If you could've changed the design of the 4th gen, what would you have done different
12-23-2013, 12:57 AM
#22
On The Tree
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Interesting thread. Only complaints would be the interior plastics and hump on passenger floor. I like the hood over cowl idea, that would have looked amazing. I think the rest of the flaws you can take care of with aftermarket parts.
12-23-2013, 02:22 AM
#23
Continue them on from 2003-2009.
For 98+ models :
For all V6 models :
As it is, the SS and WS6/Trans Ams really don't differ from Formulas and Z28s. Need more reason to buy the expensive ones other than bigger rims, a hood and a spoiler. Also, the Z28s and Formuals look exactly like their V6 counterparts save for exhaust tips and rims. That needs to be changed.
Lastly, better quality electronics coughWINDOWMOTORScough and METAL HEADLIGHT MOTOR GEARS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
For 98+ models :
- WS6 package integrated with the Trans Am package. Ram Air hood made standard on all Trans Ams.
- Z28 and SS trims switch places. SS is now the base body with a V8 and parts to handle it. Z28 is now the better performer of the two.
- Trans Ams and Camaro Z28 models get LS6s from 2001-2004 and LS2s from 2005-2009
- All Trans Ams and Z28s get the 1LE suspension. The Formulas and SS's ( which is now the current 98-02 Z28 ) retain their original suspension.
- 17'' wheels standard on all V8 models.
- Better interior plastics and an upgraded diff.
For all V6 models :
- all V6 Camaros keep the 93-96 style tail lights and all V6 Firebirds keep the 93-97 style tail lights.
As it is, the SS and WS6/Trans Ams really don't differ from Formulas and Z28s. Need more reason to buy the expensive ones other than bigger rims, a hood and a spoiler. Also, the Z28s and Formuals look exactly like their V6 counterparts save for exhaust tips and rims. That needs to be changed.
Lastly, better quality electronics coughWINDOWMOTORScough and METAL HEADLIGHT MOTOR GEARS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
True duals.
And either move the engine cowl back or the engine forward. Having half of the engine stuffed back under the windshield makes it too hard to work on. Vettes aren't like that, why are 4th gens?
Firebirds/TAs do not have a grill and I really do not like the front air dam underneath that scrapes on every thing, even on a stock height car. Route the unused holes that are below the park lights to the radiator instead. Regarding those unused vent holes in the front end, they may be there so you can add aftermarket light or something, but the are not needed. They just suck water into your front lights. Either use them for some function or eliminate them.
Stronger window motors and a higher quality of interior plastics.
Longer front seat rails so the seat can go farther back. I am only 5'8" and my seat is almost all the way back, I can't imaging how a tall guy drives these cars, my wife is taller than me and she hates folding herself into the car.
And either move the engine cowl back or the engine forward. Having half of the engine stuffed back under the windshield makes it too hard to work on. Vettes aren't like that, why are 4th gens?
Firebirds/TAs do not have a grill and I really do not like the front air dam underneath that scrapes on every thing, even on a stock height car. Route the unused holes that are below the park lights to the radiator instead. Regarding those unused vent holes in the front end, they may be there so you can add aftermarket light or something, but the are not needed. They just suck water into your front lights. Either use them for some function or eliminate them.
Stronger window motors and a higher quality of interior plastics.
Longer front seat rails so the seat can go farther back. I am only 5'8" and my seat is almost all the way back, I can't imaging how a tall guy drives these cars, my wife is taller than me and she hates folding herself into the car.
12-23-2013, 12:05 PM
#25
Staging Lane
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True duals.
And either move the engine cowl back or the engine forward. Having half of the engine stuffed back under the windshield makes it too hard to work on. Vettes aren't like that, why are 4th gens?
Firebirds/TAs do not have a grill and I really do not like the front air dam underneath that scrapes on every thing, even on a stock height car. Route the unused holes that are below the park lights to the radiator instead. Regarding those unused vent holes in the front end, they may be there so you can add aftermarket light or something, but the are not needed. They just suck water into your front lights. Either use them for some function or eliminate them.
Stronger window motors and a higher quality of interior plastics.
Longer front seat rails so the seat can go farther back. I am only 5'8" and my seat is almost all the way back, I can't imaging how a tall guy drives these cars, my wife is taller than me and she hates folding herself into the car.
And either move the engine cowl back or the engine forward. Having half of the engine stuffed back under the windshield makes it too hard to work on. Vettes aren't like that, why are 4th gens?
Firebirds/TAs do not have a grill and I really do not like the front air dam underneath that scrapes on every thing, even on a stock height car. Route the unused holes that are below the park lights to the radiator instead. Regarding those unused vent holes in the front end, they may be there so you can add aftermarket light or something, but the are not needed. They just suck water into your front lights. Either use them for some function or eliminate them.
Stronger window motors and a higher quality of interior plastics.
Longer front seat rails so the seat can go farther back. I am only 5'8" and my seat is almost all the way back, I can't imaging how a tall guy drives these cars, my wife is taller than me and she hates folding herself into the car.
12-25-2013, 02:47 PM
#29
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not in any specific order but...
- grid tails that don't delaminate
- dash that doesn't crack
- door panels that don't crack
- roof/sail panels that don't bubble
- headlight motors that are more dependable and quieter(birds)
- true duals
- move engine forward to allow better/easier access
- stronger rear end
- standard 17" wheels/tires(16s look too small)
- bigger brakes
- stronger trans(auto and manual)
- lower hole on 98+ Trans Am front bumper(under turn signals) routed to cool front brakes
- 93-97 V8 cars, redesign/relocate optispark
- independent rear suspension
- better/faster window motors
- better/more durable door hinges
- grid tails that don't delaminate
- dash that doesn't crack
- door panels that don't crack
- roof/sail panels that don't bubble
- headlight motors that are more dependable and quieter(birds)
- true duals
- move engine forward to allow better/easier access
- stronger rear end
- standard 17" wheels/tires(16s look too small)
- bigger brakes
- stronger trans(auto and manual)
- lower hole on 98+ Trans Am front bumper(under turn signals) routed to cool front brakes
- 93-97 V8 cars, redesign/relocate optispark
- independent rear suspension
- better/faster window motors
- better/more durable door hinges
12-26-2013, 11:53 PM
#30
Launching!
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Rework the gauge cluster/dash. It looks too much like any other pontiac car. The gauges should be separate like a 2nd gen car.
Obviously better interior materials quality and a stronger rear end.
Obviously better interior materials quality and a stronger rear end.
12-28-2013, 08:35 AM
#31
Staging Lane
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Stronger 12 bolt rear standered.
Better seals and gaskets in motor to stop oil leaks or at least not have to remove front suspension to repair oil pan and remove intake to fix sending unit.
Better speakers to handle the power of the monsoon head unit!
Better seals and gaskets in motor to stop oil leaks or at least not have to remove front suspension to repair oil pan and remove intake to fix sending unit.
Better speakers to handle the power of the monsoon head unit!
12-31-2013, 01:03 AM
#35
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My list:
True duals
Remove that cat hump on the pass side
Stronger rear OR IRS
Better interior plastics
NO EXTERIOR SIDE MOLDING (have removed it on both my F-body's)
Better stitching for the seats so they don't pull apart and tear
Make it so the #8 spark plug wasn't hard to get at
I have a bunch more but the random squeaks that pop out of nowhere... Yeah.. Those can disappear as well.
True duals
Remove that cat hump on the pass side
Stronger rear OR IRS
Better interior plastics
NO EXTERIOR SIDE MOLDING (have removed it on both my F-body's)
Better stitching for the seats so they don't pull apart and tear
Make it so the #8 spark plug wasn't hard to get at
I have a bunch more but the random squeaks that pop out of nowhere... Yeah.. Those can disappear as well.
12-31-2013, 08:15 AM
#36
Add computer functionality to the dash- mpg, avg mpg, all the stuff that other cars of this era had. Same with the rear view mirror, integrate the temp and compass function with the courtesy lights.
All the other stuff people have mentioned as well.
What is the hump on the pass. floor board for anyway?
All the other stuff people have mentioned as well.
What is the hump on the pass. floor board for anyway?
12-31-2013, 10:51 AM
#37
IRS, duals, better interior, 17's for all v8's, turbo option for v6's, hardtop for t/a, better suspension, non sealed beam lights for trans am, better hatch design. Basically I wish gm would have spent the time doing a redesign instead of using a bunch of stuff left over from the previous generation. Especially with the ls cars. When they came out in 98 they were pretty much on a 15 year old chassis. That motor would have performed a lot better in a good chassis. That is part of the allure of putting las engines in Japanese chassis because they are actually capabale of holding them.
02-22-2014, 07:14 PM
#39
TECH Apprentice
AS most have mentioned, better plastics for doors and dash, brass gears for headlights from factory, better window motors,
Really more of a quality thing, I also ponder if they should have went to speedline rims, I'm thinking the better look is on the 96-00 WS6 rims
And of course the WS6 should have been offered in ever color especially maple red!
Really more of a quality thing, I also ponder if they should have went to speedline rims, I'm thinking the better look is on the 96-00 WS6 rims
And of course the WS6 should have been offered in ever color especially maple red!
