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  • 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

    I understand they're the same chassis engines and trans. All gm but different makes. I was looking at 00-02 camaro 3.8 camaros. But now I'm looking at 98-02 firebirds. Most I find are 98-00 3.8 with auto transmissions.

    Is there anything specifically bad about 4th gen 3.8 firebirds with auto trans? Aside from the flip up headlights?

    Do they still get about 26 combined mpg?

    Reliable cars for a commute? I'm not trying to race it.

  • #2
    Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

    No need to make so many threads man... but you answered your own question. They're the same cars, aside from cosmetics. Birds have garbage headlight motor gears, Camaro headlights fog like hell. And that's about where the major differences stop.

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    • #3
      Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

      Sorry I'm just unfortunately in kind of a hurry to purchase. Which i know is a bad situation.

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      • #4
        Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

        I haven't had any issues with my headlight motors (knock on wood), but from what I understand, the brass gear upgrade (in the event of a plastic gear failure) in the motor isn't too expensive. Maybe a little time consuming, but much cheaper than finding a good working replacement. Essentially what it comes down to between the Firebird and Camaro is your preference of appearance. I find the Firebird more sexy and aggressive looking than the Camaro, plus the '98+ Trans Am/Firehawks have always been my dream car.
        Last edited by CFreed11; 09-11-2013, 11:23 PM.
        aka FreedStyle
        Chaddrich Freed

        (1 of 443) 2002 SLP Firebird GT #107 (244rwhp/254rwtq naturally aspirated)
        2008 Silverado Crew Cab 5.3L 4x4

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        • #5
          Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

          I just like the style of the Firebird over the Camaro, but it is a matter of taste. If Firebird didn't exist I would've had a Camaro.

          As for the headlight, if they break buy them at Autozone and get the lifetime warranty. Good luck.

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          • #6
            Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

            Some Firebirds 4th Gen. have much better front seats than Camaro.
            I would call my insurance company and tell him/her what cars U are considering and find out what the rate increase would be on each one.
            Expect city driving....in town driving....stop and go driving to be about 16 mpg.
            When you take to the open road without traffic, you mileage will go about 20mpg
            300 miles from a tank is 18 mpg...I rarely get that much in everyday driving. Looking at my original sticker that was on the window, says 19 mpg...your mileage may very.
            Everyone knows that these figures are exaggerated. Since my car was made in 2000 the EPA changed their methods for judging gas mileage. They still are not too accurate as the EPA number for the Honda Hybred was so optimistic that there is a class action suit pending against Honda.
            Phil

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            • #7
              Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

              Good god man, you get less than 18?

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              • #8
                Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

                I still average ~20mpg combined city/hwy with heads and a big cam...
                aka FreedStyle
                Chaddrich Freed

                (1 of 443) 2002 SLP Firebird GT #107 (244rwhp/254rwtq naturally aspirated)
                2008 Silverado Crew Cab 5.3L 4x4

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                • #9
                  Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

                  damn, I'm still getting in the low 20's city and got 28 avg highway last trip to fl, cammed.

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                  • #10
                    Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

                    So, you are getting better than the EPA sticker gas mileage number? That means you get a very minimum of 320 miles a tank....at 20 mpg.
                    If Chevy's got that kind of mileage for the 3.8 don't you think it would be on the sticker?
                    It would be in there interest to have city driving...in slow sometimes bumper to bumper traffic at 20 mpg. This car is almost 4000 pounds. I think your 20+ is a wishful guess.
                    Phil

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                    • #11
                      Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

                      Originally posted by fbodyrs96 View Post
                      damn, I'm still getting in the low 20's city and got 28 avg highway last trip to fl, cammed.
                      This is about what I averaged also when I used to dd the 3.8.

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                      • #12
                        Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

                        I didn't have a gas gauge for over a year... I bet I know what I get lol. Usually around 22 with the 4.10s, and better if it was a slower speed area, like under 60..

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                        • #13
                          Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

                          Originally posted by PalmHarborBlkv6 View Post
                          So, you are getting better than the EPA sticker gas mileage number? That means you get a very minimum of 320 miles a tank....at 20 mpg.
                          If Chevy's got that kind of mileage for the 3.8 don't you think it would be on the sticker?
                          It would be in there interest to have city driving...in slow sometimes bumper to bumper traffic at 20 mpg. This car is almost 4000 pounds. I think your 20+ is a wishful guess.
                          I think there is something wrong with your car. You always go on this rant in any gas mileage related thread about MPG and the EPA whatever. 20+ is normal, there are modded cars getting 20+!


                          I beat the living hell out of mine and I easily get 23-25+ mpg with mixed driving. Always close to 30 on the highway. 3.8 is just a beauty.
                          In America's Hat!

                          1997 Camaro 30th 'vert... GT1 cam/C6 wheels/Flowmaster/HIDs/Viper 2 way alarm/Alpine audio mods up the wazoo
                          2005 Equinox LT... mostly stock daily/Thule snowsports roof system/sound + interior mods

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                          • #14
                            Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

                            I got 19 on my last tank with 10 1/4 mile passes. Got 25 on a trip earlier this summer. This is a cammed, ported heads blower car with 60lb injectors, headers and 3" single shot. 4l60 and 3.42's.

                            I actually picked up 4 MPG with a rebuild, headers, cam and big injectors.

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                            • #15
                              Re: 3.8 firebird or 3.8 camaro

                              Yeah, I'm with Gutless. Pretty sure my car's doing better on gas with the new motor and cam, even with the biggest turbo cam I could find.

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