History / RestorationGot a question about Third Gen (1982-1992) Camaro or Firebird history? Where can I find these original parts? What is this option or RPO code? Those questions, answers, and more!
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Not that rare...And even though they had some up graded hardware over the std IROC/Z28's i have found them at least with the 350/auto combo not to have any more performance over my "regular" IROC..
The thing that makes them "Special" is a liturgy of special parts. IE larger brakes... for better stopping, They handle different, I know I know, they have mostly the same suspension, but I take it from people that have owned both regular Camaros and 1LE's They swear that you can tell the difference, they just drive different. also a special Gas Tank, and all of the other performance goodies... It can't be all that special? Can it?... {insert sarcasm here}
John
__________________ 87 FORMULA - 5.1 LB9/A4 T-tops 3.73 Modified (Yellow/Black)
87 FORMULA - 5.0 LB9/M5 T-tops 3.45 (Yellow/Gray)
89 FORMULA 350 - CONVERTIBLE 3.27 All original (Red/Gray) www.3rdgenformula.com
Not that rare...And even though they had some up graded hardware over the std IROC/Z28's i have found them at least with the 350/auto combo not to have any more performance over my "regular" IROC..
Not that rare? According to Camarosource.ca, there were 412,845 Camaros built in the 1988-92 model years. Of those only 1332 were 1LE's - 4 in '88, 111 in '89, 34 in '90, 478 in '91 and 705 in '92. If my math is correct, that comes up to a little over 3/10th's of ONE percent of Camaro production in third gens. If any of these numbers are wrong, someone please correct me.
__________________ 1991 ZR-1 Corvette Turquoise/Black
1991 Trans Am Convertible Red/Tan
1989 1LE Camaro White/Black
IMHO i just have not seen a significant difference btw a 1LE & my regular old IROC....
It all depends on how you define performance, and what kind of racing you do. The engines are the same, so if you're looking at 1/4 mile times, there is a negligible difference...just what might be gained from slightly lighter weight. A good driver in the IROC (or a fatso in the 1LE) can offset this. But drag racing is not what the 1LE was built for.
To some enthusiasts, handling, braking, and transient response are more important than 1/4-mile times. The third-gen 1LE is one of those rare automotive packages that somehow ended up being more than the sum of its parts.
To the "magazine racer," the 1LE's test-track numbers -- even skidpad G's -- are not really any different from a regular, performance-optioned Camaro or Firebird. The beauty of the package is not what kind of magazine-test numbers it produces, but how well-sorted the components are for road racing, how consistently usable that performance is, and how well the 1LE-specific suspension and brake bits hold up to the abuse.
Try hot-lapping Nelson Ledges repeatedly with a stock "regular old IROC" and see how well the brakes hold up to the heat. The stock brakes (even the regular J65 4-wheel discs) were notorious for poor heat dissipation and under-sized rotors, resulting in substantial brake fade and eventually a soft pedal. Unacceptable for road racing! In a 1LE, the hotter you get the brakes, the better they feel!
The better weight distribution of the "true" (A/C-delete) 1LEs also makes for better handling. Most people would not notice any difference in 7/10ths driving, which is really all you can do on public roads. On a track day you can feel the difference. There is less understeer, and the car feels lighter on its feet.
__________________ Tom
1992 Z/28 1LE, 305 TPI 5-speed
Radio delete, Red/Red leather
8K original miles
