No more Fbody? Maybe not READ THIS PLEASE!
#1
No more Fbody? Maybe not READ THIS PLEASE!
Ok Ive seen how everyone on here is worried to death about the Camaro and Firebird/TransAm going bye bye. Well I havent said anything about this 1:cause I just found out that the site is back and 2: if you are really GM freaks then you SHOULD read the magazines! Ok if anyone has the July 2000 issue of HOT ROD then please turn it to page 20. Im not going to type the whole article I will just give you the skim. Ok here are some quotes from the issue..."If you've been worried that the Camaro name will die after 2002, fear not: Chevrolet will build an all-new car for the 2004 model year. It'll feature a completely fresh platform, the first since the '82 Camaro debuted nearly 20 years ago." then its blah blah blah..."Word is that it will draw styling and proportion cues from the CLASSIC '67-'69 Camaros, but obviously with a more modern flair." then it just goes on about the engine and how its going to blow the mustang sales away. Which I totally agree with if they do what I have read. Anyways I hope this has gotten alot of relief out of you guys. I hope HOT ROD isnt BSing us. I doubt it though. I mean think about it...40 years almost. 4 gens so far. You really think there gonna stop now? And just leave the Trans-Am series to the Corvette? I dont think so!
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 2
From: Fla
Car: 90 IROC
Engine: 406
Transmission: GMPP 93/4L60
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
I agree...The F-body will be around for along time. I think its all propaganda to increase interest/sales. I love the 1st gen body style That and the 3rd gen are my favs. Styling cues from the 1st and 3rd gens with some modern tech that would be one sweet ride.
Mike
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Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!
Mike
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Black 90 IROC, L98, A4, 323 gear. SuperRamed 406 in the works!
#4
Every one is worried about the camaro dieing. It may well happen. But just for a few years.I also heard that the bowling green plant,yes the corvette plant was being re tool and died for some specilal project?? Possibly the camaro?? Only time will tell. Probably not though>
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#5
importkiller,
You from conover, cool i'm from Hickory. Pretty neat to see some ppl who like good american cars from around here. There is way to much rice in Hickory.
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1986 Berlinetta, 2.8L, newly rebuilt 700R4, 3.42 Posi. 127,000 miles and counting.
I've come to realize that I'm gonna have this car till it pukes for good, b/c I'll never be able to bring myself to sell it.
You from conover, cool i'm from Hickory. Pretty neat to see some ppl who like good american cars from around here. There is way to much rice in Hickory.
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1986 Berlinetta, 2.8L, newly rebuilt 700R4, 3.42 Posi. 127,000 miles and counting.
I've come to realize that I'm gonna have this car till it pukes for good, b/c I'll never be able to bring myself to sell it.
#7
I have given up on the General. I think he will either kill the F-body or transform it into a front wheel drive. Which is worse, either way I will not buy one. The Vette plant is being set up for the new Caddy. I truly think the General has lost his way, and leaving us, his troops behind. It would be nice to find out that GM reads all this but I know they don't. They need car guys (and gals) in Detriot not the bean counters they have now. William Durant is turning in his grave.
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92 Z conv
5-spd B&M
alston SFC, few mods, some free, some not
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92 Z conv
5-spd B&M
alston SFC, few mods, some free, some not
Trending Topics
#8
jmon92conv,
I have spoke with a GM exec that wouldn't give any details other than the fact that the Camaro/Firebird will not be going FWD any time soon. He also commented on the fact that the engine will also remain V8. I had a 69 at the time and was told that if I like the style of the 69, I won't be disappointed with the next generation. He then proceeded to say that all this would be denied if he was ever approached on the subject by his peers.
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87 IROC 350 TPI with less than 10k original miles
www.users.uswest.net/~smoyer/iroc.htm
I have spoke with a GM exec that wouldn't give any details other than the fact that the Camaro/Firebird will not be going FWD any time soon. He also commented on the fact that the engine will also remain V8. I had a 69 at the time and was told that if I like the style of the 69, I won't be disappointed with the next generation. He then proceeded to say that all this would be denied if he was ever approached on the subject by his peers.
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87 IROC 350 TPI with less than 10k original miles
www.users.uswest.net/~smoyer/iroc.htm
#9
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,350
Likes: 303
From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
I think GM needs to drop the price to compete with the Rustang. The guy I work with is kind of pumped to buy a 2000 ford. Te said it is basically fully loaded for $20,000. The Z and TA are almost %50 more than that loaded. I want to get one but They are too expensive. Now I see why people buy Fords. Sad......
James
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If the women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy
James
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If the women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy
#10
After seeing the General F**K things up for years, I don't belive anything until it hits the showrooms. I hate to be a pessimist, but look at what they have done in the past.
Jeremy
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92 Z conv
5-spd B&M
alston SFC, few mods, some free, some not
Jeremy
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92 Z conv
5-spd B&M
alston SFC, few mods, some free, some not
#11
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, Ct
Car: 1991Firebird T/A
Engine: 350
Transmission: Modified Viper t-56
Axle/Gears: dana 44, 3.55
agreed on the pricing issue.. i mean we all know which is the better car, but gm needs to drop the price of the car
Steve
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86 Firebird, LG4, t-tops, 2.73 open rear, SLP 3 inch cat back exhaust, catco cat, Coming mods: GOT A 350 IN THE WORKS BABY! gonna throw my TES edlebrock headers on it, and hopefully get some more gear and the cowl hood on
My Webpage- Battle of the birds, My own Thirdgen Page, still under construction, http://www.geocities.com/soares711/index.htm
88 Firebird Formula- deseased 2/9/99- 305 TPI, SLP 3 inch exhaust, SLP Intake runners, SLP cam, 3.45 BW disc brake posi, WS6, NOS, and all that good stuff, 13.8 on the motor, 12.89 on NOS and slicks! Hit by what else!?!? a FORD EXPLORER!!!!!!
Steve
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86 Firebird, LG4, t-tops, 2.73 open rear, SLP 3 inch cat back exhaust, catco cat, Coming mods: GOT A 350 IN THE WORKS BABY! gonna throw my TES edlebrock headers on it, and hopefully get some more gear and the cowl hood on
My Webpage- Battle of the birds, My own Thirdgen Page, still under construction, http://www.geocities.com/soares711/index.htm
88 Firebird Formula- deseased 2/9/99- 305 TPI, SLP 3 inch exhaust, SLP Intake runners, SLP cam, 3.45 BW disc brake posi, WS6, NOS, and all that good stuff, 13.8 on the motor, 12.89 on NOS and slicks! Hit by what else!?!? a FORD EXPLORER!!!!!!
#12
I sure hope your right pal.
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1987 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z
L98 TPI 350 (5.7L)
TH 700R-4 Transmission with 2.77:1 Rear End
Current Mods: Edelbrock TES 1 5/8" Headers, Hooker Aerochamber Cat-Back System, Performance Resource Chip with 160* Thermostat, Accel Ignition Components, K&N Filters, All Free Mods, Falken ZIEX Z-Rated Tires.
Best ET : 14.3 @ 97mph
(corrected for elevation)
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1987 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z
L98 TPI 350 (5.7L)
TH 700R-4 Transmission with 2.77:1 Rear End
Current Mods: Edelbrock TES 1 5/8" Headers, Hooker Aerochamber Cat-Back System, Performance Resource Chip with 160* Thermostat, Accel Ignition Components, K&N Filters, All Free Mods, Falken ZIEX Z-Rated Tires.
Best ET : 14.3 @ 97mph
(corrected for elevation)
#13
I dont think at all that GM will drop the Fbody name ANY time soon. MAYBE, only the V6 models which I could care less cause now there just b*tch's rides (sorry girls). I mean the one wheel spinning thing is just soooooo damn stupid! And plus why would they stop making the Z28s when right now all you see is cops in freaking Zs (which REALLY pisses me off cause when fly by feeling good cause you just blasted by a 99 or 2000 Z28 and then blue lights start blinking! It sucks) But I really dont think they that Chevy will stop making the Camaro cause that makes about as much sense to me than stop making the Vettes. You guys come on! There not stupid! And a front wheel drive fbody!? How can you guys even believe that BS!? Does Chevrolet even make a front wheel drive car? After what...40 years of the camaro and firebird you think there just gonna all of the sudden STOP making them? Especially when now there getting faster and faster! I mean soon there gonna hit the 500 Hp mark. And I think they will! So all I can say to GM is "Kiss my *** , I think you're f*cking full of sh*t!"
#14
Supreme Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 1
From: Calgary
Car: 89 Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: TH 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
A lttle emotioonal are we??? Monkie....Does "Chevrolet even make a front wheel drive car?" If you don't know that then....I'll be polite and not say......
I think everyone here, except you, agrees that the F-body will be cancelled for 1-2 years and then return.
How fast the Camaro is has no relevance
to wether or not they cancel them. They have to sell well enough for GM.
Also more then 1/2 of Camaros sold are V6s,
so they will never drop the V6. Theres nothing worse then a F0body fan bashing
V6ers. They are still nice cars and are pretty quick. BTW 500hp from a stock Camaro....your dreaming or on crack!
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88 IROC the best RS ever made!
well except for the BC4s
I think everyone here, except you, agrees that the F-body will be cancelled for 1-2 years and then return.
How fast the Camaro is has no relevance
to wether or not they cancel them. They have to sell well enough for GM.
Also more then 1/2 of Camaros sold are V6s,
so they will never drop the V6. Theres nothing worse then a F0body fan bashing
V6ers. They are still nice cars and are pretty quick. BTW 500hp from a stock Camaro....your dreaming or on crack!
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88 IROC the best RS ever made!
well except for the BC4s
#15
No, I agree too. I think they will be gone for a few years. But I dont think they will stop making them. Their to much of a sale. And Im not putting down the V6s, thats what I drive. But I dont like the one wheel thing. I think its stupid. Just my opinion.
#16
Supreme Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 1
From: Calgary
Car: 89 Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: TH 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
yes, I agree the one wheel, no posi thing
is dumb, but it is an option.(one new ones) It was even dumber that it was NOT std equipment on
my old 5.0 TPI 5spd car, they made you pay.
Sorry for coming across a little hard on ya
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88 IROC the best RS ever made!
well except for the BC4s
is dumb, but it is an option.(one new ones) It was even dumber that it was NOT std equipment on
my old 5.0 TPI 5spd car, they made you pay.
Sorry for coming across a little hard on ya
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88 IROC the best RS ever made!
well except for the BC4s
#17
2011 Norwood Gathering
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 4
From: Sarasota FL
Car: 99 WS6 / 00 SS / 11 CTS-V / 13 300
Engine: LS1 / LS1 / LSA / 5.7 Hemi
Transmission: 4L60E / T-56 / 6L80E / W5A80
Axle/Gears: 3.23 / 3.42 Auburn / 3.23 / 2.62
871LE is right...
The FBody WILL DIE in 2002. There is a major reason they will. There will be no plant to build them in!! The plant in Quebec is way overdue to have its contract renewed. And because GM doesn't want to continue to pay for the Fbody to have its own platform, they won't pay to revamp the exisitng one.
The Camaro/Firebird, from all the articles I have read in the last 2 years, should have a 5th generation by '05 or so. It will be rear-drive (remember, they wanted to make the 4th gen front drive at one point too!! What did that car end up being? A Beretta!!!), and possibly based on the next-generation Catera. The Catera is a similar size, and will be rear-drive. So its already been speculated the Fbody could transfer over to this platform to save $$. Hell, GM has already gone forth with a new RWD platform for '02 or so Sevilles. There will be SOMETHING lying around they can make into a ponycar.
This isn't fact, but it does sound VERY plausible. It makes sense. And even though GM is dumb, I don't think they'd leave the market to Ford forever, do you??
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Jason E
'89 Camaro RS 2.8
Medium Grey Metallic/AT/T-tops/all power
Hypertech chip/2 K&N filters/Modded air box
Eclipse CD/Eclipse 100x4 amp/Boston4x6 plates, 6x9 RX 3 ways/ALL Monster's goodies
Alpine Alarm w/ Keyless entry
IROC tailights/t-windows
[This message has been edited by Jason E (edited October 02, 2000).]
The FBody WILL DIE in 2002. There is a major reason they will. There will be no plant to build them in!! The plant in Quebec is way overdue to have its contract renewed. And because GM doesn't want to continue to pay for the Fbody to have its own platform, they won't pay to revamp the exisitng one.
The Camaro/Firebird, from all the articles I have read in the last 2 years, should have a 5th generation by '05 or so. It will be rear-drive (remember, they wanted to make the 4th gen front drive at one point too!! What did that car end up being? A Beretta!!!), and possibly based on the next-generation Catera. The Catera is a similar size, and will be rear-drive. So its already been speculated the Fbody could transfer over to this platform to save $$. Hell, GM has already gone forth with a new RWD platform for '02 or so Sevilles. There will be SOMETHING lying around they can make into a ponycar.
This isn't fact, but it does sound VERY plausible. It makes sense. And even though GM is dumb, I don't think they'd leave the market to Ford forever, do you??
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Jason E
'89 Camaro RS 2.8
Medium Grey Metallic/AT/T-tops/all power
Hypertech chip/2 K&N filters/Modded air box
Eclipse CD/Eclipse 100x4 amp/Boston4x6 plates, 6x9 RX 3 ways/ALL Monster's goodies
Alpine Alarm w/ Keyless entry
IROC tailights/t-windows
[This message has been edited by Jason E (edited October 02, 2000).]
#18
I think there is a whole lot of deception played into this "no more F-body" thing. I fell into it and realized where I went wrong. The F-body is a platform designation describing the basic unibody chassis that '82-'01 Camaros/Firebirds are built on.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
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1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
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1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
#19
I think there is a whole lot of deception played into this "no more F-body" thing. I fell into it and realized where I went wrong. The F-body is a platform designation describing the basic unibody chassis that '82-'01 Camaros/Firebirds are built on.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
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1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
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1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
#20
I think there is a whole lot of deception played into this "no more F-body" thing. I fell into it and realized where I went wrong. The F-body is a platform designation describing the basic unibody chassis that '82-'01 Camaros/Firebirds are built on.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
------------------
1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
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1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
#21
I think there is a whole lot of deception played into this "no more F-body" thing. I fell into it and realized where I went wrong. The F-body is a platform designation describing the basic unibody chassis that '82-'01 Camaros/Firebirds are built on.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
------------------
1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
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1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
#22
I think there is a whole lot of deception played into this "no more F-body" thing. I fell into it and realized where I went wrong. The F-body is a platform designation describing the basic unibody chassis that '82-'01 Camaros/Firebirds are built on.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
------------------
1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
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1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
#23
Could someone delete the duplicate posts by me above. I had some trouble in getting my messages posted. I thought the website didn't take my posts because it kept transfering me to the "reload" screen. Sorry about that. Thanks.
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1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
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1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
#24
don't forget about the chevy SSR, that is one sweet ride, 320HP stock, not bad at all . If i don't see some serious feedback from GM this may be my next car, scheduled for 2002, maybe i'll lease it and trade it in after 3 years for a 5th gen camaro by then
I ain't gettin rid of my 91 Z, i just feel the need for another car :P
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I ain't gettin rid of my 91 Z, i just feel the need for another car :P
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#25
Look through some old mags or read some older books and you will see these same things were being said for both the 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th changes. In 80-81 the F-bodys had something like 150hp in a gas crunch, no one thought they would survive. And in the late 80s, the popularity of FWD was picking up, so there was talk of that then too. I think GM learned that talking about killing it increases sales, so they are tampering with this rumore.
#26
Originally posted by Ehelmsin:
Look through some old mags or read some older books and you will see these same things were being said for both the 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th changes. In 80-81 the F-bodys had something like 150hp in a gas crunch, no one thought they would survive. And in the late 80s, the popularity of FWD was picking up, so there was talk of that then too. I think GM learned that talking about killing it increases sales, so they are tampering with this rumore.
Look through some old mags or read some older books and you will see these same things were being said for both the 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th changes. In 80-81 the F-bodys had something like 150hp in a gas crunch, no one thought they would survive. And in the late 80s, the popularity of FWD was picking up, so there was talk of that then too. I think GM learned that talking about killing it increases sales, so they are tampering with this rumore.
#27
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 0
From: was: Palmdale, Ca
Car: was: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: was: L69
Transmission: was: 700-R4
Originally posted by Black Missile:
I think there is a whole lot of deception played into this "no more F-body" thing. I fell into it and realized where I went wrong. The F-body is a platform designation describing the basic unibody chassis that '82-'01 Camaros/Firebirds are built on.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
I think there is a whole lot of deception played into this "no more F-body" thing. I fell into it and realized where I went wrong. The F-body is a platform designation describing the basic unibody chassis that '82-'01 Camaros/Firebirds are built on.
It has been speculated that the 5th gen GM pony-cars will be built off the "Sigma" platform. The Sigma platform will allow GM to build FWD and RWD configerations(sp?) on the same chassis. Therefore, the new platform will reduce costs for producing many different models at GM significantly.
I think the new '02 Catera, Cadillac Evoq and quite possibly the new C6 Corvette will be produced on the Sigma platform. I'm sure that there will be many more models coming out on the new Sigma chassis by GM. It makes me think that GM wants the Sigma platform to be what the K-car platform was for Chrysler.
And from what I have researched, the Sigma platform is only a rear wheel drive setup. Yes, the Catera will be going RWD. It is cheaper to build than FWD.
#28
Originally posted by MRZ28HO:
Th F-Body platform is not limited to the '82-'01 models, but from '67 until '02 (or the last year of the 4th gens). Every Camaro and Firebird from the first one to the last of the 4th gens is, was, and will be an F-Body.
And from what I have researched, the Sigma platform is only a rear wheel drive setup. Yes, the Catera will be going RWD. It is cheaper to build than FWD.
Th F-Body platform is not limited to the '82-'01 models, but from '67 until '02 (or the last year of the 4th gens). Every Camaro and Firebird from the first one to the last of the 4th gens is, was, and will be an F-Body.
And from what I have researched, the Sigma platform is only a rear wheel drive setup. Yes, the Catera will be going RWD. It is cheaper to build than FWD.
I do know that the '67-'81 F-bodies were built off the same basic unitized body and front sub-frame platform. As you may know, the '67-'70s all had the same basic unibody platform as the '68-'79 X-car (Nova) including the same front bulkhead/firewall section.
When the 2nd gen F-body was introduced back in 1970, the "greenhouse" area was moved back about 3" inches on the body with a significantly lower profile bulkhead/firewall. This gave the designers what they had always desired, a lower and longer looking car on the same 108" wheelbase X-car (Nova) based unibody.
The 1982 F-body was completely redesigned on a fully unitized platform. But, once again, GM borrowed heavily from the experience it gained on developing the new for '80(MY) X-car and new for '82(MY) J-car for the 3rd gen F-body platform. Mostly in drivetrain/suspension based components.
During the 4th gen design for 1993, most of the '82-'92 F-body platform was kept intact with only major revisions made to the bulkhead/firewall section forward to accomodate the 68-degree front windshield rake and revised front suspension system.
I guess I'm more inclined to refer to the '67-'81 Camaros and Firebirds as pony-cars while I think of the '82-'01s as F-bodies.
Lastly, I would think these days that FWD platforms would be the most cost-effective way for GM to produce a variety of car based models on. They're doing it right now. Since most of GM's products (excluding trucks) are FWD, it only makes sense for them to continue developing FWD platforms due to their mortized investment in FWD based engines and drivetrains. I don't have referenced proof, but I do remember reading that the "Sigma" platform will allow GM to build a variety of drivetrain based "configerations" on the same platform. For me, it only makes sense financially for GM to develop a platform that allows this type of versatility. If not, IMHO I don't think the RWD Camaro and Firebird(?) will have a long life into the 21st century. :sad:
Mike.
------------------
1989 Firebird GTA: black on black 5.7 liter (N10 dual exhaust) with T-tops and leather.
#29
Supreme Member
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,347
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From: Western WA
Car: 85 Camaro
Engine: No
Transmission: No
Axle/Gears: No
Re: No more Fbody? Maybe not READ THIS PLEASE!
It's interesting looking at old threads like this... and all of us now know the answer. It's funny what was said 'back in those days'...
Are the new (2010 MY) Camaro's called F-bodys? Or...
This doesn't seem to unreasonable now, does it?
Are the new (2010 MY) Camaro's called F-bodys? Or...
This doesn't seem to unreasonable now, does it?
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,305
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From: Corner Brook, NL
Car: 1984 Z28 HT,2006 2500HD
Engine: 5.7L, 6.6Llbz dmax
Transmission: 700R4, 6 speed allison
Axle/Gears: worn out 3.73 posi
#31
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,125
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From: Midwest
Car: '82 Recaro T/A, '71 Trans Am
Engine: 305CFI/455HO
Transmission: TH700R4/M22
Axle/Gears: 3.23/3.42
#32
Senior Member
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From: Fletcher, NC, USA
Car: 1982 Recaro T/A
Engine: LU5 CFI 305 V8
Transmission: TH-200C
Axle/Gears: 3.23 F-body Fanatic: Yes
Re: No more Fbody? Maybe not READ THIS PLEASE!
Little did we know, the f-body-LESS world that awaited us when this thread was started Heck, I barely consider 4thgens to be f-bodies.. I know this bewilders a lot of people, but as soon as Van Nuys shut down in 1992, that was the end of an era, and 4thgen styling was a major departure from the norm. GM will only gain redemption the day there is a new Firebird in the showrooms, and that will never happen again, ever. Therefore there's no hope for GM. End of story.. good luck to the '10 Camaro but I will never buy one, new or used.
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