1988 IROC-Z Restoration/Mods - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

spdracerIROC · 03-31-2003, 07:40 PM

Hey all,

Kinda new to the forums, but I do have to say that thirdgen.org is an AMAZING Source of Information.

I just bought a 1988 IROC, and it will have been my third gen3 f-body, and well, third time is a charm. :-)

I'm planning on restoring/modding the car a bit, and am learning info on the Camaro model, as my previous f-bodies were TA's.

I picked up the car and it has a few dings (rock chips, and a 2" long tear on the front ground effects) The body has no rust, the frame is solid, and with the 3" flowmasters it roars like a beast and has enough punch to chirp 2nd, so the nice thing is I don't have a ton of work ahead of me.

What I want to do is:

Refinish the paint/decals, rims to "new" condition, replace the headliner and have the front seats re-upholstered. (Drivers seat has a 2" rip on a seam.)

Build up the 305/700R4/Rear axle to handle 300/400 HP with Nitrous. (100-125HP Kit)

I'd like to keep as much as possible "factory" in appearance (I.E, Keeping TPI, no 6" cowls, no cutting the body for tubs, etc.)

I've seen a few things here and there that I could do to improve performance and not "hack up" the car (Injector Swap, Subframe connectors, ILE Brakes, etc)

The only "non stock" itmes I plan on having would be a new sound system ( a must in any f-body) ,white face guages the "ram air" modification shown on this site and possibly a 100-125HP Nitrous kit after I start work on the replacement motor.

One other thing I want to do is check the rims, and other items to make sure they are the items that "belong" to the car. I have verified that it *IS* an authentic 1988 IROC, but I want to make sure the rims are the right year, etc..

Any tips on where to begin? I've rebuilt motors before, and have done some minor restorations but nothing this serious.

Where I really need help is figuring out if I should take the car down to a "speed" shop to have the engine, trans and rear axle done, or, if with the proper information build up the motor and rear axle myself, and have the trans replaced/built up. (I'll never crack open an automagic trans.) :-)

Anyway, sorry for the *HUGE* post

Thanks in advance,

IROCZTWENTYGR8 · 03-31-2003, 08:04 PM

Not much to do with this board, but I'll take the rim question since its the only thing you posted that does.

If it is an 88 IROC-Z it should look like the cars here: http://www.iroc-z.com/1988pages/1988...1988thumbs.htm

All your other question belong on various other boards.

spdracerIROC · 03-31-2003, 09:11 PM

ZTwenty,

Thanks for the info, I noticed after looking over all the different sub threads that there are specific threads for everything I want to do to my IROC to make it liek new, and then some.

Thanks for the link, I'll be sure to take a look, and make sure I have 1988 Rims.

IROCZTWENTYGR8 · 03-31-2003, 09:42 PM

Have fun, its a great site.

(the best IMO and many more!!)

Jim85IROC · 04-01-2003, 09:38 AM

For IROC-specific information, the IROC Homepage is a great resource, as is this forum. I'd be careful using iroc-z.com for technical data. About the only accurate information on that site is what they took from mine. There is a lot of incorrect info over there. Stick to the IROC Homepage and thirdgen.org for accurate info.

spdracerIROC · 04-01-2003, 11:33 AM

Thanks Jim, I'll add that to the bookmarks list! :-)