yes i do own it it was given to me a few weeks ago
yes that car has been sitting there for 2 years and who knows how long before that by the previous owner
i dont really have a plane for the car i sill need to get it out of that location put it up on stands and check out the underside like you mentioned and as far as i cant tell no not a 5.0l the fan shroud still has the original sticker on it and says 4.4l not that that matters i think any which way i decide to take this project its getting a create engine
but because of all that ruff sanding on the quarter panels and the possible rot underneath idk if ill be able to turn this into a nice show car or even road worthy for that matter

 

4.4L was the 267 V8, available in the Camaro for 1980-81. Either someone swapped in a newer fan shroud, or the VIN tag has been tampered with and you don't really have a 1978. The fan shroud change is a more likely scenario. You'll want to look up the engine numbers to determine for sure what you have there: Camaro Decoding help on Chevy-Camaro.com

 

Just remember, these cars are old and they are not always show perfect, and unless you have a huge budget to have the car restored by next week, that's great, but take you time and don't rush things. It took me over 20 years to get mine to it's current condition (long story) but just take your time. Get books, do research, buy parts as you can afford too and do what you can when time and budget allows.
Good luck with things and post pictures of your progress.

 

Don't think show car when you start, that's a long road. Start with the basics and work forward.