4 generation Camaro/Firebird working access

Dragsinger · 05-21-2014, 10:02 AM

Racers,

since a clean 4 gen is relatively easy to find and reasonably priced they are attractive as a base for a GT super stocker. In addition, a "core" body in overall good condition is a big advantage from the point of body and paint prep. Plus, with each year that passes the older cars become harder to find and in a more "weathered" condition.

My question, the "issue" I see with the 4 gen is engine compartment access. Let me hear from some of you racing a 4 generation Camaro/Firebird. Other than the initial installing of the engine how is the access?

ss3011 · 05-21-2014, 12:36 PM

You may want to consider a 3rd Gen Camaro or Firebird. They are easy to work on !

Ed Wright · 05-21-2014, 01:01 PM

With half the engine under the windshield, I don't find mine easy to work on. But, I'm an arthritic 70 year old.

Dragsinger · 05-21-2014, 03:36 PM

Ed, I am just like you, only three years younger. Plus I have FOS [fat, old, stiff] I better build another 3rd gen. The engine is wide open with those.

Mike Pearson · 05-21-2014, 06:21 PM

actually if you are looking for an easy car to work on the gen 1 cars are the best as long as you aren't stuck on GT. My car is much simpler to work on than my buddies gen 3 car

Dragsinger · 05-21-2014, 08:12 PM

Mike, I agree but to find one at any reasonable price is just about un-heard of. Same with Nova or Chevelle.

Ease of work is not so much the issue as finding the older cars.

Also, I am not a thrash at the track racer. If I have any major problem I go home and put it on the lift.

I have raced a 3rd gen and work access was OK especially on a lift at the shop. The 4th gen looks like bad access to rear half of engine.

05-21-2014, 10:02 AM	#1
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	4 generation Camaro/Firebird working access Racers, since a clean 4 gen is relatively easy to find and reasonably priced they are attractive as a base for a GT super stocker. In addition, a "core" body in overall good condition is a big advantage from the point of body and paint prep. Plus, with each year that passes the older cars become harder to find and in a more "weathered" condition. My question, the "issue" I see with the 4 gen is engine compartment access. Let me hear from some of you racing a 4 generation Camaro/Firebird. Other than the initial installing of the engine how is the access? __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

05-21-2014, 12:36 PM	#2
ss3011 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 909 Likes: 70 Liked 239 Times in 114 Posts	Re: 4 generation Camaro/Firebird working access You may want to consider a 3rd Gen Camaro or Firebird. They are easy to work on !

05-21-2014, 01:01 PM	#3
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: 4 generation Camaro/Firebird working access With half the engine under the windshield, I don't find mine easy to work on. But, I'm an arthritic 70 year old. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

05-21-2014, 03:36 PM	#4
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: 4 generation Camaro/Firebird working access Ed, I am just like you, only three years younger. Plus I have FOS [fat, old, stiff] I better build another 3rd gen. The engine is wide open with those. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

05-21-2014, 06:21 PM	#5
Mike Pearson VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,456 Likes: 618 Liked 1,945 Times in 586 Posts	Re: 4 generation Camaro/Firebird working access actually if you are looking for an easy car to work on the gen 1 cars are the best as long as you aren't stuck on GT. My car is much simpler to work on than my buddies gen 3 car __________________ Mike Pearson 2485 SS

05-21-2014, 08:12 PM	#6
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: 4 generation Camaro/Firebird working access Mike, I agree but to find one at any reasonable price is just about un-heard of. Same with Nova or Chevelle. Ease of work is not so much the issue as finding the older cars. Also, I am not a thrash at the track racer. If I have any major problem I go home and put it on the lift. I have raced a 3rd gen and work access was OK especially on a lift at the shop. The 4th gen looks like bad access to rear half of engine. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W