Just how hard are the newer camaro/firebirds to work on?

FLEMING · 05-05-2010, 12:23 PM

I really like the newer camaro/firebirds (93-02) but they look like a nightmare to work on.. anyone on here give me an idea of how bad getting the trans in and out (and getting to the bellhousing bolts are to get to?)... What about getting to the plugs/and or putting the headers on..

I drove a friends 87 camaro stocker a few times and loved how it worked, the torque arm suspension seems to be the trick..

Tom keedle · 05-05-2010, 06:03 PM

a hoist would be handy for the plugs (on a V8) and you pull the alt for #2 plug...

if i 'member correctly, it's been a while since i tuned one....

1299 · 05-05-2010, 07:09 PM

set up as a stocker not bad, as a street car they suck

countrypuppy4865 · 05-05-2010, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1299

set up as a stocker not bad, as a street car they suck

Ditto!

With the excess stuff removed it's much easier to work on. Tranny is easy with the exception of one bolt. I can swap a tranny (auto) in about 30 minutes by myself. Motor swap takes about 1:30-2:00 by myself. Also some headers are worse than other for getting to the spark plugs.

LNorton · 05-06-2010, 01:41 AM

Our car isn't that bad to work on, but then again I am missing 2 cylinders!

I actually take out the bellhousing bolts from the top.

W J · 05-06-2010, 06:55 AM

Motors are really tucked back into the firewall......a challenge, but they still make a great racecar. The late model GTO's w/LS motors are a pleasure to work on compared to the 4th gen Camaros and Firebirds....WJ

Tom Goldman · 05-06-2010, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1299

set up as a stocker not bad, as a street car they suck

absolutly correct. ..Metric trans makes it easy [drill 2 holes in the firewall for the top bolts, with plugs] ....Spark plugs,just make a few special wrenches depending on the headers........Only real prob is filling the trans, but that can be handled with a little creativity. ....these cars are really plentiful,and the roller can be built fairly cheaply......As for the engine and trans ,be ready to open your wallet

Rich Biebel · 05-06-2010, 07:26 AM

My #5 spark plug was a real bear to get to.....'97 Firebird. Hedman headers. Had to make a special wrench and it was easier from below than on top. A couple bellhousing bolts are a struggle..........Installing the engine is not too bad but you need an extra long engine hoist and the engine lift plate known as the happy hooker works good I'm told. I did not have one and made something else.

Another really difficult area to work on is up under the dash with a full roll cage........for wiring and controls. Plan on seeing a chiropractor after doing any work there......LOL

I did all the work on mine at home on the floor. A lift would have been a big help..........

Alan Roehrich · 05-06-2010, 07:27 AM

As a street car, as much as I love it, my 98 Firebird 3800 V6 sucks to work on.

FLEMING · 05-06-2010, 08:03 AM

I have been thinking of selling my other car and fixing one.. I like the newer body style better than the old but man the 82-92 are a breeze to work on.. I know where a camaro is for FREE, its been hit in the right front but can be fixed.

05-05-2010, 12:23 PM	#1
FLEMING Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 261 Likes: 44 Liked 54 Times in 25 Posts	Just how hard are the newer camaro/firebirds to work on? I really like the newer camaro/firebirds (93-02) but they look like a nightmare to work on.. anyone on here give me an idea of how bad getting the trans in and out (and getting to the bellhousing bolts are to get to?)... What about getting to the plugs/and or putting the headers on.. I drove a friends 87 camaro stocker a few times and loved how it worked, the torque arm suspension seems to be the trick..

05-05-2010, 07:09 PM	#3
1299 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: howell,nj Posts: 124 Likes: 302 Liked 53 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Just how hard are the newer camaro/firebirds to work on? set up as a stocker not bad, as a street car they suck

05-06-2010, 06:55 AM	#6
W J Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Paxton, Massachusetts Posts: 638 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Just how hard are the newer camaro/firebirds to work on? Motors are really tucked back into the firewall......a challenge, but they still make a great racecar. The late model GTO's w/LS motors are a pleasure to work on compared to the 4th gen Camaros and Firebirds....WJ

05-06-2010, 07:26 AM	#8
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,314 Likes: 25 Liked 544 Times in 213 Posts	Re: Just how hard are the newer camaro/firebirds to work on? My #5 spark plug was a real bear to get to.....'97 Firebird. Hedman headers. Had to make a special wrench and it was easier from below than on top. A couple bellhousing bolts are a struggle..........Installing the engine is not too bad but you need an extra long engine hoist and the engine lift plate known as the happy hooker works good I'm told. I did not have one and made something else. Another really difficult area to work on is up under the dash with a full roll cage........for wiring and controls. Plan on seeing a chiropractor after doing any work there......LOL I did all the work on mine at home on the floor. A lift would have been a big help.......... __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Stock 147R

05-06-2010, 07:27 AM	#9
Alan Roehrich Veteran Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Murfreesboro TN Posts: 5,100 Likes: 1,551 Liked 1,778 Times in 404 Posts	Re: Just how hard are the newer camaro/firebirds to work on? As a street car, as much as I love it, my 98 Firebird 3800 V6 sucks to work on. __________________ Alan Roehrich 212A G/S

05-05-2010, 06:03 PM	#2
Tom keedle Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Berthoud, Coloraduh Posts: 695 Likes: 13 Liked 8 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Just how hard are the newer camaro/firebirds to work on? a hoist would be handy for the plugs (on a V8) and you pull the alt for #2 plug... if i 'member correctly, it's been a while since i tuned one....

05-06-2010, 01:41 AM	#5
LNorton Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: RacerTees.com Posts: 505 Likes: 0 Liked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Just how hard are the newer camaro/firebirds to work on? Our car isn't that bad to work on, but then again I am missing 2 cylinders! I actually take out the bellhousing bolts from the top. __________________ Lee Norton - N229 STK IHRA H/FIA - NHRA O/SA RacerTees.com

05-06-2010, 08:03 AM	#10
FLEMING Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 261 Likes: 44 Liked 54 Times in 25 Posts	Re: Just how hard are the newer camaro/firebirds to work on? I have been thinking of selling my other car and fixing one.. I like the newer body style better than the old but man the 82-92 are a breeze to work on.. I know where a camaro is for FREE, its been hit in the right front but can be fixed.