Looking for a 3rd Gen Camaro or Fox Mustang
Discussion
Hello,
I have a V8 itch that needs scratching.
Does anyone know of a 3rd gen camaro or Fox Body Mustang up for sale? Must be V8. Must be Manual.
They seem to be rather thin on the ground!
There are a couple of Fox Bodies I know of for sale (one in pieces, one is highly modified, and the other is a police car!) but they're more than my budget of £3-5k.
So does anyone know of any?
Any pointers or responses are welcome!
N
I have a V8 itch that needs scratching.
Does anyone know of a 3rd gen camaro or Fox Body Mustang up for sale? Must be V8. Must be Manual.
They seem to be rather thin on the ground!
There are a couple of Fox Bodies I know of for sale (one in pieces, one is highly modified, and the other is a police car!) but they're more than my budget of £3-5k.
So does anyone know of any?
Any pointers or responses are welcome!
N
Let me know how you get on 
My own 3rd gen Camaro isn't for sale, sorry. But I do have soft spot for 80s pony cars, so please post pics when you buy something 
PS: Manual 3rd gen F-bodies are very rare in the UK, you will struggle. And 1979–1993 Mustangs in general are rare here too nowadays, let alone finding a good condition 5.0 manual for sale
You might have a lil more luck looking for a 1994+ Mustang, or settling for an auto 3rd gen F-Body and doing the tranny swap later
This very low milage mint 3rd gen convertible is for sale: http://www.g-and-m-motorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/ch...
It is a non-TPI 5 litre though, and automatic I don't know if I'd drive it much with under 9k miles on the clock though. It isn't going to be fast, nor is it going to handle that great being a convertible RS. But it would sure make for a nice summer cruiser that I bet would get a whole lot of attention.
My own 3rd gen Camaro isn't for sale, sorry. But I do have soft spot for 80s pony cars, so please post pics when you buy something PS: Manual 3rd gen F-bodies are very rare in the UK, you will struggle. And 1979–1993 Mustangs in general are rare here too nowadays, let alone finding a good condition 5.0 manual for sale
You might have a lil more luck looking for a 1994+ Mustang, or settling for an auto 3rd gen F-Body and doing the tranny swap later This very low milage mint 3rd gen convertible is for sale: http://www.g-and-m-motorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/ch...
It is a non-TPI 5 litre though, and automatic
I don't know if I'd drive it much with under 9k miles on the clock though. It isn't going to be fast, nor is it going to handle that great being a convertible RS. But it would sure make for a nice summer cruiser that I bet would get a whole lot of attention. Camaro said:
I know a guy who has a 1989 (I think) Black Camaro IROC-Z 305 Manual for sale.
If you're interested, PM and I'll bung you his details.
Pm'd!If you're interested, PM and I'll bung you his details.
electricdriver said:
Let me know how you get on My own 3rd gen Camaro isn't for sale, sorry. But I do have soft spot for 80s pony cars, so please post pics when you buy something
PS: Manual 3rd gen F-bodies are very rare in the UK, you will struggle. And 1979–1993 Mustangs in general are rare here too nowadays, let alone finding a good condition 5.0 manual for sale You might have a lil more luck looking for a 1994+ Mustang, or settling for an auto 3rd gen F-Body and doing the tranny swap later
This very low milage mint 3rd gen convertible is for sale: http://www.g-and-m-motorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/ch...
It is a non-TPI 5 litre though, and automatic I don't know if I'd drive it much with under 9k miles on the clock though. It isn't going to be fast, nor is it going to handle that great being a convertible RS. But it would sure make for a nice summer cruiser that I bet would get a whole lot of attention.
Yes, you're quite right, they do seem to crop up rarely. I'll post something up if I manage to find one - at least I'll know where to go if I need some help! My own 3rd gen Camaro isn't for sale, sorry. But I do have soft spot for 80s pony cars, so please post pics when you buy something PS: Manual 3rd gen F-bodies are very rare in the UK, you will struggle. And 1979–1993 Mustangs in general are rare here too nowadays, let alone finding a good condition 5.0 manual for sale
You might have a lil more luck looking for a 1994+ Mustang, or settling for an auto 3rd gen F-Body and doing the tranny swap later This very low milage mint 3rd gen convertible is for sale: http://www.g-and-m-motorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/ch...
It is a non-TPI 5 litre though, and automatic
I don't know if I'd drive it much with under 9k miles on the clock though. It isn't going to be fast, nor is it going to handle that great being a convertible RS. But it would sure make for a nice summer cruiser that I bet would get a whole lot of attention. I had contemplated picking up an automatic and doing a transmission swap, but was worried how difficult and expensive it would be to pick up the necessary parts in the UK.
I think that guy's a bit optimistic if he wants £19k for an automatic convertible Camaro in the UK, even it does have a tiny mileage - I wonder if he'd have more luck getting that kind of money in the states?
Thanks for any help or pointers!
The 3rd gen Camaros are limited on manuals as they never had a box good enough to take the power. All the 350s were auto and the 305s are fairly limited, power-wise to about 190bhp. I had a 3rd gen 305 with the 170hp LG4 engine. They used the T5 gearbox.
That era of Yanks tended to be mainly auto though, even Corvettes.
Fox bodies are increasingly rare too, being prone to tinworm.
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?62214-1... but it's a police car and £7500.
That era of Yanks tended to be mainly auto though, even Corvettes.
Fox bodies are increasingly rare too, being prone to tinworm.
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?62214-1... but it's a police car and £7500.
LuS1fer said:
The 3rd gen Camaros are limited on manuals as they never had a box good enough to take the power. All the 350s were auto and the 305s are fairly limited, power-wise to about 190bhp. I had a 3rd gen 305 with the 170hp LG4 engine. They used the T5 gearbox.
That era of Yanks tended to be mainly auto though, even Corvettes.
Fox bodies are increasingly rare too, being prone to tinworm.
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?62214-1... but it's a police car and £7500.
Yes - that's the police car I was talking about!That era of Yanks tended to be mainly auto though, even Corvettes.
Fox bodies are increasingly rare too, being prone to tinworm.
http://www.mocgb.net/forums/showthread.php?62214-1... but it's a police car and £7500.
There is this one on ebay, which is tempting despite being a convertible:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-MUSTANG-GT-CONVERTI...
But it's up in Stoke-on-Trent, which is a long way from down here on the kent marshes! The car Camaro's talking about is very tempting, but it's up in Manchester, and I just can't practically get there...
Why are all the cool cars up North??!
Power doesn't bother me all that much - if it's a little underpowered, that just means there's more time to enjoy the noise! I'm more interested in being able to heel-and-toe a V8. Besides, with a Micra and an MX-5 in my stable, 190bhp will feel fine!
Edited by NDNDNDND on Tuesday 12th August 20:33
NDNDNDND-
I drive a manual modified 305 TPI IROC convertible. It was auto when I got it. It's a lovely thing. I am totally biased as they are my favourite car bar none. They are rare for sure and the gearboxes standard are weak and with the standard shifters, are a little like stirring porridge. Takes a bit of cash to 'make good'. The Mustangs were better in the this respect. A 5.0 manual Fox is hard to beat as it's just up together more from the factory. Shout if you need any help.
Would you consider a GTA Trans AM? Have the cool factor of having pop up lights too.
I drive a manual modified 305 TPI IROC convertible. It was auto when I got it. It's a lovely thing. I am totally biased as they are my favourite car bar none. They are rare for sure and the gearboxes standard are weak and with the standard shifters, are a little like stirring porridge. Takes a bit of cash to 'make good'. The Mustangs were better in the this respect. A 5.0 manual Fox is hard to beat as it's just up together more from the factory. Shout if you need any help.
Would you consider a GTA Trans AM? Have the cool factor of having pop up lights too.
LittleEnus said:
NDNDNDND-
I drive a manual modified 305 TPI IROC convertible. It was auto when I got it. It's a lovely thing. I am totally biased as they are my favourite car bar none. They are rare for sure and the gearboxes standard are weak and with the standard shifters, are a little like stirring porridge. Takes a bit of cash to 'make good'. The Mustangs were better in the this respect. A 5.0 manual Fox is hard to beat as it's just up together more from the factory. Shout if you need any help.
Would you consider a GTA Trans AM? Have the cool factor of having pop up lights too.
Interesting point about the gearshift - part of the issue is I've never driven one of these cars. I drove a '65 mustang at an American Muscle Car Experience at Brands, and my favourite thing was the big, chrome Hurst shifter - reaching out to that billiard ball gear knob and hauling back into fourth on the back straight was so satisfying!I drive a manual modified 305 TPI IROC convertible. It was auto when I got it. It's a lovely thing. I am totally biased as they are my favourite car bar none. They are rare for sure and the gearboxes standard are weak and with the standard shifters, are a little like stirring porridge. Takes a bit of cash to 'make good'. The Mustangs were better in the this respect. A 5.0 manual Fox is hard to beat as it's just up together more from the factory. Shout if you need any help.
Would you consider a GTA Trans AM? Have the cool factor of having pop up lights too.
Yes, I would consider a Trans-AM. It's a V8 and a manual I'm interested in. Do you know of one available?
Well, I made it up to Manchester to look at that Camaro!
Paul very kindly showed me around it, took it out for a ride and let me drive it a little bit. We were quite taken with it - I haven't seen a Camaro in years and it looked fantastic in the flesh and sounded like a proper car. Was in good nick too, a few niggles aside.
However, driving it was rather intimidating. I started to dial into it and managed to heel-and-toe it, but its size worried me. Most of my driving is down little Kentish lanes and I thought I might spend most of my time flinching at on-coming traffic rather than enjoying it! So I drove back down South empty handed.
Apart from that, I was rather impressed with how well it drove. It rode really well, much better than I expected. The pedals were well placed and well-weighted. The gearshift had a lovely, mechanical feel. The steering was better weighted than I expected. Frankly, I've felt a pang of regret about every half hour since driving home. If he lived nearer, I might go back with a cushion to see if sitting higher up would make the car feel more wieldy!
Ah well, I might sneakily pop over to a Fox Mustang I've spotted locally tomorrow (a convertible auto...) to see if it feels more accessible.
Does anyone else have any insights into the Camaro driving position? I did a quick google, and I've heard 4th gen seats can sit you higher up, as can leather ones.
I'm still interested if anyone knows of any Foxes out there (or even Camaros if they're in the Southeast!)
Cheers,
N
Paul very kindly showed me around it, took it out for a ride and let me drive it a little bit. We were quite taken with it - I haven't seen a Camaro in years and it looked fantastic in the flesh and sounded like a proper car. Was in good nick too, a few niggles aside.
However, driving it was rather intimidating. I started to dial into it and managed to heel-and-toe it, but its size worried me. Most of my driving is down little Kentish lanes and I thought I might spend most of my time flinching at on-coming traffic rather than enjoying it! So I drove back down South empty handed.
Apart from that, I was rather impressed with how well it drove. It rode really well, much better than I expected. The pedals were well placed and well-weighted. The gearshift had a lovely, mechanical feel. The steering was better weighted than I expected. Frankly, I've felt a pang of regret about every half hour since driving home. If he lived nearer, I might go back with a cushion to see if sitting higher up would make the car feel more wieldy!
Ah well, I might sneakily pop over to a Fox Mustang I've spotted locally tomorrow (a convertible auto...) to see if it feels more accessible.
Does anyone else have any insights into the Camaro driving position? I did a quick google, and I've heard 4th gen seats can sit you higher up, as can leather ones.
I'm still interested if anyone knows of any Foxes out there (or even Camaros if they're in the Southeast!)
Cheers,
N
NDNDNDND said:
Well, I made it up to Manchester to look at that Camaro!
Paul very kindly showed me around it, took it out for a ride and let me drive it a little bit. We were quite taken with it - I haven't seen a Camaro in years and it looked fantastic in the flesh and sounded like a proper car. Was in good nick too, a few niggles aside.
However, driving it was rather intimidating. I started to dial into it and managed to heel-and-toe it, but its size worried me. Most of my driving is down little Kentish lanes and I thought I might spend most of my time flinching at on-coming traffic rather than enjoying it! So I drove back down South empty handed.
Apart from that, I was rather impressed with how well it drove. It rode really well, much better than I expected. The pedals were well placed and well-weighted. The gearshift had a lovely, mechanical feel. The steering was better weighted than I expected. Frankly, I've felt a pang of regret about every half hour since driving home. If he lived nearer, I might go back with a cushion to see if sitting higher up would make the car feel more wieldy!
Ah well, I might sneakily pop over to a Fox Mustang I've spotted locally tomorrow (a convertible auto...) to see if it feels more accessible.
Does anyone else have any insights into the Camaro driving position? I did a quick google, and I've heard 4th gen seats can sit you higher up, as can leather ones.
I'm still interested if anyone knows of any Foxes out there (or even Camaros if they're in the Southeast!)
Cheers,
N
Hi- sorry I don't know of a GTA but did wonder if you had ruled them out?Paul very kindly showed me around it, took it out for a ride and let me drive it a little bit. We were quite taken with it - I haven't seen a Camaro in years and it looked fantastic in the flesh and sounded like a proper car. Was in good nick too, a few niggles aside.
However, driving it was rather intimidating. I started to dial into it and managed to heel-and-toe it, but its size worried me. Most of my driving is down little Kentish lanes and I thought I might spend most of my time flinching at on-coming traffic rather than enjoying it! So I drove back down South empty handed.
Apart from that, I was rather impressed with how well it drove. It rode really well, much better than I expected. The pedals were well placed and well-weighted. The gearshift had a lovely, mechanical feel. The steering was better weighted than I expected. Frankly, I've felt a pang of regret about every half hour since driving home. If he lived nearer, I might go back with a cushion to see if sitting higher up would make the car feel more wieldy!
Ah well, I might sneakily pop over to a Fox Mustang I've spotted locally tomorrow (a convertible auto...) to see if it feels more accessible.
Does anyone else have any insights into the Camaro driving position? I did a quick google, and I've heard 4th gen seats can sit you higher up, as can leather ones.
I'm still interested if anyone knows of any Foxes out there (or even Camaros if they're in the Southeast!)
Cheers,
N
The driving position is intimidating at first for sure. It's 6ft from mirror to mirror and LHD. It does get a bit easier but not a lot. The driving position is never right. I have 4th gen leather seats in mine and it didn't really help at all. I have never found the right position so worry about keeping the thing on the road instead! Not driven a Fox but I suspect it's a more usable and day to day- a better bet.
Cheers
I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds it intimidating!
A quick google suggests the power seats with height adjustment might help - but there are other threads where tall people complain of being cramped, and short people complain they can't see… I guess part of the problem with these cars in the UK is you can't just try a few and see, as there aren't that many about.
I would consider a GTA, but I guess the driving position would be about the same, and the chance of finding a manual even slimmer.
I didn't get to see that fox body unfortunately, someone had bought it! The problem with the fox body is there's something about the Camaro that's just a bit cooler… I'll have to wait until I actually see one though.
Can I ask how much it cost you to do a transmission swap? I've seen a kit on hawksthirdgenparts for approx £700 (excluding import tax and shipping) which is comprised mostly of second-hand parts. If a transmission swap is feasible, it does widen the number of cars available. Although I guess you're still limited to the 5.0 engine, as GM thought the 5.7 too much for the 'box?
Thanks for the help,
N
A quick google suggests the power seats with height adjustment might help - but there are other threads where tall people complain of being cramped, and short people complain they can't see… I guess part of the problem with these cars in the UK is you can't just try a few and see, as there aren't that many about.
I would consider a GTA, but I guess the driving position would be about the same, and the chance of finding a manual even slimmer.
I didn't get to see that fox body unfortunately, someone had bought it! The problem with the fox body is there's something about the Camaro that's just a bit cooler… I'll have to wait until I actually see one though.
Can I ask how much it cost you to do a transmission swap? I've seen a kit on hawksthirdgenparts for approx £700 (excluding import tax and shipping) which is comprised mostly of second-hand parts. If a transmission swap is feasible, it does widen the number of cars available. Although I guess you're still limited to the 5.0 engine, as GM thought the 5.7 too much for the 'box?
Thanks for the help,
N
No probs.
The electric height adjustment was on my 3rd and is on my 4th gen seats. Doesn't solve it. No matter what, the driving position just ain't right.
Agreed on the looks of the 3rd over the Fox but the fox done right can look very sharp.
I ended up buying a donor car to do the swap but with the cost of the job and subsequent problems with the box- it probably (realistically) cost £2k. The 700 you saw is US based so factor in shipping, import duty and fitting..
I had an auto modified 3rd gen before this one. I had a Hurst Dual gate shifter in it which was fantastic. You can also lock the valve body so you have to manually shift through the gears. Could be an option? Feel free to give me a call if you want to chat it through.
The electric height adjustment was on my 3rd and is on my 4th gen seats. Doesn't solve it. No matter what, the driving position just ain't right.
Agreed on the looks of the 3rd over the Fox but the fox done right can look very sharp.
I ended up buying a donor car to do the swap but with the cost of the job and subsequent problems with the box- it probably (realistically) cost £2k. The 700 you saw is US based so factor in shipping, import duty and fitting..
I had an auto modified 3rd gen before this one. I had a Hurst Dual gate shifter in it which was fantastic. You can also lock the valve body so you have to manually shift through the gears. Could be an option? Feel free to give me a call if you want to chat it through.
I found entirely the opposite.
I am only 5'6" tall and have had a corvette C4, 3rd gen Camaro, 4th gen Camaro, C5 and the current Mustang.
While you sit low in the GM cars, the bonnet is fairly low and you get used to it within a matter of half an hour or so.
The C5 was perhaps the worst with its rounded flanks but still no biggy.
I find that with the Mustang, while you sit very much ON the seat, not in it, the scuttle id higher so you're really no better off.
You may be better off starting with an auto. I did and still love both manual and auto.
I am only 5'6" tall and have had a corvette C4, 3rd gen Camaro, 4th gen Camaro, C5 and the current Mustang.
While you sit low in the GM cars, the bonnet is fairly low and you get used to it within a matter of half an hour or so.
The C5 was perhaps the worst with its rounded flanks but still no biggy.
I find that with the Mustang, while you sit very much ON the seat, not in it, the scuttle id higher so you're really no better off.
You may be better off starting with an auto. I did and still love both manual and auto.
LittleEnus said:
No probs.
The electric height adjustment was on my 3rd and is on my 4th gen seats. Doesn't solve it. No matter what, the driving position just ain't right.
Agreed on the looks of the 3rd over the Fox but the fox done right can look very sharp.
I ended up buying a donor car to do the swap but with the cost of the job and subsequent problems with the box- it probably (realistically) cost £2k. The 700 you saw is US based so factor in shipping, import duty and fitting..
I had an auto modified 3rd gen before this one. I had a Hurst Dual gate shifter in it which was fantastic. You can also lock the valve body so you have to manually shift through the gears. Could be an option? Feel free to give me a call if you want to chat it through.
Where did you get the donor? Were you just lucky enough to find a smashed manual Camaro in the UK?The electric height adjustment was on my 3rd and is on my 4th gen seats. Doesn't solve it. No matter what, the driving position just ain't right.
Agreed on the looks of the 3rd over the Fox but the fox done right can look very sharp.
I ended up buying a donor car to do the swap but with the cost of the job and subsequent problems with the box- it probably (realistically) cost £2k. The 700 you saw is US based so factor in shipping, import duty and fitting..
I had an auto modified 3rd gen before this one. I had a Hurst Dual gate shifter in it which was fantastic. You can also lock the valve body so you have to manually shift through the gears. Could be an option? Feel free to give me a call if you want to chat it through.
Just googling 'Fox Mustang' does show some nice looking cars, I think the ones with the grille look more characterful than the plain-nosed ones. Although my girlfriend hates how they look and prefers the Camaro. Maybe seeing one in the flesh might win her over!
Is there a gearbox suitable for hooking up to a 5.7? Or would I have to go after Corvette boxes/ purchase a new Tremec T56? All a bit expensive....
LuS1fer said:
I found entirely the opposite.
I am only 5'6" tall and have had a corvette C4, 3rd gen Camaro, 4th gen Camaro, C5 and the current Mustang.
While you sit low in the GM cars, the bonnet is fairly low and you get used to it within a matter of half an hour or so.
The C5 was perhaps the worst with its rounded flanks but still no biggy.
I find that with the Mustang, while you sit very much ON the seat, not in it, the scuttle id higher so you're really no better off.
You may be better off starting with an auto. I did and still love both manual and auto.
Ha! You're my height, so your opinion is very useful! I did wonder if I'd get used to the Camaro, but driving it very briefly on very wide roads I didn't know, it was rather hard to compare. I ought to get myself into another one.I am only 5'6" tall and have had a corvette C4, 3rd gen Camaro, 4th gen Camaro, C5 and the current Mustang.
While you sit low in the GM cars, the bonnet is fairly low and you get used to it within a matter of half an hour or so.
The C5 was perhaps the worst with its rounded flanks but still no biggy.
I find that with the Mustang, while you sit very much ON the seat, not in it, the scuttle id higher so you're really no better off.
You may be better off starting with an auto. I did and still love both manual and auto.
Is the driving position in the late model mustangs comparable to the Fox Bodies? The Foxes seem to be much smaller, differently proportioned cars...
How did the 4th gen Camaro compare to the 3rd? I would consider a 4th if I could find a manual, but I kinda hate the interior.
Autos don't really do it for me in any form - I'm an inveterate heel n' toe-r, and half the lure of these cars is getting to play with a big V8!
Do you know of any American car shows in the Southeast soon where I could get a better chance to eyeball these cars? I think I've missed North Weald this year...
Don’t worry about feeling intimidated, you’ll get used to the car in no time! When I frist drove my third gen I had similar thoughts, I drove around the New Forest a lot and I found the idea of the wide IROC-Z a little intimidating. But in no time it started to feel small on the road, the car is fairly nimple, nippy and has very direct steering and in the whole scheme of things it really isn’t massively wide!
Did the one you try have disc brakes front and back? In my experience the brakes are the worst thing when comparing third gen F-bodies to modern cars, they handle very well and are supremely easy to drive, but the brakes really are lacking compared to most modern cars.
Did the one you try have disc brakes front and back? In my experience the brakes are the worst thing when comparing third gen F-bodies to modern cars, they handle very well and are supremely easy to drive, but the brakes really are lacking compared to most modern cars.
NDNDNDND said:
Ha! You're my height, so your opinion is very useful! I did wonder if I'd get used to the Camaro, but driving it very briefly on very wide roads I didn't know, it was rather hard to compare. I ought to get myself into another one.
Is the driving position in the late model mustangs comparable to the Fox Bodies? The Foxes seem to be much smaller, differently proportioned cars...
How did the 4th gen Camaro compare to the 3rd? I would consider a 4th if I could find a manual, but I kinda hate the interior.
Autos don't really do it for me in any form - I'm an inveterate heel n' toe-r, and half the lure of these cars is getting to play with a big V8!
Do you know of any American car shows in the Southeast soon where I could get a better chance to eyeball these cars? I think I've missed North Weald this year...
It's hard to recall details as my first Yank was the Corvette C4. That seemed huge, at the time but it's barely as big as a Mondeo. You sat low in that, so when my mate bought a 3rd gen Camaro RS, it seemed like I was sitting on a booster seat. he went onto a late 3rd gen Z28 and that had more sculpted seats so you seemed to sit lower but my '87 Z28 was a very basic spec with cloth seats and that seemed lower than the RS but again, my memory may be playing tricks. You do get used to it and the great thing with left hookers is you soon find yourself placing the car an inch from the kerb in every bend.Is the driving position in the late model mustangs comparable to the Fox Bodies? The Foxes seem to be much smaller, differently proportioned cars...
How did the 4th gen Camaro compare to the 3rd? I would consider a 4th if I could find a manual, but I kinda hate the interior.
Autos don't really do it for me in any form - I'm an inveterate heel n' toe-r, and half the lure of these cars is getting to play with a big V8!
Do you know of any American car shows in the Southeast soon where I could get a better chance to eyeball these cars? I think I've missed North Weald this year...
Last time I sat in a Fox was the 90s but I have no abiding recollection other than I preferred the Camaro. My 05 Mustang is a GT and the driver's seat has electrical adjustment up and down but, as said, a much higher scuttle as it is OHC and those pushrod engines allow a much lower bonnet line.
I vastly preferred the 4th gen to the 3rd gen but the 3rd gen was the usual underpowered 170hp (manual) that wouldn't crack a 16 second quarter. The '98 LS1 4th gen had an underrated 305hp and would crack a 13.8 quarter at 105mph (auto). The earlier LT1s would run 14.xxs at around 95mph but had the unpopular LYT1 Optispark engine.
The 4th gen handled better too although I did lower mine and fit Bilsteins. I managed to spin the 3rd gen but never the 4th gen. Brakes on the 4th gen were much better too, especially with a set of performance pads. the first day I bought my 4th gen, I had a stereotypical playboy in an Elise with his bimbo girlfriend and he was going to impress her... until I blew him so far away, his girlfriend thought he was Dr Who and capable of travelling backwards in time...
On the gearbox front, the T5 in the 3rd gen was pretty slick and nice to use but, as stated, it is power limited and even the "world class" T5 was only good for 190bhp (the later 3rd gen RS's had 190hp). Getting the right engine is key. Avoid the 305 LG4 in the 3rd gen.
The 4th gen Camaro came with the 6 speed gearbox but, unlike the Corvette C5, it was front mounted. The gear-mounted Vette manual was a total impediment and I only ever drove a manual 4th gen Z28 a matter of yards but it was an altogether clunkier gearbox, certainly not in the same league as the 2005 Mustang. However, finding one is going to be really hard as they are rare. Indeed 4th gens seem to be getting rarer by the day.
One option you have is to look at V6 2005-on Mustangs. You may have a bigger selection of manuals as there are more cars about and the prices are very negotiable as they are harder to sell. They pump out 210hp from the 4.0 V6 (a derivative of the 2.8 Ford Cologne engine used in the Capri). That's still more than most 3rd gens but far less than the LT1/LS1 powerhouses. Just bear in mind, with the V6, no LSD and no rear sway bar unless it has the Pony pack (chrome corrale on the grille with mini-spotlights). You can get these aftermarket or as take-offs though if it hasn't. A friend of mine has the V6 and he has no trouble doing some great burnouts.
For shows, check out the forum on www.mocgb.net
Can't recall what your budget was but I've had a scout round ebay and there are some mighty unrealistic prices being asked for a lot of cars. I think you've got your work cut out to find any car with a manual box. This Z28 was about the best I could come up with at a reasonable price and mileage and that's auto too
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chevrolet-Camaro-/331080...
It's much the same story with Corvettes. Prices seem to be going up on Tanks generally.
electricdriver said:
Don’t worry about feeling intimidated, you’ll get used to the car in no time! When I frist drove my third gen I had similar thoughts, I drove around the New Forest a lot and I found the idea of the wide IROC-Z a little intimidating. But in no time it started to feel small on the road, the car is fairly nimple, nippy and has very direct steering and in the whole scheme of things it really isn’t massively wide!
Did the one you try have disc brakes front and back? In my experience the brakes are the worst thing when comparing third gen F-bodies to modern cars, they handle very well and are supremely easy to drive, but the brakes really are lacking compared to most modern cars.
Thanks for the input, I've no idea if it had discs on the back... I kinda assumed it did. It was an IROC. I didn't really test the brakes, but they didn't seem to obviously lack power. My newest car is 16 years old, so I guess things might have moved on a bit!Did the one you try have disc brakes front and back? In my experience the brakes are the worst thing when comparing third gen F-bodies to modern cars, they handle very well and are supremely easy to drive, but the brakes really are lacking compared to most modern cars.
LuS1fer said:
It's hard to recall details as my first Yank was the Corvette C4. That seemed huge, at the time but it's barely as big as a Mondeo. You sat low in that, so when my mate bought a 3rd gen Camaro RS, it seemed like I was sitting on a booster seat. he went onto a late 3rd gen Z28 and that had more sculpted seats so you seemed to sit lower but my '87 Z28 was a very basic spec with cloth seats and that seemed lower than the RS but again, my memory may be playing tricks. You do get used to it and the great thing with left hookers is you soon find yourself placing the car an inch from the kerb in every bend.
Last time I sat in a Fox was the 90s but I have no abiding recollection other than I preferred the Camaro. My 05 Mustang is a GT and the driver's seat has electrical adjustment up and down but, as said, a much higher scuttle as it is OHC and those pushrod engines allow a much lower bonnet line.
I vastly preferred the 4th gen to the 3rd gen but the 3rd gen was the usual underpowered 170hp (manual) that wouldn't crack a 16 second quarter. The '98 LS1 4th gen had an underrated 305hp and would crack a 13.8 quarter at 105mph (auto). The earlier LT1s would run 14.xxs at around 95mph but had the unpopular LYT1 Optispark engine.
The 4th gen handled better too although I did lower mine and fit Bilsteins. I managed to spin the 3rd gen but never the 4th gen. Brakes on the 4th gen were much better too, especially with a set of performance pads. the first day I bought my 4th gen, I had a stereotypical playboy in an Elise with his bimbo girlfriend and he was going to impress her... until I blew him so far away, his girlfriend thought he was Dr Who and capable of travelling backwards in time...
On the gearbox front, the T5 in the 3rd gen was pretty slick and nice to use but, as stated, it is power limited and even the "world class" T5 was only good for 190bhp (the later 3rd gen RS's had 190hp). Getting the right engine is key. Avoid the 305 LG4 in the 3rd gen.
The 4th gen Camaro came with the 6 speed gearbox but, unlike the Corvette C5, it was front mounted. The gear-mounted Vette manual was a total impediment and I only ever drove a manual 4th gen Z28 a matter of yards but it was an altogether clunkier gearbox, certainly not in the same league as the 2005 Mustang. However, finding one is going to be really hard as they are rare. Indeed 4th gens seem to be getting rarer by the day.
One option you have is to look at V6 2005-on Mustangs. You may have a bigger selection of manuals as there are more cars about and the prices are very negotiable as they are harder to sell. They pump out 210hp from the 4.0 V6 (a derivative of the 2.8 Ford Cologne engine used in the Capri). That's still more than most 3rd gens but far less than the LT1/LS1 powerhouses. Just bear in mind, with the V6, no LSD and no rear sway bar unless it has the Pony pack (chrome corrale on the grille with mini-spotlights). You can get these aftermarket or as take-offs though if it hasn't. A friend of mine has the V6 and he has no trouble doing some great burnouts.
For shows, check out the forum on www.mocgb.net
Can't recall what your budget was but I've had a scout round ebay and there are some mighty unrealistic prices being asked for a lot of cars. I think you've got your work cut out to find any car with a manual box. This Z28 was about the best I could come up with at a reasonable price and mileage and that's auto too
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chevrolet-Camaro-/331080...
It's much the same story with Corvettes. Prices seem to be going up on Tanks generally.
Thanks, that's a lot of info there! I wasn't aware of the difference between the 3rd and 4th gen manual boxes. If I could find a manual 4th gen V8 I think I'd probably take a look anyway. Might an aftermarket shifter improve things? I'm surprised a gearbox on a V8 would be rated to such a low power output!Last time I sat in a Fox was the 90s but I have no abiding recollection other than I preferred the Camaro. My 05 Mustang is a GT and the driver's seat has electrical adjustment up and down but, as said, a much higher scuttle as it is OHC and those pushrod engines allow a much lower bonnet line.
I vastly preferred the 4th gen to the 3rd gen but the 3rd gen was the usual underpowered 170hp (manual) that wouldn't crack a 16 second quarter. The '98 LS1 4th gen had an underrated 305hp and would crack a 13.8 quarter at 105mph (auto). The earlier LT1s would run 14.xxs at around 95mph but had the unpopular LYT1 Optispark engine.
The 4th gen handled better too although I did lower mine and fit Bilsteins. I managed to spin the 3rd gen but never the 4th gen. Brakes on the 4th gen were much better too, especially with a set of performance pads. the first day I bought my 4th gen, I had a stereotypical playboy in an Elise with his bimbo girlfriend and he was going to impress her... until I blew him so far away, his girlfriend thought he was Dr Who and capable of travelling backwards in time...
On the gearbox front, the T5 in the 3rd gen was pretty slick and nice to use but, as stated, it is power limited and even the "world class" T5 was only good for 190bhp (the later 3rd gen RS's had 190hp). Getting the right engine is key. Avoid the 305 LG4 in the 3rd gen.
The 4th gen Camaro came with the 6 speed gearbox but, unlike the Corvette C5, it was front mounted. The gear-mounted Vette manual was a total impediment and I only ever drove a manual 4th gen Z28 a matter of yards but it was an altogether clunkier gearbox, certainly not in the same league as the 2005 Mustang. However, finding one is going to be really hard as they are rare. Indeed 4th gens seem to be getting rarer by the day.
One option you have is to look at V6 2005-on Mustangs. You may have a bigger selection of manuals as there are more cars about and the prices are very negotiable as they are harder to sell. They pump out 210hp from the 4.0 V6 (a derivative of the 2.8 Ford Cologne engine used in the Capri). That's still more than most 3rd gens but far less than the LT1/LS1 powerhouses. Just bear in mind, with the V6, no LSD and no rear sway bar unless it has the Pony pack (chrome corrale on the grille with mini-spotlights). You can get these aftermarket or as take-offs though if it hasn't. A friend of mine has the V6 and he has no trouble doing some great burnouts.
For shows, check out the forum on www.mocgb.net
Can't recall what your budget was but I've had a scout round ebay and there are some mighty unrealistic prices being asked for a lot of cars. I think you've got your work cut out to find any car with a manual box. This Z28 was about the best I could come up with at a reasonable price and mileage and that's auto too
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chevrolet-Camaro-/331080...
It's much the same story with Corvettes. Prices seem to be going up on Tanks generally.
Aesthetically, the Camaros are more appealing than the Foxes. My girlfriend even asked me to buy something else saying 'Aren't there mustangs you like that are nicer looking??'
I'm not sure about getting the V6 instead, I think I'd like to tick 'own a V8' off the bucket list before they get banned by the eco-nazis.
Yes, they are difficult to find - hence I thought a direct appeal on pistonheads might (and has!) help. I'm might put something up on MCOGB, or even the Camaro Owners club (although the forum seems a little quiet) to see if anyone local is interested in showing me or selling me a car.
Many thanks for the help and advice!
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