Has anyone ever converted the 3rd gen front end to a 4th gen front end setup. I want to switch to a 4th gen front end. Shocks instead of struts up front and have the lower AND upper a-arms. Is this feasable? Costly?

 

I actually was wondering the same thing, but after talking to some people I realized it probably wouldn't be that benifitial. I am curious what you intend to use the car for, and then maybe I can give you a more complete answer.

 

Going to be a daily driver, and maybe once in a while take it to the track.

 

i've thought about it alot myself

i can tell u a few things i have concluded

the 3rd and 4th gen camaros have the same exact wheel base
and the 4th gen k-member bolts up the same exact way
3 bolts on either side (the oem 3rd gen k-member uses 4 because of a funny bracket but i've concluded that the bracket is not needed)

obviously u need to buy a rack, spindles and brakes (go with ls1 of course)
after u buy your k-member and arms, u would have to run new brake lines

i'm not sure how the steering shaft would connect
and i'm not sure as to how the shocks and springs mount, if u have to cut and weld mounts into the inner fender i wouldnt do it

i dont think it would be hard to get gen 1 motor mounts on a 4th gen k-member

and i dont know if it would be best to stick with a 3rd gen or a 4th gen front sway bar

other than that i dont see any reason why not (besides cost)

 

Well first off I do not think you should convert the front end, here is why. From the factory, a 3rd gen Trans Am or Iroc Z is a better handling car than a stock 4th gen F-body. If you are mostly concered with making it a daily driver than some Bilstien or Koni (I just ordered Koni SA for my '90 IROC) will make the car handle and ride much better. I dont know how much power you motor is making, but if you want something that will leave the line harder you could simply put some lakewood 70/30 drag struts up front. My friend has these in his '88 5.O and the car is not sloppy at all, it rides fine, and is his daily driver. On paracing.com they have an adjustable drag strut made by Santhuf, check that out. Anyways the point is you can get a lot out of a third gen front end, since your not building a full, all out road racer you do not need a doulble A-arm coil-over set up. Some good dampers and a few choice parts will make a third gen handle and ride awsome.