Alright...I've always wanted a 3rd gen Camaro. I'm an old school guy when it comes to mechanics...carburated is my game. I've got a 375 horse 350 just beggin for a home. Am I causing myself a bunch of headaches if I buy a 3rd gen and go old school with it?

 

you shouldnt have too much of an issue. the motor u have is a gen1 SBC. the motor you ahve is already carbed right? so what you will need is a new ignition, hardwired fuel pump, adjustable fuel pump regulator, and potentially some custom motor mounts, but that may not be necessary. basically rip everything out of the engine bay u dont want. u dont need all the electronics because ur going carb

 

Sweet!! No electronic issuses like the dash not working because I ripped the computer out?

I've got a holley750 sittin' on top of of a tricked out 350.

 

itll be easy dude

 

i dont believe the speedo is run by the computer in 3rd gens. It most likely is fed straight from the speedo gear in the tranny.

 

Alright, moving on then...are there any significant advantages to different year models within the 3rd gen? Suspension, trans, sagging doors etc?

 

Now you have no kind of emission inspection correct?
The only thing you would lose from ditching the computer would be if you were to use a 700R4/4L60. It would need an aftermarket controler to take advantage of the TCC.
Aslo if you were to use a 90-92 they will have an electric speedo. Some creative wireing would work for that.

 

No emissions inspection. How much do I gain with the electronic lockup? What year did they start with TCC?

 

Your best bet is to find an IROC Z28, an 85-87 carbureted preferebly, or even any 82-89 Z in general. Look for one with an LSD rear end. The motor will drop in with absolutely no problems, as Mike said you will lose the ability to control the lock up TC. TCI has a vacuum actuated lock up kit for the 700R4 that I used in my swap, however if I did it again I would get the Painless kit for another $100. 82-89 will have the cable driven speedometer, you will need an oil pressure sender and coolant temp sensor to retain those two gauges, the tach hooks up to your distributor. Look into getting a larger radiator for that motor and either a flex fan or electric fan. The 700R4 will need gone over to handle that power, I paid $1200 to have mine built with a larger pump, kevlar bands and clutches, billet input shaft, teflon seals, shift kit, etc. You will need a vacuum advance distributor, and either a mechanical pump on the block, an inline electric pump, or retain the stock pump with a regulator (if your camaro has one.) If you use a mechanical pump or an inline electric pump, you will need to remove the stock pump (again if it has one.) Depending on the rise of your intake, you may need to get a cowl hood, I have a performer intake with a holley 14" drop base air cleaner, I had to remove the factory ram induction from my hood to get enough clearance.

 

Great info! I think I'm going to love this project. Now if I could just unload my 94 Tbird and my 78 C10 I could get started!