I understand the differences between an RS and a Z28/IROC new because they come with different parts. Every now and then I see people on the wanted boards who want an IROC/Z28 roller in bad condition so that they can restore it and then swap the engine to something more powerful. By the time you have restored (read:replaced the emblems) the car, and put in a new drivetrain (engine, trans, rear) what's left? If the car was that beat up you're changing the springs and shocks as well. Lets say for the sake of th eargument you change the instrument cluster as well. I understand that people tend to be called fakes for turning an RS into a higher model, but what is really different between an RS and another model when you have done all of those things?
I don't mean to be insulting anyone here who went the extra distance to buy an IROC/Z28 instead of an RS, I figured this would be the place to ask.

 

A lot of times its whats on the pink slip that matters. I would think resale value would be worth more on the z28/iroc then the RS that underwent the whole process. Most people would prefer the z28/iroc then the RS

 

I understand that for some reason it's more desirable. What I don't understand is why given that the cars are identical in the end.

 

Well, everybody has their own reasoning. Myself, if I'm going to change everything anyway, I would just be looking for the best car for the money and would really car what model it was. However, many people don't plan on changing everything and cars like IROCs, Z28's, and Trans Ams have many better parts from the factory such as disc rearends, better suspension, etc. Those are parts a buyer may plan on leaving stock and that way they already have them and don't have to worry about changing everything over like they would with a plain RS or Firebird. Also, you have to consider that many of the upper level cars came from the factory with 16 inch wheels while a lot of the base car only had 15's. The upper level cars are even more likely to have better interiors and options than base model cars. Also, I'm sure a lot of the people are looking to bring the car back to stock so a higher level car is the better choice.

Of course, I'm sure a lot of people prefer an IROC, Z28, or Trans Am just because of what it is. They want their car to be actual IROC, Z28, Trans Am, etc. These cars have not gotten to the point where the upper level cars sell for a significant amount more than the base model cars. If you can get an IROC or Z28 for only slightly more than a comparable RS why wouldn't you?

 

Buying a base model car that has been modified to look like a top of the line model is like dating a fine azz girl that was born a man! They might look and perform about the same, but if you have a choice would'nt you rather have the "factory built" top of the line model!

 

The difference is that under everything that fine girl is still a man. On the other hand, once you strip an IROC to the frame, can you tell it apart from the RS?
Perhaps this has to do with the state of my car when I got it. It's an RS with T-tops but, at the same time it has a posi disk rear, 350, 16" rims, fog lights, and with 116,xxx on the odo, the shocks have been replaced. That and the usual stuff, tilt wheel, rear defroster, AC, that trunk cover thing, and so on. The only thing I can think of that is missing is the hood louvers. The only guy I know with an IROC ('86) has a 305 in it, and paint just as faded as mine. Perhaps part of my problem is I assumed the parts on my car (other than the 350) could have come on it originally. How much of that is not the case?

If your thing is putting a car back to factory condition, it makes sense to go for the one that was the best from the factory. It's the people that want to swap all of the parts anyways that I don't understand.

 

"On the other hand, once you strip an IROC to the frame, can you tell it apart from the RS?"

Yes, the VIN, build sheet, etc.

The one good thing about doing that is insurance will be cheaper on the "once base model" vs "top of the line model".

 

My insurance is the same for my 2 irocs and my sport coupe.I dont pay anymore for the higher performance models

 

How old are you? Not under 25 by chance?

 

It may be because you have more cars than you have drivers. State farm in Ohio definitely charged a little more for the higher models when I was looking a couple years ago. The big thing though was engine size. There was a big rate jump from v6 to 305, then a small one, if at all from 305 to 350. Most of the rate jump from RS to IROC/Z28 may be due to that, rather than the badging its self.

If it matters, I'm over 18 and under 25.

 

Each of my Cars insurance is different, the original 4BBL LG4 car is less than my LB9/M5 and that is less than my L98... They are all close when I do not have full coverage, about $30 difference per year.

I think the reason why people want an IROC or GTA is like stated above they have to change less than if they started with an RS. Also many times RS or SC's came with V6's or I4's in which case someone would have to change the springs, and then if they want it to handle better they have to buy new sway bars. Buy an IROC, GTA or Formula and get the performance goodies out of the way and start from there to improve on. granted you can improve MORE on an RS, but if you do not need the extra improvement to start off with then why not start with something that is well handling from the factory?

John

 

I'll just keep paying $20 a month for my ls1 RS because the insurance thinks it's slow.
However if they VIN said 305z28 the insurance is like quadruple.

Those paying the same for the sport coupe as the z are probably paying both at a higher level and don't realize they are getting screwed.

 

the insurance in south carolina is the same on either car as long as it's liability only.

 

alot of it has to do with matching numbers to

 

That makes more sense. The numbers I was referring to up top were for full coverage.

 

That's sig worthy there. LOL.

I'm one of those guys that have an IROC that is having everything replaced on it. And I mean pretty much everything. Yes I could of done the same with a RS. But when I slap the aftermarket IROCZ badge on the fender and the guy at the car show ask me if it's a real IROC, I can say yes! I just like knowing that I have a car with real history to the name. An RS means nothing to me but being a secretary's car. And yes I have owned a few RS's. My first car was a 90 RS and my favorite Camaro other then the IROC was my 89 RS vert.. I'm also not one of the guys that will make a fake, especially if the real thing is only a couple hundred bucks more. Now if I wanted a 1970 Hemi Superbird that I can never afford. I might buy that roadrunner and make it look like a superbird. That's just my 2 cents. Adam :-)

 

Then there is the fact that they made less 89 rs verts than they made 89 iroc verts. The rs may come up being worth more in the long run. Just my .02