My husband and I have very recently started looking at buying a 3rd gen Camaro. I used to own a 1984 Z28 in my teens and early 20s. I've always loved the 3rd gen body style.
Ending today on Ebay is a 1989 IROC Z Convertible with 55K miles, A/C, CC, Tilt, power windows, power locks, power steering. New convertible top in 2012, new A/C unit, engine tune-up, and carpet in 2013, new tires in 2014. It is about 2 1/2 miles north of where I live, but the auction ends in 4 hours and I won't be able to look at it today. The Buy it Now price is $9500. Is that a decent deal? Should I buy a car like this sight unseen or take my time and keep looking. Thanks for any advice you can give me.
The auction link is http://www.ebay.com/itm/222085989742?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Ending today on Ebay is a 1989 IROC Z Convertible with 55K miles, A/C, CC, Tilt, power windows, power locks, power steering. New convertible top in 2012, new A/C unit, engine tune-up, and carpet in 2013, new tires in 2014. It is about 2 1/2 miles north of where I live, but the auction ends in 4 hours and I won't be able to look at it today. The Buy it Now price is $9500. Is that a decent deal? Should I buy a car like this sight unseen or take my time and keep looking. Thanks for any advice you can give me.
The auction link is http://www.ebay.com/itm/222085989742?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Senior Member
Something isn't right here. Has a lo3 engine but a tuned port injection emblem on the rear. Looks like someone tried to make a rs look like an Iroc
Member
I concur something strange.
I have a 1988 IROC Z Convertible with TPI emblems and actual 305 Tuned Port Injection motor.
I have a 1988 IROC Z Convertible with TPI emblems and actual 305 Tuned Port Injection motor.
chazman
Supreme Member
close
- Join DateDec 2001
- LocationChicagoland
- Posts:9,946
- iTrader Positive Feedback100
- iTrader Feedback Score(4)
- Car1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
- EngineLB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
- TransmissionWorld Class T-5
- Axle/GearsBW 3.45
- Likes:717
- Liked:644 Times in 450 Posts
I spoke to the owner of that car about a year ago when he had it for sale on eBay. He was asking a whole bunch more money back then, like $13k if I'm not mistaken. He seemed like a nice guy. I informed him that the his IROC wheels were the base 15 inchers and not 16" and he immediately edited his listing to correct it. I'm sure some previous owner simply added the Tuned Port Injection emblem.
Seems like a nice car though, but I haven't checked it out personally. If there are no surprises, seems like a fair price.
If you want to spend less, have more power, and want a more attention getting color, my convertible is also currently on eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/111975108094?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Seems like a nice car though, but I haven't checked it out personally. If there are no surprises, seems like a fair price.
If you want to spend less, have more power, and want a more attention getting color, my convertible is also currently on eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/111975108094?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Thanks so much for all your helpful info! The car's reserve didn't get met, so maybe I'll have a chance to check it out in person.
chazman
Supreme Member
close
- Join DateDec 2001
- LocationChicagoland
- Posts:9,946
- iTrader Positive Feedback100
- iTrader Feedback Score(4)
- Car1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
- EngineLB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
- TransmissionWorld Class T-5
- Axle/GearsBW 3.45
- Likes:717
- Liked:644 Times in 450 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by forhan
Thanks so much for all your helpful info! The car's reserve didn't get met, so maybe I'll have a chance to check it out in person. Give the guy a call. You are way too close not to go check it out!
okfoz
Moderator
close
- Join DateMar 2001
- LocationDoghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
- Posts:14,298
- iTrader Positive Feedback0
- iTrader Feedback Score(0)
- Car87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
- Engine5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
- Transmission700R4, M5
- Axle/GearsSag 3.73, B&W 3.45
- Likes:150
- Liked:197 Times in 142 Posts
One of the things that you may want to do is some research. When I bought my first Formula I had no clue that they actually had different engines and transmissions (I was young just leave me alone)
The L03 is not a bad engine, matter of fact they used it in a lot of cars and they are generally quite reliable, and decent on gas (if that really matters). The advantage of the L03 is it's not a high HP engine, it is a basic V8 and it really was not heads and shoulders above the V6 so the fact remains that there is a lower chance of abuse. an L03 car reasonably maintained should go 200K without many major issues.
Personally I want something that looks great and has a little more oomph under the hood. The TPI has its issues, but again they were not over powered from the get-go, so they will last a long long time. I know of many TPI engines that have gone 200K without Also they will hold their value better than the L03...
The car in question very well could be a legit IROC. People seem to forget that in 89 you could still get the L03 Engine, and you could get the F41 Suspension in the IROC. It looks like it is a legit IROC to me from the pics
The L03 is not a bad engine, matter of fact they used it in a lot of cars and they are generally quite reliable, and decent on gas (if that really matters). The advantage of the L03 is it's not a high HP engine, it is a basic V8 and it really was not heads and shoulders above the V6 so the fact remains that there is a lower chance of abuse. an L03 car reasonably maintained should go 200K without many major issues.
Personally I want something that looks great and has a little more oomph under the hood. The TPI has its issues, but again they were not over powered from the get-go, so they will last a long long time. I know of many TPI engines that have gone 200K without Also they will hold their value better than the L03...
The car in question very well could be a legit IROC. People seem to forget that in 89 you could still get the L03 Engine, and you could get the F41 Suspension in the IROC. It looks like it is a legit IROC to me from the pics

chazman
Supreme Member
close
- Join DateDec 2001
- LocationChicagoland
- Posts:9,946
- iTrader Positive Feedback100
- iTrader Feedback Score(4)
- Car1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
- EngineLB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
- TransmissionWorld Class T-5
- Axle/GearsBW 3.45
- Likes:717
- Liked:644 Times in 450 Posts
The rear TPI emblem is throwing everyone off.
This is a base IROC-Z convertible. 15" wheels, L03, 700R4, 2.73 posi. I'm pretty sure I had him text me the SPID and everything checked out.
This is a base IROC-Z convertible. 15" wheels, L03, 700R4, 2.73 posi. I'm pretty sure I had him text me the SPID and everything checked out.
dmccain
Supreme Member
close
- Join DateMar 2014
- LocationSouth Ms
- Posts:4,556
- iTrader Positive Feedback100
- iTrader Feedback Score(2)
- Car89 Firebird
- Engine355 TBI
- Transmission700R4
- Axle/Gears10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
- Likes:2,691
- Liked:811 Times in 550 Posts
Nice car but that kind of $ id opt for a TPI car. Id have a good look at Chazmans convertible if I were in the market for that sort of car myself.
Thanks again for all the helpful tips and info. I'm learning a lot!
chazman
Supreme Member
close
- Join DateDec 2001
- LocationChicagoland
- Posts:9,946
- iTrader Positive Feedback100
- iTrader Feedback Score(4)
- Car1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
- EngineLB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
- TransmissionWorld Class T-5
- Axle/GearsBW 3.45
- Likes:717
- Liked:644 Times in 450 Posts
So, what happened forhan? Did you buy it?
Thanks for asking, but no, our weekend was too busy to go see it. We're trying not to rush into a purchase; don't want regrets.





