Silver2000WS-6

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys me and my dad are looking to build a drag car and I have some questions. We have a sbc with about 500hp and is set up for about a 300 shot but that is all we have so right now we are looking for a rolling chasis. But over the last couple of weeks a few of his buddies have tried selling us some cars. One was a 87 Monte Carlo SS and the other was like a 87 Z28 they are both stock cars with mechanical issues so they are cheap. Any how we are going to try and find a rolling chasis but should I even consider the other two? Are the bodies of either two easly transformed into a race car? I just don't want to start a project and then later down the road be like man I wish I would have choosen another car. I know the question is vague I am just looking for some advice on what not to buy. Thanks for any input.
,Chase

brandoz28

iTrader: (3)

either chassis is a very good start, the monte will have a little more room to work on it, and it has a real frame. I like the camaro because i own 2 of them but i've always loved the g bodies, might be buying a cutlass for a new dd. either chassis can be made to handle the power

DanZ28

iTrader: (5)

I'd go with something where there is an abundant amount of chassis and suspension parts readily available for it. Also, the less weight the better and the more aerodynamic the better .

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Id like for an already done roller, or even a 4th gen v6 car thats needs mechanical work.

I guess at this point, what do you want the car to look like.

Silver2000WS-6

iTrader: (1)

As far as the weight they are both comparable but one thing I liked about the camaro is it is a hard top where the monte is a t-top car. G bodies are full frame cars right? Thanks for the responses guys these are the kind of responses I was looking for. So far I am gathering either car is acceptable if it comes down to buying one of these two. Again I am looking for a rolling chasis but I might have to settle for one of these.

Thanks, Chase

68maro

3rd gen's make exceptional race cars. g bodies are a good platform and the suspensions work well but 3rd gen gets my vote.

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

Plenty of 3rd gens out there b/c as mentioned great suspension parts. You can't go to a drag radial or limited tire stock suspension race without seeing 3rd-4th gen F-bodies and Mustangs.

Derek

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

4th gens are cooler.

xpndbl3

iTrader: (23)

3rd gens are better John

cam

iTrader: (9)

Both are good cars to start with. I have a couple third gens now and I have also had a few g bodies and in my experience the third gens have more aftermarket support ( read cheaper parts quality equivalent ) and they share the exact same rear suspension as fourth gens plus the third gens are lighter, more aerodynamic and theres a TON of tech support www.thirdgen.org

So looks aside as I sure do love the looks of GN's and Monte SS's I think dollar for dollar you will go further with a third gen or a fourth gen for that matter there are some great deals on LT1 stlye cars out there right now. But I too much prefer the looks of a third over a fourth gen

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Agreed.

85Iroc

iTrader: (12)

I obviously like the third gens but finding a good set of headers for a 500hp motor on spray will be tough. Making the exhaust work on these cars is a PITA.

brandoz28

iTrader: (3)

headers and exhaust would be easier on the g body, but some hooker 1 3/4 are available for camaro though

85Iroc

iTrader: (12)

Yes but they exit down the center in the trans tunnel. If you keep the tq. arm you don't have many options besides using bullets & dumping them. Like I said, it's just a pain. Not trying to talk you out of the 3rd gen.

cam

iTrader: (9)

Look at sig pic I'm running 1 3/4" stainless LT's into a 2.5" y-pipe into a single 3" and I have more ground clearance than stock. I could easilly do a 3" y pipe and 4" catback in the same position and loose no clearance but it was overkill in my case and I already had the 3" run so until I put a screw on it this system works great.

Duals on the other hand? Not so easy on a third gen. Dual 2.5 you can do without clearance problems but dual 3"? is a biatch

Black_Bird

iTrader: (6)

Great cars. I've had my '88 Trans Am since it was a $1500 street car, and my brother has had his camaro for awhile now, went through a few of them.

James Montigny

iTrader: (13)

I wish I had kept my 92 and made it a racecar, I love the bodystyle of the thirdgens
and there's so much room to work in the engine bay. You can find parts pretty cheap
used or in a scrapyard. As long as you start with something strait, you're golden.
The later firebirds were my fav. You can scoop them up dirt cheap too.

Fortunately, they share enough geometry that many aftermarket 4th gen suspension parts fit.
There's also a pretty good pile of LS1 (and BBC) swap documentation out there.

Something to note is that the early 3rd gens do not share as much with the 4th gens as the later models.
Rear end, brake and tranny swaps are not as simple as you might like.
A local board member (and coworker) is working on an LS1 swap on his 83 and learning a lot of this the hard way.

Camaro396

iTrader: (14)

I'd find a 98-02 f-body v6 or something and use it, it would be cooler!

bigblock4-speed

I dont have to agree.. cause i have both.. well- a 67 10.5, 70 bigblock 4-speed, 84 z-28, and 01 ss.. GO with a 3rd Gen!!! Ill sell you mine..

Camaro396

iTrader: (14)

Post pics of your 70!