78 or 4th gen

[MachoCamacho]

Alright, for now I've started to contemplate, my moms first car she bought was a 78 camaro z28, 350 engine, pretty decent car(faster than my dads roomates corvette), I can find these for about 3000$ in my area, I was wondering if this spring i should get something around these lines until i can finally afford a good old fashion LT1 Z28, btw, 3000 is for no rust and lower than 90k miles, nice lookin i think

[danno_SS]

Originally Posted by MachoCamacho

Alright, for now I've started to contemplate, my moms first car she bought was a 78 camaro z28, 350 engine, pretty decent car(faster than my dads roomates corvette), I can find these for about 3000$ in my area, I was wondering if this spring i should get something around these lines until i can finally afford a good old fashion LT1 Z28, btw, 3000 is for no rust and lower than 90k miles, nice lookin i think

I'd say get the '78 and then do an LT1 stroker or H/C LS1 conversion. That would make for quite a head turner (450+HP in classic trim). I've seen 1st and 3rd gen LS1 conversions but have yet to see a 2nd gen. Just a thought.

[MachoCamacho]

Also until it'd have a 350 in it stock anyways, which is a decent engine compared to todays engines

[LancasterWannaBe]

yeah but second gen's are HEAVY mofos!
It takes a lot of power to pull those things around.
However they have the classic look and if it's old enough you don't have to worry about smog checks, so you could just drop in a good old carburated BBC engine and never worry about passing smog again.

The 4th gen would be quicker with the same or less power and turn better. Braking would also be much better and it would likely get better mileage. But GM cars of the 80s and 90s do break a lot, especially the interior which is a minor thing, but it's still annoying as hell!

My friend has a 78 trans am with a 403 in it. After a bad test at school we just go out driving, break a few laws, and we feel much better. His mileage is probably similar to that of the Enzo Ferrari (8 mpg), but it's just his fun car anyway. I wouldn't recomend a car like that for a daily driver though.

[89IROC&RS]

try looking at hotchkis for a LS1 in a second gen, if you could get your hands on an LS6, i think it would move pretty good, especialy if you hopped up the LS6 with some aftermarket goodies. and *wishlist* a lingenfelter 427cid LS motor would just make me wet my pants. but i suppose the body style is all about what you want. The second gen is a classic style with muscle car attitude, strait line brawn, and as far as im concerned, better construction all around. while the fourth then is a bit more of a tech peice with corner carving prowes and cheap plastic interior. if i had my choice, it would probly be the 78.

[78z28 N progress]

what would be the best fit and produce the most power for my 78

[SG007]

Wait for the LT1...3rd gens are awesome and their my favorite cars, but you're going to have much more power with the LT1. If you want a daily driver go that route, but if it's a 2nd car, go for the 78.

[wrightz28]

oh, snap, old thread

78 - Welcome to AF! Please refrain from ressurecting threads more than 3 months old.