I'm 16 and don't have all the money in the world. but i have around 2000 and can't find a iroc for nothing. i figured I could get a good iroc for 2g's with minimal problems. but some of the people out here are crazy. They want 2G's for irocs with very high mileage and a lot of things that need to be fixed. i know to be patient and everything. but i'm getting frustrated and am starting to lean to a nice family car from a old lady. I don't want to give up on thirdgens but people want to much. I thought 2000 was enough for a mechanically sound 3rdgen. but i guess not. could anyone help. if you stay in michigan near the detroit area and have a iroc for 2gs. please and i mean please reply. if you have any tips on finding cars or any advice. help. from a frustrated thirdgen camaro lover.

 

2000 is about right for a thirdgen with a V6... Good luck finding anything more for that little. Typically around here any thirdgen with a V8 touches somewhere over $4000, with the L98's hitting $5-10k. Not to mention that with the age of these cars all of them have problems except those that have been parked half their lives.

 

I agree. Sometimes $2,000 isn't enough for even a nice 2.8 Sport Coupe (normally I see lower mileage, basic SC's for 3k). $2,000 for an F body buys you either a halfway decent 6 or a cruddy V8.

On the other hand, its amazing how solid of a car you can get for 6-7 grand. I've seen some near-show-ready, solid cars available for 7 grand. But the lower end? 2k and less buys you nothing much...

------------------
Jason E

'89 Camaro RS
Medium Grey Metallic
2.8, A4, T-tops, 91k miles

'97 Z28 w/30th Anniversary package
LT1, M6, t-tops
White with orange stripes, killer system, 42k miles

Speed Kills...Wanna live forever? Drive a Ford.
Long Live #3...

 

Geez, i dunno where u guys live, but i got my 90 Formula 350 for $3000. I had to replace the motor after a month, but thats another story...

 

Hey buddy move out here to Vegas camaros out here are within your price range, i bought my '87 SC for 800 bucks all it needed was a paint job and a new radiator, interior was excellent and the engine had 100k miles on it but hey those 305s live forever and my neighbor bought an iroc for 900 bucks that is awesome condition. I guess prices depend on where you live. Supply and Demand!

 

And who you know. I just bought an '88 IROC for $400. Needs body work on the drivers door, the fuel pump replaced, and some minor interior work. A nice solid car. It is that orange metallic color with a tan interior. I'm going to paint it hugger orange with white stripes to match my blue Camaro (though it won't get a hood like on my blue one unfortunately). They are out there.

------------------
'86 Camaro Sport Coupe



[This message has been edited by Blue502 (edited June 21, 2001).]

 

I got my black 1987 IROC with a 305 TPI for 1500, Great interior and exterior but the 305 is seized and the the 5th gear shift arm needs to be adjusted or something. Don't forget the negitionating part of it. Go look at the car, point out some flaws but don't make the guy mad. leave spaces of silence and then offer he a price that is really low, like my dirt bike, guy wanted 1000 we offered him 600 first. It is called the shocker, makes the guy/gal think. You can always go up. If he does not come down tell him to call you if he reconsiders, then if he does not call you call him a week later and offer again. Also worked great from my brother dirtbike, we scored with on that one for $450 and it was a newer one too.

 

my friend was looking for a while and he just bought a 92 heritage RS for $1300 and it needs a tranny and paint but it is in good shape for that matter. I never went through that problem because the day I decided to buy one I opened the newspaper my car was sitting right there. 83 Z28 CFI T-tops $800 or B.O. ran and drove needed very little. another friend of mine just drove down a street that he didn't usually and there was his car that he bought for like $1500 : 82Z28

Anyway my advice is just hold out you will find something. My friend was about to buy a Mustang because it was the only half-way decent thing he could find. Trust me just hold out a little longer.

 

What will be sad is when the supply of these cars has dried up even more in another 5 years. By that time, 3rd gens will be like 2nd gens...near non-existant in local Auto Traders. I mean, right now I can open up any one of them and find 5-10 no problem. At the same time, maybe 1-2 2nd gens make the same mags...

These cars are hitting junkyards at an alarming rate, but because they have been so popular for so long, hopefully the market won't abandon them the way it did 2nd gens. TPI and roller cams did a lot for drivability and durability, and hopefully there'll be less 3rd gens hitting the boneyard, and being fixed up and kept.

BTW Blue502, sounds like you got a great find, but you sure you wanna paint it orange?? No flames or nothing, I mean, I like orange A LOT (obviously ), but I have NEVER seen a copper IROC...must be a pretty rare car.

Regardless, I'm sure it'll be as sweet as the blue one!

 

Not a big fan of the metallic orange, so decided I'll change the color. The reason I'm choosing hugger orange is that 1) it is one of my favorite colors, 2) it matches the tan interior real nicely, and 3) it will look alright with the engine compartment left copper. I really don't want to bother with repainting the engine compartment or underbody.

As for being as nice as my blue one, I sure hope not. I plan on driving this one, and I'll tell you I get real scared to park my blue one anywhere.

[This message has been edited by Blue502 (edited June 21, 2001).]

 

Your gonna love this story...

Just yesterday (06/09/01), I saw an ad in the local paper for a 1987 Camaro. It did not state which body style. The asking price was $4500. I'm thinking for that kind of money, this car should be a top of the line IROC-Z or maybe even a convertible. My curiosity had to be satisified so I called.

I could not believe what the owner said. This car has 192,000 miles, the paint is slightly faded, there are several tears in the front seats. Other than that, it needed nothing -- at least according to the owner. So I asked if it is a Sport Coupe, LT, Z28 or IROC-Z to which he replied, "Well, there's nothing special about it, so it must be the plain jane Camaro!!" It seemed to me he wasn't quite sure what he has, so I decided to ask a series of probing questions (I never show how much I know about these cars and play semi-stupid). The first question was if it is a V6 or V8 to which the answer was, "It's a V6." I didn't need to ask any further questions -- IT'S A SPORT COUPE!!

By comparison, I bought my completely stock 1987 305 TPI IROC-Z over three years ago with 99k miles for $3500.

The owner of this Sport Coupe obviously has no clue what the value of his car is. I know this has nothing to do with the original topic, but if you want a worn out Sport Coupe that's overpriced at least three fold, e-mail me and I'll forward this guy's phone number, hehe!!

------------------
Willie

Supercharged 1987 305 IROC-Z, Daily-Driver, Emissions-Legal.
Former Paxton (6-psig): 12.57 @ 111 mph.
Former Paxton (6-psig) & former 50-hp nitrous: 12.04 @ 114 mph.
ATI D1SC (5-psig):
12.26 @ 113.55 mph
ATI D1SC (10-psig): Projecting high 11's.
Future ATI D1SC (15-psig): Gotta catch them pesky 26-psig boosted TTA's!!

http://willie.camaro-firebird.org/

1987 "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" Z28 Convertible -- Super Chevy Show Class Winner, 1998.

[This message has been edited by Willie (edited June 10, 2001).]

 

OMG!!!! people are so stupid!! I hate it when I see an IROC or a Z28 in the junkyard! There are like two 1983 Z28's siiting at the junkyard right now and around here those two don't have to pass the sniffer so they are a waste.



------------------
I WOULD RATHER PUSH A CAMARO THAN DRIVE AN IMPORT

1983Z28 350w/ edelbrock performer RPM power package , dynomax shorty headers, 700R-4 with shift kit, 750cfm carb, edelbrock 3" exhaust system, ASCD SS hood, 16" IROC rims.

future mods:
completely done over suspension, black paint with flames, Hurst shifter, dakota digital gauge package, procharger supercharger.

 

Found this one right here in the classifieds for around $3000.

I am not an expert, but seems like
it can cost alot to repair, paint, and do interior work. Try to srape up enough money so that you get a solid car that requires minimal cosmetics and no major repairs. It will cost you much less in the long run than buying something at the bottom of the Iroc price range.

I have owned a Corvette and three second gens, all with manual shifts. Looking for a third gen now. From what I have heard and read the auto tranny can be an expensive repair, relatively early in the live of the car. A properly maintained motor can last for 200,000 miles or more?

<img src=http://home.cfl.rr.com/jeffreyd/ForSale/Leftside.jpg>

 

I totally agree with lallen. Save a little more money and buy something that needs very little.

I did the same thing by purchasing a camaro that needed too much work. I know it is hard to save when you are young.

I now totally believe in paying a little more upfront to save headaches down the road.

This is just my .02!!!

Manny

New owner of 92 z28, 350 with 45k miles!!!

 

my cousin is about to buy that car....its near his grandparents house in tampa
he wanted $3250 fo it, 105,000 miles 5.7/auto white ext./red int. all stock

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1991 RS LO3

RACECAR spelled backwards is RACECAR

 

I know exactly what you mean. I looked at about 6 Fbodys before i traded for my 89 Formula 350, 111K, needs paint on the hood- roof & wing, otherwise VGC. Although after 2 days of driving it, the 3-4 cluthches went bad and now i've got another trans i have to put in . I got my hopes up on an 85 IROC, TPI, 140K for $2250. What a POS. Couldn't hold a straight line down the road, pinged very badly under acceleration, nasty oil leaks from the valve covers, but other then that, the interior & body were excellent. I found one L69 T/A for $2500(140K) , which was my first choice but the deal fell through. Hell, one IROC was so bad i was afraid to drive it. It was an 86 IROC, supposidly had a TPI 350, dirty as hell, looked like it had the guys laundry all over the back of it, interior was sh)t, steering column was cracked, there wasn't one good body panel, smoked & leaked, felt slower then a V6 RS, and all for $1500.

------------------
89 Formula 350 TPI
Flowmaster, ported plenium, gutted cats, K&N, screens removed, TB bypass.
85 Corvette - Traded

My homepage

 

If you wait long enough, deals are out there...even deals on cars that will be worth some serious money.

Some of you may remember my friend's '83 L69 Z we scored for $450. When he got it, it ran, but would not move. A $40 metal rod for the shift linkage (its a mechanical linkage) solved that. Then, we needed to add a battery, alternator, right side mirror, rear tires (I had 2 Michelin's kicking around I gave him), RR tailight, and for safety reasons we changed the radiator hoses, coolant, radiator cap etc. Meanwhile, he's put over 1500 highway miles on it, averaged 24 MPG, and has a total investment of $600 in it right now. It doesn't look fantastic, but with 170k on it it keeps up surprisingly well with restored and built musle cars around here...

This thing will eventually be ground-up restored, but does advocate the idea that buying a straight car for $6-7k is the easier, cheaper way to go. To be a mint car, this thing will need that plus some...but when it's all done, Matt will have the satisfaction of knowing what he started with, how far it came, and how much effort he put in to make it factory fresh again.

When we bought it, we had been looking at another Z28, an '84 with a rebuilt 350 for $800. All it needed was nose sheetmetal, otherwise was much more solid than the L69. When all the paperwork was signed, the guy asked us why he bought the '83 rather than the '84. When I explained to him what the '83 really was, the irate response was rather amusing.

Thank god the paperwork had already been signed

------------------
Jason E

'89 Camaro RS
Medium Grey Metallic
2.8, A4, T-tops, 91k miles

'97 Z28 w/30th Anniversary package
LT1, M6, t-tops
White with orange stripes, killer system, 42k miles

Speed Kills...Wanna live forever? Drive a Ford.
Long Live #3...

 

hell, the biggest lemon of a vehicle ive ever owned wasnt even used!
i bought my 99 S10 brand new and was in the shop about 3 months of the first year i owned it and overall had 12 different warranty repairs on it.
since the warranty ended at 36k (i now have 45k) its been in the shop 3 times for a total of 2 weeks
all for electrical and drivetrain probs.

 

u r right about living in vegas i got mine for 3000 89 iroc 305 tpi 130,000 1 owner but there are alot of trashed ones out here

 

After driving the 83Z we bought my son, I said I'd never have one. I really like my 81Z. However, I ended up buying an 86 IROC (305 TPI and 700R4) for $3600 about 3 months ago. It's beautiful (looking and running - I can't complain about 20 to 21 mpg running around town either). I won't go into all the details about the car's condition, but people follow me down the road (makes you nervous sometimes) till I stop at a store and they start asking all kinds of questions about how old it is, where did I get it, how does it run, is it original, etc. I've had as many as 5 or 6 people standing around it at once. I'm not sorry I bought it. The more I drive it the less likely it is my 14 year old will ever get his hands on it. We'll have to buy him a different one. Wait for the right one and you won't be sorry.

------------------
Z's r Best

 

I don't know about some of the deals out there, but I found my '85 Iroc in need of a motor and a little body work for $250!! The cars interior was perfect deluxe black cloth, no annoying leaking t-tops, complete besides missing motor. That was a year ago when I was 17, and now the car has a new 305 L69 HO motor with performance upgrades, and runs great!!! Just put the motor in an I was set!! Car has lots of power options also and still has original Iroc wheels. Total investment so far is less than $1800 in the whole car!! All prep work is done on the body, and will be painted soon. The key is doing most of the work yourself and finding a good source for inexpensive used parts. I found many of my parts on Ebay and other online sources. I would recommened this method to anyone who has a good bit of automotive knowledge, and can tackle there own projects. Building your car from the ground up, the way you want it, is a good way to go if you can do it in a cost effective manner that lets you build your car with minimal funds and time. Of course, if you are not into all the grunt work and just want a car already set you can go out and spend a little more for one, but you won't know the car like you would if you built it from ground zero. You become a part of your car and it becomes a part of you in a way. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true! There are still good deals on good used Irocs and Z28s, sometimes you just have to dig a little to find the right one for you, one that suits your requirements for how you want to start a new project. Look the cars over good though, and search for hidden mishaps in the car that you might not usually look for in your bud's car, because the one you pick will be yours and you need to know what you are getting into! Before someone else points it out to you!!

------------------
1985 Iroc-Z, 5.0 liter H.O. Hard Top!! Upgrades: Edelbrock Performer Rpm Intake, Holley 650cfm Zinc-plated carb, Flowmaster exhaust,Accel 8.5 spiral core wires, B&M Megashifter, 700-R4 w/shift kit, 3.23 posi.

Soon to have:

A paint job!!! White w/ black sripes, Headers and y-pipe and 3" I-pipe, World-Class 5-speed swap, Disc Brake Rearend from WS6 TransAm, Lots More!!!!! If the funds are available!!

 

Got mine for $4,200 a year ago.

------------------
1988 IROC-Z L98
License Plate: STG KLR 1
Engine Mods:
Edlebrock TES Headers, Hypertech Chip, Flowmaster Muffler, Intake Airfoil, Removed MAF Screens, MSD-6A, MSD Blaster 2 GM Coil, bored .030 over, Other minor mods
Suspension Mods:
Lakewood Traction Action Lift Bars, Hal Rear Shocks
Trans Mods:
2,500 stall converter, Redline clutches,Heavy Duty Steels, Trans-Go reprograming kit , Heavy Duty 2-4 band, Corvette Servo, B&M Mega Shifter w/ Carbon Fiber Handle (looks sweet in a black car!)
ET: 13.833@99.30

"If you can put it on your car, its fair" Quote By Guido
Foundering Member of the Illinois Overkill Crew (IOC)
www.mfba.org

 

bought my 92 z28 for 3500 here in memphis. had to think about it since it did have 150,000 miles on it. but when drove it, pulled to the side of the road to check it out and discoverd every service record in the rear hatch i didnt hesitate to buy it.and when i got the title it turns out im the second owner. firt was the AL department of safety.

------------------
92 z28 170,000 miles 14.20 on goodyear eagles before exhaust only mods k&n and slp 13/4 headers and dual 2 1/2 exhaust
87 trans am 12.20 on motor too many mods to list

 

Never, ever buy a Camaro (or any other fast car for that matter) if it's under $2K unless you know FOR SURE that it's in good condition or you'll have nothing but trouble since it's been beat to heck if it's that cheap. Also make sure it's never been driven in the winter. I live about 150 miles east of you so I know what the winter does to a car. Also, if you have to drive it in the winter, get a block heater -- saves a lot of engine wear and makes warm ups a little faster. Good Luck!!

 

I got my 87 tpi 350 iroc for $1500, needing paint, a pair of fenders, and a trans. There are deals out there, but there's no such thing as a low mileage, no work needed iroc for $2000.

 

Just hold on until winter to buy a car. Chances are, a lot of the cars your looking at will still be for sale in November or December, especially if the prices are a bit steep. Not many people buy a sports car when theres snow on the ground. You can use this to your advantage and knock the price down. Then take the long Michigan winter months to do any repairs. I paid $900 for my 84 Trans Am that the guy wanted $2200 for. I just made him realize it was his best chance to sell it.

 

I got an 85 IROC on a trade for a 86 camaro sport coupe- here's how:
Found myself the 86 w/ blown engine-guy wanted $700-I showed him $400 cold hard cash and left. Came back 40 minutes later and he took the money. Went to junkyard and bought 2.8 for $100. Dropped engine in and did $450 worth and 1 week of my time to do body work (car had a quite a bit of rust, dents, and such - enough rust problems where I would not keep the car myself). Put an ad on the internet saying I wanted to trade my running vehicle for a non-running z28 or IROC. The next day a kid calls me saying he really needs to get rid of his car-but thought his was an RS or something (RS in 85...DUH!) I went to look at his car that he had blown tranny on for the second time (he did not put tranny fluid in it...again), looked at RPO's and brought laptop to run VIN. Car was clean and an IROC- I picked it up a week later! This method takes a lot of effort and physical labor-but is pretty much the only options for young, poor folks like us.

 

A little more info- I got a great deal. For under $1000, I got a race car. Someone decided to put a 350 in. I didn't do any mods except for bolting on aluminum trickflow heads. I'm running 13.50's in the quarter with my daily driver. (I have a 68 vette with a Kellison J4R body that I will be driving for my stepfather the remainder of the 2001 season as well- running mild on it now, 10.50's). I know all this can be tough at times (being just about the only female racer/mechanic, running 2 cars and trying to get Bad Dog Racing up and off the ground adds stress) but you will find an extreme sense of satisfaction by doing the work on your car by yourself- it really gives you something to be proud of !

 

my IROC is blue, got it for just under 2000, like 1800 or something, cant remember, but anywho, i think it is a great deal, looking at the drivers side, the car is flawless, move around to the passenger side and you can see where the previous owner spray painted over some body damage, body damage is gone, but the color, ooohhh the color, nasty

that is the only thing wrong with my car, that and the fact that it has like freakin 170,000 miles on it, but i guess it aint bad.

the only thing i have had to buy for my car was optional, i have had to make no necessary purchases to keep the car running, and yes this is my first car, and im 16.

 

Here is one in Illinois that just went up on ebay for $2k:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cg...item=593260977

Hope this helps!!!

Manny

 

If you want something on the cheaper side, look around for a third gen that has aftermarket parts. I picked up a 84 IROC z28 with a 383, and a turbo 400 3 speed for 1600 bucks. They're out there, you just gotta keep an eye out, and know what brings the price down. Don't be afraid to play hardball kid. Good luck

 

I know what you mean. I was searching for an IROC since the day i turned 15. Guess what 4 months before i turn 17 i finally find a damn near mint car for $4000. And it had just been painted. BEAUTIFUL. I get compliments all the time on it and its completely stock. I say just look around at lowend dealerships.

 

I bought mine for 1000 bucks knowing that it had a junk engine (blue smoke, didn't pass smog) Rebuilt the motor, fixed the body dings then painted the car... now I've got a nice car after spending a little over 3000 bucks total

------------------
'82 Z28
LG4 305 .030 over, performer intake, holley street avenger 670, xe 256 cam, tes headers, 3 inch single exhaust, spintech muffler, 14 x 3 inch drop base k&n.

 

He hasn't replied since he first posted this message. Well anyway, green_is, I live near Ann Arbor. Just talking.

------------------
1992 Pontiac Firebird
- 305ci V8 TBI / Automatic Trans / Loaded
- MODS: Edelbrock 14x3 Open Element Air Cleaner, Dual outlet exhaust
1985 Chevy Z28
- 350ci V8 TPI / Automatic Trans / Paid $200 for it
- In the process of restoration!

 

For $1000 and a lot of TLC you can have a nice car. This is what mine looked like when I first bought it.

Good luck on your search.

------------------
Member of the Jersey F-body Association (JFA)

1989 Camaro Convertible RS
dark silver w/black top
305tbi, auto, 3.73 posi
SLP exhaust, 16x8 black GTA Crosslace Rims
Check out Phil's Rice Boy Page