Sorry for the length, and if this is in the wrong forum section, but I could not for the life of me find an "Introduction" thread. Yes I did search. I am an old vet of car forums. In my experience, the search button does not work effectively, but I still try.

I just joined a few days ago, and I'm still finding my way around here (but I like what I see). About 22 years ago I owned an amazing 1983 Z28 with a transplanted crossfire injected 350. Getting the urge to have a new project, I was lucky enough to find a 1986 V8 Camaro that I think is a "Sport" model. It's definitely not a Z or Iroc (no ground effects), and no Berlinetta badges. It is a factory V8 carb/auto with an amazingly low 36K actual miles.
I acquired it from the second owner who took it over from her uncle. I'll attach a pic.
My question: Is there a "Sport" model of 86? Or is it a V8 Berlinetta? I thought all B's were V6. I won't pretend to be an expert just because I once owned one 20+ years ago. lol

 

The "official" name is "Sport Coupe". That's sort of, the lowest trim level; the base model if you will. Berlinetta, Z28. etc. are all option packages on top of the basic car. Much as Trans Am, Formula, etc. are option packages on Firebirds.

Many Berlinettas had 305s; probably in roughly similar ratio to the car line as a whole though that's just a guess, I don't have "numbers". AFAIK the only V8 they ever got was the LG4.

 

Ah. OK. Like I said, I'm a fan, but no expert. I'm still stoked I picked it up with so few miles. I'm looking up suspension stuff for it now.

 

Close, however you will not find any option "code" on the build sheet of any Berlinetta because the Berlinetta was not an option package. Unlike a Z28, LT or IROC that were built from the 'base' Sport Coupe Camaro platform,....... Berlinetta was it's own beast and got it's own VIN designation ('S') to identify it from all other ThirdGen generation cars.


P.S. Pretty cool Sports Coupe !!

 

Thanks! Heading out to get my plate, and trying to configure the suspension I want before I place an order with Summit/Jegs/ wherever.

 

To be honest, if you want to "configure" your suspension.... You can do pretty well by finding a Formula or GTA (NOT TRANS AM, Z28 or IROC) (any 87-92) would do, and get the sway bars, the springs, and install those pieces on the car. Also get a wonderbar from an IROC (lon at Top Down Solutions has them too for reasonable)

For the sway bars, You have to get the clamps and rubber bushings as these are not available aftermarket last time I checked)

Replace the shocks and struts with the factory replacement ones from a GTA...

Get some 16" IROC rims or black GTA cross laced spoke rims and it would really give it a good look, without going over the top.

This will give you a good ride and it will still handle...

 

I simply HAD to order some shocks. I went with the KYB GR2 before I read your post. We will see how they do. I'll look for Formula or GTA springs and sway bars, complete with clamps and bushings. It's funny you mention the GTA cross laced rims. I had a set on my 83 Z28 BITD. By far it's my favorite stock GM wheel. I'm in TN, and we have slim pickings for them down here but I searched CL near a friend of mine, and found 2 complete sets. He'd buy and ship them to me for sure.
Side note non suspension related:, I had to replace my tail lights, and busted EVERY SINGLE "speed nut". All 10 of them. They just crumbled to dust in my fingers! at $4 and change each, I was not getting them from the dealership. I found nylon wing nuts that will work even better for 65 cents each.

Edit: Configure… meaning to set up a system for a specific purpose. Not sure why you put it in quotes. Whatever.

 

No reason, When you mentioned that you were going to upgrade your suspension, I figured you were going to configure it to your liking. I might have been reading another thread and got them confused to someone wanting to configure something... not sure why I put it in quotes either.

John

 

No worries.
I seriously need to thank you for pointing me towards Top Down Solutions. They have front and rear sway bars that match the GTA specs with bushings and brackets, and with their Wonderbar and SFCs (which I read mount better than some others), I can get most everything in one shot, and the prices are not outrageous.

If I can't find GTA springs, I'll look into aftermarket. Thanks for the help so far!

Edit: This convo should be happening in the suspension section. My bad.

 

Moog makes/sells replacement GTA springs for a descent price. I think you can find them almost anywhere.

Here is some info on what Moog springs you might want to consider:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...placement.html

Top Down Solutions is a great company and they are the only (that I am aware of) place that sells the 36mm poly sway bar bushing.

 

I read that thread, and if I am not mistaken, the Moog GTA replacement springs are part number 5662 for the front. The only rear Moog springs I could find (on Jegs website) was Moog CC635.

Is this right?

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mog-5662

Summit Racing sells them under that part number.

 

Yep. And I read on that thread link^ that the rear's are the Moog CC635. I think it would be an inexpensive and safe bet to order those since I have to change the shocks anyway.