History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
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__________________ 1989 IROC-Z Hardtop
2nd Place Best Restoration Thirdgen Fest 2007 -- 2nd Place Best Restoration Thirdgen Fest 2008 -- 1st Place Best Restoration Thirdgen Fest 2009 -- 3rd Place Best Modified Thirdgen Fest 2009 -- 1st Place Best Restoration Thirdgen Fest 2010
*Just a little Vortec set up*
I always find it interesting to re-read that article, and get reminded that they got 15.0 in the quarter out of the L69 car. That was mighty competitive for a showroom-stock car back in the early to mid 80s.
__________________ "So many Mustangs, so little time..."
I had been looking for that article for years. I finally found it (June 1983) on ebay. Interesting thing is that I ordered my 83 Z28 in April 83 and was unaware of the HO before I went to the dealer. He mentioned it, but basically talked me out of it because it was new and also he thought the mileage would be worse. Big mistake.
The same issue also has a article about one of the editors going to Norwood to watch their Trans Am built.
I will post it later when I get a chance.
It's a very good read. I have that issue (and many more) sitting around. I remember I got it at the auction with my camaro, and got the magazines too, and I remember when I foudn that one, I read it about 4 times.
I remember that article too. A friend and I from work back about 85 or 86 had those same 2 cars, I had the 83 GT he had a 84 Z28. We decided to go out on our lunch break to Pershing dr over by LA Airport and go heads up. He had a few minor things like removed AC belt, smog pump, front sway bar and he did have the advantage 3.73s to my 3.08s. Motors were both bone stock HO's. My car was setup for handling with lowered springs, swaybars, Konis, His brother flagged us, I wheel hopped real bad in the stang but managed to stay in front until the top of 3rd gear when he walked by me in the Z. He must have been expecting an easier kill by the way he was talking how hard that mustang ran. So I’d say the ET’s are probably pretty accurate.
There was another ponycar at the time that was not very popular, not very common, and the quality was not very good. But it was the Dodge Shelby Charger with the turbo motor. Mopar sold the intercooler kit and the computer upgrade, and with these modifications, my 86 Shelby could beat the F-bodies AND the Mustang GT, not off the line but once boost built up.
However, in stock form, both those ponycars were better.
I'm a convert too. My old Shelby sits without an engine in a storage lot, and I'm driving a 1986 355-powered TPI IROC-Z. I think it's a much better car, and definitely quicker than my Shelby EVER was. Goes to show when modifications are made, V8's are still better than 4-bangers. Most kids these days don't believe that, but it's true. There's no replacement for displacement.
shortly after fords got everything the f-bodys had in succession and also got a bullet proof rear and forged pistons making them the no brainer choice of hot rod enthusiasts that had no taste or style.
