I was handed down this base model 98 Camaro, feels like a let down . Should I be disappointed? What can I do to it.?

 

Why the let down,were you expecting it to be fast?
The base model is an econo cruiser with a V-6 and it's over 20 years old so the tech isn't the same as the much more powerful V-6 cars of today.
Even the V-8 cars of that era in stock form make less than a new V-6 but still a lot more than your base model V-6.
Other let down,explain?

 

No not exactly I didn’t expect it to be as fast of a new car or if it was old enough to be considered a “Classic” to keep. Or if the build or framing is different from other models . But very well thank you for the information

 

If you want speed, drive the V6 now, buy a V8 later. 200hp from a 23 year old N/A engine is still good. The 160hp my little 3.4 5spd pumps breaks traction on a whim and take some conscious effort to not slide every corner in the rain.

3.8l already have decent short ram air intakes, modest injectors, increased cylinder head flow rates, efficient igntion, and tune at WOT that richens a/f ratio too cool the engine and increase power.

 

Well the electronics are different making a V-8 swap no simple matter like the older cars,the sub frames are pretty much the same but the front K-member is different so swapping in a V-8 requires a new one made for a V-8.
The V-8 cars with a manual trans were all 6 speeds where as the V-6 cars were 5 speeds.
The V-8 cars technically are all Z28's in the 4th gens,even the SS cars like mine but they've been sent to SLP for the SS conversion,mine even says Z28 SS on the title.
Most if not all of the Z28s have positraction (optional upgrade Eaton was available over the standard posi) and 4 wheels disc brakes ,SS cars have bigger front and rear sway bars than the standard Z28,not sure about the V-6 cars.
There was a whole list of upgrades on the SLP SS cars available but most were options to be ordered from SLP over the standard SS conversion.