I've been struggling with the thought that I want a 3rd gen F-body to race/drive (ok, "drive" justifies buying it to race). I am currently driving a 2002 Z28 with a reasonably sorted suspension. Actually, the 2002 is reasonably quick and handles great, it's lots of fun to drive. But, I can't decide if I should keep the 2002 and the current setup or sell everything off, return it to stock and invest my "suspension money" in a nice, non- t-top 3rd gen to play with (something I can afford to wreck). Since my 2002 has T-tops, I don't think I'll ever think of it as a serious track car (even after it's paid off), so I am really thinking of a 3rd gen and starting over. I guess the question is "Keep the rocketship street car, or buy/build a true track car?"

Am I nuts or is this "the way"? Can anyone offer the proper guidance.....

Unless you can buy a fully developed 3rd gen. track car, you're probobly better off keeping what you have. I asked the 3rd gen guys I run with before buying my '02 Z-28. All said that the 4th gen car was better out of the box than most developed 3rd gen. cars.. The general opinion was that it would take both time and quite a lot of cash to bring the earlier car up to an equivalent level. Several I spoke to had 30k invested before they were done with their 3rd gen cars. Since I can't afford the trailer/tow vehicle/track only route. the 4th gen was the best "bang for the buck". Yeah, it has to be driven to and from the track and is not as quick as a dedicated track car, but it's been fun and fairly reliable (except for brake wear and the oem clutch). Unless you're wheel to wheel racing, you should be able to have plenty of fun and still bring the car home in one piece. On the other hand, if you have the coin, who wouldn't want both a track car AND a 4th gen. too. Play the lottery?

Kevin, I've been mulling over this keep it or sell it deal for a long time.

This is where I'm headed as of now.

The resale on 2000 and older F-Bods is dropping like a rock ... People can hardly give them away around here.

So, I am almost to the point of gutting the Trans AM, selling off all the interior pieces and stock stuff people want and getting a '97 or '98 Vette to cruise around in.

Of course, that is today when I feel 25. Tomorrow, when I grow, who knows ...

Yea, per Kelly Blue Book, I've lost $3500 in trade in value in about 3 months. I'm not paying it off as fast as I'm losing money on it. I owe a "bunch" more than they say it's worth. But, if I return it to stock and park it and wait until I pay a little more off and keep it at 35,000 miles or so, maybe I can sell it with in a year or less.

Some days I wish I'd bought "gap" insurance.....(but then I might be tempted to use it).

I had a "bunch" of money in my 3rd gen, as I got it completed, or nearly so, I stripped it and sold it and all the parts. It was probably about $20k total (solid roller, splayed main cap, 353 Chevy, 22 gallon cell, braided lines, cage, etc).


I'm starting to hear American Iron or CMC calling my name.....

Anyone else?

Oh, and Jensend, welcome aboard!

well.. i got rid of my 2000 Z for an IROC and i don't miss the 2000... the IROC is faster(all i do is autocross though)

i don't exactly know what extra things you would have to do to a 3d gen that makes it more expensive than a 4th gen to road race......
the main difference is the front suspension... so where is 30k dollars going to go? maybe some REALY trick alternative to the stock spindle set-up...

the IROC is scary(i mean scary) above 110mph compared to the 2000.. it might not be that bad if i went that fast more often in the IROC

my daily driver broke down, so i've been driving the IROC around.. well the heater core busted and that sux BAD... plus the car doesn't have an AC..
the car really isn't cut out for daily driving.. i definately miss the 2000 for daily driving

my 2 biggest peeves with the IROC are..
1. chaning rotors, it makes a bigger mess... you have to pull the bearings out, clean'em(or buy new bearings), and repack them..
2. old rusty bolts


on the road, the IROC gets a lot more looks..
also, on the road a 3d gen looks like easy prey to most people that are looking to street race.. so you better be ok with losing most of your street races

5 years ago I started this addiction in my (then) new 99 Hugger Orange SS (99HOSS, my other board name). I ran it for ~3 seasons, then had to give it back to the wife.

Then I bought a hardtop 87 T/A. 350, 5 spd converted in, Recaro interior, 9-bolt, engine mods and a heavy duty Centerforce clutch, etc, etc. It was a street racer with no suspension/brake mods. I dropped 3K on it and drove it home from NJ. With a spare engine and a few other misc parts.

After a 1200 dollar 1LE front brake upgrade (the rear is already with the PBR/disc setup), about another 2K in making the suspension completely adjustable (mostly internet deals or just knowing someone), another set of crosslaced wheels (for rain tires) and an S&W weldin cage, my track car is on track at about 8K invested. Pics in the sig link.

Maybe in a couple more years, after the T/A is wore out, I'd consider getting an LS1 car. By then they'll be high milege, cheap and 'track car ready'. Will that be an LS1, LS2, LS6 or LSX crate motor? Z06 brake upgrade.

3rd Gens are an affordable solution to what you're willing to lose.
Hope to see you at Mid-Ohio in April.

I say keep the 2002 and find a high 93-97 LT1. Then you have sorta the best starting point.

I have seen high mileage 94 Z28's going for around $3k. (I used to be a car salesman when I lost my IT job, so I saw a lot of this kinda of stuff) personally I would love to be able to do that and keep my 97SS mostly stock as my fun weekend cruiser etc...

Good luck.

I am also selling my '02 SS for a dedicated track car. Although I'm looking for an LT1.

I hate to see it go as I get compliments almost daily. It's a good car, gets decent gas mileage, and works as a great daily driver. But car needs have changed. And open tracking my daily driver was a little unnerving at times.

Yea, I missed it. My father in law just sold a 1995 6 speed hard top (non t-top) car with 100,000-ish miles for $3500. It was straight enough to race, actually, it was pretty decent....

Hmmm....

Anybody want to buy 4 Koni DA's with "everything", I'll throw in the car....I only need $22,500 for the koni's (I owe more than that on it).

I had a 1989 TBI 305 Formula with an automatic. I've lost more street races than I ever entered.....(not that I condone street racing, but in a 16 second car, racing stoplight to stoplight, you'd never break the speed limit).

For the "30K", I had $7500 in the motor for mine, plus the swap to a 5 speed (needed to find a 6 speed), a good rear, etc (where legal of course, depending on class) and brakes! Then the general stuff, cage fab, adding a cell, seats, etc. I know there will be money to invest, but if I can ditch the car payment, it could work....couldn't it?

Maybe I won't miss mine either.

Are you thinking of racing, or open tracking? Racing with a class like CMC will keep you from continually throwing money at the car. Hell, there's a perfectly good, damn near brand new everything 3rd gen in the CMC classifieds for $10k...with a trailer. And as far as the newer ones being more competitive...well, last year 3rd gens took 1st-6th in season points. Unless you're going to go wheel to wheel, I'd keep the 4th gen and keep it street legal.

I want to go play "wheel to wheel", Nevada Silver State Challenge, etc. So many things I don't think I'd want to use the 4th gen for. It is a great car, but I'd hate to crack it up.

I was looking at the CMC rules tonight. Even considering Spec Miata. Maybe I just need a change.