1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Through an incredible set of circumstances, I've recently acquired this 88 IROC. The car is from San Diego CA, and is perfectly rust free. The previous owner asked that I give the car a good home, so my plan is to get it back into fighting shape after 7 years of sitting disabled. I posted here because this will largely be a restoration back to original condition so that the car can perform daily driver duties for my commute to work.

It left Norwood with white paint, an L98, T-tops, 2.77 posi, oil cooler, 4wh discs, and AL driveshaft. It now wears black paint, has a 15k mile 355 with trick flow heads, 211/219 cam, SuperRam intake and edelbrock headers. It has a 2OTL cat back that I can't identify, I'll post pix once I get the car off the ground and can get a good shot of the underside. It also has a JET 700R4 with about 15k miles that is apparently malfunctioning, which is why the car has sat for so long.

The car was in transition to become a drag car so some items were removed. I'll be reinstalling the seat belts, drivers door panel after the handle is fixed, windshield wipers and motor, and HVAC box and controls. The car also needs a rag joint in the steering shaft, and a set of tires. The car has various wiring issues as well, which I began working on tonight. I'll be tinkering with the car in the evenings and hope to be able to start it soon and further diagnose any other mechanical issues it may have.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Here we are picking the car up off the car hauler after it's long arduous journey from San Diego. Then it got it's first bath.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Tonight I rolled it outside to get a better look at it, and to turn it around and back it in the garage so I can work on it easier. It shares the 3rd bay with my GTA (bay is 2 cars deep), they seem to be making friends nicely. The car is pretty photogenic, but I'd call it a good 10 footer. It has it's fair share of chips, scratches and dings. Nothing major as you can see, but it needs some help that doesn't show in the pictures very well. Overall though, the car does look good and will make a fantastic driver. It's very clean inside too, and aside from the wiring issues, the car isn't hacked up, it's just had pieces removed.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Here is where I started tonight, under the hood. The car has some major power distribution issues that need worked out. When you work the power windows relays under the hood make noise, it's not good. So I've begun removing anything from the car that wasn't stock, so I have a baseline to troubleshoot from. I am also already finding some improperly connected grounds, and shady wire connections, which were likely contributing to the car's gremlins.

I am excited to see what the engine has in store for me. I rolled it over with a breaker bar tonight and it turns good and has compression, so that's step one. I'll change the oil, prime it, dump in some fresh gas and see if she'll crank once I get the wiring issues straightened out. Id think this rascal should make 350hp pretty easily once I get the tune ironed out.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Jeremy, I'm sure you'll have this car up and running in no time.

1983Chimaera

I have the same project as you, 1988 IROC-Z (only mine is an LB9) Harness has some issues so it's getting rebuilt, TPi has been polished inside and out, ported/polished the heads, LT1 camshaft. The rear end is 2.73 positrac with drum brakes, car was originally bright red but was Earl Shive'd at some point with a horrible, truly horrible white paintjob...they didn't tape off the seals, sand it first, or even spray an even coat. I was going to paint it GM Atomic Orange, and already did the engine compartment, but now I'm undecided. I may paint the car black and leave the engine compartment, maybe do rally stripes in Atomic Orange. Good luck on your project!

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Spent some time working on the car today. Mostly correcting some underhood wiring issues. Had to correctly attach the positive battery cable to the starter. Corrected a couple incorrectly placed ground connections. Changed oil and diagnosed a bad fuel pump in my pre-startup checks. I got the fuel pump out and it appears 7yrs of old fuel have not been kind to it. So tomorrow I'm going to put a new fuel pump in it, prime the oil pump, and see if it will start.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Wish we lived closer, I'd come by today.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I wish we lived closer too. I'd get great breakfasts every Saturday! LOL

I got the 'ol girl running today. It needed a fuel pump, the old one varnished up and was locked. After the fuel pump and filter were changed out I primed the engine and started it up. It has a code 34 which could be due to a vacuum leak or the MAF could actually be dirty or bad, not sure. At any rate, it ran pretty good and didn't smoke at all. It has an off idle stumble, but after that it revs up good and does a good job. Not bad for ancient plugs and junk wires. I didn't put the computer on it to diagnose any further. The engine is healthy and that's all I really wanted to find out.

The transmission on the other hand is certainly sick. 2nd gear is a bit weak, it doesn't have 4th, and occasionally when backing up the trans will lock up. As in, backing up and it will lock the rear tires up in the grass. Engaging in drive and then going into reverse again usually allows the car to move again. Not sure whats up. Tomorrow I'll call around and see what to do about the trans....

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Well, that didn't take long.

1983Chimaera

If you know transmission, rebuild it yourself. If not, consider yourself the proud owner of a new boat anchor and source one from a junkyard (unless you have the cash to pop for a new one or know a shop you can TRUST to rebuild it with a good rep).

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

Subscribing

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I've rebuilt a 700R4. It was not fun. It didn't have 4th gear when I put it in, I pulled it out put it on a trans dyno and it worked perfectly. That's just one story out of about 3 times I've had terrible luck with a 700R4. I hate them with a passion at this point, and have vowed never to replace one ever again. I even swapped an NV4500 into my Tahoe 2 winters ago when the 4L60 in it got sick....

At any rate, I'll be picking up a T5 for this car in about a week, and will be converting the car to a manual trans the way God intended. I think Charlie needs the TV cable anyway, so what better reason to get rid of any trace of the automatic...

chazman

iTrader: (4)

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

I'm glad that you were able to save that car. One more car that's not going to get thrown away! If you can post up a video of it. Sounds like a great project.

1983Chimaera

I've got a non-World Class T-5 out of a 2.3L Mustang I was hanging on to use as a core charge. I was originally going to replace the internals with the Ford Racing rebuilt kit, but after looking at the cost, and that I would have to replace both the input and output shafts I figured I would just wait to find a 5.0L version (won't cost nearly as much to beef up). The 2.3L version is just utterly useless, so for now it's just taking up space. Never have lucked across a V8 Camaro/Firebird version in the junkyards here.

Eventually I'll get brave enough to rebuild my 4L60. I have one already pulled apart, case cleaned, TCI Streetfighter kit for the clutches and steels, TCI 5-pinion front and rear planetaries, and it's a '92 model out of a full size van so it already has all the upgrades internally. I have a Camaro tailshaft for it, and a Corvette servo and 2200 stall for when it gets put together. For reference I have the Haynes GM automatic transmission manual and the Cliff Ruggles 700R4 book (an excellent must have!). I just have no experience with transmissions internally, but won't learn if I never try, will I?

phantomz28

Glad to see that you are giving her the loving home I wanted for her.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I'm doing my best Gavin, thanks for stopping by to check out the progress. This is the 2nd time I've resurrected one of these cars from despair, this is the 4th one I've built up overall, and the 5th thirdgen I've converted to a manual trans. I'd like to think I've learned a few tricks at this point.

Anyway more progress updates.

I got a WC T5 from a 92 RS that will be finding it's way in the car. The pedal setup that came with it was pretty wore out where the clutch master cylinder attaches to the pedal post, as the picture shows. So I ground the back of the post off and pressed it out of the clutch pedal, similarly I removed a perfect post from an old automatic brake pedal I had, then pressed and welded a new post onto the clutch pedal. Then I adapted the clutch start switch into the pedal assy and now it's painted and ready to install. I've ordered a new slave and master for the clutch. I also ordered new fittings that fit in the master and slave cylinders and convert to -3 AN. I then bought a stainless braided brake line to connect the two which will be much more robust around the headers.

I got the old automatic out tonight, it will be finding a new home tomorrow with another thirdgen owner who can fix it.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Also a few weeks ago I got all the stuff needed to put a fully functional HVAC system back in the car. I still need the actual control panel for the console and the colored vacuum lines to attach to the servos, but I'll be picking them up tomorrow night. By late this week I should have most of my parts around and progress should continue as I have time to work on it. I'd like to get the car drivable again in 2-3 weeks so I can continue to asses it's condition and how reliable it will be initially.

Still on the list to do but not mentioned earlier is to replace the sway bar end links, replace the steering shaft, install wipers and wiper motor, install seat belts, reinstall drivers door panel (I fixed the door handle) and fix a header gasket leak on the passenger side.

I'm currently resisting the urge rebuild the trans before I install it, but a new shifter to replace the worn out one that came with the trans I have, swap out the 2.77 rear gear and dead posi for a 3.27 and working limited slip, install AC delete pulley and new fiberglass AC delete box and fabricate a new exhaust. I need to focus on getting it going and addressing it's actual needs so that it's a reliable driver for me. The rest of that stuff can be done at a later time or this winter.

steves

I have seen Jeremy's work and IMO it's in good hands.

steves

I'm just wondering. Does it have a 9 bolt differential? If so why not the 3.45?

chazman

iTrader: (4)

For sure, Jeremy is definitely the right guy to bring this car back to life.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

It has a 9 bolt, but it has the standard 2.77 gear ratio. There were 3 ratios offered in thirdgen 9 bolts. 2.77, 3.27 and 3.45. There may have been a 3.70 offered in 85-87 L69 powered cars, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

I'd love to get a 3.27 or 3.45 in this car, would be ideal with the engine and trans combo it now has.

phantomz28

Looks like fun keep the updates coming!!

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I didn't have tons of time this weekend but I nibbled away at a few things. Got the trans and all related parts cleaned and painted. Removed the headers, cleaned, cut off air tubes, painted, wrapped and reinstalled with new gaskets. I re-used the existing plug wires for now as they are functional and my main goal is getting the car running reliably before I worry about minor stuff like that.

I also got a new steering shaft installed, re-routed the starter wiring, and installed the flywheel. Next steps, install the clutch and bellhousing, cut the hole for the trans and get it slid into the car.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Ordered an AC delete box, AC delete pulley and Pro 5.0 shifter from Hawk's today. The stock shifter I got with the trans was completely wasted and won't spring to center. No matter how much I fought it I need an AC delete box to cover the holes in the firewall, and I don't want to wait to find a used original box so I went for the Hawks one. At that point, what was another $30 for the delete pulley....

phantomz28

The headers look awesome!!! I always wanted to put a 5 speed in it so I could go bang some gears!

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

How much power and torque do you think that set up is making? Should be a fun daily driver after your through.

My vote goes for getting a set of 3.45's. I had 2.77 gears in my car before as well and that gear swap was one of the best mods I did to my car.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Once I get the car running reliably and get some shakedown miles on it, I'll decide what to do next. From a performance standpoint, the rear axle will be top priority. 3.45/3.42 gear will be my target but I wouldn't turn away a good deal on a 3.23 or a 3.70/3.73.

When I drove it I only got on it one time and the trans didn't kick down so it wasn't very impressive. On paper Id guess it should make 350-370 hp and roughly 400ftlbs at the flywheel. We'll see how it goes with a couple tanks of fresh gas through it and a bit of custom chip work.

I got the trans bolted in the car tonight. It's coming along!

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

That's great! It's a nice street package motor. I'm going to start working on my engine in the near future with similar components to what you have. Either gear set you pick will definitely be an upgrade from the 2.77's.

steves

Looks like you accomplished a lot for not having a lot of time......I'd still be trying to figure out how to wrap the headers!

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I can work on these cars nearly blindfolded at this point it seems. Between the ones I own and have owned, working on my dad's car and working on these cars for other people, I know them fairly well at this point. Not as well as some on here, but well enough, so I'm fairly efficient with the time I have. I also am behind the wheel of one nearly every day for 3 seasons out of the year. Once this car is on it's feet, it will be in the rotation and I'll be driving a thirdgen EVERY day unless there is salt on the roads or I need my truck for something.

My comments on header wrap for those interested, I'm not a huge fan of it, but consider it a necissary evil. I think uncoated headers in a confined engine bay present lots of reliability problems with burned and melted wiring and heat embrittlement. I prefer to run ceramic coated headers, but I'm keeping this car budget friendly so the wrap was the way to go. I also wrap the driver side crossover pipe where it runs under the oil pan and starter, because I don't want the starter heat soaking and I don't want to bake the oil in the pan either.

Tonight, I'll get the crossmember and driveshaft in, and then it's pedal and hydraulics time!

APACHE JOHN

Correct, but there was also a 3.08 9 bolt I had one in a hard loaded 85 T/A

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

3 pedals and a gear lever, just the way God intended....

Next up, re-connect the exhaust, bleed the brakes, install the new shifter, and stuff in the HVAC box...

chazman

iTrader: (4)

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

Getting there, piece by piece!

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Started the car today and ran it through the gears while still on jack stands so I could check trans function, and look for exhaust and fluid leaks. All exhaust leaks are gone and no fluid leaks so far. Car started hard and ran real rich and was lazy, set a code 34 almost immediately. I replaced the MAF power and burnoff relays with good used ones I had around here, hosed the MAF out with brake solvent and it runs like new. Started right up, no codes, runs great. Hoping to have it on the ground driving in another week.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

All the power is in those stickers ;-)

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Ha, the stickers were removed weeks ago. Today I bled the brakes, repacked the wheel bearings, replaced the sway bar end links, and put a brake rotor and a set of pads on it. One rotor was grooved for some reason. I have extra rotors here so I put one on it when I re-packed the bearings.

The HVAC box is in the car now, and I'm working on the fiberglass AC delete box under the hood right now. At this point it looks as if the car will be drivable mid week unless something goes awry.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Got the engine bay pretty much done today. Still need that wired little 6" jumper wire to plug in the wiper motor, and need to figure out now to get the wiper linkage hooked to the wiper motor. This is the second time I've put wiper linkage in a car and all of a sudden been like 1" off of hooking up the wiper motor. I have no idea what happens, but I'll take suggestions if anyone has any.

Otherwise I got all the wires routed, and AC deleted to my current liking. Tomorrow it comes off the jack stands and I'll get going on the interior.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Well it's alive! 92RS(real slow) came over and helped me get the seat belts and seats back in the car. Still need to put the console and drivers door panel back on but otherwise the car is complete.

On the test drive we discovered lots of things. For one, engine is not happy on the stock tune, the speedometer all of a sudden doesn't work for some reason (it worked when the automatic was in the car), and the car gets a nasty death wobble when you get on the brakes hard from anything over about 40mph or so.

After investigation it appears the death wobble is the result of a completely wasted center link and steering box. The sector shaft just flops around sticking out of the bottom of the gear box, and the joint where the pittman arm attaches to the center link is a sloppy mess.

I have no idea why the speedo doesn't work, I'll have to get under the car to start diagnosing that.

On the stock tune the car started kinda hard, it stalls frequently, runs too rich, lays down at higher rpm under a heavy load and generally just isn't happy. I took a few minutes and put a custom tune in it based solely off guesses and luck and the car straightened up quite a bit. It idled much better, ran better at WOT, and boiled the tires and slid sideways from a roll in 1st gear. This engine is strong, it just needs some more fine tuning. I'll likely put a wide band O2 sensor in it so I can get the tune nailed to my liking. The good news is the check engine light never came on and the car is otherwise quiet and smooth. We probably put 7-10 miles on it, and once I get the hiccups worked out of the tune, fix the speedo and tighten the front end down It's going to be a good car.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Almost there!

02WS6SSZ71

iTrader: (1)

Don't be fooled by this guy...his wife does ALL the wrenching. He's obviously too busy taking pictures and playing on the forum to accomplish this much work!

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Ahha! Jeremy, what say you?

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I don't let Alan (02WS6SSZ71) ruffle my feathers. Besides he owes me a few insults. I said some pretty unsavory things about his appearance, personal hygiene and IQ level during our many hours of quality time in his '76 400/4spd TA on the Power Tour this year.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Quick update. Been driving the car to work, getting bugs worked out.

The death wobble under braking was the worn out center link. I had an extra set of control arms here, so I put poly bushings and new ball joints in them and installed them with the center link to make sure I wouldn't have any more issues, and the car drives great now. (I do my own alignments on these cars).

Hot starts were a problem, but a new battery fixed that. I also welded up a battery tray (battery is in spare tire well) so I can strap the battery down, and I welded a stud to the body tub for the ground cable. Hot starts are now the same as cold starts.

I also fixed a vacuum leak in the HVAC control that was preventing my blend doors from working. So the car now has functional heat, vent and defrost again.

The tune is 90% there, still have some surging at idle and need some more throttle follower to smooth out gear changes, but the fuel trims are dialed out and the car runs really good. It's surprisingly fast now with a good tune. Even with 2.77s it will spin the tires from a roll in 1st gear, which I think is impressive for a stick car. It's twice as fast as it was on the stock tune when it first arrived.

Only things left are to get a radio in it, fix the speedometer and put tires on it. I'll post more pix this weekend as I start focusing on cosmetic stuff now that the car seems to be reliable and usable.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Good job, Jeremy! You sure made short work of that.

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

Sounds great. If you get a chance I've love to see a video and hear that cam.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

yaj15, I've got a great video of it at idle, I need to get it loaded to youtube and post a link here.

I've driven the car to work 3 days in a row now. It's been doing a good job for me. I put tires on it yesterday, tweaked the alignment one more time after the springs settled back in and it drives as good as my other cars. I've about got the idle surge eliminated too. Now to focus on installing a radio, making new tail pipes and cosmetic repairs.

here it is at work...

phantomz28

Awesome work! I definitely found the right home for her...