Does this exists on third gens - I am particularly interested in this with regards to an 88 Iroc.

I know that a numbers matching muscle car is more desireable ($$$$) than an non-number matching one.

I had bought my 88 Iroc Convertible as a toy but had wanted to maintain it's collectibility ($$$) as much as reasonably possible. My car is getting high in miles and will need an engine rebuild/refurbish sooner than later.

Is the engine number matched on an 88 Iroc? If so, how do I check to see if it is the original engine?

 

http://www.mortec.com/location.htm

 

Check the engine suffix code on the front pad of the block deck surface on the passenger side. It is located behind/ under the alternator.

 

Actually If I remember right, in 1988 the Altinator was moved to the Left side of the engine, the AC unit was moved to the right because of the Serpintine Belts...

So Yes look on the PASSENGER side, as stated, but I belive it would be behind the AC compressor.

John

 

On my 83's original engine, the last 8 digits of the vin were on the passenger side right where the head meets the block.

 

In all reality, most numbers matching "desirable" cars were the high HP muscle cars. If your 'vert is in factory condition, its still got the 305, which is not really going to make it all that desirable. I genuinely think that the 3rdgens face a unique problem... well, not a problem, but a challenge.

Aside from the rare 1LE, B4C cars and a well maintained 350 car, I think that we, the modifiers, if thinking of selling need to make the 305 and lesser cars what they SHOULD have been, worthy of the Camaro/Trans Am nameplates.

Its all just my opinion...

 

Convertibles are a desirable platform. If the only engine available on the performance convertibles were the smaller V8, then by default, the 305 convertible could potentially demand high $$ and high desirability. If there were engine options on the convertible and the 305 was the lesser option, then I'd agree that that combination would not be the desired choice and would not carry the same future $$ potential.

 

Anything in good condition that's numbers matching is worth more than somehing that's not. Originality is a factor when you're dealing with a nice mostly stock car.

 

IROC,

I know where your coming from, and you are absolutely right on the originality issue... BUT on the same coin, I watched a 1958 Impalla go for $104,000 last night on Speed in, I believe, the Barett Jackson Auction... I know its not 3rd gen related.. stick with me.

If you looked at that car it was PERFECT, and the narrator says somethjing about, "You can see this car is just like it was when it came off the assembly line in 1958..."

All I have to say is he was MORE Wrong about that statement than anyone could imagine... NO 1958 Chevrolet, no Car for that matter (unless its a Ferrari) looked that good off the assembly line. The paint was WAAAY to shiney, the details were well attended to... Granted it looked great, but the car was in better condition than it was when it was new...

With that said, it was still accepted as if it was in "New Condition" and I would hope tht some day our cars will bring the same type of value to the table...

John

 

I'm wondering if that is going to happen now that they are reproducing complete 1st Gen bodies. My gut feeling is, with their arrival to the market, third gens may never see the high demand and $$$ value.

Just my opinion

 

If you look, the early 2nd gens are now coming into being desirable...

I remember when I could get a 1967 Camaro for 1000, just afew years ago I turned down a 1968 Camaro with a 396 for $2500 ...

I would estimate in about 10 or 15 years we will start to see the values of our cars coming into being "desirable"

One thing I think we often forget is the reason why cars go up in value is a simple matter of supply and demand. Right now there is a huge supply, there is hardly a neighborhood in America right now that someone does not own a 3rd gen... But as our cars slowly find their way to the crusher the remaing ones will begin to appreciate.

I read all the time on this site how it was "so sad to see all those 3rd gens in a junkyard." I think these people need a reality check... But I know where they are coming from, there is something depressing to see cars that you like in that condition.

With that in mind cars that have "all matching numbers" for example and are nice examples will eventually bring the pretty penny...

Although Historically speaking cars with High HP will be worth the most:
What I see as the totum poll of 3rd gens From worth the least to most:
I4 Cars
V6 Cars
V8 - 305 4BBL V8 LG4
V8 - 305 Cross Fire Injection
V8 - 305 TPI - AUTO
V8 - 305 4BBL HO ( Just do to rarity )
V8 - 305 TPI 5 Speed
V8 - 350 TPI
1LE, Firehawk, TTA.

Opinion of course, and its open for debate, but that is where I stand

BUT we must not lose sight. Those cars that were made from 82-84 will begin to see their value return first, then as Time goes on the later cars will also gain popularity. I forsee that eventually there will no distinction as far as value and year.

HOWEVER, on the flip side, those cars, such as Convertables that were converted to a 350, may not bring the value that someone may expect... Cars that are unchanged may be worth more just by looking at history.

John