caddyescalade

Hello all, Im really debating on what kind of IROC to buy. I have found a very low mile 1988 Red Iroc vert, now I am looking for advise on what to look for on these cars. I know nothing about convertibles, are they prone to leaking, wind noise etc? This one is a 305 Auto, would prefer a 5 speed but these are not easily found. I started looking for a t-top 5 speed, now im stuck. I have also found a low mile Mint 1988 GTA original owner with a 350 TPI Auto, for about the same money as the IROC convertible.

Any advise is greatly appreciated. I'm leaning toward the convertible but am looking for advise.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

GTA a convertible?

caddyescalade

Guess I didn't finish my thought there. No the GTA is a hard top 350 auto. Not even t-tops.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

The GTA will certainly be faster!

I've only had a convertible for less than a year and I love it. Yes, it's not the fastest car I own. But I'll tell you, put the top down on a nice day, turn on your favorite songs, catch some rays and go for a ride. It's hard to beat.

caddyescalade

I know. This is my problem, however let's face it the 80s cars are not really all that fast anyway. It's more the style I'm going for. This is a tough one...

caddyescalade

Are parts easy to come by for the older cars? Like can you buy brakes and such from the local auto parts store still today?

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Oh yeah, don't even worry about stuff like that. You can get it anywhere.

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

As far as long term values go I would rate them in this order:

Convertible 305TPI/5spd
Convertible 305TPI/auto
GTA 350TPI/Auto
Bird or Camaro T-Top 305/5spd

As they say, when the top goes down, the price goes up. Long term I believe the convertibles will appreciate faster & more.

okfoz

The quick rule of thumb is a convertible is worth 1.5x 2x more than an otherwise equal Coupe. T-tops Help, but usually not that much, there are as many people that want T-tops that do not.

The Convertible (especially with the Manual) and if it has G92 is the better purchase if they are in the same condition... That is my opinion... Camaros (being honest here) also seem to be appreciating more than the Firebirds, not sure why.

caddyescalade

Thanks for the advise, I agree. How do I tell if it has the G92? Its a 1988 305 Auto.

vinny R

Speaking from experience, I would go the convertible route. About a year ago I too was looking for a t-top manual trans. Had no luck finding one in nice shape and under 100,000. I found a vert with an auto and was skeptical myself...Best decision I made. I live in FL so the weather let's me enjoy it year round. No leaks, which I was amazed by considering it is the original top. I only get a leak, rear floor gets wet, when I park on a hill nose down. I think the trunk channels can't drain fast enough. Other than that, everything Chaz describes is spot on. He just didn't mention while catchin rays you will be in one of the coolest cars on the road!

okfoz

It would have the taller gear, which should be the 3.27 ratio. @70 mph around 2000 RPM IIRC, and a 2.73 would be around 1700 RPM @70 mph.

It has been a while...

I misread your comment, for some reason I read the statement about the manual, and I missed it was an auto. the Auto IMHO is not as valuable as the Manual, but still a nice car... That changes some things. I would take the one that you like more at this point... One that has lower miles, and is in better condition.

I am not feeling well, it shows.



John

chazman

iTrader: (4)

In '88 it was possible to get a G92 on the auto. It would have been a 3.23 vs a 2.73 gear.

okfoz

G92 is such a plus IMHO... IT was something like a a $50 option... I imagine most cars that did not get it were those that were dealer stock...

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

This can't be stressed enough, imho. My 88 IROC-Z Vert has the G92 LB9 AT combo and it is nothing like my 91 GTA LB9 AT. It's amazing what a difference it makes.

As far as manual vs auto, I personally don't feel it matters near as much with a convertible. All of my t-tops/hard top cars are manuals, however both my convertibles are autos. Would I prefer a manual, yeah. However, they are both cruisin' cars so I just don't mind as much.

88 vert guy

Caddyescalade, I have an '88 IROC Conv with 5-spd + 3.45 rear end. By many metrics, this car cannot compete with many of the newer cars today and many that came before it, but I could care less about that. I've had mine for 25 yrs and have no intentions of selling it (unless I win the lottery). I've kept it because it's fun to drive in the summer (but not on a long trip), has quick launch, its "WOW" factor, and that it's becoming rare. I see many more RS convertibles in the summer, but have yet to come across another '88 Iroc Conv. in my neck of the woods.

I find the fit & finish on these cars is not the best, especially being an ASC "chop top". Also, many have been neglected and don't hold up well. If you're serious about this car, try to spend a little more and get something original/unrestored with under 50,000 miles, a 5-spd and that's been cared for. No matter what you get, will probably need a little TLC somewhere. I'm still searching for NOS this or that to continually improve mine. It's a good choice for a unique car, but my advice would be to be a little picky. Good Luck!

88IROCDT

iTrader: (1)

If it has the original service parts identification sticker on the inside of the console cover, look for the G92 RPO code.

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322046155173?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

Convertibles are good collectibles either 5 speed or auto because they were produced in far smaller numbers.

I think most of us would prefer 5 speed, but if you find a really nice convertible I don't think auto is a deal breaker..

If I was to get a non convertible 305 car it would have to be a T-Top TPI 5-speed

I would only get a non convertible auto in a 5.7 liter with T-Tops

Anytime you have an option on a car that is more rare, it will be more collectible.

1990 IROCs are good for that.. There were so few in 1990.

I'm picky about colors for myself as well.

My system was
87-90 TPI only

#1 Convertible 5 speed
#2 Convertible auto
#3 T-Top 305 5 speed
#4 T-Top 350

My color preferences are

#1 Dark Red
#2 Black
#3 Red
#4 Dark Blue

I've seen yellow, white, and silver IROCs I like, but just not for me.

Everyone has to figure out what their own deal breakers are..

The convertible top is a little rattle heavy when driving around with the top up.. I'm not really concerned with leaks and wouldn't know because mine is garaged or covered in rain/snow.. It looks like it would leak around the windows similar to a T-Top car..

T-Tops are cool because it's something different that you don't see a lot.

If you're building a race car I wouldn't want convertible or T-Tops..

I posted in the convertible forum of a nice Black 87 with 85k miles for $10k

I know of a really nice 22k mile Red 88 vert in Missouri too..

Gateway has a black one for $27k I drool over with 6k miles..

-JC