Camaro vs. Camaro - Which Generation Would You Build?

[HotRodKush]

Looks aside, given your choice of a second or third gen Camaro, which would you choose as the best platform to build a pro-touring car? Which generation is more capable, given the current selection of aftermarket suspension upgrades available for each?

I'm looking to build a nice well-rounded AutoX and road racing car that will also be street legal. I would rather use a second gen but I'm not sure how they compare to the third gens regarding the availability of aftermarket suspension components.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

2nd gen all day...

if you got heart, then a 3rd gen... no love for that one so it takes heart to do one.

[Stuart Adams]

First gen. DSE's camaros perform pretty equal. Better looks. Better resale. I really like 2nd gen's too.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

i think the choices were either 2nd or 3rd gen.

[69496]

2nd gen for me. All you need is some good springs, shocks and swaybars and a 2nd gen is ready to compete

[GregWeld]

If you asked this a couple years ago - you'd have been told FIRST GEN but now there are several manufacturers doing killer SECOND GEN stuff.... Having never built a 2nd gen car - personally - I can't speak from experience - but I can tell you that right out of the box from the factory the 2nd gen stuff was far superior to the 1st. Now - with all the dev work and sub frames etc for 1st gen - that difference has probably been erased.

A 2nd gen donor should be less than the equivalent 69 first gen... and might have less rust issues. But given that you're in Westchester, NY (I lived in Scarsdale for a few years) RUST is an east coast issue no matter what...

If I was on a budget - I might try to find a 2nd gen donor... but If I wanted resale value and looks - then I'd ONLY build a 69....

So nobody is going to answer your question to your satisfaction... only you can do that. It's a tough call because the body style is so personal.

[camcojb]

Originally Posted by HotRodKush

Looks aside, given your choice of a second or third gen Camaro, which would you choose as the best platform to build a pro-touring car? Which generation is more capable, given the current selection of aftermarket suspension upgrades available for each?

I'm looking to build a nice well-rounded AutoX and road racing car that will also be street legal. I would rather use a second gen but I'm not sure how they compare to the third gens regarding the availability of aftermarket suspension components.

plenty of suspension and brake upgrades for both. And the third gen handles better stock. But if resale value and recouping as much as possible of your investment matters, then it's second gen hands down. They are absolutely worth quite a bit more with equivalent parts lists and mods. You may spend $25K upgrading both, but the second gen will be worth a lot more given equal quality and parts selection.

Jody

[camaro2nv]

I think the number of first gen builds answer this question perfect

[70rs]

Second gen, (early second gen, with STEEL BUMPERS)

[Roger M]

Originally Posted by 70rs

Second gen, (early second gen, with STEEL BUMPERS)

Yup.. I see what you mean Eric.

J/K