1978-81 Camaro - Pro-Touring Material?

[JohnnyGMachine]

Hey guys,

I'm going to look at a 1978 Camaro Z28 today at lunch that's for sale. I've been eyeing the car up for months and they finally put it on the front lawn this weekend for sale. It's super clean and original.



What I'd like to know is what suspension and braking components are available to take 77-81 Camaros into the Pro-Touring direction. I can figure out the drivetrain and wheel and tires ideas but being a Mustang guy, I don't know all the ins and outs of the early Camaros.

Any input would be great. Thanks.

[Steve Chryssos]

John,
Hotchkis has a good kit for 2nd gens. They built a car in-house, so they've got the ride height done right. Also, Vette Brakes has been doing 2nd gen springs for a long time. Great choice! Good luck with the purchase.

[a73formula]

Is there anyway to get the specs and the parts used for that camaro they did.

Thanks

[ProdigyCustoms]

We have been looking for a virgin 78 to 81. How much is it? No danger of me buying it out from under you, just doing a little market research.

[Steve Chryssos]

Is there anyway to get the specs and the parts used for that camaro they did.

Thanks

Visit the following link and look for the F71 Camaro--currently their featured vehicle:

http://www.hotchkis.net

[Boyd]

I think this body style has a ton of untapped potential. I recently purchased an absolutely virgin 1978 Type LT car from California. No rust anywhere whatsoever, everything works including the clock and the cruise control! I'm at work so don't have pics, but can post some later if you're interested. I contacted Kris to give me a quote on a rendering. I think once the rendering is done, it will blow everyone's mind. This body style is ready for it's time in the spotlight.

[Martin71RS]

John, baer/sstbrakes have brakes for it, A arms are available from different vendors, then there is the C5 swap and lots more... how far do you want to take it...??

I just got 2 words for you:

Do it!

Martin

[Twin_Turbo]

Anyone here running the Pole Position Racing Products adjustable arms? They are real nice, I have a pair on my car.

[zbugger]

Hey John, it was great meeting you at the SEMA dinner. Shoot me an email and I can give you a good idea where to go. I'm still working on my '77.

[JohnnyGMachine]

All in all it wasn't bad for the price. It had one small dent in the front passenger side fender. I could get another fender and shoot it, blend it in. Other than that the body was straight and solid. It's a T-top car, bright red paint, dark red cloth/vinyl seats and interior. It's got a 350, 350 auto and a posi rear. The wheels are original with 4 fairly new tires. All the aero body work in the front and rear is complete and in pretty good shape. It's the original paint so it has it's share of little chips here and there but not bad-it'd make a good driver just what It would be. Has a CD player.

Now the negatives...The exhaust system is shot, no tail pipes and the rest really should be ripped out and replaced except for the manifolds. The windshield is cracked...almost looked as if somebody punched it from inside or a pretty huge rock hit it. That was the only outta place thing. The rear seats are clean, the fronts have a couple tears.
Needs, windshield, front fender, exhaust, front windshield, and some interior touch ups.

The owner is asking $3000 for it. I didn' have anybody come out and open anything up or start it - just an exterior inspection. The car looks super clean underneath (void of rust) as far as I can see. I think I'd offer $1800-$2000 for it and that's be my limit on that. Didn't see the mileage but that to me isn't that big a deal on a car that old, I'd redo it anyways. I'd really have to see it pulled out and off of the grass to look it over and drive it.

So I guess maybe I'll stop by a second time and have 'em start it up and see how firm they are on the price.

I got my sights sorta on a really nice 92 5.0 Notchback but it sure would be cool to have something more classic. We'll see.

John

[JohnnyGMachine]

thanks zbugger, nice meeting you too. What i haven't told any of you guys on here is that I might have scored 2 1967 Camaros for free, no rust! Both cars have no motor or trans but are complete rollers! All the suspension and rear axle are in both cars. One car has a full interior and the other car has less than a full interior. Cars are complete with all the fenders, doors, hood, trunk, etc. I'm doing a few renderings for a guy to work them off, he said he's not a Chevy guy so i can have at 'em for a few sketches!

Tyler, your bodykit designer may still take you up on a free bodykit?! LOL!

I will have details next week hopefully. Boy for a Mustang guy I sure am looking at a lot of Camaros lately!!!

[[email protected]]

two 67's for free?? thats insane.....well if things dont work out my dad is building a 78 right now and is almost complete so if you need any suggestions i'm sure he could help you out.

[Nine Ball]

78-79s look nice because they finally ditched the ugly metal truck bumpers. Here is one I snapped a photo of at Bristol Bash in 03:

http://www.ls1tech.com/BristolBash03/pages/DSC02191.htm

[KacyZ28]

78-79s look nice because they finally ditched the ugly metal truck bumpers. Here is one I snapped a photo of at Bristol Bash in 03:

http://www.ls1tech.com/BristolBash03/pages/DSC02191.htm

lol everyone laughed at me when i would say the 74-77 camaros had truck bumpers.....the 78-81s look much better and theres a few pt late second gens one was in a camaro performers issue of super chevy

[zbugger]

78-79s look nice because they finally ditched the ugly metal truck bumpers. Here is one I snapped a photo of at Bristol Bash in 03:

http://www.ls1tech.com/BristolBash03/pages/DSC02191.htm

That just happens to be TigMan's car. Lots of people interested in more info on that thing. It's damn nice for sure.

Oh, and you can go ahead and make fun of my car now. I have the big bumper car that nobody loves. I'll leave it at that.......

[Lowend]

Lets say I know a bit about making those cars handle...
(motioning towards my avatar)
come see me at www.nastyz28.com for specifics

[Kenova]

78-79s look nice because they finally ditched the ugly metal truck bumpers.

Hey! I like those "truck bumpers". They add a lot of character to the car. If anybody wants to give a nice one away, I'll be more than happy to swing by and pick it up.

Ken

[spanky the wondermuffin]

the 2nd gen f-body is the most widely used chassis in racing.there are thousands racing across the country every sat, night.check out a catalog from stock car products or port city racing.fabricated subframes or re-worked stock subs,a-arm,rack and pinion or conventional,spindles,hubs,brakes.anything,and cheap.check out a.j.foyts's 79 usac camaro,a true icon.

[Nine Ball]

Funny, I was watching Monster Garage last night and they had an all-female build team. The project car was a 77 Camaro (yep, with the monster truck bumpers). They turned it into a dirt track car.

During the show, they said there was something like 141,000 Camaros built that year.

[Analog-kid]

The 78-81 's are becoming so rare in this area building one falls under the catagory of "dare to be different" most of these cars in SC are drag only. I 've had my 1980 since 1989 and just started it's rebirth into a budget Pro Tourer. Suspension is being replaced with Hotchkiss and PST parts. fuel injection and a return to having Air conditiong are all in the plan. I look forward to putting the old girl back on the street. 2 nd gens are really fun cars to drive and really easy to do just about anything to. If you can get a hold of one at a good price go for it you won't regret it.