Hehe...I know this will get Willie's attention

Anyway, I have an 11/86 Motor Trend issue with a 305 TPI/automatic IROC. Now, I remember Willie saying this car was an '86 prototype...I had assumed it was an '87 model, seeing as how it was in the November '86 issue.

But now that I think about it, I believe Willie has said that all automatic '87 convertibles are LG4s, and 5 speeds are LB9s. Is that why this car would be a prototype?

Thanks in advance for responses.

------------------
Jason E
'89 Camaro RS 2.8
Hypertech chip/K&N filters/Accel 8.8 wires,coil/RapidFires
Eclipse CD and 100x4 amp/Boston plates and 6x9s
JasonEE98 on AOL IM

 

the IROC-Z's and Z28 '87 converibles were available with the LG4/AUTO or LB9/5-speed, the sport coupe conv was available with LG4/ auto or 5-speed, and the LT was available with the LG4/auto combo only, I am the proud owner of a '87 sport coupe convertible LG4/ auto.............Chris

[This message has been edited by cs2000 (edited December 19, 2000).]

 

Hi Jason....

Normally, you would tend to think this. But in this case, the 1987 convertible hit the public starting in April, 1987 due to production difficulties (ASC, not GM).

Jason, look at the cover of the Motor Trend issue you have. Notice the trim around the windshield? It's painted black. All '86 prototypes were painted black. All production '87's (as all succeeding years) were body color.

Now look on page 30 -- the shot of the back seat -- ah ha!!! What you see is the 1986 seat upholstery!!

Now look on page 33 -- the shot of the steering wheel/instrument panel. Notice the shape of the gear selector **** -- it's round -- 1986 was the last year of the round ****. It was changed in 1987 to the more "aerodynamic" style (can't think of another way of describing its shape.

In the same pic, notice the "asc" sticker below the cigarette lighter? This sticker did not make it into production 1987's.

Now look at the engine pic on the same page (33). Take a close look at the driver's side valve cover -- it's not the centerbolt style!! As you know, the centerbolt heads made their debut in 1987.

I have no idea why this is true. It is only true for 1987 convertibles. By far, most produced had the LG4/automatic. The prototype in the article, being an '86 model, is an LB9/automatic because LB9's did not come with 5-speeds that year -- 1987 was the first year.

Now for a little trivia.... What color are the interior sun visors in 1987 Camaro convertibles? Sounds like an obvious answer, but is it??? hmmm???

Willie

 

Willie, you never cease to amaze me Most of what you mentioned I would NEVER notice!

The ASC logo however I always wondered about, as I did not see this in the photos of '87 IROC convertibles for sale on eBay. The rest of the stuff (save for the round shift ****), I never would have noticed

Thanks for setting me straight!! Off to analyze the issue....

[This message has been edited by Jason E (edited December 20, 2000).]

 

Willie, I'm going to take a stab at your trivia question and say that the sunvisors were all black in color.

 

David,

Simple, wasn't it? The sun visors were not color-keyed to the interior color in convertibles. They are all black.

Willie