Hey all

I have an '87 IROC, T's, G92 option 3:45 rear, T5, and LB9 305. To my knowledge everything is original and the numbers match. Car has 102k on it, very solid, no rust (though it has had a half-*** paint job on it). It's not perfect.

I'm looking to start laying out a plan to rebuild the car and I'm torn between keeping it stock (or close to it) or swapping to a 350 and building the car up for mild street use, nothing heavy-duty. It goes away into storage in the winter and is driven weekends in the summer. I'd like to retain a lot of what's already there; rear, T5, but rebuild with performance guts. Maybe not the most sensible thought process, but I'm not known for my sensibility.

Question is, is there any value to keeping the car stock and rebuilding the original engine despite the fact that it's a 305?

Is it possible to drop in a more durable posi w/ heavy duty 3:45 gears?

I've already seen the T-5's so I know that those are covered.

I have no interest in doing something as extensive as a LTx/LSx or T56 swap.

Thanks for any input!

~J

 

If car was mine,and a keeper i would go ahead and do
the minor modifications-all thirds need SFCs for example
Could keep all removed parts preserved to reinstall later.
I bought my '82 z28 back in 1990 and have made many
inprovements over original "stock" condition,but have
kept it all "period correct"-still a 1982 z28,but with a
rigid chassis,lots more power,ETC....

 

Makes sense. I'll have to do some more reading & weigh pros-cons, particularly with respect to a 305 - 350 replacement. Then there's always the 'wife' (or in this case girlfriend) factor when it comes to budget.

Thanks again.

~J

 

Seems like our cars don't have much value unless there low mile and completely original.

I would modify to my hearts content if it was mine. However i wouldn't gut the interior or install a roll cage. Both of those things seem to take away from a car unless it spends it's life at the track.

 

I'm all about originality, however i like to modify a few things that would be 'hidden' difference, if you will.

For example, one of the few things i did was i took out the emission equipment out and plugged up the exhaust manifold ports. Sure visually the engine bay does look cleaner and a bit modified however it's alot easier to access the spark plugs!

However i kept all the equipment and plumbing in case if i ever have to put it back together.
Another thing i did was i added a external trans oil cooler. Nobody was able to detect it unless you look under the front fascia and see it mounted in front of the condenser.
I even replaced the stock rear lower control arms with some aftermarket ones, of course done in black so it would look more stock appearing.

So that's my it's your vehicle so no one can tell you what you should do with it! Just as long as you take care of it!

 

To the original poster...2 things...

1) Where do you live?? I'm in Southampton.
2) I'd leave it as stock as possible, personally. An LB9/T5/G92 car is EXACTLY what a lot us have/are looking for...the best way to get a stick, without question. I've done a variety of bolt ons to my RS, but an LO3 RS, while a beautiful and fun car, is no collector's item...a G92 IROC is.

I'd strengthen the chassis, add a catback, and call it a day if it was my car

 

thanks for the input all. I'll have to put in the subframe connectors, and see if they can rebuild the 305, and hope the T5 holds out for a bit.

I'm in the Agawam area. Love that 97. Was looking for one for a bit but decided to go with a 3rd gen first.

 

im torn between the same thing i have a 305 lb9 formula 5 speed g92 and the motor is getting tired 197k miles i chose to rebuild it despite what the ppl at my local speed shop say its your car make it enjoyable for what u want dont be like every1 and throw in a 350 and call it a day unless u really want it


btw i love irocs and really wanted one but all of them i looked at were auto so if i were u keep it 305 stick their hard to come by at least around me

 

Hey Jason. If it were my car i would do what i wanted to it to be honest. There is alot you can do to a car that if you ever wanted to turn it back to stock you could.

As for the rear, are you having problems with it? Has it been gone through in the 102k? If not the posi is probably getting a bit tired. If you go to the FAQ board and look for the post titled "everything i know about 9 bolts" you will find most if not all that you need. Also if you google "bw 9 bolt posi cone repair" you will find a very good PDF to rebuild the posi. I rebuilt mine and it works great. If you need help let me know. I think i even still have some shims to tighten it up again.

 

I ran into a somewhat similar dilemma with my 92. I decided to keep the car basically stock, yet make certain upgrades to to the car (headers, suspension, shocks and struts). Any parts that are removed are saved in case I want to put it back to its original condition. This one gets the garage.

My solution was to go out and buy a second car to upgrade and do what ever I like to it. This is going to be my "fun" car. It stays outside and I don't worry about it like the much better 92.

Maybe this is an option you can consider? It helps to have a supportive gf/wife. My wife loves driving either car, although she didn't like going down the drag strip