View Full Version : gen 2 f-body vs. g-body
Chadly B
09-20-2010, 07:31 PM
so, I've been reading the thread on the mopar vs. the f-body, and I've done the mopar thing, I'm wondering which of these two are better. I'm a sucker for the malibu and or the grand prix, but, I've got a thing for the long lines of a camaro or a single head light 'bird as well.....so, as far as handling goes, 'bu or bird?
BonzoHansen
09-20-2010, 08:18 PM
Bird
NOT A TA
09-20-2010, 08:56 PM
I'd say probably the bird or Camaro. I'll be able to compare similarly set up examples of both pretty soon. I've got a 70 Bird with full Hotchkis, Bilsteins etc. and an 81 Malibu I'm about to install a complete Hotchkis/Bilstein setup in. Other than the full frame of the bu vs. the sub frame with connectors and the leaf spring vs. coils out back the two cars will be set up very similar with about an equal investment. Tires may end up being the big difference.
tazzz25906112
09-20-2010, 09:28 PM
At first blush I'd guess the Bird or Camaro will likely have a greater set of cost effective suspension options and chassis performance enhancers available...
ArtosDracon
09-20-2010, 11:10 PM
BOOOO easy, get a G-body, or an S10, same front suspension!
novaderrik
09-21-2010, 02:16 AM
BOOOO easy, get a G-body, or an S10, same front suspension!
an S10 is about 4" narrower in the front, so the G body would have the advantage there..
John Wright
09-21-2010, 03:28 AM
I'm kinda partial to the early second gen camaros.
twosaturns
09-21-2010, 03:44 AM
being I'm older now and priorities have changed, I'd go G body. larger back seat and more trunk space.
ArtosDracon
09-21-2010, 08:38 AM
an S10 is about 4" narrower in the front, so the G body would have the advantage there..
Tis true, but S10s are more fun, and have more room for a custom rear suspension, and have more fiberglass parts available to help lighten the nose. You can even get one piece fiberglass from clips for them. And running a deeper dished front wheel and some custom flares or baja fenders can buy you back 2-3 inches pretty easily.
I wonder how the DSE parts for Gbody compare to the current Gbody offerings and if they will level or tilt the advantage towards the Gbody. The Gbody is a deceptively lighter car than it appears while a great deal of the 2nd gens, especially late 2nd gens, are heavier than you would think. Either has the potential to be a great platform. I intend to build a Gbody GP in the future.
H2Ogbodies
09-22-2010, 06:52 PM
Most of my builds revolve around 3rd gen Montes and I can honestly say as far as how I set the cars up, it's feels like driving a 3rd gen Fbody as far as cornerign and handling goes. Having one monte 100% stock and one built for handling it is truly night and day! My 80 Cutlass is pretty light...aluminum hood, decklid and radiator support. I am planning on mini-tubbing a 79 Monte right now to take advantage of it's handling possibilities. Frame mods and relocation of the trunk hinge supports are tricky. I vote Gbody all the way!!!
devildog214
09-23-2010, 06:10 AM
definitly g-body, cant beat a full frame. Its a bigger car, so consequently heavier. You can get them down to 3000lbs still having a nice interior.
a73formula
09-23-2010, 12:56 PM
just something to think about but wouldn't you think that there would be more g-bodies being raced than there are if they are better. Having both f-bodies and an early a-body I feel like the f-body is more predictable but that could be because I'm more used to it. Just thinking......
Crossupbill
09-23-2010, 01:04 PM
just something to think about but wouldn't you think that there would be more g-bodies being raced than there are if they are better. Having both f-bodies and an early a-body I feel like the f-body is more predictable but that could be because I'm more used to it. Just thinking......
I dont know if that is necessarily true. I think that alot of times it comes to looks. Dont get me wrong I own a 79 malibu (g-body), but an early second gen camaro or firebird is a better looking car. IMO. Also up until just recently there was aftermarket parts available for the 2nd gens.
a73formula
09-23-2010, 01:23 PM
One more thing to look at is aerodynamics. G-bodies will always have mor drag than an f-body.
Crossupbill
09-23-2010, 01:39 PM
One more thing to look at is aerodynamics. G-bodies will always have mor drag than an f-body.
You are not kidding there! Boxy Yo!
Oh and for the record I still vote G-body, love mine.
a73formula
09-23-2010, 01:45 PM
thats preference, but if you go to an autox or scca event you hardly see any g-bodies if any so thats gotta mean something .
H2Ogbodies
09-23-2010, 01:51 PM
Well, it is also far easier to mini-tub a subframe car than it is a gbody-as I am finding out with my 79 Monte. As far as aerodynamics go, I really don't think it matters as much when you are talking about roadracing on a course....only speeds approaching 160 mph is it really an issue. Road racing cars need to handle with respect to suspension, power/weight, ect. not aerodynamics. Camaros have mni tub kits that are not as involved as it would be with a full frame car-on my Monte for example, I am moving the trunk hinge support brackets inward, obviously the inner wheel houses comes in too, then popping loose the back seat/package tray support brackets and notching them, then I am moving the body mount/floor supports inwards along with modifying the frame sections to follow suit, then moving the coil spring perches too.
You have to be very careful when doing the floor support area and frame because the mounts still need to line up to lower the body back down. I'm doing it but it's not easy. Planning on stuffing a set of 18x13's in the rear.
a73formula
09-23-2010, 02:26 PM
I'm not sure what how much work goes into things matters compared to which platform is better for handling. I have 11" wide wheels on the back of my 65 malibu and thats as big as you can go without touching the frame(which was a pain to fit, but I got them in there) and on most 2nd gen pontiac f bodies you can fit that without doing anything so having to do more work to fit the same size tire doesn't affect how your car will handle it just means its harder to do on a g-body. As stated earlier it just takes money but I think the f-body will always be a better platform for performance and I think alot of other people that actually race their cars would say the same thing but I could be wrong.
xxxturbo6
09-23-2010, 02:48 PM
I wonder how the DSE parts for Gbody compare to the current Gbody offerings and if they will level or tilt the advantage towards the Gbody. The Gbody is a deceptively lighter car than it appears while a great deal of the 2nd gens, especially late 2nd gens, are heavier than you would think. Either has the potential to be a great platform. I intend to build a Gbody GP in the future. I guess I'm qualified to jump in considering I just had the Complete DSE suspension done on my G-Body! :)
I chose DSE's G-Body products for the simple fact that they have their patented "Swivel Link"tm Technology on their rear control arms allowing the stock 4-link suspension to fully articulate and keep all the tires planted on the ground!
Their front A-arms are also adjustable Fore & Aft and with their "Track Shim Kit" it is super easy to adjust Camber at the track in about 10-15 minutes.
My car handles like it's on rails! and happens to ride very nice on the street.
I Love driving the car now!
A LOT MORE INFO ON THE BUILD HERE: https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72478
NEW STANCE!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/DSC_0274-1.jpg
Autocross Fun!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/20100919414-1.jpg
More Fun!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/DSC_0239-1.jpg
Scot W.
a73formula
09-23-2010, 02:53 PM
You have one of the best looking regals I've seen, very nice.
xxxturbo6
09-23-2010, 03:10 PM
You have one of the best looking regals I've seen, very nice. Thanks for the compliment! It's been some hard work and long hours..
Scot W.
nice Scot! I was thinking their parts were still in prototype phase. I didn't realize they were out now. The car looks fantastic and I'm glad you liked their parts. One day when I build my GP, I'll most likely use their stuff.
85GPLEf41
09-25-2010, 10:41 PM
Sweet Regal!:smoke: I am going to attempt to get the most out of my G-body Grand Prix...I don't know much of F-body's though' so i cannot opinion on them. I did manage to cruise in White SS'S Monte equipped with SC&c stage 2 kit and Believe ME it is a awesome package
montessaj
09-26-2010, 01:04 AM
I vote for G-bodies. Not biased or anything....
Tony_SS
09-26-2010, 03:34 AM
I'm biased! Another G-body vote.. my 79 Monte is pretty light ~3000lbs. Full frame, full interior, I love it. I plan on shaving off more weight too to get around 2800 if I can.
Im running full tubular arms, front and back, and SC&C stage one up front. ST sway bars. Bilstein shocks. I love the way handles, very nice street manners too.
H2Ogbodies
09-26-2010, 05:07 AM
My 80 Cutlass is at 2910lbs. It may get a bit heavier after the CTS-V big brake install. I've got some brackets on modded b-body spindles that I've made with some help from some friends at a manufacturing outfit. It's been a bear-4 rounds of brackets so far for proper fitment. That swap will add around 25 lbs. to the front end.
Chadly B
09-26-2010, 07:59 AM
I'm enjoying this discussion, I owned an 81 monte carlo years ago, and it was probably my favorite car, I've always loved camaros as well, but, I do have 3 kids, and it's looking like the g-body will be the car of choice, if nothing else for the amount of room available, and I'm really enjoying seeing more examples of these g-bodies I hadn't seen....still......those round taillights on the early 2nd gen camaros....and all these other beautiful camaros make it hard....I have plenty of time on my side, thanks guys!
Powered by vBulletin®