84/85s vs 86/87s what's the diff?

[Jebadias]

I'm looking for a car now, and am wondering what the differences are in the 84 & 85s compared to the 86 & 87s. I know the 86-87 has an intercooler, and I understand the benefits. How difficult is it to install one in the older cars?


Looking at pics of the engine it seems like the turbo is in a different place too. I would think that things like the downpipes would not be interchangeable. If that's the case then how well is the aftermarket at supporting these differences? Hmmm... or do you just remount it in the later position...

Are there other differences in these cars? Does one year have a weaker trans, ect...

I ask that because I went from the world of TPI (automatic)camaros to a TBI (manual), not thinking about how much (little) support I would have. It gave me some interesting years of inventing and scrounging, but I don't wanna do it again.

 

[blackbuick87]

Open the hood on each one and you will see. LOTS

About the only thing thats the same is the block, and even that has a couple small differences

 

[rastaz]

The motors are two completely different animals. The 86-87 is very conducive to making big power easily and realatively cheapley, the 84-85 is not. If you wanna go fast easily get an 86-87, if not, get a hotair car for a third of the price and start spending $$$$$$$.

 

[OneLethal87GN]

I've had an 85 and 87 GN and the big difference is the price to replace something. 86-87 parts seem easier to find and less expensive. Upgrades are cheaper for the 86-87s too. The only reason I had an 85 was because I couldn't find an 87 that was easily affordable at the time. Believe me, there is much more stuff for the intercooled cars than for the hot air versions. Both are fast cars, but the only choice for me is the i/c beasts...

 

[Jebadias]

I was afraid of that. Oh well, didn't hurt to try. Thanks

 

[WH1 85]

Really Depends on what you want. If you are going to the track alot and want to run 11's get an 86 or 87.

If the car is primarily street driven. Get an 84 or 85 and save the money.

Mine is a slightly modded 85, completely stock longblock. And it has all the power that I could ever need for the street. It easily shreds the rears and outlaunches any car around where I live.

When I first bought the car I was real hung up on having an intercooled car. So I started gathering parts.

Well after a little tuning, I have decided to leave well enough alone. The car is fast enough to scare you. So I see no need for the cooler on a street car.

With the money saved I bought a 3rd gen firebird. So I'm gonna take those intercooled parts I have been gathering And put an 87 motor in that. Now that car is going to be for the track.

 

[Jebadias]

I see the point there. I havn't really run my cars in a few years (wife and kids do that too ya). Of course, on the other hand I don't want to be stuck with something harder or more expensive to mod if I get the bug again (divorce might do that to me).

After my TBI debacle I'm kinda gunshy about getting a car without a lot of aftermarket support. I think it will make more sense for me to play it safe and buy an i/c car. Thanks a lot for the help.