New Generation Muscle Cars

[talwell]

As some of us younger guys start to come of age the cars that were cheap muscle in our high school years are now starting to become popular.

Right out of high school I had a 1979 Z-28. Mine was a one owner car with less than 60k miles on it in 1992. It was a rare factory black car, tan deluxe interior and 4 speed. I loved that car and decided to go looking for another like it.

I ran across this very fine car. 2nd owner 1978 Z-28 factory 4 speed T-Top car. Only 80k miles on it, barely any body issues at all and the underside is absolutely mint. Will need a full interior and exterior overhaul but it is getting harder to find these cars unmolested.

[smallblockhero]

thats a beautiful Z car. ive always loved them. this looks like a great project. its getting really hard to find an unmolested 4 speed Z like this.... ive looked around NY and didnt find too many.

[RAIIIT/A]

I've had a few of those Z/28's.... I don't think I ever paid more than $800 for a pretty decent one.... though its been a good 15+ years since I've had one though.. I have noticed that in recent years that prices have gone up quite a bit as they are getting harder to find.... as most were beat into the ground.

[Dog427435]

Very cool Z! Good luck with the project <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif


You NY’ers have got to stop coming down to PA and taking our rust free cars!
(There sure as hell are not many of them!!)

[GTO_DON]

Where did you pick that up from.That looks like my neighborhood. I remember one of those around here with those 69 emblems on it.

[njsteve]

Nice find. i remember back in hgh school (graduated in 1980), all the rich kids had brand new 78, 79, and 80 Z/28s. I was stuck driving an old 1970 Superbird. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

[Tracker1]

I am looking for one of those '78s in Code 63 Camel Metallic, 4-speed of course...nice cars - nice find!

[talwell]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTO_DON</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where did you pick that up from.That looks like my neighborhood. I remember one of those around here with those 69 emblems on it. </div></div>

I located the car in south jersey - the nephew had acquired the car from his uncle who owned it since 1985. The car spent all its years in Thornton, PA so it is possible that this was one that you saw. Not many with those incorrect old school Z fender emblems.

The car was garaged its whole life - I would say it probably has never seen road salt or snow either. It has the usual minor cancer marks but nothing severe and nothing requiring more than a little torch work and tiny patch panels.

These cars are really starting to disappear. Not so long ago they were cheap undesireable cars but that tide has turned. There are some out there but not many factory 4 speed t-top cars.

Trying to decide what to do with it. I have half a mind to strip it down and do a full factory restore on it. On the other hand, I am thinking to strip down, cosmetically restore to stock but drop the entire drivetrain for a built LS3 and 6 speed so I can run it and enjoy it. We have done many old school meets new technology builds but have not done any on a 2nd gen yet. If I went that route I would have to keep the car and enjoy it as it would cost more to build than the market would bring on it.

I have to get out and rip that back seat out. Dying to see if that virgin build sheet is tucked in there. Not much about the car to learn from it but just something about finding that sheet of paper that has not seen daylight in 33 years that gets you psyched.

[njsteve]

Here's my often posted highschool parking lot photo....

The rich kid's side:

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt77/nk15268c/AmityLot1980-2.jpg

Us poor folk parked on the opposite side: <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt77/nk15268c/AmityLot1980-1.jpg

...and a few hooligan friends hanging out after class started. That Z11 was my first car I bought when I was 14. Check out what's up on the hill - a black with white stripe Z/28 RS that our janitor drove. Over 4 years we watched that car literally dissolve from all the salt that was stored in the shed where it was parked. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cry.gif

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt77/nk15268c/April1980a.jpg

[talwell]

Steve,

Funny how you were probably deemed the outcast and poor kid driving that old junker mopar with that big stupid wing on the back. If only they knew <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

I was always sort of an outcast too. In high school I drove a '74 Nova SS Hatch. Very nice black on black car and back then we still rode air shocks to jack up the rear. I was running Keystone classics with the really wide rears and normal fronts. In my high school years the &quot;it&quot; kids were starting to drive imports. We had the spolied pricks driving Supras, CRX and others like it. A few rich kids also have the Trans Am GTAs, Grand Nationals, Irocs or Mustang GTs. I was the poor kid and therefore I drove what I could buy and what I could fix.

Love that picture Steve. Wish I had some but as a true poor kid I wasnt running around with a camera.

[njsteve]

LOL. That camera was a twenty year old Pentax that my dad gave me when I was 13 years old. I still have it! I spent most of my time as the official evidence gatherer and documenter of all thing devious back then.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt77/nk15268c/April1980d.jpg

One of these days one of those guys is gonna run for president and I'll have some great blackmail material. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

[P.J.]

Great thinking I a m with you on the recoding of
devious things a must for non Nurds
PJ

[danachevroletfor1967]

Great find. I've always liked the styling of the 1978-81 Camaros. I hung on to my 1978 Z28 I bought new in July, 1978. It currently has 87,000 miles and is all original except for mechanical items that have been replaced, console box, and headliner. I added an IROC style front air dam within the first six months I had it. Hope yours turns out just like you want it to.

[flyingn]

sure looks like Washington township area in South Jersey.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: talwell</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTO_DON</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where did you pick that up from.That looks like my neighborhood. I remember one of those around here with those 69 emblems on it. </div></div>

I located the car in south jersey - the nephew had acquired the car from his uncle who owned it since 1985. The car spent all its years in Thornton, PA so it is possible that this was one that you saw. Not many with those incorrect old school Z fender emblems.

The car was garaged its whole life - I would say it probably has never seen road salt or snow either. It has the usual minor cancer marks but nothing severe and nothing requiring more than a little torch work and tiny patch panels.

These cars are really starting to disappear. Not so long ago they were cheap undesireable cars but that tide has turned. There are some out there but not many factory 4 speed t-top cars.

Trying to decide what to do with it. I have half a mind to strip it down and do a full factory restore on it. On the other hand, I am thinking to strip down, cosmetically restore to stock but drop the entire drivetrain for a built LS3 and 6 speed so I can run it and enjoy it. We have done many old school meets new technology builds but have not done any on a 2nd gen yet. If I went that route I would have to keep the car and enjoy it as it would cost more to build than the market would bring on it.

I have to get out and rip that back seat out. Dying to see if that virgin build sheet is tucked in there. Not much about the car to learn from it but just something about finding that sheet of paper that has not seen daylight in 33 years that gets you psyched. </div></div>

[Fast67VelleN2O]

If I only had every one (35) of those 1977-1981 Camaro and Trans Ams that I parted out between 1995-2000 I would bea rich man now.

-Matt

[talwell]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyingn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">sure looks like Washington township area in South Jersey.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif
</div></div>

Pictures were taken in Woodbridge, NJ. I live in Staten Island but we have properties in north jersey where my brother took the car to.

I purchased the car in Merchantville, NJ but it did spent its entire life in PA.

[SS427]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> One of these days one of those guys is gonna run for president and I'll have some great blackmail material. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif </div></div>


Better come up with something worse than that if you want them to compete with the other cadidates. If his opponents posted these photos I would certainly vote for him!

[flyingn]

Merchantville has a HUGE car show every year that attracts thousands of people and 600 cars.. Its 5 minutes from me..


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: talwell</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyingn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">sure looks like Washington township area in South Jersey.. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif
</div></div>

Pictures were taken in Woodbridge, NJ. I live in Staten Island but we have properties in north jersey where my brother took the car to.

I purchased the car in Merchantville, NJ but it did spent its entire life in PA. </div></div>

[MrsBillyBobcat]

<span style="font-size: 11pt">Love it Todd!</span> <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

They will always remind me of high school! I went on my first date in one. I definitely liked the car more than the guy! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif He had almost no personality and ALL he listened to was J. Geils! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif Don't get me wrong...I like J. Geils, but he opened his cassette tape case and EVERY cassette in there was from the J. Geils Band! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif Their song &quot;Centerfold&quot; will always remind me of my high school days too...but not that guy <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif, as it came out after I went out with him. Those of you who were in high school about that time will probably remember this video <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif http://vevo.ly/en3kwJ


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS427</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> One of these days one of those guys is gonna run for president and I'll have some great


blackmail material. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif </div></div>


Better come up with something worse than that if you want them to compete with the other cadidates. If his opponents posted these photos I would certainly vote for him! </div></div>

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[CC Rider]

Reminds me of Jeff Spicolli thrashing and wrecking that silver Z28 on Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Nice find!

[talwell]

These second gen Camaros will be the next wave of popular muscle cars. Time to start grabbing them up and stop parting them out <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[PxTx]

Maybe we all romanticize out highschool years, but I beleive the next wave of collectible cars is when HP made a comback circa 1987 when EFI finally was able to control emissions and perform reliably in affordable cars.

I graduated in 1993, but the GN, 5.0 and Iroc cars were some of the best competion my old Muscle car could find on any given summer evening.

Looking under the hood of a 1979 Camaro seemed like a black haze of vacuum hoses with a little light blue paint peakign out.

The TPI intake took back the engine compartment and looked pretty sexy for the time.

[markinnaples]

My first car was a '76 Camaro Rally Sport, two tone blue with a weak-kneed 305 two barrel, which was slow as molasses in January. But, it looked cool (except for the primer) and I loved it.

My next car was a '78 silver on red Trans Am that was a little faster, but still not all that fast (I think it had like 2.73's in it so off the line it didn't have much).

So, obviously, these cars hold a special place in my heart and I'd love to get a second gen again. And pxtx, I agree that the IROCs, GTAs, and GNs will also appreciate sometime as well. All good stuff.

[RPOLS3]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pxtx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I graduated in 1993, but the GN, 5.0 and Iroc cars were some of the best competion my old Muscle car could find on any given summer evening.
</div></div>

I graduated a few years earlier than that (1988) but agree completely. We still have our 1987 Turbo Regal that Dad bought brand new (traded an 86 Monte SS for it) and at the time it was - with few exceptions - the ass kicking machine in town. My brother and I (and Dad too) each have many fun memories of that car in High School and College.....the really cool thing was that for many years it was Dad's daily driver and all 3 of us beat the snot out of that thing and it has survived remarkably well.

Jake

[old5.0]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fast67VelleN2O</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I only had every one (35) of those 1977-1981 Camaro and Trans Ams that I parted out between 1995-2000 I would bea rich man now.

-Matt </div></div>

That's how it always works, though, isn't it?

I junked a decent 82 Cease Fire T/A several years ago. Really wish I had that cold air hood back. Wish I had the Cross Fire set-up and air cleaner hat back, too.

[talwell]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: old5.0</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
That's how it always works, though, isn't it?

I junked a decent 82 Cease Fire T/A several years ago. Really wish I had that cold air hood back. Wish I had the Cross Fire set-up and air cleaner hat back, too. </div></div>

Speaking of a 1982 Cross Fire - another of my first cars was a 1982 Z-28 Cross Fire. Being a back yard mechanic with no money and no resources I could never get the injectors lined up right to get it running properly. I pulled the Cross Fire complete motor and dropped in a 383 stroker pushing about 300hp. Back in the early 90's 300hp was decent - fast forward 20 years my wifes grocery getter SUV has more than 350hp.

[DanCamm]

Circa 1987. The Z was bought a few years later by Brian &amp; Joe. Original Burnished Brown, Green Deluxe, Rosewood, no console car. Had a CE block. Yes, we thought we were badasses at the time. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/3847576062_e03cd8e2ae.jpg

[MrsBillyBobcat]

<span style="font-size: 11pt">COOL pic Dan!</span> <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[budnate]

there pretty tough to find around here rust or the roundy round race guys got them over the last 15 yrs and parted them out for race cars.

My first car was a '78 Marina blue, black int, 305, 4spd Camaro Coupe...14x6, 15x10 Cragars, posi-traction tires...air shocks...chrome traction bars...man life was great.

[DanCamm]

The yellow RS/SS was my first. 350/4 speed, black deluxe. Bought it for $2000 in '87. I probably had the car for about a month in that pic.

[MrsBillyBobcat]

My friend Cindy's first car...she still has it! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg133/carcrazyqt/3d689a47-1-1.jpg

[lwkitt427]

HELLO LES HERE I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF RESTOREING A BLACK ON BLACK 1979 Z28 4SP. CAR WAS TO MAUI MOTORS TO A MARINE SGT I FOUND THE HIS MILTARY I.D CARD BEHIND THE DOOR PANNEL I HAVE THE BUILD SHEET FROM BEHIND THE SEAT. WORKING MAKING A SECOND DAY LOOK. GOING CRAGER 5 SPOKES LAKEWOOD YELLOW SLAPPER BARS. CHROME REAR END COVER. I DID PUT THE ORGINAL 350 NUMBERS MATCHING ON A STAND AND HAVE ADDED A 383 STROKER 450 HP CENTER FORECE CLUTCH HUSRT SHIFTER.AND CAR HAS A/C. HAD THE SUB FRAME POWDER COATED ETC ETC I WILL HAVE MORE INTO THAN WHAT IT WILL BE WORHT, BUT I HAD BRIGHT BLUE WITH DELUX INT IN HIGH SCHOOL WITH ALL THE OPTIONS BUT T TOPS, WAS AN AUTO CAR 4 SP,S MUCH HARDER TO FINDS GOOD LUCH WITH THE PROJECT. I WILL POST SOME PIC'S SOON

[GTO_DON]

Heres a pic of my 81 Zee. 4 spd car with 22,000 original miles. Original tires too!

[MrsBillyBobcat]

WOW! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif Is that ever NICE Don! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[talwell]

Here is another project we are building now. 1969 Camaro LS2 pushing about 500hp, 6 speed, 4 wheel discs, coilovers, modern gauges and Rushfurth wheels.

[talwell]

We have done many 69's - but I actually cant wait to do this 78. Looking forward to pulling off the t-tops and taking myself back to 1992 all over again. Unfortunately my friend that I sold my 1979 Z-28 to was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2001 so we cannot live it all over together.

[talwell]

And here is a few pictures of my coupe that is currently held hostage by the body shop in Woodstock. That is going to change soon and then we can get moving on installing the 1200+ hp tiwn turbo LSx 408 &amp; 6 speed drivetrain in it. Chris Alston subframe, Ford 9&quot; rear, quadra-links, mini tubs and 4 wheel discs.

[RAIIIT/A]

I have an '81 Camaro with a Z/28 hood sitting in my backyard. I bought it 4 years ago from the local Toyota dealership for $300.... it was a trade-in that they wholesaled to me(I'm a dealer). Someone had removed all the smog stuff and the computer.... so it wasn't even close to passing a Califormia smog inspection.... Its kind of a shame becuase its a stick car with a perfect body and ran and drove great. I ended up pulling the rebuilt 305 and put it into an '86 TPI Z28(another story)... I also pulled most of the interior and put it into a '78 Trans Am(another story)..... I don't have the heart to scrap it..... but there really isn't anything I can do with the car.... so it just sits in the yard under a tree...

[talwell]

Drop one of the new E-Rod LS based motors and a 6 speed in it. From what I understand the E-Rod motors are compliant with Cali emissions standards for both visual and probe testing. In NY we have plug in only inspection for ODBII cars after 1996 and even my 2010 Camaro with over 700hp and running long tubes and no cats still blows right through inspection.

Worst case, save the car as the demand for them is coming...my brokers just sold a 13k mile Bandit Trans Am for over $75k.

[4onthefloor]

As much as I like the Older &quot;DAY2&quot; style cars-I have a soft spot for the new generation muscle cars-Back in the days when Iroc-Z's-5.0 mustang's-Buick Turbo regals-Ford Supercoupes-SHO's-Pontiac GTA's-Monte SS..I can go on for days,But I know this board Gets it.I owned mostly all the cool cars of my era,Cool Import's and Rare ones too-like a 1LE iroc z, SSP 5.0 mustang trunk, Rare 2 tone Buick turbo regal limited and the list goes on-My 1979 Z28 is the only car I had sellers remorse about-it was a 350 4 speed ttop car-that I swapped a mean 454 in it,No car on the street could touch it-These cars deserve regonition,I hope the 3rd gen fbody's catch up too=They are FUN cars-it seems like only 1 st gen camaro's get noticed..http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab89/4onthefloor/img043.jpg

[4onthefloor]

http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab89/4onthefloor/img106.jpg

[4onthefloor]

This car was the FASTEST thing I ever built-this was a Fully built 231 Turbo Buick V6 with the best of the best-it had a stock appearing John Craig Turbocharger-SMC alky kit-Stretch intercooler-Built 200R4 transmission with a 3200 Stall-I would usually get kicked out of the Racetrack after my 1 st pass,FOR running too FAST-LOL-no bigblock could touch it-http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab89/4onthefloor/img044.jpg

[4onthefloor]

This was one of my MANY 5.0 mustangs-the only Automatic out of the bunch-1989 GT with a 150 Shot of Nitrous oxide from N.O.S along with Dual bottles with a Nitrous Oxide Systems brand Pusher fuel pump-it also had the usual mustang mods of 2 1/2 inch american thunder flowmaster cat back-offroad H-pipe-MSD 6AL-K&amp;N panel filter-Fully built AOD with 2800 Stall converter-Funny thing was 1st time I hit the Nitrous button with small 75 HP pills, The original AOD tranny Blew Up!I then had my tranny guy build me a Nice AOD that could live under stress and put the 150 HP pills in-This car ALSO got me booted off the Track-LOL-The tech guy Got mad because he Told me 'You can run,But dont Hit the nitrous oxide&quot; I then went in the waterbox heated up my Dragradial's-then purged it at the staging lane, Now with sytem fully armed,when the light turned The car jumped like a monster,The run was FUN but I never got my time slip, The Tech guy was MAD he told me to pack up &amp; Get the F***k out of his track.. http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab89/4onthefloor/img045.jpg

[JoeC]

I remember a lot of friends buying new late 70's and 80's Z/28, TA, Mustang GT, GN, and SS Monte and some still have them.

I still have my old 86 Chevy PU, two 80s Motion cars and a box of cassette tapes waiting for the 80s come back. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt185/MotionFan1/MotionSS.jpg

[markinnaples]

Man, Camaros new or old, I just love them all.

[RAIIIT/A]

I've had a couple of those Monte Carlo SS's.... a white on grey '85 and a burgandy on maroon '86.... Both had buckets console and the '86 was a 3.73 posi car. I also had a black and silver '85 442. I sold it to my parents about 7-8 years ago.... it's been a garage baby all its life... I prefer the '80's G-bodys over the 3rd gen F-bodys. Too bad they didn't put the TPI set up on the G-bodys though.

[flyingn]

whoa Don. Never seen that car before.. Very nice.. For sale? How much?


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTO_DON</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Heres a pic of my 81 Zee. 4 spd car with 22,000 original miles. Original tires too! </div></div>

[old5.0]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 4onthefloor</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab89/4onthefloor/img106.jpg </div></div>

Good stuff. I like the little red notchback, but I've got a weakness for 'em. Got one in the garage and four more in storage. Speaking of which, I need to get the one in the garage to the chassis shop to get caged. Then it's off to paint prison for a few years. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/no.gif

[old5.0]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JoeC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I remember a lot of friends buying new late 70's and 80's Z/28, TA, Mustang GT, GN, and SS Monte and some still have them.

I still have my old 86 Chevy PU, two 80s Motion cars and a box of cassette tapes waiting for the 80s come back. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt185/MotionFan1/MotionSS.jpg </div></div>

Good looking Motion Monte.

I've been curious if there were dealer prepped Montes and third gen F-bods available back then. I've never heard of any, but I haven't been looking very hard. There were dealer built Mustangs as early as 1982.

I've a Stage III Dominator, Tommie Vaughn GT40 notchback, Crawford Quarterhorse notchback, and a Cartech Turbo car all on my wishlist.

Oh, and Tony DeFeo's 87 LX Cars Illustrated test car. I'm going to find it one of these days, too.

[4onthefloor]

Is this the Defeo mustang your talking about? If So-this particular article &amp;that style of car testing -got me excited about the then new muscle cars that where on the scene http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab89/4onthefloor/img111.jpg

[old5.0]

Yep, Tony's black, no option radio delete LX. Got a pretty good idea of where it is, just gotta get it nailed down. Incidentally, check the best pass on that car. 13.75@101, stock. And people think 80s stuff is slow.

[4onthefloor]

I can relate when it comes to 5.0 Mustang's.They where VERY popular in my neighborhood,Back in the day's-My Father had a Nice Maroon GT 5 speed-He had all the good stuff done to that car-It was fast!-Here is a pic of my 1992 LX silver with Marble Race stripes-this was a 5 speed-Zoom kevlar clutch-adj quadrant-I put long tube headers-4.11 rear gears-fuel pump-adj fuel reg-Hoosier Race tires-frame connectors-Electric fan-Pro 5.0 shifter-Ram air kit -pulleys-MSD 6AL-This was a nice Qwick car it ran low eight's at the track
All motor...
http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab89/4onthefloor/img108.jpg

[4onthefloor]

My last Car that was a 5.0 was this 1994 SVT Cobra-this car had everthing from Trickflow-Brembo Big brakes-the motor was dynoed at over 400 HP-It ran So hard I snapped an expensive Carbon fiber Race Driveshaft-in pieces-The mickey thompson Drag radials probably didnt help=I have to digg up the other pics ,But I did put Chrome Stagger fit Y2K Cobra R wheels with pirelli high speed tires-it was a CLEAN ride-[This pic was at local track And I was iceing the intake)
http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab89/4onthefloor/img110.jpg

[markinnaples]

I guess I like the 70's F-Bodies because it was a step between the muscle era and the FI-everything in the 80's and even though they were slow, I like their style.

[Hylton]

When I was 19 I had an '81 Z/28. It was a 4-speed 350 charcoal car with silver stripes and deluxe interior. I sold it for one reason or another but vowed to get one again someday. Fast forward 25 years and I managed to bag a 25,000 mile unrestored one:

[TMagda]

This is not my car, but I bought an identical one from Greenwich Pontiac in late '79, right in the middle of the gas shortage. I thought I got a screaming deal at the time. They had about 20 left and it was around December.

[Hylton]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TMagda</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is not my car, but I bought an identical one from Greenwich Pontiac in late '79, right in the middle of the gas shortage. I thought I got a screaming deal at the time. They had about 20 left and it was around December. </div></div>

You must of had them ladies calling with that car! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

[talwell]

Where have all you guys been hiding with these 2nd gens? I have not really seen any discussion of them prior to this thread.

[TMagda]

Hylton, it helped! My gf at the time was into cars. I had a '69 Z/28 when we met but was driving a '79 Datsun long bed pickup by then. It was to carry my motorcycles. SHE HATED IT! Because of the gas shortage, the Pontiac dealer gave me $6,500 for the truck on the trade in when I paid only $4,900 brand new almost 12 months earlier. He also discounted the T/A enough where is was basically and even trade! The T/A handled great and I loved the looks. However it was the 403 Olds automatic and could not get out of it's own way. And the paint sucked!. I usually would not have purchased an auto, but all of the 400 4-speeds were gone by December. I put in a Pioneer Super Tuner in dash am/fm cassette with a large amp in the trunk and 6x9's in the rear deck. Sounded amazing. Fun car, but the build quality was getting to me so I sold it after about 6 months for $9,000 to some rich kid in New Haven. May have been NJ Steve!!!

[markinnaples]

Love that charcoal Z and that black T/A, awesome, and the reference to the Pioneer Super Tuner takes me back big time, lol.

[MrsBillyBobcat]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hylton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When I was 19 I had an '81 Z/28. It was a 4-speed 350 charcoal car with silver stripes and deluxe interior. I sold it for one reason or another but vowed to get one again someday. Fast forward 25 years and I managed to bag a 25,000 mile unrestored one:

</div></div>

<span style="font-size: 11pt">That's awesome Hylton! Congrats!</span> <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[talwell]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Love that charcoal Z and that black T/A, awesome, and the reference to the Pioneer Super Tuner takes me back big time, lol. </div></div>

BTW - the 1978 Z-28 that I just found also has the Super Tuner in it <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[TMagda]

The Super Tuner was state of the art in 1977! With Jensen coaxial speakers!

[4onthefloor]

The only 2nd gen's that where getting any Love ,where the early 1970-1973 Z28's and mostly all the Trans Am's with pontiac bigblock's-I Really liked both version's of 2nd gen fbody's and owned quite a few of them,I got lucky as all my 2nd gen's where 4 speed stick cars..My last 2nd gen was this Trans am-it was a 301 originally with a super T10 4 speed non Ttop-It had a built pontiac 400 when I bought it, That for Some reason Blew up-LOL , So That gave me the perfect excuse to put a Very mean Full roller BBC 454-I prepped the car for Street/strip but Kept the 4 speed in it-The car would not HOOK!! There was Too much power and Even with Full race slicks-it would just spin.. I had lots of fun with this 2nd gen -But with Regret ,I Had to sell it to fund another project-But I kept the Motor-The guy I sold it too Was gonna restore it back to original-I sold it to him with the original Snowflakes&amp; unmolested shaker =http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab89/4onthefloor/S5002378.jpg

[flyingn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TMagda</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Super Tuner was state of the art in 1977! With Jensen coaxial speakers! </div></div>

actually the Jensen Triaxil speakers were the top o the heap back then:)

[TMagda]

flyingn - that's probably what I meant! The memory is the first to go. I guess the looks go next!

[Hylton]

Thanks! Gutless car but the flashbacks are priceless!

[Hylton]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyingn</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TMagda</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Super Tuner was state of the art in 1977! With Jensen coaxial speakers! </div></div>

actually the Jensen Triaxil speakers were the top o the heap back then:) </div></div>

Quads for the win!

[rich p]

With a Pioneer Super Tuner, add a eq and turn up AC-DC Back in Black!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

[rich p]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hylton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When I was 19 I had an '81 Z/28. It was a 4-speed 350 charcoal car with silver stripes and deluxe interior. I sold it for one reason or another but vowed to get one again someday. Fast forward 25 years and I managed to bag a 25,000 mile unrestored one:

</div></div>

It has got have the T-Tops! Had lots of fun in one of those back in the day! Killer piece..

[talwell]

I recall in the late 80's and early 90's ditching the ability to carry someone in the back seat for the ability to see how big of sub speakers and amps you could fit in thier place. I got at large as an 18&quot; sub with that snazzy dash mounted EQ. All the systems back then sounded terrible - I recall driving around with the bass banging but not being able to hear a single word of what was being sung.

[4onthefloor]

I almost forgot how everyone was doing Bazzoka bass tube's,Pyle drivers,Zues amps,Alpine stereo's,pioneer super tuners,Goose neck equlaizers And yes it was all for the BASS!!-I only did one car like that=I was more in to speed &amp;style,but most of my friends from back in the days,Would Put Crazy soundsytems that sounded AWFULL in piece of crap cars-Most of times they would get robbed-they would just take the stereo equipment And leave the cars-but if they did have &quot;5 star&quot; rims or &quot;hammer &quot;type rims with out locks they would get jacked too-

[1970Bluel78]

I cannot think of anyting more fun and bang for your buck then a 5.0 Mustang. I bought one in 1983 ( early 84 model ) and still have her tucked away. Charcol in and out T-top 5 speed. I did the usual simple bolt on's in the late 80's. Car goes high 13's. Mind you this is a 175 HP car

[flyingn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TMagda</div><div class="ubbcode-body">flyingn - that's probably what I meant! The memory is the first to go. I guess the looks go next!</div></div>

no no no. They also had coaxials too. They were cheaper they were the ones I could afford. The rich kids has the tri's!

whoa, I did forget about the 4 ways!!! They were well out of my reach

[StealthBird]

This was my brother's 1979 Trans Am Special Edition, 400 4-speed, that he special ordered and picked it up in Dec. 1978.

Classic Day 1 photo.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[Hylton]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthBird</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This was my brother's 1979 Trans Am Special Edition, 400 4-speed, that he special ordered and picked it up in Dec. 1978.

Classic Day 1 photo.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif </div></div>

That's the one to get today. L78/M21/WS6 and black SE <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

[old5.0]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthBird</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This was my brother's 1979 Trans Am Special Edition, 400 4-speed, that he special ordered and picked it up in Dec. 1978.

Classic Day 1 photo.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif </div></div>

I remember one day back in my high school years, back before I understood the difference between &quot;6.6 Litre&quot; and &quot;T/A 6.6&quot;, I pulled into gas station in my 89 Mustang and happened to pull in next to a very pretty, well maintained red 79 T/A. The older guy driving and I struck up a conversation, and I asked &quot;Which engine?&quot; He looked at me like I'd sprouted a second head and said &quot;The <span style="font-style: italic">only</span> engine. Four hunnert Pontiac.&quot;

[old5.0]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 4onthefloor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only 2nd gen's that where getting any Love ,where the early 1970-1973 Z28's and mostly all the Trans Am's with pontiac bigblock's-I Really liked both version's of 2nd gen fbody's and owned quite a few of them,I got lucky as all my 2nd gen's where 4 speed stick cars..My last 2nd gen was this Trans am-it was a 301 originally with a super T10 4 speed non Ttop-It had a built pontiac 400 when I bought it, That for Some reason Blew up-LOL , So That gave me the perfect excuse to put a Very mean Full roller BBC 454-I prepped the car for Street/strip but Kept the 4 speed in it-The car would not HOOK!! There was Too much power and Even with Full race slicks-it would just spin.. I had lots of fun with this 2nd gen -But with Regret ,I Had to sell it to fund another project-But I kept the Motor-The guy I sold it too Was gonna restore it back to original-I sold it to him with the original Snowflakes&amp; unmolested shaker =http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab89/4onthefloor/S5002378.jpg </div></div>

Man, that's a pretty car. I've always though second-gen Firebirds were just about the sexiest car ever made. Unfortunately, the only one I've ever owned was a rusty, beat-to-the-ground, crap brown on tan 72 Formula 400.

Poor old thing was slow as a Citation towing a three story house up a mountain, but with a set of rusty Cherry Bombs, it did a great job of scaring the rollerskate chicks at Sonic. And that was enough to earn it &quot;cool&quot; status at my high school.

[talwell]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

That's the one to get today. L78/M21/WS6 and black SE <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif </div></div>

Yes - that is the one to have today. I will locate one. If I cannot get a nice original one I will restore one from the dead and give it new life.

[RAIIIT/A]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: talwell</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

That's the one to get today. L78/M21/WS6 and black SE <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif </div></div>

Yes - that is the one to have today. I will locate one. If I cannot get a nice original one I will restore one from the dead and give it new life. </div></div>

W-72 - super T10 - WS6.... would be the correct formula for a late '70's T/A

[MrsBillyBobcat]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthBird</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This was my brother's 1979 Trans Am Special Edition, 400 4-speed, that he special ordered and picked it up in Dec. 1978.

Classic Day 1 photo.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&amp;Number=28453&amp;filename= Steves 1979 Trans Am - Day 1 (1).jpg
</div></div>

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif

[StealthBird]

I always loved the 79 Formulas and Trans Am's. Unfortunately, build quality was questionable at that time, and auto workers were under great pressure to produce quantity, not quality. Making over 100,000 1979 Trans Am's, with various spoilers, stripes, and stickers, was an alignment nightmare.

I followed these cars from Day 1, and I (and several friends) were always into them, ignoring the 3rd Gen cars when they came out. The 2nd Gens were just beautiful.

The 3 most common defects you'll see on an original 79 are;

1) Wavy front grille, usually the passenger side.
2) Driver's side rear spoiler endcap out of alignment, which was always very noticeable on a Formula or Trans Am with graphics or striping on the wing.
3) Shaker scoop callout stickers seem to be applied &quot;somewhere in the vicinity&quot; of the side of the hood scoop.

You still see low mileage, untouched 79's around (usually the 10th Anniversary cars) that have never been touched, and they frequently have one (or all) of these issues.

Beautiful cars though. Very fast for 1979, and with the WS6 option (4-wheel discs), could out-corner and out-brake any American car on the road, at any price. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

[budnate]

here is the '79 I had a few years ago, low mile survivor. another on the list of should have kept. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

,

[flyingn]

heres a black 79 TA motored 4 speed for cheap on ebay now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Classic-S...=item231674b178 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Classic-Sporty-Leather-Rear-Spoiler-4-Speed-T-Top-AC-Cassette-/150700601720?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&amp;hash=item231674b178 )

[flyingn]

how about this gem?? whoa..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2560-Actu...=item415f419873 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2560-Actual-Mile-1979-Pontiac-Trans-Am-10th-Anniversary-/280771008627?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&amp;hash=item415f419873 )

[lwkitt427]

LOVE THE BLACK WITH RED INT COMBO. ANY ONE KNOW HOW TO POST PIC'S OR I CAN YOU SEND YOU SOME PIC'S OF MY 1979 Z28 BLACK ON BLACK 4 SP UNDER RESTO ?

THANKS
LES

[Tenney]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: talwell</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

That's the one to get today. L78/M21/WS6 and black SE <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif </div></div>

Yes - that is the one to have today. I will locate one. If I cannot get a nice original one I will restore one from the dead and give it new life. </div></div>

Jim Wangers is selling his (85-mile Anniversary).

[Dave Rifkin]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: budnate</div><div class="ubbcode-body">here is the '79 I had a few years ago, low mile survivor. another on the list of should have kept. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

,
</div></div>

My parents bought an identical car to this one brand new; wasn't the fastest car in the world but, it sure did handle well.

[JoeC]

I know some die-hard Camaro guys bought 5.0 Mustangs in the 80's as they were a good car for the money.

Motion did some 80s Mustangs and had a catolog of parts.

This one was used in the MP catolog and was Joel's wifes car.
It was set up like a 69 MP Camaro with Motion hood and emblems, side pipes, big spoiler, etc.

We took this pic at the MP building on the way home from Joel's house
http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt185/MotionFan1/DCP01491.jpg

[69SSZL1]

Here is a 1978 photo of my Dads new Z/28 after he had the dealer install Trans Am wheel well flares. The new Z/28's were a big deal in 1978. I talked my Dad into getting one. I drove it alot. Not real fast, but handled great.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/RS%20Camaro%20photos/CAMAROS78Z28.jpg

[StealthBird]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tenney</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jim Wangers is selling his (85-mile Anniversary). </div></div>

Tenney, didn't that one sell at auction a while back? I thought Jim sold off a few of his cars, and I recall seeing that one on one the auction sites?

Here's a beautiful one for you guys. Sold for $72,500.

http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=SC0510-92818

Mike

[StealthBird]

And if you like them in gold... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=SC0510-90078

[old5.0]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JoeC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know some die-hard Camaro guys bought 5.0 Mustangs in the 80's as they were a good car for the money.

Motion did some 80s Mustangs and had a catolog of parts.

This one was used in the MP catolog and was Joel's wifes car.
It was set up like a 69 MP Camaro with Motion hood and emblems, side pipes, big spoiler, etc.

We took this pic at the MP building on the way home from Joel's house
http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt185/MotionFan1/DCP01491.jpg
</div></div>

Joe, there's a new Fox body only magazine that'll be coming out in January. It'd be neat to see an article on that car.

[Tenney]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthBird</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tenney</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jim Wangers is selling his (85-mile Anniversary). </div></div>

Tenney, didn't that one sell at auction a while back? I thought Jim sold off a few of his cars, and I recall seeing that one on one the auction sites?

Mike </div></div>

Recall he'd sold a few earlier too, Mike - though still has the '79.

[StealthBird]

I know Wangers really disliked his 1979 10th Anniversary Trans Am. He only kept it because it was given to him. He never drove it, and when giving interviews showing his collection, he would skip right over it. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

I just checked, and his 1979 10th Anniversary did indeed go through RM Auctions in June 2010, and sold for $52,800.

http://www.rmauctions.com/CarDetails.cfm?SaleCode=SD10&amp;CarID=r247

Of course, with the way auction shenanigans are, it wouldn't surprise me to learn that the car never actually sold.

[talwell]

Even though I do have a soft spot for second gen Camaros, I also agree that they were not the best of cars. Build quality was quite poor, horsepower was something that did not exist and the suspension left alot to be desired.

I took my 1978 Z-28 that I just found out for a drive yesterday. It is amazing how responsive it is with just 185hp. Despite the flat spot in the carb and running a mix of old and new gas, it did run remarkable well. The suspension feels terrible but there is nothing wrong with it, just as my other one was 20 years ago.

I was impressed with the car - and just poking around the car I found just a tiny bit of cancer in the trunk pan from moisture under the pad. Aside from this, the car is about spotless. I am really hung up on what to do with it. I could do a full OE restore, I could do an OE restore with a slightly improved suspension and drop a built motor in and leave the 4 speed in it or I could go balls to the wall and do the LS3, 6 speed full suspension overhaul.

[Tenney]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthBird</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know Wangers really disliked his 1979 10th Anniversary Trans Am. He only kept it because it was given to him. He never drove it, and when giving interviews showing his collection, he would skip right over it. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

I just checked, and his 1979 10th Anniversary did indeed go through RM Auctions in June 2010, and sold for $52,800.

http://www.rmauctions.com/CarDetails.cfm?SaleCode=SD10&amp;CarID=r247

Of course, with the way auction shenanigans are, it wouldn't surprise me to learn that the car never actually sold. </div></div>

Still w/Jim as of a few days ago.

[StealthBird]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tenney</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Still w/Jim as of a few days ago. </div></div>

Hmmm...well this must be another one of the many &quot;smoke and mirrors&quot; tricks these guys pull with auction houses to boost their portfolios. Like I said, doesn't surprise me. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

[markinnaples]

That Black/Gold TA is BEAUTIFUL; a WS6 4sp sweet.

[carenthusiast]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pxtx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Maybe we all romanticize out highschool years, but I beleive the next wave of collectible cars is when HP made a comback circa 1987 when EFI finally was able to control emissions and perform reliably in affordable cars.

I graduated in 1993, but the GN, 5.0 and Iroc cars were some of the best competion my old Muscle car could find on any given summer evening.

Looking under the hood of a 1979 Camaro seemed like a black haze of vacuum hoses with a little light blue paint peakign out.

The TPI intake took back the engine compartment and looked pretty sexy for the time.</div></div>

I would agree also. I'd even throw in a Monte Carlo SS of the time. Not fast but still a cool good looking car and an end of an era for those types of cars. Well in my opinion anyway.

[flyingn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: carenthusiast</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pxtx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

</div></div>

I would agree also. I'd even throw in a Monte Carlo SS of the time. Not fast but still a cool good looking car and an end of an era for those types of cars. Well in my opinion anyway. </div></div>

I had an 86 Monte SS low mileage stocker and I got it to run 14.6 at 97 with just a set of roller rockers, a chip, mufflers and a posi. Not too slow..

[talwell]

I had the last of the LT1 motors - had a brand new 1997 Z-28 6 speed. The only thing I did to the car was install a flow master cat back and SLP air induction. Car ran 13.99 1/4. Not bad for a 285hp hunk of steel.

Unfortunately I still have to see the car to this day - my ex-wife took it from me in the divorce and she still has it.

[Thomas]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: talwell</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the last of the LT1 motors - had a brand new 1997 Z-28 6 speed. The only thing I did to the car was install a flow master cat back and SLP air induction. Car ran 13.99 1/4. Not bad for a 285hp hunk of steel.

Unfortunately I still have to see the car to this day - my ex-wife took it from me in the divorce and she still has it. </div></div>

You gotta love the ex-wife.
Mine sold a 10 year collection of '69 Camaro parts, while she was living in our house and I was living in my mother's basement, waiting for the separation agreement to be finalized.

[carenthusiast]

Ya I had an 88 Monte SS and I really enjoyed it.

[talwell]

What is the deal with this second gen Camaro?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RAREST-CA...=item1c2148ed71 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RAREST-CAMARO-EVER-MADE-1980-BILL-MITCHELL-hugger-camaro-1-90-camaro-1969-72-/120817511793?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&amp;hash=item1c2148ed71 )

[67BelAir427]

http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/52/752/8/29/41/2819829410099336969LKBOqc_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2819829410099336969LKBOqc)