they ride so rough, even when compared to Firebirds which ride smoother. Although, a 1LE Z28/IROC-Z would be the absolute best choice, but finding one is incredibly difficult and will cost some money. They are also valuable as collector cars so racing one might be thought of as crazy. Thirds are only gonna appreciate over time and are already, so getting a nicely kept car with higher mileage to do whatever in might be a good idea.

If you are into modding mechanically you could also swap in a 350 and then go at it. I think you'll find that Camaros are much better than M*stangs for autocrossing, they have quite a history with it, one of the best histories matter of fact.

 

I think to make good and sure you like the thirdgen you get you should look for a '89 Turbo Trans am other wise 91-92 350 formula or z28