Hi, This is my first post here but I'm sure it will be far from the last.

I just finished building my last project (94 corvette) and now looking for something else. I'm currently looking at 3rd gen fbodys for a new project.
But like any good project I want to do my homework before I make a commitment's.

Questions.
1: Convertibles:
I would like to get my hands on an Iroc convertible to restore. OR a z28/rs convertible.
How rare are the convertibles? And how rare are the Iroc convertible 5-speeds?

2:Convertible vs coupe:
If I get my hands on a convertible Iroc 5-speed I will do nothing but restore it to factory. But if I get a v6/z28 convertible I will be swapping the motor/trans for a LT1/ZF6 combo that I pulled from my vette.
Will I run into any other issues using a convertible vs a coupe? In other words, Are the convertibles the same as the coupes as far as a motor swap is concerned? Anything I need to know about the convertibles before I decide to buy one for a motor swap? (Factory V6 or V8)

3ash:
The next two questions are not convertible only questions, But I figure it is better I ask now then make a bunch of threads with simple questions.
This may sound silly but the main reason I don't already own a 3rd gen is because of the dash. The dash looks like it would take your head off if you ever hit it. Its dumb I know. Just something I never liked. Are they Any other options out their? Aftermarket or factory? Anyone ever successfully installed a 4th gen, or maybe a C4 corvette dash in a 3rd gen?

4rive train:
Most 3rd gens Ive seen (other then Iroc's) Have an old drum brake rear end. Im sure the 4th gen rear axles are similar, But are they too wide or short? will the disk brake set up interchange? And Anyone ever put an IRS from a corvette in a 3rd gen?


Not to say I will do any of the above, At this point I'm just brain storming and gathering idea's.

 

I'll try to help out a little. I have had both a vert and coupes and I think the vert is a stonger frame with all the bracing. It doesn't matter which car gets what motor they are both the same.
Verts are more rare but I would lean to the Irocmvert, it will be more valuble in the future.
A few coupes are very rare too so do your reseach.
As for the interior you can swap to fourth gen camaro and do a search here and you will find many examples of some nice finished product.
A fouth gen rare will work on 3rd gens but are a inch wider on both sides, but a lot of 3rd gens have rear disc and also can be upgraded to fourth gen calipers and rotors, do a search here and you will find many examples of that too.
Good luck

 

Convertibles are pretty rare take the year my car was made 1990 there was 34,896 out of that only 4,942 were Convertibles. all this can be looked up by going to the home page>camaro or firebird tech data>then picking the year you wish to look at.
i may of over looked it but I do think there is no numbers in the data about Iroc convertible that have 5-speeds.

From what I have seen, I have never worked on a convertible
The convertibles the same as the coupes in the front end and of coarse the back is different.

4thgen dash swaps are well know around here tho I do find that pretty funny from a vette person. You can do a search and find load of threads it's quite popular. Also are biggest problem with the dash is it cracking, so taking your head off is very unlikely. Also please do not search for C4 corvette dash cause it will pull up a terrible post with a 10 year old lieing.

There is a guy on here, can't remember his name but he is like the master with brakes and sells stuff. He has a drum to disc conversion and he also sells c5 vette brakes or ls1 brakes. I'll edit my post with his website when i find it in my bookmarks. here it is http://flynbye.com/catalog/i30.html

 

10 year old with a corvette dash... Hell I thought I had something when my dad let me strip down an old buick 305 motor when I was 10.

I forgot to mention the corvette dash I was talking about are the 90-96 dash. The pre 90 corvette dash is like an old Atari video game on a camaro dash. lol

Thanks for all the info! Right after I posted this I searched craigslist and found an 89 Iroc convertible 5-speed for $2900 In very poor shape. I'm going to go look at it tomorrow. Their is also another 92 convertible v6/auto car in very poor cosmetic shape for $2200. The Iroc is my best bet since it is everything I'm looking for but it will need new everything. I will basically be starting with a shell. Motor is knocking and it wont go in reverse. interior trashed and possible been wrecked in the front unless the owner went crazy with rattle can primer on the front clip only.

Paint it black and put some tan leather and tan top and I could have something nice! Maybe polish the TPI like I did on my 91 l98 corvette. (BTW not a typeo, I own a red 91 l98/A4 and a black 94 lt4/zf6 corvettes)

 

that is real purty Clark Kent, hope mine will look that good???

 

Hell, if you need a 'vert roller I might part out mine

where are you located?

-jason

 

Im located in winston salem NC, BUT my mother and sisters live in jacksonville FL. How far you from them? If the deal is sweet enough I may could make the trip. I need to go see my mom anyway

 

I'm 5 hrs south of Jacksonville

doubt it would be worth all the effort

Goodluck with your search though

-jason

 

A lot of work for an IRS
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fabr...-c4-irs-2.html