G28

I'm in the market for a third gen and can't decide what would be a better investment. I have a soft spot for 91-92 Z28s but I have the opportunity to buy and nice 85 IROC. Which would be more valuable third gen in the long run? Should I hold off on the IROC and wait for the right 91-92 Z28? Something about 91-92 Z28s just grab me more. I think its the rear spoiler and the hood blisters. And man if it had heritage stripes....I'd been sold for the right price. But they seem to be more difficult for me to find as oppose to IROCs. What do you guys think?

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

They made 5,000 Z28s in 1992. I think the odds are a good a heritage striped 92 L98 Z28 will be a pretty valuable car one day. They only made 12,000 of them in 1991, so the numbers for 91 arent exactly high either. They made 70,000 Z28s in 85, and 20,000 IROC's in 85 for comparison.

2007xl50

See I like both the IROC's and the 91-92 Z cars as well. Like was said there were alot less of the 91-92 Z cars made than IROC's, but I tend to like the IROC's a bit better. It's all in what you want and how much you want to spend. What it's going to come down to in the long run is mileage, how clean the car is and how OEM is it? Also you have to look at do you want an investment car or a fun car?

Slater126

iTrader: (1)

I say get what you want because the value difference at this point is about nil. The 1991-92 Z28s have all the improvements to the Third Gens built in -- dual cat exhaust, pass key security, PBR rear brake calipers, better body integrity due to production improvements, driver's airbag, highest horsepower TPIs, etc. I also personally think they look better, but that's a matter of opinion.

However, the highest performance engines (the L98 and the 230 horse LB9) were not available with T-Tops in the Z28. I'm personally fine with this but those who like T-Tops may find this to be a drawback. If you want a L98 or the performance cammed LB9/M5 Camaro with T-Tops, you have to buy a 1987-89 IROC.

scottmoyer

Don't buy the car based on future value. Buy what you want and enjoy it. If you are buying based on future investment value, you're in the wrong business. Nobody has a crystal ball and can know which is the better deal. Get what you want to drive and enjoy.

KMK454

I would stick with what you want (sounds like a 91-92 Z28). I would then hold out and get the most car you can get for your money. It's always more painless to pay more on the front end than to buy a basket case and eat it on the back end. Also, buy the car you want, not the car you perceive the market wants. You'll be happier with your purchase that way.

If you're looking for a stock car, hold out for that low-mile survivor or that properly restored car.

If you're looking for something to modify, your best and most economical bet is to look for a higher-mileage car with a rust-free, solid body. You can get this cheaper but will have to do more back-end fixing and repairing; however, this can go hand in hand with the modifications you're doing. It's typically better to start with a stock or relatively stock car; you never know the quality of another person's modifications unless they are properly documented and appear legit.

If you're looking for an investment, look at gold, the stock market, housing, or a savings account. Don't look at a thirdgen.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

Neither of them is going to ever be worth more than the cost of a restoration, so unless you're buying it to preserve it in a bubble, the collectable value should be the last of your concerns. As others have said, just buy what you like better.

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

Buy the car that you like and enjoy it. Mechanically speaking a '90 IROC had the same engine upgrades as the '91-'92 Z28's

Some people like IROC's more than Z28's. I like both. Just get what you like and enjoy it.

I agree with the other posters, its always best to find the lowest mileage car that you can find in the best condition for your price range. A stock style car would be my preference over a modified one unless all the modifications are fully documented. If the car is stock its very easy to know what you have and to evaluate it. If its modified with no documentation you may be stepping in to trouble down to road.

What are your goals with the car that you want to buy? Are you going to leave it mostly stock? Do you want to drag race or autocross the car? Do you just want a high performance street car? Those factors should also be taken in to consideration as well.

KG427KG427

iTrader: (1)

What is the difference between a 1990 Iroc-z rear end and tranny and a 1991 z28 5.7??

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Something other than an IROC or 91 Z28.

These cars simply aren't an "investment", any more than any other cars of the period are. Ain't happenin now, never will. Nobody cares but us here, and we're all too cheeeeeeeep to pay you more than what you paid to buy it, so no matter what, if you buy one of these cars thinking THAT stupid crap, you lose.

Buy whatever you like, because YOU LIKE IT. Enjoy it because YOU ENJOY IT. Don't waste a second of thought on "value", because there's isn't any.

There's no difference between a 90 and 91 rear. Same part #s throughout, if the rest of the drive train is the same. Some got posi, some didn't; most of the 350 cars got 2.73 gears, some got 3.23s, and some of the 5-speed 305 cars got 3.42s, in both years. But in general, they're the same rears.

KG427KG427

iTrader: (1)

How many 91 5.7 l98 ttops z28's are their?

Are they rare ?

cavalier

None.

T-Tops were not avail from the factory with any G92 Camaro from 90-92.
L98 required G92.

KG427KG427

iTrader: (1)

Sorry I have a hard top. So tired sorry meant to say hard top. I think I have a 1Le z28 91

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

From your other thread:

According to Compnine, no 1LE.

http://www.compnine.com/vid.php?vin=...15499&x=33&y=6

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

So is my t-top 91 Z28 with G92, LB9, M5 a factory fluke or what?

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

Do you have the G92 code on your RPO sheet? I have read and have been told that all the G92 equipped '91-'92 Z28's were L98/700r4/3.23 gear posi rear or LB9/T-5/3.42 gear posi rear combinations. These G92 cars all got the L98 style camshaft. These cars also got the factory N10 dual cat exhaust. The G92 performance package was only available with hard top cars only.

The '91-'92 Z28's that got T-Tops were all LB9's with the non-G92 camshaft. I think those cars got 2.73 gears with the 700r4 and the T-5 cars got 3.08 gears. These cars should also have came with the single cat exhaust.

You have got a very cool car. I wish I had a '91-'92 Z28 that looked like yours. I am in the process of doing some of the engine mods that you have done to your car as well. With the mods that you have done to your car it should be significantly faster and more powerful than a stock G92 LB9 car.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

I pulled the RPOs for it years ago, here, before I actually even joined as a member, and as I remember its G92... It does not have dual cat, but did have 3.42 gears. I'm gonna throw my VIN through the compine thing when I get home, unless I can find my VIN number on something else here at work

The car ran hard even when stock for a 305... ran with almost all the bolt on LT1 cars around here. Thanks for the compliments

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

Thats cool. Ha yeah I think we all would be intrested if you got a G92 car with T-Tops.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

I doubt it... probably had someone else RPO stickers, like a junkyard part? My car had been painted before I got it from the 3nd owner.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

Something is wrong here... shows a 91 RED, L98, Auto, G92, Black cloth, CA emissions car. Took the VIN off my insurance card... 8th digit F for the LB9

*i screwed it up - My car is NOT G92, but showing the rarity function, one of 2 built with options Black exterior, Gray deluxe leather, LB9, Manual 5spd, F41 suspension, Alum shaft, Alum Drums rear brakes... Kind of crazy!

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

It's interesting that it wasn't available on the Camaro yet I have a GTA with basically the G92 options (3.42s, oil cooler, and rear disk brakes) and it has t-tops.

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

Thats intresting how all of our cars have their own story to tell.

All the panels match the VIN on my car except the driver side door. I didn't know that until I took my car to the deal one time and they told me that the door had a different VIN than the one on my car.

The donor door was still from an '88 IROC L98 like my car, just wasn't the original door.

paul_huryk

No car is a good investment, unless it has already begun to increase in value! Even then it is easy to get burned...

I can't say I have any preference on the IROC vs. Z28 exterior, both look great. But I do hate the 91 to 92 gauge cluster and some of the other interior changes on the last 2 years. However, the slight improvements in the car itself (only took lazy azz GM 9 years to make) justify a stronger look at the Z28 cars.

Phenom-1

Lmao, The B2L L98 cars Required The Automatic Transmission, those with the 305 could be had with t-tops and the M5 but with the 350 you Were required to have the Auto 4 and a solid roof. ( Hardtop ) for the '90 thru '92s on the '87 thru '89s you could get t tops with the L98

Linson

the two things you mentioned that "grab" you about the 91-92's are the things that cause me to prefer an IROC. that, and IMO the IROC has a lower, wider stance. but the biggest thing is, dont look at it as an investment, because it isnt. i dont even try that rationalization on my wife anymore. "honey, i want to invest in an Camaro."

Phenom-1

The Iroc doesn't have a wider stance, but the '91-92s have more power in the L98, the Tall wing power blisters aero body kit made it look like a Super Z28. Setting it apart from the Irocs low nascar style lip for a spoiler on the trunk and black hood louvers with the stripes.

Linson

meh. the blisters and the tall wing just look a little "tacked on" to me. and the IROC may not actually be wider, but it certainly APPEARS to be. could simply be the more concave nature of the IROC wheels, or the added appearance of height given by the 91-92s' tall wing and hood blisters. one just does it for me more than the other.

Phenom-1

I can relate to that, My Aunt had an '86 Iroc which got sold, and my first Camaro was an '87 Iroc all stock but sweet to drive and In dark red metallic it was mean looking.

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

G28, have you decided on which kind of 3rd gen that you want?

Ha I know there has been a lot of information put out in this thread but, thats a good thing. Gives everyone on here the chance to give someone new to the 3rd gen club correct information. Also gives us a chance to review 3rd gen's history and make sure we have the facts right.

Some people like IROC's better than '91-'92 Z28's and vice versa.


Some people also like the '82-'84 Z28's over the '85-'87 Z28's and vice versa.

In the end, the choice is yours. Go after the car that you will enjoy the most.

jtsk

iTrader: (3)

for the original poster, get what you like and what you want like the others have said. Value is only what someone is willing to pay period, whether you have a 1 of 50 or 1 of 50,000. Enjoy it and drive it for you. As an owner of a 92 z28 I have to say get one, of course I'm partial... :-)

Damon23

I like the look of both but prefer the 91-92 cause that was the car that came out when I graduated and it was the car to have. I like the body kit and the spoiler. The spoiler on the back was a throw back to the Yenko cars of the 60's and of course you all remember the 69 Trans Am and its spoiler. The Irocs sat lower and that was a plus over the Z28 but that is a easy mod. Hope you find what you are looking for. Buy it, enjoy it and dont worry to much about value. The prices are creeping up on them but not enough to get excited about. You'll see the prices jump when more nice original cars are in magazines and at the shows. So many out there are modded. Some good, some bad.

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

And I think the IROC gauge cluster is hideous, I love the 90-92 gauge cluster. Just goes to show that the only major differences are all subjective.... except for production numbers.

Phenom-1

I liked the half moon yellow gauges and interior coloring on the controls o the '91 and '92s it gave it a sort of exclusive look from the Iroc interior too. And don't get me started on my favorite steering wheel


http://image.superchevy.com/f/893716...ring_wheel.jpg

Linson

i'll give you that. while i prefer the outward appearance and attitude of the IROC, i have never cared for the guage cluster - especially the two handed speedo and tach guages.

therefore, when it comes to Third Gens, i always thought the Firebird interior was nicer, but with a more problematic console. by problematic, i am referring to the fact that the console door hinges have a limited life expectancy; and the way the vertical edges of the rubber console tend to separate from the from the horizontal, hard plastic console plate. doesnt seem like that would be an issue with the Camaro console.

the interior of the 91-92 Camaro seems clearly a precursor to the 4th Gen.

lunaticinaZ

I prefer the 91-92 Z28. I have a black 91 Z28 G92. (was) 305 M5 3:42 gears. I have since put a stock 350 in it (305 had a cracked block) And I swear the car feels no faster at all. But it will suprise a lot of people racing. They expect it to be slow like some of the older ones. The M5 with the 3:42 really helps out a lot. But I have people asking more about my 91 then they ever did my 89 rs. People seem really interested about the body pieces and the history of the car. My car is not in perfict condition and I had it at a car show (not in it) but I was parked beside a red iroc who was in the show. I got more votes than the Iroc But to each their own. No matter what Thirdgen you buy, buy the one you like and make it beautiful. And show it off on here we love pic's

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

3.42 gears and the L98 style cam really wake these cars up. With good performance mods 3.42 gears, L98 style cam, auto or manual the car will be a good runner and surprise a lot of people.

G28

I was broswing the around web because I was thinking about picking up a 91 Z28 locally and I ended up finding a link to this thread...So without really paying attention, I started reading the posts and thinking to myself the same thing as the guy that started the thread. I got to one post where someone was asking what the guy decided to go with, IROC-Z or 91-92 Z28, so I shot back up to the top of the thread and saw the username G28. I thought to myself..whoa, I usually use that username for forums. And low and behold it dawned on me that I started this thread almost a year and half ago. LOL.

Well news flash, I finally picked one up today. 1992 Z28. 5.0, Std, Blue, 51,xxx miles, original paint, one owner car. Looks like I finally got the third gen I've been wanting for a long time...

G28

The car was parked next to a boat and left there for what must have been forever...I guess not a barn find but a canopy find.

jtsk

iTrader: (3)

Nice car and a good find!

86TA355SR

iTrader: (1)

Exactly, well put. Buying a vehicle is almost always a negative return on the dollar. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part Third gens aren't particularly valuable.

Again, well put. Buy the nicest car you can afford. It will save you lots of headaches later (ie, searching for parts/dealing with people/TIME/a hacked up car). I have done it both ways, the low mile survivors are the best cars to own. And since they made thousands of them, I wouldn't feel bad about making it mine. You can always put the stock parts back on.

86TA355SR

iTrader: (1)

Looks like a great car, get it detailed and let's see some photos!

RyanJB

Looks very similar to the 91 RS I picked up. It had sat in a garage that was also a wood shop. It was caked in dirt and saw dust and then when he finnally put it up for sale it waas on the side of a dirt road so dirt was caked onto everything too. When the painter broke the car down for prep he was still finding dirt and saw dust in the body gaps.

G28

Just some more pics of the day I got the car. The PO wanted $3500 for the car and my intention was to offer $2000 and go no more than $2500. Anyways, I bring a battery over and we hook it up and the car wouldn't turn over...so we pushed it down the hill and tried to push start it. He guaranteed me that the car was just running recently. Frustrated and embarrassed and not wanting to push the car back up the hill, he told me to make an offer as is. So I threw out $1200. He shot back can you do $1500? Right there I knew I had him. So we agree on $1500 and it came with a nice tow strap to bring home...Get the car over to my cousins house and find out it was just a bad contact on the neutral safety switch!! Car was running in no less than 10 minutes from getting it there. The car cleaned up good and the A/C was blowing ice cold, something I didn't even consider when I was considering to buy it. This is going to be my play toy and I'll just baby my first gen.. Thanks for all the info guys. I'll try and post some pics of the car as it progresses. Oh yeah, after we cleaned it up I was so excited to drive the car and ended up running out of gas on the way to the gas station. LOL. Good times..let the memories begin.

erik69&85

iTrader: (1)

Sweet pickup....

I had an 85Z for 11 years that really enjoyed but I always wanted a 92Z so when I ran across a nice one with a 5-speed for $2,700, I bought it and sold the 85. I have never regretted that decision as I love my 92. It didn't have the heritage strips....so I added them as it was an option....

But now my handle "erik69&85" isn't quite accurate...still have the '69 but not the '85.

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

Great find!

WSDMike

how's it going guys, new to the forum. Hoping to purchase a 92 Z28 in the near future. Can somebody please explain to me exactly what the G80 Limited slip 3.42 gear ratio is? Car is a 5 speed.

scottmoyer

It's a positraction or limited slip rear axle with 3.42 gears. For every full rotation of the tires, the driveshaft turns 3.42 times.

WSDMike

the limited slip meaning exactly what? Less wheel spin when taking off?

Sorry, know nothing about this.

scottmoyer

You might want to do a google search for the terms. They both relate to traction control schemes, but each manufacturer will call it something else. Simply put, both rear wheels turn when there is a loss of traction versus only the passenger rear on a non positraction rear.

On a posi car, you'll see two black marks when doing a burnout. This is usually an upgrade option.