82-92 What year would you buy next time?
#1
82-92 What year would you buy next time?
I’m looking to do another Knight Rider conversion with a newer Trans Am. I have a 1983 with a cross fire and have never found it reliable. With the 10 year span of cars 82-92 what would you suggest I buy this time? I’ve be told an 89 formula might be the way to go.
Thanks for your help,
Jim
starbuck@gate.net
http://www.gate.net/~starbuck/kitt.html
Thanks for your help,
Jim
starbuck@gate.net
http://www.gate.net/~starbuck/kitt.html
Last edited by jim s; 09-18-2004 at 02:58 PM.
#3
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Car: '83 Z28, '07 Charger SRT8
Engine: 454ci, 6.1 Hemi
Transmission: TH350, A5
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi, 3.06 posi
If I had to get another, I'd get either a '89/90 IROC with the 350, or a '91/92 Formula 350.
Maybe thats just me though.
Maybe thats just me though.
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Car: 1987 z28
Engine: L98
If you're talking about creating another Knightrider conversion with a newer f-body, I'd go with the 1990 Trans Am. I don't remember if the Knightrider had the ground effects or not. If not, I'd go with the 1984 Firebird or the 1984 Firebird S/E. I don't think the Cross Fire engines were available in 1984, so that wouldn't be a problem. Black, of course.
dave
dave
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Car: Camaro
Engine: 6.2L
Transmission: T56
Depends pn what you want. Best chassis to start with for sheer performance is 91-92 cause they were glued as well as welded and they are the newest version having the most upgrades. If you only want to keep it stock then get anything that suits your fancy so long as it was maintained properly and is clean. About the only cars I would not recommend are the 2.8 carbed, or a tech four, or a crossfire car. happy hunting
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#8
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Car: '83 Z28, '07 Charger SRT8
Engine: 454ci, 6.1 Hemi
Transmission: TH350, A5
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi, 3.06 posi
Originally posted by yesfan2000
I don't think the Cross Fire engines were available in 1984.
dave
I don't think the Cross Fire engines were available in 1984.
dave
The Corvette did have a CFI 350 in '82 and '84 though. (my uncle has an '84 Corvette with that motor)
#10
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Car: 2012 Corvette Grand Sport 'vert
Engine: LS3
Transmission: 6L80
Axle/Gears: 2:73
I'd love to find my old '83 (my first new car)....and restore the body and interior to its original condition.
But under the hood, no LG4 this time around though.....an LS6/T56 and C5 brakes goes into it this time!
But under the hood, no LG4 this time around though.....an LS6/T56 and C5 brakes goes into it this time!
#11
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Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Originally posted by 87roc_t56
[B]Depends pn what you want. Best chassis to start with for sheer performance is 91-92 cause they were glued as well as welded
[B]Depends pn what you want. Best chassis to start with for sheer performance is 91-92 cause they were glued as well as welded
Seam sealer (as everything produced since the advent of mass produced cars has), is not a glued together car (like a Lexus).
The 3rdgen platform remained unchanged from 82-92. Tack on worthless mods were made but, basic structure... same. Of course.. that's only my opinion... could be wrong..
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Car: Camaro
Engine: 6.2L
Transmission: T56
Where do you get this from ?
Seam sealer (as everything produced since the advent of mass produced cars has), is not a glued together car (like a Lexus).
The 3rdgen platform remained unchanged from 82-92. Tack on worthless mods were made but, basic structure... same. Of course.. that's only my opinion... could be wrong..
Seam sealer (as everything produced since the advent of mass produced cars has), is not a glued together car (like a Lexus).
The 3rdgen platform remained unchanged from 82-92. Tack on worthless mods were made but, basic structure... same. Of course.. that's only my opinion... could be wrong..
Last edited by cam-; 09-19-2004 at 08:45 AM.
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Car: 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: ZZ4 350
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt w/3.73
I would go with a Norwood-built '87 if I got another 3rd gen. The earlier cars (82-87) had more durable interior plastics, no VATS, carbs were still available, plus IROCs,GTAs, and Formulas were all available in '87 and that was the best year for paint in the Norwood plant (Van Nuys started the water-borne paint that year - run away!). More horsepower was available later but how many of us leave motors stock? Airbags are of little interest to me and I didn't care for the yellow switch graphics and gauges in 91-92 Camaros
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Car: 1987 Formula (original owner)
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt/3.45
For a Knightrider conversion, I'd think you'd want a black(unless you plan on painting) '87-'90 Formula(or a base model Firebird from '82-'90). Those were the only years/models that had no gfx and were most similar to the '82-'83 Knightrider cars. And when you condsider the stronger engine you can get with a Formula(a TPI 305 or 350), that would be your choice.
Edit: Although the Formula's aero wing would have to be replaced with a base Firebird spoiler.
Edit: Although the Formula's aero wing would have to be replaced with a base Firebird spoiler.
Last edited by LAFireboyd; 09-19-2004 at 05:07 PM.
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Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: Auto w/ shift kit
i dunno i like the 91-92 gfx over all the others but then i like the 82-84 gfx over the 85-90 (on camaros) i always just though that i would get a 91-92 z28 with a 350. but i dont like the rear shoulder belts or the air bag. if i could get a good price id get 91-92
heres the ultimate car imo
91-92 gfx
91-92 z28 wing
early 80's interor without pull down hatch cover or shoulder belts
no split back rear seat
black interior
t tops
5.7
pw pl no ps
for a pontiac probally 90-92 GTA with the aero wing and t tops 5.7 BLACK or a
heres the ultimate car imo
91-92 gfx
91-92 z28 wing
early 80's interor without pull down hatch cover or shoulder belts
no split back rear seat
black interior
t tops
5.7
pw pl no ps
for a pontiac probally 90-92 GTA with the aero wing and t tops 5.7 BLACK or a
#17
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Car: 96 Caprice, 86 IROC
Engine: One has an LT1, one has an empty bay
Transmission: T56
Buying a car because carbs were still available is quite possibly the worst reason I've EVER heard for buying a car.
I'm gonna call the BS flag on the glue together thing too...my 86 has seam sealer from the factory all over it...but I'd only buy an 86 if I had a hatch from another year laying around somewhere (like I did)...the 86 third brakelight is hideously ugly, and even if you take it off, you've got 2 big holes to fill in the glass.
Obviously you're going to want a firebird...so I say if you're concerned most about reliability, go with the newest least milage best maintained car you can find...I'd look for a factory speed density car myself, it's one of GM's best ECM's ever.
I'm gonna call the BS flag on the glue together thing too...my 86 has seam sealer from the factory all over it...but I'd only buy an 86 if I had a hatch from another year laying around somewhere (like I did)...the 86 third brakelight is hideously ugly, and even if you take it off, you've got 2 big holes to fill in the glass.
Obviously you're going to want a firebird...so I say if you're concerned most about reliability, go with the newest least milage best maintained car you can find...I'd look for a factory speed density car myself, it's one of GM's best ECM's ever.
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Car: 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: ZZ4 350
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt w/3.73
Originally posted by Mike454SS
Buying a car because carbs were still available is quite possibly the worst reason I've EVER heard for buying a car.
Buying a car because carbs were still available is quite possibly the worst reason I've EVER heard for buying a car.
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Car: Camaro
Engine: 6.2L
Transmission: T56
Buying a car because carbs were still available is quite possibly the worst reason I've EVER heard for buying a car.
I'm gonna call the BS flag on the glue together thing too...my 86 has seam sealer from the factory all over it
Any further doubt and go watch Boeing build jumbo jets... Glue glue and more glue.
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Car: 91 Z28 & 21 Hellcat Challenger
Engine: L98, Hemi 6.2
Originally posted by IROCZTWENTYGR8
IROC-Z suspension was the same 85-90. (although I think 87-90 had different bushings) The 90's do have the most power, not much of a difference though.
IROC-Z suspension was the same 85-90. (although I think 87-90 had different bushings) The 90's do have the most power, not much of a difference though.
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Car: 1992 Camaro 5.7L Z28
Engine: L98, G92 option
Transmission: Pro-Built 700R4
The top three on my wish list...
1. 1992 Z28 with T-Tops. Man I miss having T-Tops.
2. 1990 5.7L Iroc Z - with T-Tops of course!
3. 1990-1992 Z28/Iroc Z vert. (No T-Tops required.) :lala:
1. 1992 Z28 with T-Tops. Man I miss having T-Tops.
2. 1990 5.7L Iroc Z - with T-Tops of course!
3. 1990-1992 Z28/Iroc Z vert. (No T-Tops required.) :lala:
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Car: 91 Z28 & 21 Hellcat Challenger
Engine: L98, Hemi 6.2
Originally posted by IROCZTWENTYGR8
They had a little more power, not much more, and not due to the SD either.
They had a little more power, not much more, and not due to the SD either.
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Car: 1985 Camaro, 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0L carbed and 5.0L TPI
Transmission: TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 and 3.27 posi
I miss my '85 the most out of all the Camaros I've owned. I will get another '85 someday (probably once my buddy James decides that he didn't really want a project car afterall! )
#32
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Originally posted by nick418
o ok, i knew the 90-92 came with diff CAMS and lighter pistons and 5 to 20 hp diff (dependin on which MAF year) From what ive been readin alot of stock 90-92 L98s run low 14s in good running tune and alot of MAF ones run mid to high 14s. I dunno i guess it depends on the driver. I would deff love to own a 1987 L98 T top tho. First yr of the L98, T Tops of course and great Iroc Suspension If i saw one up for sale i would buy it, to bad i have no cash
o ok, i knew the 90-92 came with diff CAMS and lighter pistons and 5 to 20 hp diff (dependin on which MAF year) From what ive been readin alot of stock 90-92 L98s run low 14s in good running tune and alot of MAF ones run mid to high 14s. I dunno i guess it depends on the driver. I would deff love to own a 1987 L98 T top tho. First yr of the L98, T Tops of course and great Iroc Suspension If i saw one up for sale i would buy it, to bad i have no cash
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Car: 91 Z28 & 21 Hellcat Challenger
Engine: L98, Hemi 6.2
Originally posted by IROCZTWENTYGR8
Plenty of people have ran low 14's with MAF L98's too, including 87's. BTW, you just described my car.
Plenty of people have ran low 14's with MAF L98's too, including 87's. BTW, you just described my car.
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Car: 91 Z28 & 21 Hellcat Challenger
Engine: L98, Hemi 6.2
Originally posted by IROCZTWENTYGR8
Red and red only.
Red and red only.
i love red as well, Cant Beat a Shiny Black tho
#38
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Car: 1987 Camaro Z28 IROC-Z
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42:1
Originally posted by nick418
\
i love red as well, Cant Beat a Shiny Black tho
\
i love red as well, Cant Beat a Shiny Black tho
#39
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Car: 91 Z28 & 21 Hellcat Challenger
Engine: L98, Hemi 6.2
Originally posted by ES87iroc
Until you have to clean it!
Until you have to clean it!
#40
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When I think of red, I think of the nicest color on almost every sporty car or musclecar. Like a red Lamborghini, Ferrari, Camaro, Corvette, 70 Chevelle SS's with black stripes, and so on. When you have red on a Camaro you get all the contrast with it. Black headlight pockets, louvers, grill, stripes, all the trim, etc. When you have one in black, it's all just black and you can't see those things. Kinda plains it out. Red and black is pretty much the most attractive combination. Now on the other side, I like Firebirds better in black. They don't have so much black offsetting them like a Camaro does. Black tends to look better on a car that has less contrast, like 68-72 Novas. There's no stripes or anything to really set them off besides the grill. It really depends on the car, red and black are usually the nicest colors on any particular vehicle but there are exceptions. I like other colors too but they're my favorite.
#41
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Originally posted by IROCZTWENTYGR8
When I think of red, I think of the nicest color on every sporty car or musclecar. Like a red Lamborghini, Ferrari, Camaro, Corvette, 70 Chevelle SS's with black stripes, and so on. When you have red on a Camaro you get all the contrast with it. Black headlight pockets, louvers, grill, stripes, all the trim, etc. When you have one in black, it's all just black and you can't see those things. Kinda plains it out. Red and black is pretty much the most attractive combination. Now on the other side, I like Firebirds better in black. They don't have so much black offsetting them like a Camaro does. Black tends to look better on a car that has less contrast, like 68-72 Novas. There's no stripes or anything to really set them off besides the grill. It really depends on the car, red and black are usually the nicest colors on any particular vehicle but there are exceptions. I like other colors too but they're my favorite.
When I think of red, I think of the nicest color on every sporty car or musclecar. Like a red Lamborghini, Ferrari, Camaro, Corvette, 70 Chevelle SS's with black stripes, and so on. When you have red on a Camaro you get all the contrast with it. Black headlight pockets, louvers, grill, stripes, all the trim, etc. When you have one in black, it's all just black and you can't see those things. Kinda plains it out. Red and black is pretty much the most attractive combination. Now on the other side, I like Firebirds better in black. They don't have so much black offsetting them like a Camaro does. Black tends to look better on a car that has less contrast, like 68-72 Novas. There's no stripes or anything to really set them off besides the grill. It really depends on the car, red and black are usually the nicest colors on any particular vehicle but there are exceptions. I like other colors too but they're my favorite.
Oh stop foo, your just jealous my car is more shinny then yours
A nice black paint job = Smooth/Clean look.
J/k, you got a nice ride there!
Anyway, if I ever got another IROC besides black, id like a 350 in this color:
Something I really love about that color.
Last edited by IROCThe5.7L; 09-27-2004 at 07:29 PM.
#43
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Originally posted by IROCZTWENTYGR8
LOL, don't think so. Bright Red shines just fine. (and all the black contrast does too!)
Put your AIM on for a change!
LOL, don't think so. Bright Red shines just fine. (and all the black contrast does too!)
Put your AIM on for a change!
I'll be on later, g2g study now.
#44
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Car: 91 Z28 & 21 Hellcat Challenger
Engine: L98, Hemi 6.2
Originally posted by IROCThe5.7L
Oh stop foo, your just jealous my car is more shinny then yours
A nice black paint job = Smooth/Clean look.
J/k, you got a nice ride there!
Anyway, if I ever got another IROC besides black, id like a 350 in this color:
Something I really love about that color.
Oh stop foo, your just jealous my car is more shinny then yours
A nice black paint job = Smooth/Clean look.
J/k, you got a nice ride there!
Anyway, if I ever got another IROC besides black, id like a 350 in this color:
Something I really love about that color.
Isnt that Scotts car? Thats got a 350 in it, I love your car irocthe5.7 :hail: :hail: Hey IROC, get some pics of your car
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