Timberwolf

ok, so I already have 3 camaros in the driveway (see sig). I found an 84 Z28 that I am thinking about picking up since it seems to be a pretty good price. It has just a lowly 305 in it, but it has a posi rear and th700r4 trans.
I have a couple questions:

Is the 700r4 on 3rd gens lockup or non lockup? Is there a build sheet on the car somewhere so I can look to see what the rear ratio is?

I haven't seen the car in person yet, but should it be carb'd or TBI? IF it's carbed, will it have a pcm still to control the trans?

I am torn between building the car for running, or swapping the trans into my 1st gen for a while. But I'm not gonna wire a pcm into the ole 69 just to tell the trans what to do.

Sorry for all the questions, but I've owned half a dozen camaros, and only 1 of them was 3rd gen...it being a 89 with a 3.8MPI and a t5, so nothing I learned from that applies (though I was surprised how much fun that car was)

Thanks in advance for the help

PLANT PROTECTION

The 84 z28 came with a LG4 or a L69, both carbed. The LG4 came only with 3.23s in the rear and the L69 came with either 3.42s or 3.73s. All 700r4s were lockup which is controlled by the ECM but it will still shift without it. There are also kits to make it lockup without the ECM.

Timberwolf

ok, well according to the vin decorder at thirdgen.org, I have the following info:
Made in: United States
Manufacturer: General Motors
Make: Chevrolet
Restraint System: Manual belts
Carline Series: Sport Coupe, Z28
Body Type: 2 door coupe
Engine Code: 305 ci V8 LG4 (1982-1984)
8 is the CHECK DIGIT.
Model Year: 1984
Assembly Plant: Norwood
Production Sequence: 107598

And when looking for another converter for it, I need a lockup version then, right? I know on the 700's they always seem to ask if its lockup or non lockup.

I have this crazy idea of dropping a rat motor in, anyone know of a website for someone who has done this?

boneheadzz

I did the same thing and bought a 84 Z28. My car is a305/ T-5 with a thrown rod and was going to put in a 350 but I hear the T-5 is worthless with any kind of power. Might just put another 305 short block in it, if she ever let's me work on it instead of the house.....

***
I've got a question...
How do you tell what rear gears you have without pulling the inspection cover off? Just wondering... I heard that if you have the manual trans it's 3.73's and automatic it's 3.42's... is this true?
thanks.

later
Mike

PLANT PROTECTION

All stock 700r4s were lockup, but a non-lockup converter can be installed, i guess so you don't have to mess with the ECM or a conversion kit. You will still have the .7 4th gear.

ws6transam

timberwolf,

give me a call to discuss that car. I dont have the time to type right now but I pretty much specialize in the 84's. I have all the manuals and can help you with investigating everything on that car. Be aware that the build date is CRITICAL to determiing which torque converter to get for that car. Early '84 builds took a converter with a different spline count. They switched mid-year. In addition, your LG4 does NOT have a knock sensor, nor a pusher pump in the gas tank.

BTW, I have an extra 010 block with ARP studs on the 4-bolt mains if you want to make yourself a 350 for that car. It will run just fine with the existing carb. See my E/T below: It's done with a L69 305 and the factory original CLCC carb. The computer suspends fuel metering under wide open throttle so it becomes in essence, an old-fashioned 780 CFM spreadbore carb. Under light throttle it returns to closed loop operation yielding stoichiometeric ratios and resulting gas mileage. I get still get 20 MPG on the highway with my 101 MPH capable 305.

Cheers,
Daniel Burk

Timberwolf

Well, I requested the RPO codes, but he said there wasn't one in the console. Not even residue as if it had been there, but removed. He said he was going to lift some carpet and check for it there... I have no clue if it was a standard practice to put it under the carpet, but he must think so.

Now for the frustration...I am waiting on some funds to come through that were supposed to be here today, and may not make it in time I may lose this car for being short a measly $675! Grrr... wonder if th wife would notice if I pulled that out of my paycheck for a few days ;-) (didn't I title this thread "thinking about pissing off the wife" how prophetic was that?)

ws6transam

I recently found my build sheet after replacing the seats. It was stuffed way up inside the driver's seat bolster. However after 18 years, it was yellowed, stained, and very nearly turned to paper pulp.

I'd check there. Besides, it really doesnt matter. All you need to do is check the swaybar sizes: 34mm on the front. If it has rear discs, then chances are it's a positraction, too. If it has drums, then chances are it ISNT positraction.

Check the number of turns lock-to-lock on the steering. It should be around 2.5 turns.

Timberwolf

Well, he claims it has posi, but I didn't ask about the rear brakes yet. I'll send him an email now

Timberwolf

ok, I locked in the deal, going to pick it up near Toledo tomorrow.


He says it has drum rears. And so far he hasn't found the RPO sheet. But if its up in a seat or something, he'd never end up finding it.

Timberwolf

ok, got it home tonight, though too dark to really give it a good going over. It's a little rougher than the pictures let on, so I am not sure which way I am going with it...drive it as is, fix it up, sell it as it is, part it out, or....?
84 Camaro Z28