3rd gen vs 4th gen
03-24-2009, 06:40 AM
#5
Not quite...The 3rd gen cars used a strut/lower a-arm set up in the front, whereas the 4th gen cars used an unequal length a-arm/tall spindle, set up. In the rear, both 3rd and 4th gen cars used the same set up, except the width of the rear axles are different, due to the different offset wheels that were used, because of the front end differences.
The early 3rd gen cars used 15" wheels, with 235/60/15s as the largest offered, while the later years went to 245/50/16s on mixed offset 16" wheels. The 4th gens came with 235/55/16s on the base cars, with 245/50/16s optional, and later 275/40/17s
03-24-2009, 09:00 AM
#6
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If you do all the same modifications to the 3rd gen that you would a 4th gen, the third gen, simply because it would still be lighter. But stock for stock definitely the 4th gens.
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03-25-2009, 09:13 AM
#10
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A stock IROC/WS6 is only slightly behind a 4th gen in terms of handling (16" vs. 17"). But you put the same 17" big tires on a third gen and they handle better. If the cars are modified on equal rubber, the fourth gen is at a distinct disadvantage due to weight and higher center of gravity.
03-25-2009, 09:22 AM
#11
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This is correct! I own an 88 IROC-Z and Totaled my 99 TA 
The 3rd Gen is more work to drive as a daily but handles much better than the Trans Am ever did.. She felt flighty at above 100 and that is after extensive mods and lowering of the suspension.
The 3rd Gen always felt grounded. Granted you could feel feedback through the car in all four corners from all four tires.
I watched SCCA GT Class racing and there were 3 3rd Gens spankin the **** out of the Porsche's, Rx7's and BMW's. I thought it was interesting.
But these are race setups. I am sure with full coil over kits on both cars they would respond about the same. I just think the 3rd Gen give much better feedback of the road and provides better reaction/anticipation if you road race her.
The 3rd Gen is more work to drive as a daily but handles much better than the Trans Am ever did.. She felt flighty at above 100 and that is after extensive mods and lowering of the suspension.
The 3rd Gen always felt grounded. Granted you could feel feedback through the car in all four corners from all four tires.
I watched SCCA GT Class racing and there were 3 3rd Gens spankin the **** out of the Porsche's, Rx7's and BMW's. I thought it was interesting.
But these are race setups. I am sure with full coil over kits on both cars they would respond about the same. I just think the 3rd Gen give much better feedback of the road and provides better reaction/anticipation if you road race her.
03-25-2009, 12:22 PM
#12
A stock IROC/WS6 is only slightly behind a 4th gen in terms of handling (16" vs. 17"). But you put the same 17" big tires on a third gen and they handle better. If the cars are modified on equal rubber, the fourth gen is at a distinct disadvantage due to weight and higher center of gravity.
03-26-2009, 03:04 PM
#13
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03-27-2009, 09:43 PM
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Are you two serious? The wonder bar isn't a performance piece, it's simple a bandaid to prevent the frame around the steering box from cracking.
As far as the original question, I don't know that I'd say one handles better than another. I think it's more that they just handle differently due to the different front suspension types.
As far as the original question, I don't know that I'd say one handles better than another. I think it's more that they just handle differently due to the different front suspension types.
03-27-2009, 09:47 PM
#18
Are you two serious? The wonder bar isn't a performance piece, it's simple a bandaid to prevent the frame around the steering box from cracking.
As far as the original question, I don't know that I'd say one handles better than another. I think it's more that they just handle differently due to the different front suspension types.
As far as the original question, I don't know that I'd say one handles better than another. I think it's more that they just handle differently due to the different front suspension types.
03-28-2009, 12:04 AM
#19
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I had an 89 Iroc and a 91 Z. The 89 had subframe connectors, bilsteins, and eibach Pro-kit springs. I have similar mods on my TA and the same tires, gsd3's. The 3rd gen had much more steering "feel". Plus visibilty was a lot better making me feel more comfortable pushing the car. Adding subframe connectors on my 3rd gen made a huge difference; it completly stopped the car (with t-tops) from flexing in a hard turn.
03-28-2009, 07:46 AM
#20
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I've only owned a 3rd gen, but have driven quite a few 4th gens. My 3rd gen with suspension mods feels awesome. The car is so tight. I couldnt believe the difference with the subframe connectors. My buddies 4th gen with sub-frames, lowersprings, tunnel mount torque-arm, and larger sway bars rides like crap.