Fun With F-Bodies
Frank Taranto Jr. of Fairfield, New Jersey, tells us that working on his '84 Z28 Camaro has become "somewhat of an obsession." We know the feeling, Frank. Taranto started by ditching the Z's original 305, opting for a 327 small-block filled with a COMP Cams bumpstick fed by a Q-jet sitting atop an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold. Hooker shorty headers and a 3-inch Flowmaster exhaust dispose of the noxious fumes, and a Griffin aluminum radiator handles cooling duties. Taranto also rebuilt the '84's original T5 manual gearbox, adding a Hurst shifter in the process. Some of the Camaro's factory goodies were left in place, namely the 3.73:1 diff and four-wheel disc brakes.
The works rolls on American Racing Outlaw I wheels shod with Firestone Firehawk rubber. The Z's cockpit has been refurbished, including new heat shielding, carpeting, and weatherstripping, along with a Grant steering wheel and AutoMeter Z-series gauges; Taranto also made his ride a two-seater. The T-topped ride was fitted with a 4-inch cowl-induction hood along with a 4-inch rear spoiler, before getting a coat of '94 Dodge Viper Intense Blue. Topped off with "327" decals on the hood, Taranto declares that building his ride "has been a blast." The plan is for a 427ci Rat motor along with a new transmission and suspension. But that's the future.
"For the time being," Taranto told us, "it's all about the fun."