Favorite sub gen 3rd Gen Camaro/Z28
As we all know, the 3rd Gen Camaro line it can easily be broken down into sub generations, Although similar from 1982 thru 1992, there are obvious differences as the cars came of age.

For example, The Camaro can easily be broken down this way by its cosmetics:
Gen 3.0 - 1982 thru 1984
Gen 3.1 - 1985 thru 1990
Gen 3.2 - 1991 & 1992

I am attempting to figure out what is the favorite sub generation within the 3rd Generation model years by us owners. I am looking at STYLING ONLY, and am not interested in performance specifications, if you can seperate that from wether you like a car or not that would help.

Obviously everyone will have a different perspective, and reasons to why they prefer one over the other, I am really not interested in a discussion, and actually I would prefer to keep your opinions to yourself if there not kind words... If it gets out of control, then I will delete the thread and the information useless.

See this link for the Firebird discussion:
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...22#post2722122

 

I would have to say 91-92 Z28. And to go furthur the 92 Heritage Black with Red stripes. The rear spoiler and the power hood domes make it a very aggressive look. Not that I'm biased or anything.

 

You got me on this one. Most probably wouldn't understand my thinking, but here goes.....

1st choice is 85-90 for IROC-Z
1st choice is 82-84 for Z28
1st choice is 91-92 for RS

If I was to buy another Camaro, it would need to be one of the above categories. I don't really care for the high rise spoiler on the 91-92, so the RS gets my vote. The Z28 is the ruler in 82-84. The 85-87 Z28 looks good, but the 82-84 takes the cake. Enough said on the monochramatic color scheme of the IROC-Z!

Is everyone confused yet?

 

The '91-'92 Z28 is my favorite bar none even though I own two IROC's.

 

I voted for the 85-90 sub model. As requested I will withold my opinion as to why.

 

its difficult to choose between 85-90 and 91-92

because the 91-92 improved ground effects and a
cool spoiler,
but 85-90 had the cool painted black headlight pockets
and the hot iroc decals and stripes and rims
but i voted for 85-90

 

Scott, thats just it, I am interested in the cosmetics of the car...

I know for me there is not as big of a gap for like/dislike of the different changes in the camaro like there is for me on the firebird... I think Chevrolet got a little more attention than Pontiac.

Although I like all 3rd gens.

John

 

The Camaro line didn't really change as much as the Firebird line, cosmetically. I wouldn't expect as much preference for one year range over another, because they're just not nearly as different, as the various year series of Birds are.

That said, I prefer the early cars. They just look more functional and business-like. No useless hunks of plastic all dripping off of every available surface that one can be hung from. They look cleaner and lighter and more like yerbasic straight-ahead American hot rod. IMO the ground effects and various other "features" of the later cars are too big, and sort of dwarf the car itself. A little like taking a Civic (little bland round featurelss jellybean commuter econobox) and putting a front fascia on it that looks like a pagoda or something, although not quite as extreme. Even after all these years I still haven't got used to the lack of proportion of the 85-up trim, they look bulky and shovel-nosed to me.

 

85-90, more specifically 85-87 Iroc

 

I think all of them are awesome. But somthing about those 91-92 Z/28s that are just plain awesome!

 

definatley 85-90, they got far more refined in 85, with foglights, nicer ground effects, tail lights, and improved interiors. 91-92 are nice and all, but they really don't to as much for me.

 

Scott,
you should post a few pics of the catagories that you are asking about (just like you did for the Firebirds)
My vote goes to the '91-92 's
'92 anniversary car with NO t-tops
and then any '91-92 with No-tops - I can't stand the look of t-top cars - In my opinion the t-roofs break up the lines of the car - big blacked out sections (due to the glass). (I hope this still falls within the relm of cosmetics Scott)
The power buldge hood and the high-rise spoiler and the new body kit made the car very aggressive looking - the cars started to look more and more like track cars, almost IMSA'ish

 

I dont have a good amount of Camaro pics, but if someone wants to post a pic from each subgen, that might help...

John

 

I put the smack down for 91-92 lol

Something about a red heritage convertible TPI 5 spd car from wayyyyy back in the day.

been lusting ever since.

I like Camaros, I just like my birdies better cause they fly :-)

later
Jeremy

 

My choices are the exact same.

 

me too, although I'm also very fond of the 88-90 style IROC. My 2nd favorite is the 82-84 Z28.

 

82-84



85-90



91-92

 

I like the style of all the different sub-gens but particularly 91-92. Reason being is I like how when they are done right at least in my opinion the style fit's right in with that of the C5, C6 and many of the newer cars of today.

In general though the thirdgen Camaro is an awesome design. Simple and smooth, yet elegant and breathtaking..

 

I like all thirdgens, but my top two are the IROC-Z's and 91-92 Z28's. But overall IROC-Z's get my vote because (in my opinion):

Louvers > Blisters (Gives the car more contrast)
IROC spoiler > 91-92 spoiler (91-92 is too big for my taste)
IROC rims > 91-92 rims (91-92 rims are too flat)
IROC speedo and tac > 91-92 speedo and tac (IROC one just looks better)
IROC Gfx's > 91-92 Gfx's (IROC Gfx's give smoother lines)

And that IROC-Z sticker on the door! I LOVE how it looks. Not to mention the IROC-Z name. You say you have an IROC-Z; everyone instantly knows what car you speak of. You can't just tell someone you drive a Z28 or SS without saying the year.

I hope I was not too harsh. I really like 91-92's, but I just went into detail. Just my opinion anyways.

 

Theres different things I like about each "sub generation"... my '83 Z28 is not really flashy and doesn't stand out. Its a sleeper. I have a real soft spot for sleeper muscle cars, aside from the fact that you get into less trouble

The '85-90 Z28/IROC-Z looked pretty good, a little more aggressive than the '82-84 Z28. The only thing that really sticks out to me are the '85-87 IROC-Z 16" wheels. They are absolutely beautiful.. best wheels the any 3rdgen got, Camaro or Firebird.

I voted for the '91-92 Z28 though. Aestetically, they are the best cars IMO. For the most part, they didn't get lame colors like the earlier ones did (I don't want to insult anyone so I won't name any colors lol) and they looked much more aggressive.

Maybe its just me, but the '91-92s look like they ride a bit lower (GFX hang lower?) and the bulging hood looks great! My favorite part is the high-rise spoiler though. IMO, it looks much better and alot more aggressive than the little ducktail spoiler the earlier cars got.

 

first comes the 87 iroc, black or marroon, blk int, t's, greatest stock wheels ever...145 speedo 350 loaded, etc.

then the 84HO z, w/ 5spd black w/ silver gfx, houndstooth looking interior, dunno exact name.

...always loved my dads 87 sport coupe, that car was beautiful. the paint was 4 miles deep, it was so sharp. marroon gorgeous car.

 

Go 85-90! I love the IROC's. They are just so 80's to me

 

1. 88-90 iroc's
2. 85-87 iroc's
3. 91-92 z28

 

I like them all but like the 85-87 IROC-Z's the most. I agree with most of IROCThe5.7L's post.

 

Understand and agree completely, you nailed it!

 

1. 85-90 Irocs
2. 91-92 Camaros Z28s
3. 82-84 Camaros Z28s

With the right color combination an Iroc is too nice not to be at the top of the list

 

For me its:

1. 88 - 90 Iroc
2. 91 - 92 Z28
3. 85 - 87 IROC

A dozen years ago, I preferred the 91 - 92 look enough to convert my 86 to look like one. Today, I prefer the 88 - 90 look. My ideal car would be a white 89 T-top 5.7 with yellow / silver stripes and a gray interior. In a couple of years, I plan on searching for one.

 

1. 1982-86 berlys though i do drive one :P
2. 1990-1992 Z28's
3. the rest- though i cant stand the looks of the firebirds.