The Forgotten Z/28s!

Everyone sings the praises of the original 1967-69 Z/28 and it's high-winding 302. Magazines also say how great the 70-72 model with the solid-lifter LT1 350 that would still rev to 7 grand, but had substantially more torque than the 302 it replaced.  Emissions and safety controls tightened in the mid 70s however. In 1973 and 74 the Z/28 was powered by the L82 350 which had a hydraulic cam, and a quadrajet on an iron manifold instead of a 780 Holley on an aluminum one. In late 1974, the option was scrapped. Chevrolet quickly realized their mistake. They no longer had a "Flagship" Camaro. Meanwhile, the Pontiac Trans-Am soared to new sales heights, selling nearly 50,000 units in 1976, before "Smokey and the Bandit" ( Which was released in 1977. ) After a nearly 3 year absence ( Late 1974,75,76, and part of 77 ) In the spring of 1977 Chevy brought back the Z/28. It had one engine, the 170hp L48 350 4bbl. However, Chevy engineers used mechanical advantage to make them decent performers. Transmissions were a Borg-Warner T10 with a 3.73:1 rear axle or a Turbo 350 with a 3.42 cog. While T/A sales continued to soar-the 400 V8 in the T/A made 220 hp-50 more than the Z, and in 1978 the WS6 performance package further increased the T/As already legendary handling. Chevy tried to play catch up. In 1978 they scrapped the ugly huge bumpers that had plagued the Camaro since 1974 and adopted sleeker, urethane covered bumpers front and rear, which Firebirds had since 76. They also added air extractors to the front fenders and louder graphics-copying the T/A shamelessly. In 1979 they upped the horsepower to 190, and added T/A style fender flares front and rear. In 1980 they finally topped their Pontiac cousins. The 400 inch motors were dropped at the end of 1979, and were replaced with the anemic 301 V8 Turbo rated at 210, but they were noticeabley slower than the 400s. Meanwhile, the 350 was still available in the Z/28, and Chevy brought back "Cowl Induction" -a vacuum operated hood scoop that opened up on acceleration. Automatics still got a 3.42 rear end, but four-speeds had 3.08s. However, acceleration actually inproved, because instead of a 2.64 1st, and 1.75 second that the 77-79 models had, the 1980 models had a T10 with a 3.44 1st and 2.28 second.  Sadly, in 81, the 4-speed was only available with a ( Yuk!) 305.  However, the 1977-80 models are a screaming bargain. While Disco-era T/As are bringing high prices, these cars are a steal. Think about it-they have a 350 Chevy under the hood, front and rear sway bars, a 4-speed or Turbo 350 for a trans and a 3.08, 3.42 or 3.73 geared 10-bolt posi rear end all standard. You can't ask for a better base for a hot rod than that. There is a ton of aftermarket equipment available for 1970-81 F-bodies, and you could swap in a big-block if you want, a Richmond or Tremec 5-speed stick, or a 700R4 automatic very easily. They won't have the wow factor of a 67-72 model, but they'll probably be a 1/4 of the price. Something to think about. Mastermind