What Camaro body style to build?
 

What camaro is better to build as a stocker? 77-80 camaro or 82-92. I have nothing yet so wanting to know what one would be best if starting out fresh. Oldest kid coming out of juniors. I sold my 90 camaro super stock few years back to get both girls in juniors. Is there a disadvantage of having a say 77-80 camaro for a super stock or stocker due to nose heavy etc. i know this is not most popular year. My first car i bought myself was an 80 camaro but like i said the ss was a 90. Thanks

Re: What Camaro body style to build?
 

there are massive amounts of mid 80's stockers out there, which is a good thing as companies like S & W racecars have many bolt on and weld in items for these cars (as well as other companies of course)

Re: What Camaro body style to build?
 

X2 My choice..

Re: What Camaro body style to build?
 

Hammond Racing,

one thing to consider, what performance [et] will you be happy with?

For NHRA legal stockers the only reasonable combination for the 3rd generation [1982 - 1992] is the 305 four barrel setup. So find what et those cars run and is that acceptable to you.
The 350 Tuned Port is not a good choice, just a weak package because of the small throttle body and small, long runners.

Both first generation [1967 - 1969] and second generation [1970 - 1981] have a large choice of power plants and can be very fast with several different combinations. In addition, parts are easy, the combo is worked out, it can use Calvert suspension :) and factory 12 bolt rear etc.

The 4th Gen is valid if you are ready for a fuel injection combo.

And a note about 3rd gen & 4th gen rear suspension. It requires and aftermarket rear housing and more rear suspension parts then a 1st or 2nd combo.
On the other hand, 4th gen bodies are cheap & plentiful where as a good core for a 2nd gen is becoming more and more expensive.

All food for thought.

Personally [just me because I am old and do not want the fuel injection learning curve] I would try to find a clean 2nd gen body then research the engine combos and performance that would make me happy.

Re: What Camaro body style to build?
 

Larry, one of those weak 350 combos holds the record in I/SA and J/SA

Re: What Camaro body style to build?
 

You are much better off with a Gen III (82-92) style. Since they are both F-bodies, the Gen II and Gen III cars are factored together, but the suspension on a later car is far more advanced, and the cars are more aerodynamic. We own an '81 Camaro with a 305 and we're constantly battling to get some HP back that we lost due to Gen III cars.

Re: What Camaro body style to build?
 

Thanks guys for all the input. I loved the way my 90 camaro looked even though i sold it before it was completed. Dam sure i'am going to hang onto to the next one.

Re: What Camaro body style to build?
 

There are good combinations in both the gen 2 and 3 Camaros, however probably the best one is the 90-91 350 fuel injected motor.

Re: What Camaro body style to build?
 

My bad about the Tuned Port 350 combination, I was going of old info! {Go figger:) The last I heard the Tuned Port intake system was too restrictive for hight RPM performance. It is good that someone has that worked out.

I especially like the 1990 Firebird body, I am building a fast bracket car with one that will be ready for next season.

Re: What Camaro body style to build?
 

It's been awhile but we bought a good 3rd gen camaro, we have it stripped out and ready to go to chassis shop and i ordered new strange 12 bolt rearend this past monday.