[teamDFL]

I am considering the purchase of a dedicated event car to take to HPDEs, Time Trials and Hillclimbs. I will most likely contest a Street Prepared class during the timed events, but have not made a final decision. The value represented by the 4th Gen F-body is attractive. I have yet to uncover a single source buyer's that details perfomance affecting year-over-year changes and options. Is there such a thing? Any links or attempts at putting together a brief one here would be appreciated.

This post has been edited by teamDFL: Nov 21 2005, 01:16 PM

[sgarnett]

I would pick a Firebird body. There's a little more room in the fenders, so fitting 315s will be a little easier. You can still run them on a Camaro too, but you may have to go a little further with rolling the fenders, cutting bumpstops, etc.

The lightest V8 Firebird is probably going to be the Formula.

Transmission gearing was lower in 93 - 2.97 with a 3.something option (or maybe the other way around). 94+ got the 2.66 close ratio first.

A few SS and Firehawk cars got the LT4 in 97, but those are rare.

98+ got the LS1 engine, but the PCM is better for 99+ so I would avoid the 98. The 93~97 LT1 is a little heavier, but it has fantastic throttle response at the bottom end.

There are year to year differences in the LS1 cam, manifolds, injectors, etc, but I don't have all the breakover dates memorized. I'm sure you can find a list somewhere, though.

LS1 cars got better brakes, but LT1 cars got better hydraulics. It's a lot easier to convert an LT1 car to LS1 front brakes than it is to convert an LS1 car to LT1 hydraulics.

Most of the suspension differences are things you will replace anyway.