Even if you adopt an optimistic outlook, it is fair to say that Chevrolet’s 1983 Camaro Z28 was not a potent classic. The company continued to grapple with strategies to extract performance from V8 motors hampered by tight emission regulations, and power outputs remained modest. However, the seller has taken matters into their own hands with our featured car by bolting a 383ci Stroker under the hood. Whether it recaptures the badge’s glory days is unclear, but you can be sure that it will be faster than it was when it was shiny and new. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting the Camaro listed here on Craigslist in Monroe, Wisconsin. The seller set their price for this classic at $12,000 OBO.
Launched in December 1981, Chevrolet’s Third Generation Camaro was like nothing that came before it. It featured no styling cues from its predecessors, with its aerodynamic body and hatchback giving the badge a sleek look. Our featured Camaro is a Z28 that rolled off the line in 1983. Ordered by its first owner in subtle Code 11 White, it looks quite presentable as an unmolested survivor. However, close inspection reveals a few chips and scratches, which might motivate the buyer to perform a cosmetic refresh. The process should be quite straightforward, because there are no dings or dents, and no major rust requiring attention. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear.
Lifting the hood reveals what makes this Camaro special. It is unclear which version of the 305ci V8 it originally featured, but the seller has rendered that fact irrelevant. The engine bay now houses a 383ci Stroker featuring a Performer intake, a Summit carburetor, and headers as obvious enhancements. The motor’s specifications are unclear, but it is safe to say that it produced more power and torque than the 190hp and 240 ft/lbs generated by the range-topping L69 version of the 305. A five-speed T-5 manual transmission handles shifting duties, feeding power to a 3.42 Posi rear end from a Fourth Generation Camaro, which is equipped with disc brakes. The seller installed an adjustable Panhard rod to accommodate the wider rear end, and fitted lower Eibach springs on all corners. The motor has clocked 14,000 miles since being rebuilt, but the car has a few shortcomings requiring attention. These include a leaking rear main seal, a stiff clutch, a noisy rear pinion bearing, and transmission noise in four of its five ratios. However, with those issues addressed, this Z28 would be a potent package.
Trimmed in Tan cloth and vinyl, the seller’s limited interior images paint a generally positive picture. There are no signs of holes or other issues, and the dash and pad are in good condition. The seller installed an aftermarket CD stereo, but indicates that the air conditioning leaks. There is also oil occasionally splashing behind the dash from the speedometer cable, which is a fault that should be addressed fairly quickly. The seller removed the cruise control during the engine upgrade, and the stereo sometimes stops producing sound. Otherwise, the seller mentions no other functional faults.
I suspect that this 1983 Camaro Z28 will divide reader opinions. If it were an unmolested survivor, its cosmetic imperfections and other shortcomings make the seller’s price appear optimistic. However, the mechanical upgrades are game-changers, meaning that it is effectively worth what someone is willing to pay. The list of issues is quite long, but there are no major problems. Therefore, a competent person could tackle most in a home workshop, including performing a cosmetic refresh to improve the presentation. It has only been on the market for a short time, but how quickly do you think this Camaro will find a new home?
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