Hey everybody, I had a few questions about the 78-81 camaros and trans ams since im just about to buy one or the other. I was just wondering what rearends come stock in the 78-81 years for the camaros and trans ams. If what engine is in the car makes a difference, the cars are 350 ones. Also, will a th350 trans from a 70 cutlass boltup up to a 350 four bolt main, or will the bellhousing not line up? and lastly, for any of you who know of those realy nasty fender flare/lip extension things on those 78-81 camaros and trans ams, is there any way of removing those? Sorry this is alot to swallow guys, but i dont really have much knowledge in the GM department of things, being i was raised as a mopar kid, so if anyone could help id appreciate it.

Thanks  

Trans will not bolt up.  The TH350 for Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiacs had a different bolt pattern from Chevy TH350s.

Not sure on the rest.  

Hello, I have a 79 Z28 myself. My rearend is a 8.5 inch posi unit. I am not sure if I know what you mean by fender flare/lip extensions and removing them. Maybe I will have to go out to my garage and look at my car. It might come to me then. I think you will be happy with a 78-81 Camaro. I like mine a lot. The only other muscle type cars I have had are a 71 Ford Torino and a 69 Chevelle and I must say that my Z28 handles like a dream compared to those other two cars. The steering and suspension in my Z28 is so much tighter compared to those other two. My favorite part of the whole car is the T tops. Those are great in the summer. The only thing that I liked about those other two cars is the amount of room you have everywhere. Under the hood, under the car, inside the passanger compartment was so much more roomy than my Z28. But it's not a big deal. Every car is different and has it's ups and downs I guess. Nothing is perfect.  

Regarding the fender flares, they are a bolt on from the factory. The rear flares in front of the rear wheel opening will have screws on the bottom of the flares mounting them to the body and nuts located inside the 1/4 panel that can be accessed by removing the rear upper and lower seats and the inside (interior) rear plastic side trim panel/armrest assy. There should be two nuts per side if I remember correctly. The front also has a similar mounting with 2 nuts located inside each front fender and screws to mount them to the bottom of the body. You will be left with 2 - 3/8 in holes in each body panel the flares are removed from.  

thanks alot guys...now i just have to figure out what tranny im gonna use    lol  

You might want to go to the bone yard and get a 200-4R overdrive trans. These things have a dual bolt pattern both BOP and chevy. Plus you will have overdrive to help out with highway speeds.  

200-4R or 700R4 is a great idea,the 200 is the weaker of the two. Rebuild with stronger hard parts like the article I read on 200's,first gear is a little taller than the 700.You don't get as much rpm drop on 1-2 upshift.    WIEDER