first car = '84 Camaro Berlinetta
 

I'm new here so I need some help. I have a 1984 Camaro Berlinetta that is in the process of getting a used 350 put in from a local shop. I want to keep a sleeper appearance, while slowly upgrading the suspension and drivetrain. It had a 305, and still has the stock automatic. I also want to find the original radio setup because it was missing when I got it. Everything is stock as far as I know it. I'm 17 and on a very tight budget.

Sounds like a cool project. third gens are very good cars and underestimated IMO. I have a 90 Iroc-z and its an awsome car. Not too shabby handling in factory form either. Keep us updated on the progress!

thirdgen.org is good to find parts and get info

The 3rd gen camaro uses the normal gm big din size with every gm from the 80s to mid 90s used easy to find in a junkyard but who knows if it works tho.Look around on http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/

As of yesterday, the 305 that the shop put in had the same problem as the original motor, there was a rod knocking.:mad: So, the project will be delayed until the shop can find another engine. But, I am still open to suggestions or help in making my first car into a decent weekend worrior and great daily driver.

The Berlinetta had a full electronic, non-standard radio. In fact, the controls didn't even mount inside the dash.
It's a rather rare item.

http://members.cox.net/berlinetta/media/84Page8-9.jpg

Ahhhh, yes the radio on a stick! Not one of GM's better ideas. Good luck finding one of those. Most people chucked them out the window. You are kinda limited on what you can do with that radio. Most of all....Welcome to the sickness

I have even looked on Ebay, but still can't find the radio setup. As far as I know everything exept the actual radio is there, but if anyone can find one in good condition, I would appreciate it. Thanks for all the help so far.

If you want any kind of decent sound, replace the console with a different one (without the stick and accompanying holes) and put in a regular head unit. The factory Berlinetta units (with ERS extended range sound) didn't sound terrible but you can get much better sound quality at a lower price by going aftermarket. I only suggest this because it doesn't seem like you're going for a perfectly original restoration. I've owned a handful of third gens myself and I loved them. If you have t-tops, get subframe connectors as soon as you can! Third gens handle pretty well stock, but they're structurally weak. Those cars are relatively light, too, so you won't need a ton of power to make it fun. Try to find a 350 if you can, 305's aren't great motors for revving high and their small displacement limits their torque. I hope you have as much fun with your third gen Camaro as I did with mine.

You mentioned wanting to keep a slleper appearance. If you want to switch things up a bit, I have a 1988 Camaro with complete ground effects that I'm probably never going to use again. The car is a bondo bucket and it's a more of a greenhouse than a car now (it's been in a field for about 5 years). I'd be willing to sell the nose, rear bumper and ground effects for $150, I don't know how much the shipping would be though. The ground effects are the same as those on IROCs, so it wouldn't look extremely modified.