eBay Listing: 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
The F-Body Camaros and Trans Ams epitomize the phrase 70’s and 80’s Old School Cool. The many films featuring an F-Body are too numerous to count. Remember Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Remember the Titans, The Driver, Trasnformers? The list goes on and on. Smokey and the Bandit made the 1977-1981 Pontiac Trans Am cool, but what about its sibling the Chevrolet Camaro? You could say any Camaro is cool, and that statement might be right, but not everyone is a fan of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s 2nd Gen Camaro. Why? Most would argue by that point in time emissions’ controls and unleaded fuel robbed it of horsepower.
The 2nd Gen Camaro Stands the Test of Time
In spite of the shortcomings, the body of the 2nd Gen Camaro still sported the classic looks from 1970-1981. Fast-forward some 30 plus years and the second generation of Camaro is looking more and more appealing assuming you can find one in good to excellent condition. And, of course, we did.
2nd Gen Camaro Mods Make the Difference
A 1980 Camaro is not all that hard to find; but the chances of scoring a fully sorted, show worthy ‘pro-tourer’ are as likely as purchasing a winning lottery ticket. This striking Camaro Z28 has a 421 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 with a reworked chassis and a beefy Tremec 6-speed transmission. Behind the Tremec T56 Magnum 6-speed, which makes good use of a tough 12-bolt rear end, spins a Detroit TruTrac differential around 4.10 Moser gears.
It’s Always a Good Idea to Save the Receipts
This gorgeous 2nd Gen Camaro has factory power steering, and features disc brakes, and a dual exhaust system with Dynomax mufflers, a powder coated chassis with traction bars, and frame connectors. The interior of the car is the period correct Carmine. The Camaro also includes an assembly manual, restoration receipts, component manuals and a small book of restoration photos.
Bringing a 2nd Gen Camaro Interior back to factory spec is a straightforward task, thanks to ample support from restoration parts manufacturers.
Is the 1970-1981 Camaro a Workingman’s Ferrari?
General Motors envisioned the second generation Camaro as a workingman’s Ferrari and, thanks to a better time frame and bigger budget, it effectively addressed many of the complaints enthusiasts had about the first Camaro built from 1967-1969. The 2nd Gen Camaro was longer, wider, lower to the ground and more aggressive. It certainly was more of a driver’s car, and is widely regarded as some of the best looking, as well as best performing Detroit steel ever produced.
Choosing 2nd Gen Camaro Parts
Rebuilding a 1970-1981 Camaro is relatively easy these days. Parts are plentiful and there’s decades of collective wisdom, with time-tested restoration procedures and reliable suppliers. Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts is a decision based on budget and intent.
1970-1981 Camaro LS Swap Kits
Chevrolet’s LS V8 is a popular and affordable choice for second gen engine swaps. You’ll find a range of 2nd Gen Camaro LS swap kits in the eBay Motors listings, with products from BRP Hot Rods, Trans-Dapt, and UMI. BRP’s 1975-81 F-body LS Engine Swap Kit is designed to work with their oil pan and headers. The kit includes engine mounts, crossmember, and transmission shims.
1979-1981 Camaro Subframes
You can spend a little on a new 2nd Gen Camaro subframe, or a lot. Refurbishing an original unit or replacing it with an OEM part is the only way to go with a proper restoration. You can save a bit with reproduction piece if your budget is tight and you’re building a driver, rather than aiming for a Concours-level restoration. Make sure you get the right part ordering a standard replacement subframe. There are different units for 1970-1973 and 1974-1981 models. If you’re building a pro-tourer, get ready to shell out some serious bucks for a high-end aftermarket subframe.
1970-1981 Camaro Suspension Kits
Upgrading the 2nd generation Camaro’s suspension system is a top-of-list mod and there are plenty of choices. The Camaro’s original underpinnings may have been okay back in the day, but they leave a lot to be desired compared to modern cars. Matched systems take the mystery out of choosing the right components. UMI Performance offers complete Level 1, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 2ndGen Camaro suspension kits with a two-inch drop to land the right look and the handling chops, without mixing and matching pieces.
A Winning Combo
This show stopping Z28 is one of the best combinations of performance and style your money can buy. It is old school cool, and back in black and ready to kick the tires and light some fires.
