Hey all, I'm gonna need help on this decision. After months and months of me waiting to get a first car, I believe I've finally come to an end. The car that has my name written all over it, will never. The dream car that I wanted, will now rest just as a dream.

All I wanted was a nicely taken care of 3rd gen Camaro Z28, IROC preferably, but atleast Z28. My family has always owned fast muscle cars as their first cars, so it's in my blood. I grew up with the growl of pure american muscle, before rice had a chance to burn.

Now coming to the end of my Camaro search, because I can't take it anymore, I am left with only a few Camaros. They are:

'87 Z28... blk/gry int, auto, ttops, 4bbl carb, 305, 100k miles, $2500bo

'87 IROC-Z... red/gry int, auto, ttops, TPI, 350, 100k miles, $2000bo

'88 IROC-Z... red/gry int, 5spd, ttops, TPI, 305, 52k miles, $7000bo

'91 RS 305... gry/gry int, auto, ttops, TBI, 305, 120k miles, $4000bo

Ah, decisions, decisions...
Well quite a diverse group of Camaros. The first to take off the list is the '88 IROC-Z, this was the dream car. The only thing keeping it from reality is the price, its overpriced and I don't have the cash.

Another I might have to take off the list is the '87 IROC-Z, its definitely got the power, 350. But it is an absolute POS in the sense of all the things that need to be done to it. Just to list a few things it needs: tires, struts, a/c, paint job, even lift gate struts. Hell the power antenna doesn't even work. This car would be perfect for a race track, but not in the real world. All those things it needs are very pricey. But you tell me, maybe I should invest in it, but i don't know?

Now I'm up to the last 2 camaros. The '87 Z28 or the '91 RS 305. They both are pretty close to stalemate. An older engine with 100k mileage, or a younger engine with 125k mileage. A Throttle Body engine or a Carburetor engine. I need help in this decision. Which is a better investment, remember this is my first car, the RS or the Z28?

And to help you help me with the decision, I plan on suping up the car I get, like a chip, exhaust, intake, etc. And getting the Z28 I have more money to use, but on RS I don't. Also the Z28 is carbureted, is that still good today? Should I bother getting a carbureted engine? So in one giant whole, which car, the 91 RS 305, the 87 Z28, the 88 IROC-Z, the 87 IROC-Z, is the best for its worth?

Thank you for any personal insights, opinions, thoughts, all help is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Tom

 

My personal insight is fairly straight-forward as a starting point - get the best car you can afford to start with. You'll always do better with a car that is in better condition to start.

However, you need to temper this with TPI versus carbed cars, etc. These are personal choices and either can be tuned to perform quite well.

 

I know how u feel about looking and looking for a specific car dude, it sucks. Yeah, the 1's that are more money are going to be in the best condition, I wouldn't go near the 1's that need that much stuff. Although if thats what u want to do or have the $$ for it, whatever.

------------------
89 RS

STILL Looking For:
An 87 IROC-Z28 350 TPI


[This message has been edited by IROCZTWENTYGR8 (edited October 15, 2001).]

 

If you want a solid daily commuter that will be respectable with a few bolt-ons, stick with the RS. If the RS is in good overall condition TAKE it. I passed up a nice 90 RS for an fixer-upper 86 cause the 86 was TPI. I now greatly regret that decision casue 6 months late my car is still running like crap, and still can't pass inspection cause its falling apart.

BTW Whatever you decide on can you please E-Mail me with the details on the 87 IROC. I am interested in another sub-2000$ car that I can fix up with parts from my car.

-Max

 

My advice is to buy the nicest, most $$$$ one. Hopefully this will ensure minimal repairs and restoration.

My vote would be for the 88 IROC. TPI 305 5spds are a hoot to drive- definately underated.

------------------
88 TBI IROC- mods- 5500 rpm redline tach, 240 KM/H speedo,
L69 air cleaner installed! Yeh my Gf's Grand Am GT is still faster

 

Oh yeah, I should probably mention my E-Mail is maksik7@mailcity.com. So if you decide to pass the 87 please do me a big favor and give me the contact info.

Thanks,
-Max

 

Well all, just my luck the 91 RS 305, is sold. I was really thinkin of getting it. But I called and nope its sold. So all is left is the 88 IROC-Z, 87 IROC-Z, and the 87 Z28, oh well. I was really lookin forward to the RS. Looks like I better jump at the next RS with some quickness. You can still comment if you wish, I need all the advice I can get.

Thanks, Tom

 

Go for the 88 IROC-Z.

 

As you have found out, You kind of have to make a quick decision when looking for 3rd gens. You should have a couple hundred dollars ready for a deposit when you find something you like. When I went to see my 91 RS Camaro, I gave the guy a $250 deposit to hold it for me until I could get the certified check to him that next week. When I arrived to pick the car up, he told me a couple of other people have called and wanted to pay him more for the car but, since I gave him the deposit he held it for me! Just be ready to say either yes or no and walk away. If you want a fast car simple to work on but lousy gas mileage (have to fill it up at least twice a week) then get the carburated camaro. If you want a good performing reliable car with above average performance get a 350 tpi. you will be happy the way it is right off the bat without having to spend a lot to improve it. An RS camaro is a good looking reliable decent performing car that fools a lot of people at stop lights but you will have to spend a lot of money to make it very fast. Even Nitrous kits will cost over $800 to get the most out of it after you've purchased all the accessories (purge kit, programmers, pressure gauges, bottle warmers...) You're young and I hope insurance rates won't be a problem. I know that Z28, and IROC cars will be higher on the rates especially for a young male. You might want to first check with your insurance company to find out the rates for the cars you're considering before buying one. You might be surprised how much they charge new drivers.

------------------
"91" RS, 305 tbi, 5spd, Slp Y-pipe, Random tech Cat, Flowmaster crossflow, Ultimate tbi mods, Edelbrock open element with Summit flat base with 3" K&N, Taylor Spiro Pro wires, Redline water wetter, 180* thermostat.

[This message has been edited by GKK (edited October 16, 2001).]

 

Hey all, I checked out the 87 Z28, no good. It burns oil, and blows out a lot of smelly smoke. Too bad, it wasn't in that bad shape. But the engine needs to be fixed, probably piston rings. Well, I'm back down to 2 cars, the 88 IROC-Z and the 87 IROC-Z. I guess I'll have to keep checking though. I'm a little more optimistic now. Because when I looked at the 87 Z28, it reminded me how much I love 3rd generation Camaros.

You can still comment, any advice will be taken into consideration.
Thanks, Tom

 

Hey all, I am not in a very good mood today. Actually I'm P!SSED OFF! After the RS was sold, I was down to the Z28, and the two IROCs. Well the Z28 blew smoke, then I was down to the two IROCs. The overpriced one and the fixer upper. Well the overpriced one has just disappeared off the parking lot, maybe sold. And I'm not paying 7k for an IROC, anyway. So I was like f\/ck it, I'm gonna go wit dat fixer upper IROC. I showed my bro what had to be done, he said, ah it aint that bad, as long as it runs well, everything is pretty much little. Just a lot of little things is all. I have seen the car before, I was going to call and see it again today. But guess what... I betcha ya can guess this one.... it's SOLD!, d@mn you're good.

Well just my luck. I am the one who absolutely deserves a Camaro more than anyone. I grew up with them, my siblings have had them. I always wanted one. Forget 1,2 and 4th gen camaros. 3rd gen is where its at, those are the best camaros. And thats all I want is a 3rd gen z28/iroc. But nope now there is zero, wait let me say that again ZERO cars left to buy. I am so F\/CKIN tired of this waiting game! I have been looking since June. Whoever bought that 87 IROC-Z, I was just going to get, is as good as DEAD to me! It better not have been you Maksik!

So I guess I'm asking for your advice, will another 3rd Gen Camaro/Z28/IROC-Z come out? It is near the end of October. Do these cars still come out during the fall and winter? And my question is what should I do? I'm getting so desperate!

Please any help, opinions, advice, etc., would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Tom

 

I bought my Formula in January in South Dakota with almost 3 feet of snow on the ground. So yes, they show up all the time.

 

I've been going through just about the same thing too. U just have to keep looking I guess.

------------------
89 RS

STILL Looking For:
An 87 IROC-Z28 350 TPI

Yeah I have an RS, but I want an IROC-Z!!

 

Haaaahaaaaa, yep it was me I picked up that 87 IROC, in great shape too. A steal at 2000$... just kidding. I know its cruel and all but what the hell.

I wish I bought it. I'm sellng my 305 TPI TA right now and starting out on my search for a 350 TPI IROC/GTA. Good luck with your search. A lot of stuff pops up in the daily newspaper and I would look ther first.

 

It's a shame you don't live near columbus, IN There is a dealer that sells only 3rd gens and some muscle cars. Right now he has a 91z28 1LE with 150k on it 305/auto for $2700. It is red with a grey interior. If i hadn't just bought another 89z28 it would've been mine.

------------------
1986 camaro with 92z28 gound effects, aero wing, 4 3/4 Unlimited products cowl, 3.90 auburn gear rear-end with Steve Spohn adj LCA's,Panhard bar. 406 stroked to to 429 motor in the works to replace 2.8. just my 2 cents

 

They do pop up often...nice ones too. Before I bought my 30th I almost grabbed a gorgeous black '86 Z 305 TPI with t-tops...loaded with 65k for only 5 grand

What can I say?? I caught the 4th gen bug, and never thought I would find the exact IROC I wanted around here at that time (mint 350 with t-tops and under 50k for 8 grand or less...)

I was wrong though They're definitely out there...only now after seeing a customer of mine steal an '89 IROC white vert with 40k off eBay cheap, I think I'm gonna go the eBay route whenever the hell I FINALLY get out of school (starting grad school in the fall ), and pay a little more and get an even better IROC.

Good luck to you though...they most definitley are out there.

 

Try checking autotrader.com, that's where I bought my IROC and I even sold my Mustang thru them.

------------------
"Rice burners are like tampons...Every pu$$y has to have one"
'86 IROC
T-TOPS, TINTED WINDOWS, BRAKE LIGHT BLACKOUTS
GM GOODWRENCH 350
EDELBROCK TES HEADERS
3" Hooker CatBack w/Aero Chamber muffler
EDELBROCK 600CFM CARB.
KN AIRFILTER
ACCEL HEI DISTRIBUTOR
160* Stat, just switched to 180* b/c of winter coming and going to college in the mts.
3:73 Posi
Rebuilt 700R4
B&M Megashifter, 5" Autometer Tach w/shift lite

 

Here's a nice car that I ran across, probably worth the drive. http://autotrader.com/findacar/vdeta...&make=CHEV&mod el=CAM&min_price=500&distance=200&advcd_on=n&advanced=n&first_record=26&=&car_year=1988&ac_afflt=none


------------------
"Rice burners are like tampons...Every pu$$y has to have one"
'86 IROC
T-TOPS, TINTED WINDOWS, BRAKE LIGHT BLACKOUTS
GM GOODWRENCH 350
EDELBROCK TES HEADERS
3" Hooker CatBack w/Aero Chamber muffler
EDELBROCK 600CFM CARB.
KN AIRFILTER
ACCEL HEI DISTRIBUTOR
160* Stat, just switched to 180* b/c of winter coming and going to college in the mts.
3:73 Posi
Rebuilt 700R4
B&M Megashifter, 5" Autometer Tach w/shift lite

 

Just one comment on that car listed in AutoTrader - it says that it has air bags. My 88 doesn't have air bags and I know mine is stock... What gives?

 

I would consider it because they just paste that stuff on there notice it says custom wheels then it says allow wheels. It is kinda like a template.

------------------
************************
91 z-28 305 700R4
3.73 gears out back
T-Tops and Black all over.

 

Try www.autotrader.com I highly recomend it,you can search around your zipcode for the year,pricerange so if there is a IROC around where you live,that is where you'll find it.

------------------
86 IROCZ 5.0 TPI/"new" 700R4 auto with transgo shift kit and vette servo,canary yellow,t-tops,radar detector,tan interior,hidden antenna,tinted windows,taillight blackouts,front end bra,k&n air filters,no cat,full 3" racing exhaust with 40 series flowmaster and chrome tips,2:73 posi rear(soon to be 3:42 or 3:73 posi),1989 IROCZ 16*8 polished aluminum rims

 

Yeah thanks for the help. But I have been looking in autotrader, local paper, want ad press, carbuyer, car shoppe, everywhere, I know of every decently priced Camaro IROC-Z around where I live. If there is any, which right now there isn't. I'm gettin desperate. I hope an IROC comes out around me, for a good price, and in good shape. Thanks though, you can still add comments. I still would like some more reassurance that IROCs come out even after October.

 

Oh they do...my local Auto Hunter that just came out has the following:

This one makes me wish I wasn't in school right now
-'89 IROC 350: 64k, loaded, t-tops, maroon, never seen snow, adult owned, $6,500

-'87 IROC 350: Loaded including power seat, leather, bright red with t-tops, "AT w/shift kit and 3.73 rear end," $4,995...sounds potentially hammered to me

This proves they ARE out there...and the '89 has been in for 3 issues right now and its getting towards winter...betcha it could be grabbed for under 6 and that would be a steal!



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

'89 Camaro RS
-Medium Grey Metallic
-2.8, A4, T-tops, 95k miles
-Hypertech chip, Accel 8.8MM wires and coil
-K&Ns with gutted airbox
-Alpine 60x4 with Boston 746s and RX97s

'97 Z28
-30th Anniversary package (white with orange stripes)
-LT1, M6, t-tops, 46k miles
-Xtant 403a 50x4 + 300x1 powering a 10" Eclipse Aluminum in a JL Stealth box, Boston RM6 fronts, Monsoon rears (temporary!!), Eclipse 5341R CD, All Monster's goodies...
Speed Kills...Wanna live forever? Drive a Ford.
Long Live #3...

 

Go for the 88 with 52k, you can't buy miles.