I have a 95 Z with some modifications and it is my daily driver. I want to get another Camaro to really mess around with---some customizing, motor, etc. as a hobby car. I cannot afford a 1st gen; can't find any 70-74s (2nd gen)that I would want (yet). Problem is, I live in CA where CARB rules. Good thing is, there are a lot of 3rd gen Camaros available. So, some advice--is the 3rd gen a good compromise? Can I do some interesting engine mods without running afoul of smog testing? If so, what year do you recommend (surely a question asked many times before, but this is my first post to this particular message board).

thanks in advance

Bruce

 

yea its a great compromise...you can do a whole lot with these cars. find one w/ a 350 though...305's are a waste of $ but then again w/ a 350 all you can get is an auto..or does that matter? if youre gonna totally do the car up id say get an 88-92 RS or Z28. what are your plans for the car?

 

If you really want the best 3rd Gen get an Iroc-Z with the 5.7L HO 350. If you got the $$$ for one (boy wish i did)

 

if you do decide to go with a third gen im in cali and selling one really cheap its a 89 rs 305 tbi lemme know.

also have a 305 tpi engine if you'd want that engine to throw in it instead. a few people tend to like the tpi set up better.

 

i'd say deffinetly get an IROC

 

A third gen is NOT I repeat NOT a good comprimise. iT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO. I am kinda partial to those cars if you could'nt tell. I would recommend a 91 / 92 Z or a RS. I am also partial to the newer Ground fX. And also the 305 is'nt that bad.People rag on it pretty bad but they tend to get quiet when some of the 350 cars get smoked by them. If ya did'nt notice I am also partial to the lowley 305.The red headed step child of the small block family.

James

 

why not try to find a 1LE?
yeah the 305 is a good little motor it will not die on you if you take care of it mine has lasted over 300,000 miles with small maintance to the engine like seals and such

 

I don't really think that's much of a consideration when talking about a project car. Considering how inexpensively you can find a 350 block for, I would buy whatever thirdgen was in the best overall shape, regardless of whether it was a 305 or 350. Decide ahead of time if you want carb or mpfi. If you want mpfi, buy a TPI car so that you'll already have the fuel pump, fuel lines, computer & harness, etc. Then you can either keep the TPI, or upgrade to something else. If you want a carb car, save yourself the hassles and buy an LG4 or L69 car.

If you buy a TBI car, you're going to be ripping it out no matter which induction route you choose.

 

Third gens are great starting place. They are not that difficult to work on and they have great potential. A 1le would be great but due to their rarity, thay are expensive and youmight not want to do a bunch of mods to a car that originally had production #'s of less that 1000.
Parts are easy to come by for the 3rd gen. They weren't that great of car from the factory, but what can be done with them now is endless.
Just .02 worth