Hey guys, i'm new here, i currently own a 91 dodge dakota lonb box, well i've been looking into getting a third gen camaro to fix up with my dad this summer before leaving for college. I have found a couple from the bone yard for dirt cheap, i just want some insight into what i'm getting into. I'm getting a 5.0 v8 definitely but i heard the stock hp was like 170? or something around there. I want this car to be fast but still drivable. I'm planning on doing an engine clean first, headers and exhaust with no cat (i live in alabama so no restriction here and if the car is over 25 years old its exepmt in most states) cold air intake for sure with a less restrictive mani, new spark plugs and wires, performance pcm, bigger throttle body, and i might upgrade the fuel system as well. so suggestions for all these parts would be so helpful !

For the cosmetic damage i'm pretty sure i'll be good i know how to paint and weld. but if the bumpers are messed up, do you know of any good looking body kits for a third gen? or am i just out of luck and i'd have to go to the local junker and snag some?
thanks, here is my truck if you are interested.

 

Before you go picking through a bone yard, surf someplace like Craigslist. You can pick up some good deals there. I have bought 2 Camaros off of Craigslist and had great success with both. Depending on your budget, you can probably score an IROC fairly reasonable even.

 

 

alright, so now lets get to the actual engine build difficulties, pros cons, whatever. basically i'll be sinking in my pay checks into this car, i really want it to be good for my dad, he had an old t-top trans am and this will be pretty close to it. so how many horses do you think these v8's can make with just bolt on mods like intake mani, throttle bods, headers exhaust etc. i dont really wanna race it but if the chance ever presents itself, i'm going to take it. thanks for your help guys

 

The horse power out of the chevy S.B. are almost limitless depending on how deep your pockets are.

 

headers,free-flowing exhaust,mild cam upgrade,and a
carb rejet really woke up the original 305 LG4 in my
'82 z,was very pleased with the result Base LG4s and
LO3s have such mild stock tune they are very easy to
add a good 30-40 HP or more with just bolt ons

 

welcome to 3rd gen Jayy! take your time and shop around carefully. theres many people on here to help you.

 

well, H.P. will be pretty decent if you build it right. Had an 82 z28 with a 305 4bbl and it was anemic until we did the following; Pulled the stock Q-jet and intake, distributor and heads. Replaced those with a set of 1.94 valve double humps, a Holley Street Dominator intake, and Holley Street Avenger carb. and installed a non computer controlled HEI. Set the timing at 15 degrees advanced and after fine tuning it, the thing ran like a scalded dog and would hold it's own pretty good. Don't know what the H.P. was, but it was into the 200's easy. Ended up selling it before upgrading to headers and an aftermarket ignition. Of course, you might score a car with many similar mods on it already and you can build from there.

 

Thanks guys, i'll take all of this into consideration when i'm looking around this summer. i know this is the engine forum but can you guys help me determine what suspension upgrades i'll need? i'll do the obvious like tie rods and ball joints. but are yall running coil overs and sways? drop springs? shocks, whatever, again thanks guys

 

If it was my car I would be sure to start with sub frame connectors, strut tower brace and a steering box brace [wonder bar].

 

I concur with Edwardgp, but good brakes are a must! Make sure those are in A1 shape first or all your mods will be wrapped around a tree somewhere....

 

I always forget to mention the brakes, don't use mine very often.

 

brakes are a must, think i can just swap rotors with a newer model maro, like a gen4? and do the firebird t/a parts and maro parts swap over since they are the same body (f-body) i wouldnt mind having a maro with t/a bumpers and all that. just a thought though