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READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Here are a couple of pics, not very good, but difficult this time of year. When I bought the car, it had Bilstein shocks at all 4 corners. Would those have been installed at the factory? Is there a third gen camaro version of a Marti Report? Thanks
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
I'm a new member and an "old guy" so bear with me please! I have an '88 formula with 29,000 original miles on it. Bought it from original owner last fall. From what I have read there were only 1,222 with my configuration of lo3 and g80 limited slip. My feeling is out of 13,475 or so built mine is in the semi rare category. Have no pics to show as I am in Florida till end of April. Any comments or suggestions are certainly welcome! Thanks, Gary.
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by Cottong
I'm a new member and an "old guy" so bear with me please! I have an '88 formula with 29,000 original miles on it. Bought it from original owner last fall. From what I have read there were only 1,222 with my configuration of lo3 and g80 limited slip. My feeling is out of 13,475 or so built mine is in the semi rare category. Have no pics to show as I am in Florida till end of April. Any comments or suggestions are certainly welcome! Thanks, Gary.
Welcome to the boards...
There was 13,480 1988 Formulas, of those 6427 got the G80 limited slip, The L98 (2613) and the LB9 (2592) got the limited slip standard equipment, therefore G80 was only optional on the L03, which leaves us with 1,222 1988 L03's on the Formula getting the limited slip. Actually 732 Base firebirds also got the limited slip with the G80 as well with the L03... In 1987, you could have gotten the G80 on the LG4 (which the L03 replaced in 88) as well, but I do not have those numbers. In 1989 the G80 on anything except the LB9 & L98 were gone. Interestingly there was 1 Firebird and 1 Formula with the G80 and L03 in 1989 as well...
In the end, is it unusual? yes... In the grand scheme of things it is a neat option, but it comes down to the idea of how desirable it is. You have to ask how many people go on a mission to seek out a 1988 L03 with a G80, just so they can say they have it? Probably not many. Most owners probably are none-the-wiser about it as well...
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by okfoz
Welcome to the boards...
There was 13,480 1988 Formulas, of those 6427 got the G80 limited slip, The L98 (2613) and the LB9 (2592) got the limited slip standard equipment, therefore G80 was only optional on the L03, which leaves us with 1,222 1988 L03's on the Formula getting the limited slip. Actually 732 Base firebirds also got the limited slip with the G80 as well with the L03... In 1987, you could have gotten the G80 on the LG4 (which the L03 replaced in 88) as well, but I do not have those numbers. In 1989 the G80 on anything except the LB9 & L98 were gone. Interestingly there was 1 Firebird and 1 Formula with the G80 and L03 in 1989 as well...
In the end, is it unusual? yes... In the grand scheme of things it is a neat option, but it comes down to the idea of how desirable it is. You have to ask how many people go on a mission to seek out a 1988 L03 with a G80, just so they can say they have it? Probably not many. Most owners probably are none-the-wiser about it as well...
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
I can't imagine confirmed numbers are available but I know someone who has an 87 GTA that is totally bare bones. 5 speed LB9 with a bunch of SLP upgrades from new, but no power window's, locks, or mirrors. I was always under the assumption that power windows especially, were never optional on a GTA. Can anyone confirm?
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Thank you for the updated info! Not trying to make it worth more or anything like that. I will never part with it anyway. Just thought it would be a nice number to include on a car show display board. Instead of "1 of 13,480" I can actually say it is "one of 1,222"! Just sounds better, agree?
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by Cottong
Thank you for the updated info! Not trying to make it worth more or anything like that. I will never part with it anyway. Just thought it would be a nice number to include on a car show display board. Instead of "1 of 13,480" I can actually say it is "one of 1,222"! Just sounds better, agree?
True... Like I said it is a neat option and more or less a one year thing with the engine/trans.. Now, if it had a Manual Transmission that would make it all the more rare...
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by RKeats
I can't imagine confirmed numbers are available but I know someone who has an 87 GTA that is totally bare bones. 5 speed LB9 with a bunch of SLP upgrades from new, but no power window's, locks, or mirrors. I was always under the assumption that power windows especially, were never optional on a GTA. Can anyone confirm?
In 1987 the GTA was more or less just an Option for the Trans Am, therefore you could get a bare bones GTA. Starting in 1988 however this changed and they were all Loaded out as the GTA was then considered to be it's own model.
There are a few 87 GTA's out there like that, this is not the first I have heard of that was bare bones... I looked at a Black one 20 years ago.
Unfortunately the detailed data like I have for 86, 88-92 is missing for 87
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by okfoz
In 1987 the GTA was more or less just an Option for the Trans Am, therefore you could get a bare bones GTA. Starting in 1988 however this changed and they were all Loaded out as the GTA was then considered to be it's own model. I forget if it was 88 or 89, the LB9/A4 stopped being an option on the GTA thru the end of production in 1992... (GTA only having LB9/MM5 or L98 Engine options)
There are a few 87 GTA's out there like that, this is not the first I have heard of that was bare bones... I looked at a Black one 20 years ago.
Unfortunately the detailed data like I have for 86, 88-92 is missing for 87
Kinda neat. Though I'd prefer having it totally loaded. I may be misunderstanding but are you saying you can't get a post 88 or 89 GTA with an LB9 and automatic? I think that may be incorrect
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by RKeats
Kinda neat. Though I'd prefer having it totally loaded. I may be misunderstanding but are you saying you can't get a post 88 or 89 GTA with an LB9 and automatic? I think that may be incorrect
I was thinking of something else, I will change that so not to confuse future readers
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by okfoz
In the end, is it unusual? yes... In the grand scheme of things it is a neat option, but it comes down to the idea of how desirable it is. You have to ask how many people go on a mission to seek out a 1988 L03 with a G80, just so they can say they have it? Probably not many. Most owners probably are none-the-wiser about it as well...
John
This is so true! Another good example: According to Compnine, there were only (257) 90 Formulas produced with the drivetrain/color/t-top combo that mine has. While that might be a rare number, I do not and have not ever seen internet posts/classifieds actively seeking out this exact combo like you do for TTAs, Firehawks, etc... I did find an identical twin to mine in rough faded shape for sale in GA a few weeks back. I think the Formula is a desirable car more so than a base Firebird, but I'm not convinced they are as valuable/desirable as say an IROC-Z or GTA.
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by TPeasey
Picture of the 73 RPO'S. Just how rare is my ride?
Desirable? I know "I" like driving it and I would assume with the 220HP MM5 LB9 that others would too but can't find any exact numbers.
Lowest RPO production is the DX3 delete at 1895.
15,864 were produced in 40U but how many were MM5 LB9 DX3 G80 w/6HB and 6AR seats?
Any help would be appreciated guys..... 2 dr hatchback, hardtop.
Well I'm not going to be any help on production numbers for '88, but your car is definitely desirable. You and I actually have pretty similar cars. I also have a white LB9, MM5, DX3 IROC-Z....but mines a 1990 G92, 3.42 geared car with the N10 dual cats and 230hp. 1 of 295, but of those I dont know how many are DX3, etc. Where ya located in Minnesota? And welcome to TGO!
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
St. Cloud area.
When I saw that it had 73 RPO'S I thought it was a highly optioned Z?
I was a tad bummed when I found out it was only a G80 (3.08 POSI) without the J65 and upgraded cam.
BUT, that being said, I have beat the auto trans Z's I've went up against.....
Trying to find the closest Dyno to st. Cloud......
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by TPeasey
St. Cloud area.
When I saw that it had 73 RPO'S I thought it was a highly optioned Z?
I was a tad bummed when I found out it was only a G80 (3.08 POSI) without the J65 and upgraded cam.
BUT, that being said, I have beat the auto trans Z's I've went up against.....
Trying to find the closest Dyno to st. Cloud......
Don’t line up against any Z’s newer than 92, or you probably won’t like the outcome. Our Thirdgen’s seem fast until you drive a Fourth, Fifth, etc.
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by TPeasey
St. Cloud area.
When I saw that it had 73 RPO'S I thought it was a highly optioned Z?
I was a tad bummed when I found out it was only a G80 (3.08 POSI) without the J65 and upgraded cam.
BUT, that being said, I have beat the auto trans Z's I've went up against.....
Trying to find the closest Dyno to st. Cloud......
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by dagwood
I think you can tell another way by the tach??
Small cam = 5,000 rpm redline
Big cam = 5,500 rpm redline
Please correct me if I'm wrong
It is a bit more complicated than that, but this is a general rule of thumb. I have not done as much extensive research on the Camaros as I did for Firebirds, but here is a chart for Firebirds http://3rdgenformula.com/allyears/Speedotachcombos.htm
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Out of the 6360 1982 pace cars built, how many were 4 speed? I have read 363 with less than 100 being full hardtop, but can not confirm this. Is this car rare?
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by bwrofdog
Out of the 6360 1982 pace cars built, how many were 4 speed? I have read 363 with less than 100 being full hardtop, but can not confirm this. Is this car rare?
I would think You would be better served by making a new post, instead of in this thread...
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
My 86 Z28 with the LG4 carbureted out ran ever 5.0 mustang i came up against. Evey time. dont know why it was so quick but it was. Nothing special about the car that I know of just one fast little bugger thats for sure for the day.
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by gregg64
My 86 Z28 with the LG4 carbureted out ran ever 5.0 mustang i came up against. Evey time. dont know why it was so quick but it was. Nothing special about the car that I know of just one fast little bugger thats for sure for the day.
There is the off chance that the car got the wrong cam from the factory. I know this happens on occasion, and they never catch it... This would be better served as it's own thread not attached to this one.
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
I noticed in your list that there were no 1982 TA listed and no TA Recaros listed but this is known to be a limited production run car. I have one I have owned since new and ordered it with a 4 speed and it came with a carburetor. Since you don't address 82 model year and no Recaros, do you have any info on rarity of a 4 speed 1982 Recaro?
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by DBuck
I noticed in your list that there were no 1982 TA listed and no TA Recaros listed but this is known to be a limited production run car. I have one I have owned since new and ordered it with a 4 speed and it came with a carburetor. Since you don't address 82 model year and no Recaros, do you have any info on rarity of a 4 speed 1982 Recaro?
Probably because I did not or do not have access to the data... According to my one source there was 2000 Recaros in 1982,
I added the production numbers for 82, 83, 84 & 86 Recaors... Learned there was some S/E's with the Recaro Seats in 1986 (10 of them) and a 96 Base (1986) Firebirds with the Recaro Seating... I do not have the data for 82-85 and the S/E and Base Firebirds to see if they came with the seats.
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
First post, long time reader. I had my new roller dropped off last night. 85’ IROC-Z. I started looking up codes and realized it’s an L69 5 spd and also has the GT4 3:73 rear end. My intentions were to strip it down and make it a drag car. However, it’s actually in surprisingly good shape and I’m almost considering restoring it rather than stripping it. Being that I got it as a roller this will never be a numbers matching car. I’m sure that takes most of the value out from hardcore enthusiasts. So I guess I’m not asking what it’s worth, but is it worth a restoration? I’d hate to take a somewhat rare camaro off the streets if it can be preserved and have some value. What do you guys think?
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
It's an Iroc. That alone is bait for fools with too much money. With all the base model cars out there, I can't see turning an Iroc into a drag car. Someone would probably pay way more than it's worth just because it's an Iroc. I wouldn't waste money restoring it hoping to cash in. I'd dump it the way it is, or put money into it to make it a car you'd enjoy.
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Originally Posted by f7 snow pro
Couldn't find 1988 irocz lb9/mm5/g92 hard top on the list
Do you have an actual number of those produced?
If hard numbers cannot be found I cannot break them down as such... The best you could do is the number of LB9/MM5/G92, but the white book does not break out the numbers like that. And the data is lost to time... You would need to find the number of Camaros with MK6, and that would get you the number of Camaros with the LB9/MM5(MK6)/G92. Keep in mind cars with the M39 transmission would not have the G92. However you could not figure the number of cars with CC1 and without CC1.
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Thank you for all the production numbers and information. So if I am reading this correctly, there were 613 of my car, which is a 1989 5.7L Trans Am. I was able to get the vehicle invoice from The Pontiac Historical Society, but not the window sticker. I would love to get a reporduction window sticker as well as an idea on how many of my car were made, and answer some strange things about it.
I have taken it some local Chicago area car shows and sometimes Firebird enthusiasts ask me if the wheels are stock (they are), if it came with 2 cats from factory (it did), and why is there a "Performance Suspension" logo on the glove box when the vehicle invoice does not say WS6 on the invoice. Anyway, while I have had the car since 1992, I just joined this site and now that I am older, I am more interested in the car's history and details. Thank you for any imput that anyone can provide.
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
Do you have the SPID on the inside wall of the center console showing the RPO options?
Those wheels look like they are white. It would not have been correct for 1989 or your exterior trim color.
Performance Suspension badge on the dash does not mean WS6. WS6 was optional on the Trans Am. The center caps on your wheels are also incorrect.
None of this is meant as a negative opinion on your car, but there are some things that do not appear to be correct.
Originally Posted by 89 Blue 5.7L
Thank you for all the production numbers and information. So if I am reading this correctly, there were 613 of my car, which is a 1989 5.7L Trans Am. I was able to get the vehicle invoice from The Pontiac Historical Society, but not the window sticker. I would love to get a reporduction window sticker as well as an idea on how many of my car were made, and answer some strange things about it.
I have taken it some local Chicago area car shows and sometimes Firebird enthusiasts ask me if the wheels are stock (they are), if it came with 2 cats from factory (it did), and why is there a "Performance Suspension" logo on the glove box when the vehicle invoice does not say WS6 on the invoice. Anyway, while I have had the car since 1992, I just joined this site and now that I am older, I am more interested in the car's history and details. Thank you for any imput that anyone can provide.
Re: READ ME! Before asking "Is my car rare/Desirable?"
In 1989: There was a total of
1,073 (98U) Blue Trans Ams in 1989, 98U Blue was a Trans Am ONLY color for 1989
613 (L98) 350 Trans Ams
WS6 was an option on the Trans Am, Both the Y99 Suspension and WS6 Suspension got the "Performance Suspension" Badge on the Dash
Yes Silver PW7 Wheels in 1989/1990 was a thing,
All of those I am not sure, but I believe they had the silver ground effects. The reason I think this is Trans Ams 85-90 got WW? Colors to denote the Ground effects color.
Trans Am Totals for Ground effects:
Total 1989 Trans Ams: 5727
WW1 = White: 1157
WW2 = Silver: 2309
WW3 = Charcoal: 0 (GTA Only)
WW4 = Black: 1226
WW6 = Brilliant Red Met: 0 (GTA Only)
WW8 = Bright Red: 1035
Originally Posted by 89 Blue 5.7L
Thank you for all the production numbers and information. So if I am reading this correctly, there were 613 of my car, which is a 1989 5.7L Trans Am. I was able to get the vehicle invoice from The Pontiac Historical Society, but not the window sticker. I would love to get a reporduction window sticker as well as an idea on how many of my car were made, and answer some strange things about it.
I have taken it some local Chicago area car shows and sometimes Firebird enthusiasts ask me if the wheels are stock (they are), if it came with 2 cats from factory (it did), and why is there a "Performance Suspension" logo on the glove box when the vehicle invoice does not say WS6 on the invoice. Anyway, while I have had the car since 1992, I just joined this site and now that I am older, I am more interested in the car's history and details. Thank you for any imput that anyone can provide.
01-21-2019, 07:46 PM
