What is it? I know that they're pretty rare and desirable but what makes a 1LE camaro any better than a regular z28 or something?

 

Not that rare...And even though they had some up graded hardware over the std IROC/Z28's i have found them at least with the 350/auto combo not to have any more performance over my "regular" IROC..

 

The thing that makes them "Special" is a liturgy of special parts. IE larger brakes... for better stopping, They handle different, I know I know, they have mostly the same suspension, but I take it from people that have owned both regular Camaros and 1LE's They swear that you can tell the difference, they just drive different. also a special Gas Tank, and all of the other performance goodies... It can't be all that special? Can it?... {insert sarcasm here}

John

 

Not that rare? According to Camarosource.ca, there were 412,845 Camaros built in the 1988-92 model years. Of those only 1332 were 1LE's - 4 in '88, 111 in '89, 34 in '90, 478 in '91 and 705 in '92. If my math is correct, that comes up to a little over 3/10th's of ONE percent of Camaro production in third gens. If any of these numbers are wrong, someone please correct me.

 

IMHO i just have not seen a significant difference btw a 1LE & my regular old IROC....

 

http://ve3eie.ncf.ca/1le_history.html

http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/1leown...tion/1les.html

From this website:
https://www.thirdgen.org/IROC-Z-1LE-performance-package

 

Canadian Players Challenge Series

Also more stuff here . . . https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...e-players.html

Also using a "search" will find lots more info.

 

had a few hrs of work to get 15" wheels on my 1LE Z28.. Lol

 

Oh wow that's pretty neat! Kinda makes me consider upgrading my 91 Trans Am 'vert WS6 to the 1LE level.

 

It all depends on how you define performance, and what kind of racing you do. The engines are the same, so if you're looking at 1/4 mile times, there is a negligible difference...just what might be gained from slightly lighter weight. A good driver in the IROC (or a fatso in the 1LE) can offset this. But drag racing is not what the 1LE was built for.

To some enthusiasts, handling, braking, and transient response are more important than 1/4-mile times. The third-gen 1LE is one of those rare automotive packages that somehow ended up being more than the sum of its parts.

To the "magazine racer," the 1LE's test-track numbers -- even skidpad G's -- are not really any different from a regular, performance-optioned Camaro or Firebird. The beauty of the package is not what kind of magazine-test numbers it produces, but how well-sorted the components are for road racing, how consistently usable that performance is, and how well the 1LE-specific suspension and brake bits hold up to the abuse.

Try hot-lapping Nelson Ledges repeatedly with a stock "regular old IROC" and see how well the brakes hold up to the heat. The stock brakes (even the regular J65 4-wheel discs) were notorious for poor heat dissipation and under-sized rotors, resulting in substantial brake fade and eventually a soft pedal. Unacceptable for road racing! In a 1LE, the hotter you get the brakes, the better they feel!

The better weight distribution of the "true" (A/C-delete) 1LEs also makes for better handling. Most people would not notice any difference in 7/10ths driving, which is really all you can do on public roads. On a track day you can feel the difference. There is less understeer, and the car feels lighter on its feet.