Hey everyone, I'm about to get my hands on a 1980 Camaro and I was wondering if I could swap a front end with a 1970-1973 Camaro. I like the front of those years and the rear of the late 70's (I dig the early rear ends as well, but I figure that would be too much work to convert the rear end). I guess I'm just used to my fourth gen being able to swap up the the LS1 style and I was just wondering if I could swap down on this second gen. Any comments are appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

Anything is possible. But I dont think this is feasable. In 74 they under went a drastic change. I know the subframes are different and so is most all of the car. One thing I have been looking at though is removing the centre bar between the grilles on my 80 to give it that RS split bumper look. Havent decided yet though.
Good Luck.
CoryM

 

I'm not sure what Corym is talking about regarding the sub frame changes, but I do know that it sure looks possible. If I had the front clip of a 70-73 Id swap it into my 79 in a heartbeat and fabricate any brackets that might be necessary. I've been under enough of these 2nd gens and have had mine apart enough to know that they are easy to work with. (and I haven't seen any significant subframe changes).

 

Talking fom experience, It's not only possible, it's an easy swap. The only difference in the subframes are the rear mounting holes to the underbody of the car. You don't need to swap subframes. The only thing you may have to do is drill a couple of holes in the core support, everything else will bolt right up.

 

a kid i graduated with did that swap .. if i am thinking of what you are talking about...

he had an early 80's camaro ... and found a 70 model camaro in wrecking yard ... he installed the entire front clip onto his camaro .. (had to do the doors as well for it to line up with fenders) ... and then repainted the entire car .. looked good i guess ... i don't care for the 80's rear end to much