3RD GENERATION
These two Camaro's are fine examples of the 3rd
generation f-body. Some of the features included on them were the
optional 5.7L V8 with Tuned Port Injection, 16" wheels with
245/50 ZR tires, t-tops, 4 wheel disk brakes, etc. The Iroc model
in the second picture was considered to be one of the top 10
handling cars in the U.S. during the late 80's. IMO, some of the
finest 3rd generation F-bodies rolled off the assembly during the
90-92 model years. Like this red Z28 in the left picture with its
high rise spoiler and the "hood blisters" as they were
called. This was offered on the 91-92 Z28 along with a driver
side air-bag, new instrument panel and revised ground effects.
It wasn't until the TPI fuel injection
introduced in 1985, that the 3rd gen F-bodies really became a
hit. This TPI (taken from the Corvette) combined with a 305 made
anywhere from 195-235hp and with the 350 it was around 220-245hp.
Torque output for each was 285-345ft. lbs. Available
Transmissions were the 700-R4 4sp auto and the borg warner T-5
manual. The manual was not available with the 350 V8 due to a low
torque rating. Many aftermarket companies like Arizona Speed
& Marine, TPI Specialties, Accel, and Lingenfelter caught on
quick with the demand for such an awesome system, they began to
produce high performance upgrades for these motors. Enlarged
throttle bodies, runners, ported plenums and intake, and much,
much more. The TPI injection was and still is considered one of
the best types of fuel injection setups from the factory. These
systems made so much low end torque in the 350's they actually
make more than the current LT1 in the 4th gen F-bodies.
Like the Camaro, the Firebird undergone a few
changes in the early 90's such as the front fascia, driver side
air bags, and the rear spoiler became flat instead of having a
curved lip on the very edge. In the right picture is a 1991
Firebird Formula with SLP options owned by Jim Poulos. Is that a
gorgeous car or what? Sleek styling and aggressiveness are some
attributes to the 3rd gen F-bodies. The 91-92 Formula's were some
of my all time favorite firebirds. With 1/4 mile times ranging
from mid 14's to mid 16's and pulling an outstanding .89g's on
the skidpad, some of them had no problem wasting a few of fords
pony cars. The 91 Trans Am GTA in the left picture is owned by
Bob Morgan. Features include hunter green paint with gold
striping, tan leather interior, and gold spoke 16x8 wheels.
Awesome!!!
4TH GENERATION
In 1993 the 4th generation F-body was introduced. This was probably the beginning of the what will become the most popular F-body made. Practically nothing from the 3rd generation was used. All new suspension, composite body panels, a new borg warner T-56 six speed manual trans, and again taken from the big brother Corvette was the now famous LT1. With a rating of 275hp and 325lbs of torque it could boogie these F-bods down the quarter mile with times ranging from high 13's to low 14's.
In the left picture is a Trans Am with the optional
WS-6 package. Key features include functional ram air hood,
17" wheels, and oval tip exhaust. When I mention "ram
air" I am talking about the SLP modified air intake that use
openings in the hood which catches and forces cooler dense air
for the LT1. This setup increased horsepower from 275 to 305 and
with an optional SLP exhaust it was 310. This feature was
introduced in 1993 when the Firehawk made an appearance for the
second year in a row(first for this generation). The beautiful
1997 Camaro on the right is only 1 of 100 special LT4 SS models.
The main ingredient is a balanced and blueprinted LT4 with ram
air, but also comes with special 30th anniversary
striping, white 17" wheels, and SLP exhaust. There is also a
few models of the 1997 Firehawk made with the LT4(I believe 29).
The picture on the
right is of a stock LT1. These motors have been around since 1991
in which they powered the Corvette. In 1993 the LT1 made a debut
in the f-bodies. Rated at 275 horsepower and 325 ft lbs of
torque(down from 300 in the vette), this motor put the F-bodies
back in the bang for buck category, overtaking the enemy Mustang.
The other picture is of a 1996 Camaro SS motor. You can see the
special SLP ram air setup which produced another 20+hp.
Email me for comments or questions!