2nd or 3rd Generation? - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

First post here so go easy on me...

I currently have a 74 Trans Am that I have been using as my cruising car and part time autocross ride. As you may guess, I am not very competitive at local autocross events running against 4th gen cars, (running ESP due to headers, although I would also get trounced in F stock). Looks like I can either really mod the 74, or move to a more competitive car.

I stumbled upon a clean 3rd gen z28 body that I could score pretty cheap. Additionally, I still have a recently rebuilt small block in my garage awaiting a new home. So after reading a couple posts on this forum I'm thinking maybe this would be the way to go.

I am only looking to be competitive at the local level. Maybe in the future progress up driving food chain to HPDE's and the like.

If I really wanted to do it right I guess I could sell the 74 TA and get a nice ride, but I am keeping the 74 until they sell it at my estate auction.

So I would love to hear any advice or opinions you can offer...

Trumpeter

trumpeter View Member Profile	Apr 14 2006, 05:13 PM Post #1
newbie Group: Members Posts: 4 Joined: 12-April 06 Member No.: 1,156	First post here so go easy on me... I currently have a 74 Trans Am that I have been using as my cruising car and part time autocross ride. As you may guess, I am not very competitive at local autocross events running against 4th gen cars, (running ESP due to headers, although I would also get trounced in F stock). Looks like I can either really mod the 74, or move to a more competitive car. I stumbled upon a clean 3rd gen z28 body that I could score pretty cheap. Additionally, I still have a recently rebuilt small block in my garage awaiting a new home. So after reading a couple posts on this forum I'm thinking maybe this would be the way to go. I am only looking to be competitive at the local level. Maybe in the future progress up driving food chain to HPDE's and the like. If I really wanted to do it right I guess I could sell the 74 TA and get a nice ride, but I am keeping the 74 until they sell it at my estate auction. So I would love to hear any advice or opinions you can offer... Trumpeter

pknowles View Member Profile	Apr 15 2006, 01:08 AM Post #2
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 1,427 Joined: 12-February 04 From: Huntingtown, MD Member No.: 193	Dennis Riehle is fast in that 1970 (I think) LT1 car. For locally compeditive I would say build what you like best. If a 2nd gen, 3rd gen, or 4th gen can win Nationals in the past 10 years then I would say locally you can do it with any of them. My biggest problem with ESP 3rd gens is that you are stuck with the L98, which probably in ESP trim still doesn't make as much power as a stock 4th gen. If you like a powerful car when your not autocrossing then a 3rd gen is not for you. 2nd gens are cool, but be prepared to rework the rear suspension. Have started autoX in a 66 Mustang a panhard bar is going to go a long way in improving a leaf spring car.