After wrecking the Firebird, i am in the search for a rolling chassis for the engine and transmission. I am trying REALLY hard to find a Speed Density Camaro so it will just be a simple swap. I am having no luck finding one. There are a couple MAF equipped rolling chassis that I am looking at, but i know it is a PITA to convert the MAF to SD.
I know a guy around town that is looking to get rid of his 72 LeMans. IT already has a TH350 transmission in it and a 8.5 ( I think ) reaar end. I accidently ordered 373's for a 8.5 rear end. IF I go to the LeMans, I will be switching to carb and ditching the Holley Stealth Ram. I was looking at a 750 Holley Carb if i went that route. So factor in the PITA factor for that and dropping my engine in there.

 

alright guys, keep em comin'

 

I had a 1970 Lemans... I wish I had never gotten rid of it. But I would stick to thirdgen's though... They are lighter, handle better, better brakes, and I think they look slick.

 

Staying with thirdgens...

 

What made your decision? Good choice if you ask me. These cars are going up in value... besides, if you try and slide around a turn and smash a curb, you can get all the parts for cheap at the JY. If you do that in a Lemans or older muscle car, it is going to cost a pretty penny.

 

that was it...i mean it wouldve been cool as hell to have a 385 HSR Lemans but yeah.....more of a PITA than what its worth

 

i was out of my camaro for a year in a new truck, it was nice just not right. so i sold the truck and bought another thirdgen, so thats my vote. stick with the thirdgen.

 

Well i wont weigh in on what i think is cooler or whatever because thats really a matter of preference. However there are a few things to consider. A 1972 lemans although not the most valuable classic car is still a classic car where as the 3rd gens have a ways to go on that one so the lemans will likely always have a higher value condition being equal due to its age. Emissions legality is also in the side of the 72 lemans. Because its so old theres virtually nothing you cant to do it legally. Although you may not think of this is a big issue now because where u are dosnt really take emissions seriously or have them at all it sounds like you intend to keep this car along time and who knows where youll end up. I saw a beautiful 85 trans am (near mint showroom condition) donated to a local high school because it was modified in his home town where emissions were not done and moved to CT where he could not register it because it would not pass emissions as all emissions components were removed and swapped to carbed. The drive line is also tougher as is stock vs stock. Now for the 3rd gen the design is a bit different. It was designed as a sports car the lemans wasn't. The third gen is lighter, more aero dynamic, better handling, and was already equipt with a chevy v8 making the swap easier. In the end i think its really a matter of what you like better as in either case the car will be a money pit and anything can be changed. Just some things to consider.