I'm seriously looking at purchasing a 3rd Gen Camaro. This will be a street/strip toy and will be used for my SBC engine project. I used to own an '83 Z28 so I'm familiar with some of the areas to look at for rust/rot/damage. Are there specific things I should check out when I go through the car?

I realize one challenge will be how to put a good exhaust under it because the tunnel is only on the passenger side and the panhard rod keeps you from running true duals over the diff. Other than the Y-pipe single 3" systems that are available, has anyone done a real nice exhaust on one of these?

Thanks. -Neil

Ran true duals on an 84 once -- the trick was to run both pipes down the same side. I wouldn't consider my job a nice setup, but I'm sure a nice setup like that could be done if you took the time. Long tube headers are a tough one . . . I think most guys go with the mid-length ones.

I wouldnt say nice, but I have shorty headers, to dual 2 1/2" cats, a home-made Y-pipe to a single 4" exhaust on my 91 police package car (for sale - hint)
But if youre plannin a street/strip, just run the exhaust straight back from the headers with muffs under the seats and dumps. Also Mufflex makes a single 4" set up for these cars - but it aint cheap.

I drive an '83, and recently had a real nice exhaust put on it. I had at one time put true dual exhaust on it, but the bends it had to take and the overall lack of ground clearance definately took away any advantages a dual would offer. It now has a very large single exhaust that undoubtedly flows better than the dual; I can actually feel a difference.

As for specific things to looks for, you should be able to spot anything really out of whack, but the transmissions on early models were crap and will likely be ready for the heap. I am certain a new tranny will be going in anyway, so that really doesn't matter I suppose. Otherwise, I think they are cool cars. They ride a lot harder than say a 1st gen, but then again, they take corners like a roller coaster. They are surprisingly light too, which will surely make for a fun track car!

I wouldnt say nice, but I have shorty headers, to dual 2 1/2" cats, a home-made Y-pipe to a single 4" exhaust on my 91 police package car (for sale - hint)
But if youre plannin a street/strip, just run the exhaust straight back from the headers with muffs under the seats and dumps. Also Mufflex makes a single 4" set up for these cars - but it aint cheap.

Thanks for the tip on Mufflex, I checked out their website and the 4" exhaust might be what I'm looking for. I went to look at a local car and it has good potential. I'm going back this weekend for a closer look. If this deal falls through, I'll keep your '91 in mind as I do get to Houston every few months.

Thanks. -Neil

I have some pics of it on my web page...

using spintech oval tubing for true duals on my 4th gen
same prob as 3rds
same rear suspension, very capable of hooking and running the #

lotta good info out there too