hey all, new to the board. - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

BikertrashDude · 01-03-2002, 01:08 PM

been lurking around in the background for alittle while.
Just getting the feel and all that. Well I have been looking at getting an IROC for awhile and i figure where to get some good advice but a place like this.
I never thought it would be this hard to find one in good condition for a decent amount of cash.
Ok a few questions for the experts out there.
1. what is the best engine they have out there in a 3rd gen, and how do I tell just by looking at it? I know it's a 350 but i know they made two of three different ones over the 5 years they made the ROCs.
2. what is a good price for one with around 100K.
i've looked at a few already and well KBB says no more than $4K for one in mint, and well i see some bone stock ones selling for $6K around here. and alot of rat ones for $3500-$4K. whats the deal?
3. what would you pay for a 88 IROC t-tops with 28K miles on it?
totally clean car, bone stock with the original radio in it. there is an exotic car dealership near me that wants $7K for it. I would pay say $5,500 for it at the most. what are your guys thoughts?
oh and in case you are wondering, yes i do ride (99 Harley 1200C one fast bike)
later,
bikertrash

Mark A Shields · 01-03-2002, 01:26 PM

I would think any 350 Camaro would be good. The L98 sticks out in my mind as being the best, but don't quote me on it. The '88 IROC you talk about that has 28k miles, is that a 350. If it is, I would definately pay the $7k, if it's in good shape. I've seen 350 IROCs with over 100k miles trying to sell for at least $5k. And you can't look at the car and tell if it's a 350. It's easy to buy the badging for the cars, as the ricers have made that evident. Best bet is to run the VIN of the car and find out. And if you want to make the car faster then you may not want T-Tops as the structure isn't as strong.

8Mike9 · 01-03-2002, 02:46 PM

Welcome to Thridgen.org.

I think what you'll find out about when looking at 3rd gens, is KBB isn't what it's cracked up to be, neither are any other such places when it comes to low milage, mint vehicles that have some appeal.

KBB may say a mint, 50Kmi 89 IROC is only worth $3500.00, but unless you find a goofball who's selling one based on KBB pricing, forget it. Street value is way different than what KBB tells ya.

The dealer with the '87 will probably come down a bit, first I'd want to make sure it's 28K actaul, and not a 128K, 228K, etc...

You may end up paying more than you think it's worth, but look at it this way...low milage mint '87 vehicles (3rdgens or others) get rarer everyday.

If I were looking for a 3rd gen, I'd lean towards the '91-92's, I like the ground effects and the hood blisters...you won't find an IROC, just the Z-28 badging, but they'll be the same thing...heck, you can always get the decals

BikertrashDude · 01-03-2002, 03:10 PM

yea i notice that KBB is not really that good judge on the older cars. the IROC with 28K on it I just ran the VIN on the handy dandy little thingy on this site and it came back as a 305. I'm not looking at racing it or putting it on a drag strip. I do want to get everything out of the motor that i can without spending a ton of $$$. and i rather have t-tops. somthing i learned when working on bikes, the more you mess with the engine the less reliable it will get, but in the end you can't help yourself can you? it's just so much fun........
On the 305, a buddy has a 305 86' TA, he loves the car but always says he wished he had a 350. (he does have one in the works for later this year though).
I'm thinking the same way, if I do get a 305 then am i going to regret it down the road? If i got a car with a 305 with 190K miles on it for $3000 and then threw in a 350/383 down the road then, than would be no prob. but $7k for a 305 well...i don't know....
And i rather have a IROC, but a 91-92 z-28 would be no prob with me or a early 80s with a new 350....
...final thought that would be blasfamly to rebadge a 91-92 z-28 into a IROC, it's just not the same thing. sure joe down the road will not care, but to some one who knows then then well you look like nothing but a poser, some people try doing to same thing to Rice crusers, and turn them into harleys.
later
bikertrash

TOD · 01-03-2002, 04:42 PM

I know they are a little cheaper than IROC's, but I paid $2600 for 100,000 mile '87 Formula last spring. Maybe that will help, maybe not.

Mark A Shields · 01-03-2002, 05:06 PM

You know all 305s aren't bad. The reason your friend's is slow is because it's the horrible LG4. On the other hand late model 305 TPIs can easily be into the mid 14s with headers. But I understand you wanting a 350, a better block to build upon.

87transam5.7tpi · 01-03-2002, 07:35 PM

Hey Welcome to the board!! I have an 87 trans am GTA with the L98 motor. just so you know plan on spending the money for all new exhaust + more. the cars aren't fast at all stock. I'm slowing building mine up, but just wanted to let ya know plan on spending $1000 + to get it running nice.

West Coast GTA Man · 01-03-2002, 11:13 PM

Welcome aboard man!!

Mike

un4givin89 · 01-03-2002, 11:16 PM

Welcome man, whay part of Hampton you at? You might be interesting in joing up with myself and several other members from the board in our area. Shoot me an email.

un4givin89 · 01-03-2002, 11:20 PM

Yes, around the Hampton Roads area, our cars sell well. You can get a good price outta a 305 or a v6. I looked alot of Camaro around our area, greater Hampton Roads, before buying mine and I saw so many, not so good shape going for 2500+ all up. There are a few more dealerships on yourside of the bay with Thridgens then there are over here in the beach. But check the Auto Trader and the trading post. Also go online and check. Don't impluse buy. And make sure your comfortable with what you are buying.

No4NJunk · 01-04-2002, 12:05 AM

Thats rediculous!!! Down here a mint GTA or IROC goes for 5500 max. I bought my Firebird which originally had a 305 with 106000 miles on it and a perfect body, paint and interior for $1800.00. The motor ran fine until my lead foot got a hold of it. F-Bodys are everywhere here (Greenville S.C.). Most are in great shape but some are totally trashed by the "Dirt knecks" around here.

BikertrashDude · 01-04-2002, 01:16 PM

yea, I keep telling myself not to impulse buy. It gets harder every day that goes by. the car that i have now is slowly running out of life and well with the nasty weather that we have around here I have not a chance to ride the bike. (aint doing it in 12 inches of snow, no way). I've gone to look at more than a few cars already, and alot of them well didn't catch my fancy.
most where too $$$ and a few were well if not beond repair then more messed up than i wanted to spend time with.
I have lowered my standards though, when i first started out it was nothing but a IROC but now well a 350 Z-28 can do.

one point, called a about a ROC in the paper and a guy had a 88 350 with 100K+ on the odomiter that he "restored" ie. threw paint on and cleaned up the interior and he wanted $6K for it.
he only had it a year and he told me thats what he does is work on older cars.
i don't know sounded fishy. maybe maybe not.
later
bikertrash

No4NJunk · 01-04-2002, 01:37 PM

Why don't you try looking on ebaymotors.com. They always have IROCS and Z-28s and for decent prices. So what if ya have to take a road trip...sometimes its worth it.

BikertrashDude · 01-04-2002, 04:43 PM

I found a cherry red 85 IROC with T-tops with a 350 crate in it.
(with 20K on that engine) it's about 450 miles away... not too far to go, and I do have a place to stay near there anyway. might try to work something out. E-bay motors is a good idea and I have looked at that, but It don't feel right bidding on something I haven't seen yet. not for something in the $4,000 range. I have delt with e-bay before, but never for more that say $200 for an item. and thats a big difference.
we'll see
later
bikertrash