Hey there, about 8 years ago my father in law gave me and my wife a 1985 IROC-Z and I fell in love with the car immediately. But as time went on I got tired of getting crap from my friends with 1st and 4th gen camaros about how they have more power than I do. Now im not going to touch my 85, its all original, but it has compelled me to buy a project car and customize it. Ive got my father and brother in law both mechanics to help me do all the work and a little extra coin to throw around. So I came to the Third Gen experts with a few questions. I was thinking of dropping in a 383, which IROC year would handle the extra HP best to inlcude tranny, supension, body etc. And is the 383 a good choice what kind of performence can I expect with it? Any thoughts, ideas, experiences would be greatly appriciated. Thanks!

 

WindyCity,
I'd tell my "Friends" to kiss my butt. Those guys are just jealous! Personally, I believe the IROC is a much nicer looking vehicle than the 4th Gen any day! Properly tuned up... It's DEFINATELY no slouch!

The guy with the 1st gen most likely doesn't have to worry about Emissions so he can do anything he wants to his engine. If he's not too far from stock, I would find it hard to believe he would see anything more than 3rd Gen tailights if you two mixed it up at a track. He'll never want to compare performance on a road course or anywhere there is a corner to turn!

Although I PERSONALLY believe the 4th Gen is the "Ugly Duckling" of the Camaro world.... A 383 is going to have a very tough time catching an LT1 or LS1. If your going to compete with that guy.... Good Luck (and I hope you have deep pockets) with a 383 or any traditional iron SBC.

Enjoy your IROC... Keep it stock.... That's one cool ride!

Just my two-cents!
Kurt

 

The 383 can produce some great numbers.
500hp/tq for around 4 grand "pulled this from a build magazine"
All motor

Or maybe mix it up, get a 350 and toss twin turbo's or a supercharger on it.
Your friends would **** their pants

Get a trans rebuilt to hold power "id suggest the 700r4 as the t5's blow" Plus with all that power who would have time to shift gears
Get some rear gears mid 3's"?


The 4th gen is very ugly.
Lots of wiring and computer tuning

Iroc's and z28's are the better factory camaro's im not sure which of those 2 are better.