So, I'm looking to join...

[mcgodx]

...the ranks. I've been looking at a few V6 f-bodies and found a few that I like.

I was wondering about a few things.

This would be a daily driver, and I spend a lot of time in Orlando (a pretty crowded place sometimes). How easy is it to get used to the large size and sub-par visibility?

I've ridden in a few, and it seems like it'd take a little getting used to.

I heard that they seem underpowered in stock form by a few reviews... but to be honest, I'm coming from a 150HP Ranger, so I doubt that would be a problem, haha.

Finally, do F-bodies have parts that commonly go wrong on them? I'm just trying to educate myself before I get into this. Thanks!

Also, I don't know if any of you know or not, but do the later fourth gens have higher ground clearance in the front than the older ones (93-97)? My friend can't seem to get up my driveway in his '95 without hitting, and there are walls on either side so you can't go up diagonally, so that's one of the major roadblocks, haha.

[v6noob]

They're really not that large, hardest thing is getting use to judging parking spaces, for me at least, and how far the "nose" is up, but you get use to it. I'm not sure what you mean by sub-par visibility....but these things have huge backwindshields and front, and I never have a problem with visibility while driving. I actually have a broken wire in my drivers side mirror, but I easily still drive safely because I can just look over my shoulder when changing lanes cause you have glass almost all around you. My Camaro has almost 54k miles, no problems at all, I assume anything common with other cars at high mileage, water pumps, etc would go eventually, like all vehicles. Forgot to include, these are great cars and daily drivers, gl in your choice.

[BLLDOGG]

i have no problem seeing at all.

our cars are great daily drivers even in the snow with some care. I cant really think of anything on our cars that go out unlike everything else. the most common are motors like window and firebird headlight motors but thats a common thing in all cars.

[mcgodx]

Yeah, I'm actually looking at Camaros (though only because there aren't any nice Firebirds in my price range).

I guess when I was in them, I was comparing it to my truck (d'oh!). I can see pretty much anything there is to see, but oh well.

The large b pillars aren't a problem then? That's cool.

I guess it just felt bigger than it was without me really getting to know it.

Thanks for the help.

[FirebirdGT]

Moving to the Louge. You'll get more responses there.

[Oi Bird V8]

i got a firebird not to long ago... im a little short 5'8" and i have a tiny bit of trouble seeing over the hood but then again everyone prolly does, its a great car u should get one man [img]graemlins/rock.gif[/img]

[notsonic]

how much are you looking to spend?

seriously consider a v8 if youre looking for performance without a lot of work.

i love my car but wish it was an 8 every day. for just a little more than i spent and some more looking i couldve gotten an LT1 fbody. its fairly common to find em under 5k, and LS1s under 10k.

heh i know this is heresy on a v6 forum, but i figured its worth saying.

with that out of the way;

it'll make a great daily driver. i use mine as such.

the only things that you may want to replace if it has over 50k miles are the shocks. im pretty sure my car is on stock everything, from 1995, with over 155k miles and it runs great. i need to get out there and do some basic maintenence. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[BLLDOGG]

Originally posted by notsonic:
heh i know this is heresy on a v6 forum, but i figured its worth saying.

it's not heresy, its a fact of life for most of us ;)

[camaro_speedemon]

Originally posted by mcgodx:
Yeah, I'm actually looking at Camaros (though only because there aren't any nice Firebirds in my price range).

I guess when I was in them, I was comparing it to my truck (d'oh!). I can see pretty much anything there is to see, but oh well.

The large b pillars aren't a problem then? That's cool.

I guess it just felt bigger than it was without me really getting to know it.

Thanks for the help.

The large B pillars make for a pretty big blind spot. You just have to do a head check when changing lanes.

And probably what you hear when your friends car "bottoms out" is just the air dam under the car scraping. Nothing to worry about [img]smile.gif[/img]

And stick to 96-97. They have a more powerful motor (3.8L) Some 95s came with the 3.8 but they were only sold in like 2 states. Other then those few the 93-95 came with a 3.4L engine, which is considerably slower.

[odw777]

Get the 3.8 they came out in 95 as an option, they were standard from them on.

I don't think fbodies with the 3.8 can be called underpowered, I've read a lot of reviews and all of them said the v6 is a great mix of performance with good gas millage and much lower insurance then the v8. A lot of rave reviews of the change from the 3.4 to 3.8, not to mention it's probobly the best motor gm's ever made. I've talked to a guy who had a 3.8 grand prix with 247k and running strong and heard of them pulling even well over 300k, I know there is a guy on here that just turned the 200k mark without any major problems.

The 3.4 was maybe a little underpowered with 40hp less then the 3.8 but it's still very reliable.

As far as visibility goes, it's acctually a lot better then the car I was driving and the manuvaribility too, but keep in mind I was driving my parent's 4000 lbs cadillac dts. The lac has backup sensors though, I had to get used to parking without them if I have to park on the street. Also my car is just as fast if not faster then the 300hp lac so please don't call them underpowered.

Also I have the rs edition and that apperently has some more body trim or something I don't know it's pretty low in the front, and I keep rubbing that underside plate if I don't do really slow onto hills.

[vanbibber]

Originally posted by Oi Bird V6:
i have a tiny bit of trouble seeing over the hood but then again everyone prolly does,

not me im 6-7 so i have no problems seeing over the hood. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[phil97.3.8]

just drive one and see what you think....I also went from a Ford Ranger to the camaro and it was a big difference in both performance and feel of driving, especially the height difference. It'll feel like you're on the ground literally for a few days. Handles much better than a truck though, and is a lot faster/more fun.

[mcgodx]

Well here's a little update.

I found a '98 with 91K miles on it (so it has the four discs and the 3800, sweet), it's red, and looks in good condition from the outside, but I have yet to see the interior, because the actual car is 66 miles away from here.

I would be considering a V8, but I figure the operating costs and the insurance would make it to where I can't afford it in the end (I wrecked the car I had prior to the Ranger).

I'm 6'4" and tried sitting in my buddy's Z28 (he wouldn't let me drive it but said I can sit in it, haha), and couldn't seem to get comfortable, though he was rushing me, so I didn't really have time to play with all the adjustments. The main problem was the steering wheel either blocking my legs, or if I tilt it up it blocks the lower gauges.

But, my friend (with a V6 Camaro) said he'll let me drive his, so I just have to get with him. Thanks!

Wow, this post ended up being long.

Oh, and about being underpowered, I never really thought that they were, from riding in a 3.8 Camaro, it seemed like it had enough go-fast for me, but my friend said he felt like it was weak sometimes.

[$*Blake*$]

ive had mine for almost a year and it took some time to get used to cuz all i drove was trucks. lol now i actually feel safer in my maro because i feel all tight and that i wouldnt bounce around inside the cab. but it took a little while for me to judge the hood length but i LOVE my camaro it kicks *** and turns heads

[Fbody3400]

I'm 6'2. Your right about the steering wheel, but you really don't need to check the lower gauges constantly so its not that big of a deal. If you don't feel the need for a V8 now, don't get one. Start off with the six, get comfortable to the car/use to the way it handles, etc.