Jason E

So, I'm getting the itch to have a little bit of fun with the IROC. I'm not sure I will actually do anything, but I wanted the thoughts of the regulars on here...

As most of you know, my IROC is 100% original save for a Duralast alternator, tires (I have the originals in storage) and battery. The lone modification the car currently has is a set of tasteful stainless exhaust tips the previous owner added to the original GM exhaust.

I am getting the itch to do some VERY light mods to the car, to kind of bring it more to my tastes. Its too quiet. I love IROC wheels, but 16s don't have that edgy look 17s offer...plus as we've all discussed, 245/50s are a pretty obsolete size at this point....

The mods I am considering:

1) 245/45/17 3 season tires on a set of either American Racing Torq Thrust IIs, gunmetal Torq Thrust Originals, or chrome IROC replicas.

2) Borla catback

3) 35% graphite tint

4) A properly-done, high end aftermarket stereo system. I already have a new-in-box, 10 year old Xtant amp (made in USA, of course...) waiting for its destiny in one of my cars. From behind the wheel, all you would see is an aftermarket head unit...I would put the best speakers available in the factory locations.

Other than those items, the only other thing I could see doing is MAYBE is a used, period-correct SLP CAI...but that is doubtful because I believe those require relocating the battery to the trunk. No way...I may consider changing to a 3.27 gear, but thats as far as I'd ever go mechanically. Even a shift kit/converter are not an option....let alone a cam.

Thoughts are appreciated. The car is being tucked away for the winter in a couple months, so I have some time to consider my options. I have been considering buying a second TPI third gen with higher miles for a good deal, and going all-out to create my version of a third gen street demon. However, I've decided at this point I actually like having less cars kicking around. All 3 Camaros are keepers for me...I have a Wrangler now, so the Z28 doesn't get driven nearly as much as I planned on. I've had it for 12 years....if it hasn't been sold yet, I doubt it ever will be

I don't want this to turn into a "these cars will never be worth anything" or "its your car, do what you want." To be clear: If this car is ever sold, that means I am dead. I would rather declare bankruptcy than sell this car. While I find the fact that third gen values are rising to be great for their reputation, resale is immaterial to me.

Secondly, I know its my car and I can do what I want. That isn't the point. I am curious to see how other people feel about LIGHTLY tearing into a pristine original car. Is it sacreligious to take off a perfectly mint 25 year old exhaust? To replace an original GM radio?

This car has lasted 25 years in a pretty much virgin state. I question whether I'm doing something evil by changing that. I appreciate everyone's thoughts.

82RZ

I don't see a thing wrong with the mods you are considering except for the tint - looks 'tacky' to me.

All of the mods are 'reversable' if, and its a BIG IF you ever decide to sell.

I say "Go For It".

majobis

iTrader: (3)

I'm a purist and over the past four years, I've been reversing what previous owners had done to my car so that I can again have the car appear stock - the way these cars looked when I first laid my eyes on these cars in '85 and promised myself to someday own one.

However, things like the full Dynomax exhaust and a Grant wheel - with a nod to the original style, which was already there when I bought it - are staying. My only additions have been SFC's because the t-top body has 150k on it and I felt they would benefit the car (I was right), K&N filters, 4th gen seats (for comfort reasons) and like your idea, I put high quality speakers hidden in the original spot. This week, I'm upgrading the 1987 radio to a 2000-era Delco cd player like the one in my Tahoe which has the built-in amp.

I've never seen your car but I think based on your post that there is a reason you have kept it stock appearing for so long. If I had your car with your questions, I'd make any mods as close to stock appearance as possible. So if a wheel change is made, I'd go with chrome replicas. If a new exhaust will make it breathe better than absolutely, plus, it's primarily hidden anyway. Upgrade to a newer, more powerful radio that will still read 'Delco'. Gears, shift kits and suspension mods are hidden pleasures that only you will know about.

The nice thing about third gens and this forum is that although some will agree with my response to you, some won't, instead preferring a route that I don't care for: huge cowl hoods, 20" rims with a much different look, fluorescent colors with shaved parts etc.

In summary, to each their own and at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you are actually driving a car that you enjoy, instead of having a lawn or garage ornament because you can't make up your mind about what kind of Camaro or Firebird you want to drive.

puma1552

iTrader: (1)

1) Don't change the wheels. Chrome IROCs will cheapen that car's look.

2) Borla is way overpriced and has gaudy, ugly tips. Those quad, square tips are god-awful. Then again I don't like tips at all, the pipes should do all the work.

3) Tint is fine, though these are the only cars that I don't think look good with tint, probably due to the huge rear window. I don't see tint being an issue, 35% is also what I would go with. Darker than that starts to look ghetto.

4) IMO there is no bigger turn off or devaluing of a car than an aftermarket stereo. An aftermarket head unit is ok on old jalopies like ours that had crummy cassette players, and I suppose some better speakers hidden in the stock location don't hurt (I've got both of those things in mine), but when you start adding amps, subs, running wires around--barf.

5) You won't do ****!

Jason E

The car gets driven, on a rather limited basis. I bought it a little over 2 years ago with 21k even on it...it has about 23,500 on it now. I am doubtful it will hit 24k by the end of the year. 3,000 miles in 3 summer seasons is about the use I expect from it for the forseeable future.

For those that haven't seen my car...







These were all taken 2 years ago, but the car hasn't changed one bit.

I have been debating on SFCs as well, as I know they will help the car's structure...but the thought of welding something onto this car scares me Other suspension goodies aren't worth it to me, as I don't drive the car hard enough to make a difference...nor do I drive it enough, period.

Oh yeah...my original GM brake pads are all glazed over from age, so I am thinking maybe some dimpled/slotted EBC rotors and pads might be sweet, too

chazman

iTrader: (4)

1) IROC wheels are an integral part of the essence of an IROC. Keep them.

2) An SLP 2otl would be even cooler.

3) No.

4) No.

Here are some free/cheap mods which I find REALLY wake up a TPI. Bump the timing afew degrees. Cut out the intake airboxes and add an airfoil to the TB. Get a 160* t-stat with corresponding chip to turn on the fans. It'll look bne stock, but you'll pick up some noticeable performance.

Jason E

1) I'm not sure I'm big on chrome IROCs, either. When I considered them for my RS, I decided I liked the classic, more muted polished "muscle car look" of TT2s. I like the TTOs because of the gunmetal finish, which I think would look sweet with the grey paint.

2) You can say Borla is way overpriced, but if I go with something, I want full stainless. That leaves me with 3 options...Borla, Magnaflow (had one on the RS and it was just too loud), and Stainless Works, which has OEM-type tips. Stainless Works is even more expensive!

3) Agreed 35% is as dark as I want to go...more so than looks, I also want to do it to help preserve the interior throughout the years. Not that its outside much, but this car has ZERO fade...I would like to keep it that way. I actually park it inside the shop the few times a year I drive it to work, because I don't want the car sitting in the sun all day. Yes, I have a problem

4) Not sure I agree on the system comments. We're not talking Bazooka bass tubes, Clarion CD players with crap dash kits, and Q Logic sub boxes and kick pods. I'm talking about a high-end Alpine in the dash, top shelf 4x6 and 6x9s, and a stainless steel $1,200 Xtant in the trunk powering one 12" sub. Everything fitting flush, no exposed wires, etc. After cars, my only other real hobby is audio. So, my favorite car with a kickass stereo seems like a natural thing to me.

At the same point, thinking about drilling into the firewall to run 4 ga wire also gives me a coronary

puma1552

iTrader: (1)

I'm almost certain there are other full stainless systems out there, I do believe Flowbastard has a full stainless version now for around $400, and it doesn't have gaudy tips on it. TBH I'm not happy with a single exhaust offering out there, as KMK and I have discussed at length in PMs. The exhaust market leaves a lot to be desired, which IMO is pretty pathetic since it's bolt on #1. Magnaflow might not be so bad if it didn't have such horrible 3.5" ******* truck tips on it. LOOK AT ME WITH MY 16 SECOND SLOTHMOBILE!!! IT'S LOUD THOUGH, HUR HUR AMURRR'CA!!!"

I hear you on not wanting it to fade, but I wouldn't worry about it on a car that sees 1,000 miles of daylight per year. What time of day do you drive it? 3 PM in the hot sun? Or after 7 PM and into the dark? I hated parking mine in the sun at Car Craft this year so I know what you mean, but I don't think you need tint for protection on that car.

You mean you aren't going to model your stereo after Drew's?

*shudder*

Jason E

1) That's my problem...I do love IROC wheels. If someone made reproduction 17" factory-replica IROC wheels, I would've already bought them. It wasn't until I bought a set of OE Wheels ZR1s for the Z, and painted them white a la 30th SS style, that I really had a hankering for 17s on the IROC.

2) I would love to find one...but I know if you help me find one, I will have to fight you for it I have a 2OTL on the Z28 that I've considered taking off to put on the IROC for a more "period" look. I also have the original OEM SLP dual-dual my SS came with (the SS has an aftermarket SLP dual dual on it that lacks the silencer the OEM one has)...maybe one of those makes more sense? The problem is, an LT1 with a 2OTL is the best sounding car combo ever, IMO...I hate to mess with it.

3) I don't disagree tint sometimes has a ghetto connotation, something I want to avoid...

4) Not surprised to get **** on that one

Maybe the bolt-ons you mention are worth it? I considered getting a used eBay airbox and gutting it...are aftermarket chips really worth doing? So many around here bash them, but I never thought they were a bad idea. I had one in my RS, and I swore I felt a small improvement, but maybe I'm just dumb?

Jason E

Also, anyone ever change from a single to a dual cat setup? Was it worth it? I know Magnaflow or Catco makes a dual cat arrangement...I wonder if they bolt on the OEM y pipe (I am not considering a Y pipe or headers...no way...)

Jason E

1) Its funny you mention Magnaflow's tips...they looked like sewer pipes under the bumper of my RS. I hated them, but after spending so much money on that car, changing out the exhaust was the last thing I wanted to do. And indeed, it was a LOUD 16 second slothmobile! Sounded sweet with the Edelbrock headers I put on it.

2) I will not consider Flowmaster anything. Ever. Ever. Just...no.

3) Drew had/has a bass tube? My RS was traded in with one...I asked him if he wanted it back He ran the RCAs for it over the carpet to the back...ghetto fab...

Jason E

http://www.stainlessworks.net/produc...tailpipes.html

This looks yummy...

scottmoyer

I've thought about upgrading my rear gears to 3.45s and adding a chip. I was told by others on this board that adding a performance chip to a stock car is a waste of money. Gutting the air box is an unseen upgrade as is upgrading the speakers. IMO, the rims can be upgraded to 17"s, but not chrome. The 80s was not the chrome generation, so it just doesn't look right. I think a set of painted aluminum in 17" or 18" would look about right without going overboard. The painted aluminum rims compliment the car well. Window tint would look ok if you had rear window louvers. I agree that the big back window doesn't look right tinted. As far as the exhaust, just add a muffler to the stock pipes to give you the sound you want, but with the original look.

puma1552

iTrader: (1)

I don't know man, $900 for T304 that you have to cut and weld? It should at least be T409 for that price. I don't like the look of total turndowns either though.

KMK454

Those are great wheel choices, but they're played out (most good looking and affordable mods end up this way!). If you're going to upgrade the wheels, do something unique. A nice set of forged rims would set it off in 17-18" sizes. A nice stagger (245 in front, 275 in rear) would also add an appearance boost.

Catbacks are easy to get away with. Since you're probably sticking with hidden tips, all you really need is the muffler. Don't buy the whole kit. The previous owner of my car cut the stock exhaust before the muffler; it clamps on and off for easy transition from a stock to modified unit. I would never cut the original system myself, though.

Tint is fine but works better on some cars than others. Lighter-colored cars tend to benefit from 20 to 35 percent tint because the contrast makes the color pop. Graphite gray would look great with a tint, but your windows already have a natural blue-cast to them that match your blue IROC stripe. I think it's win-win.

If you do an aftermarket audio system, my recommendation is to make it look as stock as possible. Hide any aftermarket components, use factory speaker mounts and make it so that when somebody looks in your car, they have no idea there is an aftermarket unit in there. I'm not an audiophile, but my system sounds decent given it's running from an ipod to a mini-amp to four 20-year old factory speakers in a lightly insulated sports coupe:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/car-...-solution.html

I would also echo the 160* tstat w/ chip as these cars run hot from the factory.

You could also upgrade all of your bushings/rubber with stiffer stuff. Just make sure it's black and not red like so many suspension components seem to be these days... then there are bigger swaybars, the front factory subframe connector if you don't already have it, J65 disc brakes or 1LE brakes, etc. These would slip by most people at a car show unless you had your RPO sheet out in the open.

Another free and easy mod is the removal of your mudflaps. Like you, I greatly slowed the rate of mileage accumulation on my car. I pulled the mudflaps off and it's a night and day difference.

For your interior, I'd consider a set of Lloyd's mats. They're a nice addition. I love mine and you can get them embroidered with "CAMARO" or other logos.

I thought the same way... I was going to put a GMMG system on. While I waited, a local shop threw in a Magnaflow muffler. It was way too quiet; in fact, it made less noise than stock. I went back and they swapped in a Flowmaster 80 for me and it actually has a classy rumble and has opened up nicely with the stock manifolds and dual-cat exhaust. It's not ideal, but it's very nice.

Ultimately, I'd like to buy two GMMG chambered pipes and have a shop fabricate a "GMMG 2OTL" kind of like the SLP 2OTL but with the chambered pipes. My dad's old car had the SLP 2OTL and it was pretty tame until the 3" headers were added on...

If you're worried about going too far on an original car, a good question to ask yourself is, "Can I reverse this on a Saturday afternoon with basic tools in my garage?" Also, "Can I store the factory parts?"

puma1552

iTrader: (1)

I echo Kurt on the mudflaps and the Lloyd's mats. Nothing makes a bigger difference in the car's interior than a set of NICE embroidered floor mats. Your factory mats, while good for shows, look like they've seen better days, though I realize gray interiors never photograph well.

I too had mud flaps from the factory, night and day difference without them, when you stop to realize our cars don't have "splash guards" that are modern and molded and body color, but rather true "mud flaps"

Motown

Jason, I can't really offer anything different than whats already been said, but is there any markings at all on those tips? My car has 4 inch chrome straight tips that belong on a old lifted pickup. Those tips on your car now are so perfect IMO.

Or even better if you cant find a brand on them, if you remove them, I would consider buying 'em.

But since youre one of the more purist members here, Im not gonna hold my breath.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

There's someone selling a 2OTL on this site right now. Shipping would be over $100 for you, I'd imagine.

StevenB L98/LS1

I would only do exhaust, the rest of the car is beautiful. Stock appearance normally looks best. Other alternative is i would keep the stock appearance and drop a ls motor in it. Thats if your willing to give up the tpi though. Wheel wise, i would keep what you have, or change over to 85-87 style 1 lip wheels. If the money doesn't add up to do doing cheap mods just to pick up 10hp such a tb foil or a hypertech chip id honestly just leave the car alone.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Leave it alone. It's too original to mod. Buy yourself a toy with some miles on it and go to town. Later on you are going to have that moment and say to yourself - I should have left it stock.

Also - after spending hours getting tint off the hatch glass with a steamer, I think it is a bad idea. I was actually going to have it done again because the tint turned purple. But I never want to remove tint again.

BTW - clean your mats. The rest of the car is spotless.

Jason E

Its funny a few people picked up on the mats...but what puma said is actually true. Grey doesn't photograph well...they're actually virtually spotless. Granted, I probably cleaned them after the interior shot was taken...I'd say that interior shot was like 2-3 days after I bought it. In reality, those mats have been cleaned and are now in a GM box being saved for eternity. It has new GM replacement mats in it now (you know, the more generic ones that don't fit the same), with a black throw-away mat on top on the drivers' side simply for driving around.

I've been meaning to pick up a set of Lloyds forever, but just haven't gotten around to it. As for the mud flaps, I still find it funny about the hatred of them on here I remember my original grey 89 RS started getting sandblasted behind the rear wheel openings over time, and my dad put mudflaps on that car years ago. Even with low miles and use, I'm not sure I'm willing to take those off this car. The paint is pretty close to perfect.

I appreciate everyones thoughts...still not sure what I will do, however. I may play exhaust musical chairs, and put the original OEM SLP dual-dual back on the SS, take the aftermarket SLP dual dual and put it on the Z, and take the Z's 2OTL and put it on the IROC. That plus a few free, invisible mods may be worth doing...if an extra 20hp, site unseen, could be picked up? Probably worth it.

I can live without tint, which is why I haven't done it yet. I tinted my 88 TA last Summer, and thought it looked sweet...but this car is more original than that one. As for wheels and a stereo, the verdict is still out on that. I'm too much of an audio geek to live happily with what I have, and I remember how my red 91 RS looked on TT2s...it was just awesome looking.

ibmtech

iTrader: (1)

[QUOTE=puma1552;5373786]I echo Kurt on the mudflaps and the Lloyd's mats. Nothing makes a bigger difference in the car's interior than a set of NICE embroidered floor mats.[QUOTE]

Just received mine today..

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Jason - the best fitting mats you can purchase are made by ACC. I picked up a set for my TTA and I was impressed at the fit. They are molded exactly like original. I did the same as you- I put the originals away. As you can see, the color is slightly off, but I can live with it. I actually like this color (Cognac) better then the original Beechwood color. You might be able to get a better match with gray. You can even order them with logos. I wasn't interested in logos so I was able to get these from Rock Auto for about 80 bucks with a 5% discount including shipping.

scottmoyer

The camera flash does not do these justice. They are an exact match to the naked eye. Granted the density of the fibers is different than the factory mats, but for color match and fit, They work great for shows.

Contact Jim Irace (Jim85IROC) and he can get you a set. They are an exact match as the factory in the belt molding design, stitching and shape.

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

LIGHT tint will really contrast your car's color and bring it out. You don't really need it up where you live, though. Down here in Florida, no tint equals destroyed interior.

I just got a new set of 245/50-16 tires and I love them. And I drive hard. BFG just put them out this year:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

Again, I can't say enough about them. I have about 1000 miles on them so far.

I love the 80 series Flowmaster, so I get bashed a lot about it. I'm an 80's guy though, and that is the sound I remember when I was first getting into cars. Its the only cat back that I buy new.

Your car is absolutely beautiful. My 88 IROC has a long way to go just to live in your car's shadow! I wouldn't mod too much beyond what you have discussed.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Scott - those are from ACC. They make a nice mat. I just got done installing their carpet in my Recaro.
I thought that was nice too.

scottmoyer

Yeah, I know they are from ACC. I sent my originals to them a few years ago so that they could make replicas of them, including the floor contour. I mention that he should contact Jim, because that would be supporting a board member that has a good reputation here.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I do remember you getting them made. You did that through Ecklers, right? They are a nice fitting mat. Might as well support a member getting them. I bought my carpet from ACC through 1A Auto
for the same reason.

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

You really do have a low mile orginal car. If you start modding it you are going to want to drive it more, trust me on that.

In some other threads you have mentioned a couple of times that you are trying to keep the mileage as low as possible. Is that an idea that you are thinking of revisiting now?

I've got a 1988 L98 IROC with T-tops too. Once you start making mods ha ha you will want to do more. When I got my car I specifically looked for a car that I would classify as a "driver". My car is not a basket case but I'm not going to win a 100 point factory correct award at a car show either.

I knew that I wanted a a car that I was able to drive and not be too worried about it. I got my car 11 years ago when it had 153,000 miles on it. I'm close to turning over 197,000 miles and probably will hit that marknext week. I'm on my second L98 (original gave up the ghost at 166,000. I replaced it with an A/C Delco remanufactured L98 and have had no problems with that engine since then), and third 700r4 (original trans gave up the ghost at 175,000 miles & and the second trans failed at 193,000 miles).

It may be wise to keep your car the way it is if you are already having second thoughts about modifying it. In the thirdgen world the L98 cars were the top of the line in terms of Z28 and IROC factory performance during their prime. With minimal mods they can be modified and still serve up great performance as I am sure you already know.

There are other cars that are available that are in good shape but, have higher miles and moddifiying them wouldn't be as much as a concern as with your car. Ha ha I would be scared to drive your car, I wouldn't want regular driving hazards to be encountered that may cause potential problems. One thing that I have had to do is every year I have to replace one or two of my headlights because rocks hit them and crack the glass. When I got my car the low beams had been replaced but the highbeams were still GM parts and had the factory markings on the glass. Rocks took care of those highbeam lights for me.

Recently some of the thirdgen.org members from Northern California and I meet up for a cruise from the East Bay Area to San Francisco. One of the cars that was there was a real show stopper. The guy had just bought a mostly stock black 1991 Z28 L98 with only 16,000 original miles on it! The car even had the tan leather interior that you hardly ever see. The car was a late 1991 model year production car too because he got the drum rear brakes that GM started putting on L98 cars when the rear brake supplier ran short. The only mods he made to the car were black / smoke GTS headlight covers, Grant steering wheel (he didn't like the factory airbag steering wheel), and B&M mega shifter. That car was like looking at time capsule. Other than newer tires and those minor mods the car was just the same as it left the showroom back in 1991. The owner said that he planned to start making mods and driving the car around more so it wasn't going to stay at $16,000 miles.

So its different strokes for different folks. There really is nothing like looking at and sitting in a low mile original car however. That guys car still smelled new inside to. Ha ha I wasn't young enough to have gone to the dealer to look at a thirdgen when they were produced. By the time I started driving in 1999 when I was 15 years old and got my learners permit the newest thirdgens were 7 years old so I never go the chance to see one that was 100% stock original and had really low milieage.

Do what makes you happy. Either way you still have a really nice IROC and there is nothing wrong with that.

Marine_Marauder

It ain't a Lamborghini, or a pre-1970 pristine example of Detroit muscle history. With that in mind, do what you want to it and don't give a damn what anyone thinks. It's YOUR car, do what you will to make yourself happy driving it.


You and I have very similar interests in how to be comfortable enjoying our low mileage cars. I too, am looking for a decent set of 17 or 18 inch rims (Although I want mine wider specifically to fill in the gaping gap between the edge of the tire and the edge of the fenders) I don't like any versions of the IROC rims, even the 91-92 Z28 ones. (I also live near East San Jose which means every beatup pickup blaring mariachi music at insane decibels has a set of chrome IROC's on it, and I don't want to be associated with that hijack)


I have a flowmaster of my L98 vette that I really enjoy. It's not obnoxious, but it's got a nice deep rumble and it added a few ponies too. I never really liked the sound of the Borla Systems. I'll probably go with a flowmaster again for the Z28. But that's just me.

My back hatch is blacked out which really made the car look more streamlined and aggressive, and really cut down on the heat coming through. These cars were ugly as sin with clear hatch glass, there was a reason someone started installing louvers on them. My sidewindows only have 50% tint and that helped with the heat as well. I didn't tint the car just for looks.

Nice lookin ride by the way. You should be proud of it either way.

ibmtech

iTrader: (1)

[QUOTE=Marine_Marauder;5374982]My back hatch is blacked out which really made the car look more streamlined and aggressive, and really cut down on the heat coming through. These cars were ugly as sin with clear hatch glass, there was a reason someone started installing louvers on them. My sidewindows only have 50% tint and that helped with the heat as well. I didn't tint the car just for looks.[QUOTE]

I have 3% on back hatch side windows which is actually illegal in NY. I don't really care as I have to drive with windows down as I can barely see out. But adds alot more privacy when it is parked and people can't see in either. I did that on purpose so it is viewable at car shows only..

Jason E

I remember following a thread on those...they look good. Maybe those are a better option for me than Lloyds. I like Lloyds because they have the flap that goes up the dead pedal, and the embroidered "camaro" logo is available...but it seems black is all the online vendors carry for third gens, and I'm not sure I want black mats again. I kept the set I had in my 88 TA...the black against the light grey was good for hiding dirt, but not the prettiest.

Jason E

I have been debating on this option since I sold my Trans Ams. My original theory was I was going to mod my 86 a little. Being a hardtop LB9 peanut cammed car, it wasn't exactly an "ultimate" third gen that I would feel as bad about bolting some things on. It was also a complete repaint, albeit a beautiful one. I ended up not keeping it because while it was a beautiful, clean car, a peanut cammed, hardtop, 2.77 geared 86 just wasn't my idea of something I wanted to dump a ton of money into mods for. If it had been a t-top car with WS6, like the red 86 I posted a couple weeks ago? With cool options like the digital dash? Different story...

I have been considering a second IROC, or a GTA/Formula, for the past several months. So what's stopping me? Space, and wondering if it makes sense to mod a second third gen when I already have my dream car sitting in my garage...that admittedly I DON'T use much at all.

Someone else picked up on a concern I haven't expressed yet...the fact that if I mod it at all, I may very well drive it more. That's both good and bad....good because I'm enjoying it, bad because I really do want to preserve that car for decades to come...seriously. It took me 12 years to find it, and this car and my 2000 SS will stay with me permanently. I wanna be one of those old bastards in a lawn chair in a field at a car show someday, when I have nothing better to do with my life than think back to the years where I wasn't old and wrinkled

At the same point, I have this gorgeous IROC sitting in my garage that with a little louder exhaust, a little more aggressive wheel/tire package, and something that can play my music library clear and loud, would be even more of a dream come true. I managed to pick this up on eBay at 11:00 last night...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI...:B:BCA:US:3160

A 1000 watt, mono channel, American-made, 12 year old brand new $1,200 amplifier. I have 2 four channel equivalents to this amp already...one is in my Z28, and one still sits in a box (it was destined for my 86, originally).

At this point, I am leaning towards putting this and the 4 channel brother in my SS, but that one already has a small system in it that sounds pretty good. Those 2 amps in the IROC? Its got me thinking....

I really do appreciate everyone's opinions. Wheels and tires simply come on and off. So does an exhaust (and it isn't like I'd throw out the original GM one). Tint doesn't have to happen. But the stereo....hmmm....just trying to picture what under the hood would look like with 0 ga power wire and a 200 amp Powermaster alternator replacing the cheap aftermarket one in there now....

2007xl50

Ditch the mud flaps ASAP! the tips are not bad, but I do think a nice looking car like that should make a sweet sound. No tint, no aftermarket sound system, leave the stock wheels. I like mods too, but your car is so sweet as is and you have others cars to play with. What is the point of a nice sound system in a car you don't really drive? LOL! Like Puma said you will not mod that car anyways.

paul_huryk

First, all of the mods you mentioned are reversible or removable - except for the subframe connectors, so don't worry too much about those things.

Second, as someone making 17" wheels for the third gens, do yourself a favor and go 275-40-17 all the way around - the handling and appearance is improved so much that a 245/275 combo or 245 all around makes no sense, except for tire availability.

Third, spend the money to buy tint that won't fade - that way any worries about redoing the back window won't be an issue.

Jason E

So, after doing some further reflecting, I've decided that I'm planning to go forward with a set of Torq Thrust Originals, as I prefer the muted gunmetal look to the polished TT2s. Unfortunately, while I would love to go with a 275 tire, I do not see an aftermarket wheel 9" wide that makes me happy, at the moment. Paul, I was on your site and looked at the wheels you're selling...they are made in the US, correct? I like the style of yours very much, but I'm going more for a muscle car look, not an auto-x look. I think its great you have a new, lightweight, viable option for us third genners.

Secondly, I plan to play exhaust musical chairs next Spring. The original OEM SLP dual dual (with the factory-placed silencer just after the LH muffler outlet removed) will find its way back onto my SS. The original owner took it off because it was too quiet, but I've since figured out why. The SLP Powerflo dual dual on it will make its way onto my Z28...then the 2OTL will find its new, rightful home on my IROC.

I am undecided on tint at this point. If I do tint, it will be a high-grade, graphite tint no darker than 35%. I am also undecided on the stereo. I plan to do something, but I think I am going to scale back to a high-quality, small system. 4 drop in speakers, a tasteful aftermarket head unit, and a small digital amp hidden somewhere instead of my big, honking analog bastards I own now. Long Live Xtant...but this car needs something subtle. I will probably not put in a sub.

Finally, I will likely add BMR subframe connectors to the car. I may even add a second set of Alstons like many do, and tie them together. The car would be extremely rigid at that point, and I do not see that detracting from what this car is.

EDIT: If ANYONE has ever heard of a reproduction 17" IROC wheel, let alone seen one, please feel free to let me know. I will obviously be keeping my OEM wheels (may even carefully remount the Gatorbacks and sell the G Force Sports if I'm not using them) for down the road. At some point, I may tire of custom wheels on it.

I really do appreciate everyone's thoughts on the matter, and I may change my course slightly, as I'm not doing anything before Spring. By then, maybe I will have a second IROC to mess with You never know with me...

Jetmeck

iTrader: (3)

a single high flow cat will outflow the old two cat system

Jetmeck

iTrader: (3)

Am in your exact situation and I have pretty much decided to not do too much that can't be put back. I did go tint and a pioneer head unit and new speakers. Small dress up items that can be removed and very very small mechanical changes like deleting my air pump and all the wires and hoses with a air delete pulley.

KMK454

I assume you will be bolting them in instead of welding, right? My family's old thirdgen had bolted subframe connectors. They definitely stiffened the car up, but welding is the right way to do it. Over time the bolts may walk out some or stretch and strip the bolt-holes due to stress. Weekend cruises and the occassional sunny-day drive to work shouldn't be an issue, though.

I'm interested to see how the wheels turn out; the gray on gray will look good. Any plans to lower it? As you upsize the wheels, the car needs to come down a bit. Not slammed, but 1 to 1.2 inches from stock definitely helps.

And you can always just give me your stock take-off parts... I'll get that clutter right out of your garage

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

I very much agree with these two statements.

Chrome wheels really tack it up on these cars. If you start doing headers and a catback and aftermarket wheels and radio and so forth, you'll have just another modded up IROC. There wont really be anything special about it anymore. Lightly modded irocs are a dime a dozen and they're slow. Nothing you can do to that car, short of an LS swap, will make up for the devaluing you're diong to it by deviating a low mile, stock, desirable model. And i dont mean monetarily, that will always be bad, but power is fun and makes everyone smile, but even a 700hp twin turbo L98 wouldn't be worth it in a car like that.

If you want an IROC L98 with tinted windows and tacky chrome wheels and a catback, there's plenty for sale for $3000 on craigslist.

Edit: see you've gone with Torque Thrust wheels... I dont agree with it, but they dont look bad. I would gladly put them on my car if I found a set for an affordable price. But my car is a 350 swapped, carb swapped, T56 swapped high mile L03 car with absolutely NO options on it. I wasnt working with anything special to begin with.

Linson

[quote=Jason E;5373575]

as Puma said before, you aint gonna do ****. when i saw this thread, i was like, "this f'n guy. he's feeling the itch to have the monthly debate about how 3rd gens should be left stock because they're going to be worth a fortune in just a few short years."

Getting the exhaust thing out of the way: Borla is way, way over-priced. i understand wanting nothing but the best for your baby, but most expensive isnt always synonomous with most goodest. most period correct choice (and not a bad choice) is Dynomax. i also like the sound of the Hooker system. the tips that yo have are fine. the ones that come with the Hooker system are garbage.

as far as the wheels and tint. 1) nothing is going to look better than factory IROC wheels on your car, especially considering the limited amount of modification you are willing to do - and Chrome IROC Wheels...please, dude. i thought you were better than that. 2) so you're talking about Gunmetal colored wheels, and Graphite colored window tint...on your Graphite colored car. basically, your car is going to look like a black guy in a purple suit, with purple shoes, purple tie...purple hat - only in this case the color is shades of grey. matching doesnt have to mean monochromatic. on a car, this can only work if the color is black.

Go for it! dont listen to the purists. enjoy powerful sounding tunes in your car. not that a nice stereo would devalue your car (which it doesnt), but lets be honest here. you aint selling it.

good luck finding that. if you know where to find one let me know.

holy cow! youre driving around for all these years with 2.73's??? you should have swapped out for 3.42's YEARS AGO.

shift kit. best mod you'll ever buy. guaranteed results that you will feel. makes the car much more fun to drive - and that was the point of all this, right?

chazman

iTrader: (4)

[QUOTE=Linson;5379959][B]. In most cases, I think shift kits are WAY over rated. Yes, you will get harder shifts, but in most cases, not better quality shifts. Most folks get a shift kit, start involuntarily chirping 2nd at light throttle and feel satisfied.

Linson

[quote=chazman;5380037]good point, but not really what i was talking about. i was talking about the more reliable 4-2 kick-down.

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

A shift kit should be part of a performance rebuild for a transmission. With just a shift kit alone you are running on borrowed time with respect to the other stock components of the transmission.

Also all of our cars now have hit the 20 year mark. So even with an extremely low mile car now there may be some potenial issues with respect to parts wearing out due to age.

Linson

yeah, i agree.

Jason E

1) I had Alston SFCs on my 91 RS that I bolted on...In 12k miles of recreational driving, they never seemed to loosen up. It would take me 15 years to put 12k miles on the IROC I agree welding is the better way to go, and wonder if even being bolted on super-tight is as good for the car as welding. My RS felt better, but it didn't seem night-and-day better like so many people seem to claim after adding SFCs.

2) I will be keeping the stock ride height. Third gens are low enough as it is, and anything that is modified is something I want to be able to remove somewhat easily. Springs don't fall in that category.

The color of the TTOs are really what led me to them...I think its gonna look awesome.

Jason E

1) I've seen plenty of cars at plenty of car shows with tinted windows, where the owners often did it to help preserve the interior from fading. I cannot find fault with that logic, especially on a car that has a virtually new interior. Also, I happen to think tinted windows look good so long as they're not ghetto-black, 5% tint. Like I said above, I'm not sold on the idea of tint anyway, as the car doesn't spend a lot of time in the sun. I don't think its a bad look on a third gen, though.

2) I had a car like yours...a higher mileage LO3 that I didn't feel bad about modding. In the end, because of the mileage and the fact every other day something broke, it drove me nuts and I sold it. It was a great car, but not for me. This is a car I plan to have for the rest of my life, so getting it right is important.

It boils down to, what will make ME happy without wrecking the character of what the car is. I don't think wheels, a cat back and a small, tasteful stereo is the end of the world...maybe I'm wrong. Hence why I solicited the thoughts of others, whom I value the opinion of. The bottom line is I don't WANT a $3k Craigslist rat...I want to enhance what I have, within reason.

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

Nothing wrong with moderate/mild tinting of 95 percent of cars, but with a low mile original survivor my mind changes a little, when you're talking "graphite" silver tint... I am vehemently opposed. Someone else already very eloquently addressed that, though.

But when you match tint to body color this is what you get...



Not only do you lose your window lines in the body lines, your wheels turn into power rangers and your car will start growing spoilers everywhere.

Jason E

1) Has anyone ever accused you of being abrasive and a little bit over the top??? Just curious

2) I've already said above I'm not doing a Borla. Now that I have researched the "cone of silence" that came with certain OEM SLP exhausts, I know how to remove it on the extra one I have, and its going back on my 2000 SS (the previous owner removed it for an aftermarket SLP Power Flo). The SLP Power Flo is going on my Z28, and the 2OTL...the best $400 I have ever spent in my life, will make its way onto the IROC. I will miss it on the Z28, but I think its perfect for this car. Subtle, with just enough bark to remind you whats going on.

3) I wish someone made 17" IROC replicas. I agree IROC wheels look great, but 50 series sidewalls? Eh...not sure I'm feeling that these days. TTOs will allow a nice 45 series tire, and opens up a whole world of better tire choices. It isn't like I can't bolt the OEM wheels back on in 20 minutes, anyway. Wheels are actually the most visual mod, but the one I am least worried about...changing them out is simple. By the way, in your attempts to slam the color combo, "graphite" tint isn't actually grey, colored tint Its still a normal looking tint, but its a different type of tint that doesn't turn purple...the "graphite" in the tint allows it to keep the proper color. At least, that's what I've been told over the years. My Z28 has that tint on it, and it looks great.

3) No, for sure I'm not selling the car, and I think a stereo is a good idea. I need to figure out the execution of it though, so that it doesn't take away from the car. I'm researching high-end, digital amps that can be hidden somewhere.

4) Shift kit? I kinda like the 350-calibrated 700R4 shifts...not as creamy as an LB9 tranny, and not aftermarket-hard.

5) All these years? Dude, I haven't even owned the car for 3 years yet 3.27s are something I'd like to do, but I debate what the cost/benefit will be for a car that barely goes 750 miles a year. I don't doubt it would make it more fun!

Jason E

Holy **** man, that was NOT what I was talking about Read my above post..."graphite" tint, in the lingo of my tint guy, is NOT GREY COLORED TINT

No wonder you guys thought I was a jackass That is awful!