Alright, so i've decided i'm going to buy a third gen camaro for my next car but i'd like to know what year and engine/transmission configuration is the best bang for the buck and which is easiest to find aftermarket parts for ... so basically what was the best third gen made?

I'd prefer a manual (which from what i can tell, unfortunately limits me to a 305 ) but if the 350s are the way to go i'm open to that too.

I know alot of it is personal preference but just figured i'd get some opinions before i drop the cash.

Thanks!!

 

every one's opinion is differant. when i started looking for my camaro i knew exactly what i wanted a 91 or 92 camaro (better looking hood and ground effects)tuned port with a five speed.

so if i was to tell any one thats what i would tell them make sure its a tpi unless u want to throw a big block in it. then get a v6 model there cheap. the t5 5 speeds don't hold much power if i was to redue it i would get a auto. other then that power windows and door locks or non power what ever u want. i ended up lucky the kid i bought it from didn't know that it was a police intercepter. so i ended up with a 1992 camaro b4c tpi 305 5 speed four wheel disk brake's 1le manual windows and door locks

 

I have an 89 but my baby is my 84Z.
It has the 305 5.0 and is just enough to be fun without getting me into trouble (I scan get a ticket in the wif'e minivan LOL)

I love the 84 because of the hood, ground eff, and headlights look to it.
I also love it because it is old enough to be in car shows etc. and at 25 yrs old it is considered a "classic." Yet it is still as cool to look at as a 92. Plus you can get a really nice one for not a ton of money.

 

Its all person preference really. If you ask me you cant really go too wrong with anything that is a z28 or better.

82-84 z28s pros- L69 305 carb/5 speed-190 horse. Fun cars and nice early third gen style
85-87 z28s cheaper than an iroc most of the time and have the same engine options
85-90 irocs-great wheel/tire combos from the factory. tuned port motors in most
91-92 z28s- cool gfx and wing. Last years of the third gen

Basically if your going factory get something with a l69 or tuned port 305/350. I personally would not go after the lg4 or L03 motors since they were low on horsepower but if you find a good enough deal on one of those cars dont rule them out.

As long as you have a solid foundation to work with you can make any 82-92 camaro fast and handle well. It all depends on how deep your pockets are.