I have decided that I want to buy a 3rd gen camaro (Z28 hopefully). Are there any things I should look for or lookout for with certain years? I have a 350 4bolt that I'm currently building to drop into one. Any years that you guys think are better than others. Thanks

Mike

 

Its all about preference really. I would personally suggest either a 1991 or 1992 b/c of the new ground effects and hood blisters(and lets not forget the 1992 is the 25th anniversary). And when you think about it you have a better chance at finding a really clean 1991 or 1992 than you do finding a nice clean mid-80's Iroc.

You also have a chance at picking something up that has 3.42 gears(pretty good for stock)

The 91 and 92 has the new dash and guage cluster(looking somewhat like a 4th gen)


Either way you go, you cant screw up with buyin a third gen


Good Luck shopping for one,
Tim89Rs


P.S- Post some pics when you pick one up.

 

So are they pretty much the same as far as ride, suspension, etc goes? And I assume that they are all capable of having a 350 dropped in without much trouble? Can the drive train handle the added power of a 350 without much work (like axles, tranny and such) if the car came stock with a V8?

 

Just make sure it`s a V8 car it`ll make your life alot easyer. The 3rd gen drivtrains are not known for there strenth. avoid the T-5 you`ll turn that tranny into dust with any 350 lol. unless you want to do a T-56 swap then get a T-5 Z28.

 

So tell me what is this M6 I see mentioned? Is it a 6 speed tranny for the Camaro? Also, what year did they put 350s in these cars? Sorry for all the questions but I'm trying to learn all I can before I buy. Thanks guys.

 

One more thing... anyone know of a site where I can find out the difference between IROC, Z28, etc? I'd like to know what the different options are. Again, thanks.

 

look at thirdgen.org. everything you need is there. Also tons of pictures of readers rides.

I prefer the mid/late 80's. Cleaner lines, and not so much body cladding as the 90's. Get a T-roof car if you like the sun and cruising in the summer, but be prepared to install some subframe connectors, as the chassis is more flexible.

 

Good decision. Get a 5 speed, much more fun to drive

 

unless u live near the city w/ alot of traffic...than all u wanna do is cuss it.

the IROC Camaro's had a quick ratio steering box,different suspension and i think better swap bars (not 100% sure on that 1 tho). they handle AWESOME.

the M6 mentioned is the 6 speed that comes in the 4th gen Camaro's and Firebirds.

they started putting 350's in Camaro's in 87,85 and 86 u could only get a 305.

 

the T-56 came in the 93-97 Z28 and SS behind the LT1 there almost a direct bolt in. I`m putting a T-56 behide my 383. The T-56 is ALOT better then the T-5. Also I like the 85 Z28 the best since they don`t have the 3rd brake light and the nose looks better then the 82-84 Camaro`s

 

Wow, thanks much for the replies guys. I think I'm narrowing things down now. I don’t live in a very big city (not far from the twin cities though) so I'd like to get a 5 speed and I definitely want get a car that can handle a 350. Sounds like an '87 and up IROC would fit the bill pretty good.
Mike

 

don't forget about the option to have 4wheel disc brakes...GU2 option if i remember correctly...which also includes a better rear gear...

i personally love the look of the 87-89 IROCs...clean lines, comfy interior, good drive train (for what it was), and nice rims

 

If you are out looking for a car, Get your hands on a Camaro White book, (make sure its the -2002 book) they have 90% of your option codes listed. plus can help you break down the vins.

From 1987-89The Iroc-z & the 90-92 the Z28 had the 350s.
The 8th Digit in the Vin number is an 8 . for the 350. Always check that out. some people think that hey its a v8 its got to be a 350 of course they dont know what they have & normally its a 305 car.

 

Look very seriously into WHAT YOU WANT. Look at the options, do a LOT of research. See whats available and what'd important to you.

Nothing worse when you plunk the cash down for a car, thinking its the greatest with all the options you want, only to realize that other options you WOULD HAVE wanted aren't on the one you bought.

For me, I knew I wanted an 85-92 Tuned Port Z28 or IROC-Z. I knew I wanted all power options including windows, locks, mirrors, hatch motor, and the like. I also knew I wanted T-Tops and rear disc brakes. In modding your car, you can add a lot of things like rear disc and power options but if you really price them out (and the hassle), you're probably better off buying something that met your criteria to start.

I want ULTIMATELY a larger motor and T56, but my car met all of my other options and I knew I'd want to build a new motor and wanted a T56 anyway (5 speeds were the only manual with TPI).

All in all, DO SOME RESEARCH and you won't regret the car you wind up with.

Any questions, just ask.