Can we discuss V6 4th(?) gen F-bodies?

Thanks fellas, lots of good thoughts.

I don't have a particular yen for F-bodies. What Im really trying to do is figure out what kind of car to buy in the future. Up to now my rides have been nice, but completely uninspired cars, and right now I'm saving duckets to spend 3-5K on something down the road. Something that's worth driving daily. You know the drill.

The 240SX was actually at the top of my list, until I did some Ebay/Craigslist checking and found out people weren't kidding about the effects of Dorifto on 240 prices. 9K and up for a 15yr old car isn't really fun DD money. F-bodies weren't really on my mind till I had a look at someone else's Firebird, which got me thinkin', and inspired the post.

I was hoping that a V6 F-body might have some of the same mojo as the 240 hatch without the drift tax. I was pretty much expecting it to be lacking in the chassis department, which I woulda fixed with the monster aftermarket the cars have. Then headers, then probably drive the heck out of it.

Me, I'm sans wifenkids, so I can actually think about DDing such a car.

And yes, the word "Miata" has crossed my mind many times. But the 240 and F-bodies have some kinda hatch to throw stuff under, thus their consideration.

Go find one to test drive and see how you like it. Even if you aren't serious about buying yet. People tend to like or hate them depending on their expectations and driving style. AFAIK the aftermarket for the V6 engine is severely lacking.

So I still say go for the V8 . You can definately find one in your price range if you try. I sold mine for 3500 three years ago. Had a ton of miles but lots of nice parts and I was fanatical about maintenance.

Otherwise think about:

• BMW 325/328, E30/E36 - The nicest & newest one you can afford. Great chassis, willing engine, RWD. Don't let the badge scare you. If you do the work yourself (easy) they are not expensive to maintain. Practical and fun plus they're worlds more classy than an F-body.

• 89-99 Honda Civic - I know, bad ricer image but they are still good cars. Rev happy engines, Honda reliability, and an aftermarket so huge you can practically snap them together like Legos.

• 91-95 Toyota MR2 - Don't know much about them but they seem to have a very loyal following. Slightly more practical than a Miata and more comfortable. I did not like the pedal layout at all but that's personal opinion.

Sounds cool to do something different. I've always had a soft spot for F-bodys. My thought its, how much heavier is that V6 than the LS1? I know that depending on whether you get the 93-97 Camaro or the 98-02 you'll be getting that iron block LT1 or the aluminum block LS1, but it can't be all that much heavier. Just make sure you do something about that rear diff if you pile on the power, V6 or V8.

Yeah, being all iron the 3.8 is heavier than you might think. I have no tech but I'd guess it weigh's about as much, maybe a little less than a LT1 and more than an LS1.

IMO the diff is fine unless you dump the clutch ALOT or drag race on sticky tires reguarly. Plenty of cars have run into the 12's (even some 11's) using them without a problem. The 6 speeds seem to be harder on them than the automatics though.

I realize this is kind of late in the game, but I was looking at the specs for a Firebird/Camaro versus a Taurus. The F/C is ONLY 4 inches shorter than a Taurus, nearly as wide, though obviously not as "tall". Still think it's a SMALLISH car? Compare the F/C to a same year Mustang. The wheelbase is the same, but the F/C is a FOOT longer (probably all in front of the windshield), and is 400 lbs HEAVIER. The "good" news? Even though the F/C is heavier than a Mustang (and about as heavy as a Taurus), it makes up for the extra weight with WAY more powerful engines.

Of course, none of this applies to the current Camaro and Mustang.

The 4th Gen V6 cars prepped by Phoenix did well in SCCA SSB competition. The V6 cars are a bargain - but so are the V8 cars. They are bigger then comparable Mustangs - but they are better performers in the same era of cars. They are not particularly easy to work on under the hood (owned, and tracked, a 94 Z28 for a couple of years).

The NASA Camaro Mustang Challenge winner this year is a 4th Gen Camaro (V8 though).

Every 4g f-body I've ever worked on has made me want to kill myself.

The higher mileage examples always seem to be falling apart. I think it is because they use fiberglass body panels and attach everything with rivets and steel spring clips (no screws or bolts) and eventually the fiberglass wears away.

I had a buddy with a 5spd v6 in high school. We tried to beat the car up, but it was gutless. It would hardly do a burnout, and wouldn't even chirp 2nd gear. It was better at picking up girls than the Mustang GT he traded in for it though.

In a V6 car, work on handling, not horsepower. Not much power to be had when you look at the money you must spend.