Let’s not beat about the bush. The V8 engine powering the 1984 Chevrolet El Camino SS did not provide the performance that most enthusiasts expected from any vehicle wearing the iconic “SS” badge. Power figures were pitiful compared to similar vehicles from a decade earlier, which may explain why only 1,309 buyers took one home in that model year. This is one of those vehicles, but the seller has taken action to recapture the glory days by performing a mechanical upgrade that should unlock significant performance improvements. If this has whetted your appetite, you will find the El Camino listed here on eBay in Granada Hills, California. Bidding has reached $12,445, but that figure falls short of the reserve.
Chevrolet introduced its Fifth Generation El Camino in 1978, marking the latest in a succession of vehicles that dated back to 1959. This generation underwent a mid-cycle upgrade in 1982, with our feature SS rolling off the line in 1984. Its presentation is quite impressive, with the seller describing its Light Royal Blue Metallic paint as an 8/10. They admit that a close inspection will reveal flaws, but its condition remains impressive enough to turn heads. The panels are straight, while life in the kind Californian climate has ensured this El Camino is rust-free. The trim and glass are spotless, and the locking bed cover protects the owner’s possessions from prying eyes and light fingers. The exterior is rounded out by sparkling alloy wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich tires.
Potential buyers wishing for a tidy interior will be attracted to this El Camino, although perfectionists will be disappointed by the cracked pad. The problem hasn’t progressed far, and it may be salvageable without the need for replacement. I briefly searched and uncovered one in the correct color for under $230. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are cheaper ones out there if the new owner performs a more intense search. Otherwise, this interior has few needs. There is no wear on the upholstered surfaces, no cracked or crumbling plastic, and the carpet looks excellent. The bucket seats, console, and acres of faux woodgrain add a splash of luxury enhanced by the air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, tilt wheel, and AM/FM radio/cassette player.
Ever-tightening emission laws led to a situation where V8 engines developed a reputation for transforming gasoline into noise. Performance wasn’t a consideration, with this El Camino’s original 305ci powerplant producing 150hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque. Slower vehicles were available in 1984, but the SS was a shadow of its former self. This classic’s owner took the bull by the horns, pulling the original 305 and consigning it to a dark corner of the workshop. Its replacement is a 383ci stroker V8 that should offer considerably more power and torque. This feeds to the limited-slip rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission. The engine isn’t the only change because this Chevy recently received a new transmission, rear end, exhaust, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bars, and shocks. The seller includes documentation and receipts verifying the work, and it seems the only thing this El Camino needs is a new owner to drive it off over the horizon.
It was a sad day when the last El Camino rolled off the line in 1987, and plenty lamented its passing. Preserving this 1984 SS seems like a fitting tribute to one of the vehicles that helped shape the American automotive landscape. Rumors abound that Chevrolet plans a revival, but they are only rumors. It might happen, although it might not. Waiting for the truth to be revealed might be risky because that could mean missing out on examples like this SS if the new model doesn’t come to pass. Since a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, bidding on this gem would be a way to avoid disappointment.
Nice, low-key mods and clean!
I have an 1985 Conquista with 81k going to start rehabbing as a driver for my 16yo granddaughter. It has air shocks in rear and trailer towing pkg. Dang thing is heavy. Should be a safe vehicle.
I’ve got a 84 SS I inherited from father n law after he passed away.he had plans on redoing it and painting red with black rally stripes. I’m in the process of doing that now. I’ve pulled motor and put a crate 350 with 350 turbo trans. Edelbrock carb,intake,headers,new magniflow exhaust, x-pipe, done some suspension work(not finished yet) did all the body work on it. Right now just black primer. Changed most of interior to black(was maroon,didn’t like) it still has a ways to go but I do drive sometimes now and people always tell me how much they like the car. Kinda funny, I also have 4 corvettes, c3,c4,c5,c7, all really nice but I hear more about my primer black el camino. Haha
El Dandy 🏁
Aren’t classics exempt from emissions laws? I don’t know what the law is in California, that’s why I’m asking
1975 and older for an exemption so this will need to be rehomed to a kinder state LOL.
I am sorry. I accidentally pressed ‘Report Comment’. That is the first time I’ve ever done that and it was a mistake. BTW – Arizona has a few rules, but the bottom line is, the car must be 25 years old and qualify for Antique / Classic plates.
It doesen’t!
I’m not so sure. The headers have bungs for the air injection, and all of the emissions plumbing appears to be there, but for the air cleaner. The 383 likely runs cleaner if it has newer heads, than the original 305. And if it has catalytic converters, then it should pass emissions with no problem. I don’t think anybody is checking the engine size.
This is the way.
The air pump, diverter valve, charcoal canister and vacuum lines all appear to be in place. Based on that, it would pass the visual inspection (assuming it still has cats), so if the tailpipe emissions pass, it’s all good.
State emissions tests can be a pain, but a good tech who understands the rules should be able to get most engines into compliance. Cams with excessive overlap are an issue, and hollowed out cats are a no go, but many classics built after 1975 are on the road in California, so it ain’t impossible.
She’s a beautiful, love those wheels
I ordered a 1978 white, blue interior, 350 4bbl 4speed.
The car was a beast. The Camino couldn’t hold on to a clutch. The Chevy guys claimed the 350 was a high performance motor and the tranny was not correctly mated to the torque of the motor. Not sure what rear was in this car, but, it had great off the line power and long legs on the upper end.
Damn, I wish I still had her.
You got the last year on 350 4 speed. In 79 a 350 automatic only. 305 could be had with a 4 speed or an automatic. I was gonna buy new, but this was a deal breaker for me. I was driving a 59 El Camino, 327 4 speed at the time. The 305 4 speed performance wasn’t even close.
I ordered a new 1980 with a 4 spd 305 but found a lightly used 1978 Black Knight 350 auto with every option for less money so I canceled the 80 order. I loved that Black Knight (only year it was made) but our oldest son was born so I needed room for a car seat and sold it to buy a K10 Blazer :o)
Did your Black K ight have a 4 speed?
My friend had one & he swapped a Buick gn engine & tranny with a lot of other upgrades.The thing was a missile on the road I should’ve bought it when he got rid of it
Buick built one like that with a Scout troop in Flint. 83 Elky vin #003 was originally built with a 5.7 diesel. Hot air turbo (85) powertrain, black GN front end sheet metal and doors and a complete GN dash and interior. Another one that went into the scrap heap.
Well! As Jack Benny would say, the 383 certainly changes things
There’s something beautiful about someone taking a model, removing the sad limitations, and replacing them with features that provide the performance expected out of a vehicle of such a name. The installation of the 383 brings a smile to my face, as this El Camino now truly warrants being called an SS. This car looks muscular, and has the brawn to back it up. So nice.
My cousin & I rebuilt a GMC Sprint – the Pontiac version of the El Camino w/350 4bbl engine out of 73 Nova SS & new silver Grey paint rims etc then swapped the HP head 350 4bolt main from a K5 blazer into the Nova SS mild cam.
Finally the GMC sprint motor into K5 Blazer we used for Snow plowing the Car Lot.
The Camino in the Add is a couple yrs newer but looks similar.
It’s a nice clean truck.
That’s Hot Rodding!
Sprint was made by GMC, not Pontiac.