1980 Camaro ~~Pictures~~ Let me know what you think

[pdubss]

I just joined this forum and this is my ride. It's a 1980 camaro that was originally a berlinetta.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0509-1.jpg


I bought it with a 350 already swaped in for the 6 and then I swapped that 350 for a .30 over crate motor with four bolt mains, hyperteutectic pistons, dart iron eagle heads, and a comp cams 268/280 .477/.480 cam. I finished the engine with an edelbrock 600 cfm vacum secondary manual chock carb and a Mallory HEI

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0498-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0499-1.jpg

It also has hand me down headers, a 2.25 in dual exhaust w/o cats, and a red top Optima battery.

I have had the car for five years and it has always been garaged with a cover on it. It also has 4 wheel disks and 15iich Torque Thrust style wheels w/ radial gt's

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0500-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0501-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0504-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0505-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0506-1.jpg

The car is in pretty good shape outside and inside as well. I really like the black on red color combo.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0507-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0508-1.jpg

I am looking forward to hearing what you guys think. Any comments or advice would be appreciated. I am right now in the process of researching some suspension upgrades. I am leaning toward Hotchiss lowerinsg springs and new shocks, and sway bars.
This summer I also ant to convert the car to manual. Any advice on how to economically do this would be great. I got a quote for a complete 6spd swap from classic motorsports group and it was like four grand...too much for me. If anyone has done a swap in a 2nd gen or knows of one....

[slowcamaro]

Get rid of that air cleaner ASAP. Flow terrible and a fire hazard. Nice car. Could be lowered a good bit too....

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Welcome to the site. Nice Camaro.

[1971CHEVELLE]

Welcome to the site

[UNmolestedTA]

Nice car. Long live the 2nd gens!

[dropit69]

nice car..i second the air cleaner redo i had one of those and had a small fire already..get it off there..mine is long gone now

[pdubss]

Thanks Everyone-

The air cleaner is pretty bad- I never liked it but I had no idea it was a fire hazard. There is almost no room for an air cleaner. When I bought the car it had a tiny like 6 or 8 inch round traditional type air cleaner. I tried a 14 inch and I could not close my hood. I dont even think a drop base 14 would fit. I cut away some sheetmetal from the bottom of the hood with a dremel, but to cut a larger hole i would have to cut through these support looking things. Are those supports okay to cut? Any advice on a soulution or a really low profile cleaner would be fantastic- especially in light of the fire issue. Tommarow i will post a picture of the underside of the hood so you get get an idea of what i am saying

[twosaturns]

I would think a 14" drop base moroso would clear; do you have a spacer under the carb? it seems you might be a bit undercarb'd also.
your car has a definite disco-era feel to it; a 2nd gen doesn't have to be loud and ill handling. a hotchkis setup would do wonders, even w/o going to larger wheels.
actually, my biggest concern is where do you live that you don't need HEAT???
all camaros are cool. you'll enjoy it here, lots to learn and look at. enjoy.

[BonzoHansen]

Welcome!

I have an RPM intake as well, and mine fits and I have a stock hood as well. Some generic drop base deal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/IMG_1445-1.jpg

[80 camaro]

Hi. I have a 1980 z28 with basically the same engine. Is the cam a comp cam? If so what kind of horse power and torque did you get using that cam and intake? I am thinking about getting the rpm intake to replace my stock intake but i am not sure if it will work with the stock hood. My stock air cleaner still seals up to the air induction hood scoop. Nice Car.
Thanks

[icebird84]

welcome to the forum , is that playboy bunny on the left fender ?

[-The Stig-]

I love how those cars look... I don't know why.

[CruizinKev]

looks good! welcome to the site!

[86regalss]

I've always loved that style camaro. I just haven't found a clean one like that cheap. it looks great man!

[pdubss]

Hi. I have a 1980 z28 with basically the same engine. Is the cam a comp cam? If so what kind of horse power and torque did you get using that cam and intake? I am thinking about getting the rpm intake to replace my stock intake but i am not sure if it will work with the stock hood. My stock air cleaner still seals up to the air induction hood scoop. Nice Car.
Thanks

Yes it is a comp cam. The crate engine was advertised at 350hp and 400tq, but with my carb tuning it doesn't feel like it has that much power.

[Btefer]

looks nice. welcome to the site

[Camaro's2NV]

looks good nice car

[mc84_zz4]

Super clean survivor! I love those, several friends had one too. That toenail red the girls ALL loved, bonus!

[mjoc1]

Looks good. I think it should be lowered with drop springs. a two inch drop would set that car off perfect

You should come join NASTYZ28.com

Mike

[pdubss]

mjco1-
I am on nastyz28, pdubss

[subtlez28]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCN0498-1.jpg

Looks like a cool car!

If it were mine I would update the following:
-Remove , blast, have coated or spray on some gray header paint.
-Replace air cleaner with pained round style like another member pictured
-Remove, sand blast and paint (to match air cleaner) the alt bracket, water pump (or replace w aluminum one) and valve covers.
-If time allows (or next winter) pull the motor, clean and repaint (to match above).
-Same ritual on hood hinges rad cover and master cylinder.

All this can be done on the cheap (mostly your labor) and will make you engine look as good as the rest of your car! You see this beautiful black paint you have obviously spent time keeping nice, loose the rust and 80's chrome under hood and the whole package will be much nicer.

[subtlez28]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/IMG_1445-1.jpg

Nice Bonzo!!

To me this is how an engine compartment should look. Well done, not over done!:twothumbs

[Chevythunder1981]

Welcome to the board! Great to see another late second gen here...the more the better! Good luck with your project!
I also have an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake...I was able to fit a K&N air filter with the air induction hood...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/04/3118567784_913c496e50-1.jpg?v=0

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/04/3117739717_230d1c3122-1.jpg?v=0

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/04/3118567828_6b59c38fe7-1.jpg?v=0

[6'9"Witha69]

Welcome to the site.

[Bowtie1z28]

Both very nice 2nd Gens!!!

I don't see many posts here for 2nd Gens so I thought I would post a few more recent pics of my 80 with its coilover suspension at all 4 corners. The rear is an Alston G-Bar and front is home grown with the help of Marcus at SC & C.

[1971CHEVELLE]

looks very good

[dadto2jays]

Love the second gen camaros, nice cars posted....