Although 1987 marked the official introduction of the 350 cid TPI engine, some '86 IROC-Zs were produced with this engine AND also equiped with a five-speed manual transmission. It's not known exactly how many of these IROC-Zs were made, but they were essentially hidden from the public, because the 350 was part of the RPO 1LE package that was develpoed for road racing inv arious showroom stock classes, and was not widely advertised. Since the 1LE package was intended for racing, it did not include air conditioning, radio or any power accessories. The 1LE option was available only on standard coupes (Wout T-tops) andfeatured specially calibrated springs, shock absorbers and sway bars. For collectors, these cars are definite winners.

 

 

The only thing correct in the above statement is that 1987 marked the official introduction of the 350 and that it featured specially calibrated springs, shock absorbers and sway bars. There were no 350s in 1986 and the 1LE option didn't become available until 1988. Also, in 1988, 2 of the 4 1LE cars had fog lights and AC. It was 1989 that AC and fog light delete were standard on the 1LE. No 350/5 speeds were manufactured by Chevrolet. Not for the B4C, 1LE or anything! Also, there are plenty of 305 based 1LEs out there. The 350 wasn't designed for the racing series.

 

Holy cow, that doesn't even deserve a post....oops.

Too late.


.....but they are definate collectors

 

well i really dont know much about the 1le , but i read this in my camaro performance handbook by David Shelby, so i decided to post the small column they had about the 1LE.. that strange its soo wrong though.

 

definately a load of for sure.

 

Don't feel bad. I have SEVERAL different books, and all of them have some mis-information.

...and that's stuff I know. Who know's what kinds of things I didn't know, and just took for granted.

....86 cars with 350's and 5 speeds is just a sore subject here on TGO because someone posts that they've found one, or heard of one just about every month....

hehe...don't lose any sleep over it!

 

On the TECH DATA they say that there were *only 74 produced 350s back in 1986. Some were Autos and i assumer the other were 5 speeds. But these werent relased to the Public.. GM kept them

 

Well, you can't start counting cars that were NOT produced for sale. Do you think the first 1987 Iroc with a 350 was the first 3rd gen Cammie to have a 350? Of course not, we all know GM tested them, and obviously they didn't use 1987 cars.

I know for a FACT that there are some CRAZY performance cars running around the proving gounds.

 

This one on EPay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6427


He has some interesting things to say about the 1LE


Here is the Dealer RPO rebuild :

Dealer RPO Query

 

Indeed a good write-up. Not entirely correct, but certainly a good read. A few things are a bit out of time and context.

1LE cars, as we all know could be had with power windows, locks, cruise, etc. I have documented proof ... and even one 1991 car with T-tops!!!

The 0.73 OD gear became a standard option on most 5 speed TPI cars. It also came out as early as 1987 in 5 speed TPI cars. I know the majority of Canadian Players cars had them.

I give him credit on the description of the gas tank and the fuel sock vs. the typical "swinging" pickup which never existed.

I know for sure Bill Mitchell has his hand in f-body performance and was certainly involved in some of the testing and development.

I've been digging into the early brake development and here is what I have to date:
The original development of the 1LE brakes dates back before 1986 when GM actually built them for a regular production, but the brake option did not make it past development. In those early days, the rotors were Caprice parts and the calipers were from Brembo. When the Canadian Player's series got going, they soon discovered the front brakes were very inadequate to the point that brakes are what won the race ... or who ever had brakes left. In June of 86, GM brought out the HD brake option and created packages for all the Player's cars. The speed at which they were able to deliver the kits is attributed to the original work on the design. The original rotors that were delivered to the teams were actually caprice rotors with holes drilled for the 4.75 bolt circle. IT wasn't until later GM got blanks and drilled them soley for the 4.75 circle. The calipers were 2 piston Brembos. They were unique in that the pistons were smaller than usual, hence a unique part for GM. These early brakes were used for the remainder of 86 and throughout 87 after which time they were donated to a Canadian racing school. The brakes were all returned to GM and more than likely destroyed when the regular production option PBR calipers came out.

In 1991, there were indeed 62 1LE Trans Ams, and 43 of them were shipped to Canada of which 23 were Canadian Player's cars.

So his car is 1 of 19 that were delivered in the US.

Mark.

 

Yes, there were a few... I test drove a red 1986 IROC-Z 350 in Tappahannock, Virginia during Easter vacation of that year just after making corporal in the Marines. I remember it being the first stock Camaro I'd driven that would set me back in the seat like that. Very memorable test drive!!