I have a 1988 IROC Z28, and a 87 formula 350.(both in solid shape) My problem is I can only keep one to restore. I was wondering which one would be a better build, the IROC is t top and the formula is hard top. thank you (you can see them both on this site...click on dougs pics .. http://www.wix.com/f_bodyjunkies/tor...kieperformance

 

Me.. I'd keep the IROC. But it's really personal preference.

 

What motor and trans in the iroc?

 

Technically the Iroc is the top of the line Camaro, but then the Formula is more about pure performance and is much more unusual. T-tops are usually worth a little premium over a hardtop but honestly t-tops aren't worth the aggravation.

I'd say dump the Iroc, everyone has an Iroc. I can't remember the last Formula 350 I saw on the streets, other then my own.

 

Good point

OP, you should give me the IROC

J/K LOL Seriously though, we can all voice our opinions and preferences but at the end of the day what you need to do is look in the mirror and ask youself, "Would I rather have an IROC or a Formula 350?"

 

This is true. I haven't seen another Formula 350 on the streets either other than my own. I never thought of that. I have seen quite a few 5.7 Irocs though. Stick with the Formy.

 

Post pics of both.

Which motor in the IROC? I'm assuming either 350, or 305/T5?

I'd probably keep the IROC, but that's because I've never been much of a bird guy, with few exceptions, and formys probably show up near the bottom of my list in the bird world.

One thing to keep in mind is whether or not one is easier to restore than the other, in terms of parts availability. Does one have black interior while the other has tan interior? Good luck with the latter. Just on this thought alone, I'd be pushed towards keeping the Camaro since bird parts are much harder to come by.

But if the Camaro's a 305, I'd probably keep the 'bird.

 

I would stick with the Formula...even Motor Trend said, back in the day, it was the Road Runner of the '80s.

Personally, I will never get rid of my IROC because I looked for it for so long...but my second choice would be a Formula 350, without a doubt. If you have no specific attachement to the IROC, I'd say dump it for the Formula...

 

What color and powertrain in the IROC.

If it's gray or medium orange metallic and has a stick - get rid of it immediately! Call me, and I'll help.

 

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The answer is which do you like the most? Which do you enjoy driving more? Except for low mile examples, Turbo T/A's & Firehawks 3rdGens are not valuable yet so restore the one "you" like better.

 

Why would they say that, given that the 'bird is more upscale than the Camaro?

Road Runners were the strippers of the B-bodys.

 

IMO it should boil down to which one is in better shape, and which one you actually like better. As far as any long-term "value", I doubt there is any material difference between the 2. I personally would include in the "like" column, what drive train is in each; if either is a stick shift that would be a BIG plus, a 350/auto would be MUCH higher on the "like" scale than a 305/auto, and gears would be a factor as well. Similarly, T-tops would go in that subjective "like" category; some people LOVE them, others HATE them, only you can make that choice for yourself.

I wouldn't put too much stock in magazine quotes. They're amusing and sort of interesting dometimes, but not usually of much substance.

 

birds just squawk and make messes every wheir.... ; P

 

Wow, I actually agree with Drew for Once........

 

The formula 350 is a sexier car (sorry Scott) although I like the looks of T-tops, I really do not like T-tops, I honestly never take off my tops... and I love driving my wife's Hard top Formula...

Hands down... ditch the IROC... There are so many more of them out there.

The Formula 350 is just so much fun to drive, handles like on rails AND you get the softer ride of the Firebird... Win Win.

 

Funny you say this, I'm the exact opposite. I think the cars look 500x better with the T-tops on or in hardtop form, but yet I can't seem to leave them on when I drive, being a summer toy.

But on the rare occasion that it's not a Friday/Saturday night that I might just take it out for a half hour or so to keep fluids moving and leave the T-tops on, it truly feels like another car, and feels far more sporty.

 

I think it was primarily the fact that you got the "best" motors available with the entry level body design and trim. Lets face it...Pontiac had a better idea with the Formula. What always shocked me was that in the 4th gen years, the Formula was almost irrelevant...maybe its because it looked too much like a V6? Other than 2 small badges, and exhaust tips, there is no way to tell a 4th gen Formula from a V6, save for the rims in 93-94.

At least with 3rd gen Formulas, you had the stripes, the hood, the spoiler, unique wheels etc. While I prefer the ground effects look of my Trans Am to my old Maui Blue '89 Formula, I can appreciate what GM did with the Formula.

If I had the opportunity to buy either a Formula 350, or a decked-out GTA for a few dollars more, it'd be a hard choice for me. The Formula is not a common sight these days...I'd keep it, for sure.

 

Back when all I owned was a lowly Sport Coupe, the Irocs were always interesting but boring. The Formula 350's intrigued me because they were a vicious all business car built for performance. Especially the early cars with those giant call out decals on the door letting every 5.0 in the neighborhood know they weren't messing around. An Iroc could be anything from a total pig 305TBI to a 5.7L and you'd never notice the difference unless you read the fine print, but the Formula 350 was right to the point. Nothing in the Camaro line up comes close... Except maybe the V8 Sport Coupe, but it never got the top of the line engine.

 

thank you for so many replies... the formula has the high performance suspension and the aussie 9 bolt from factory, the IROC needs t-top work and body neither one has an engine or trans yet im about to put a sb 400 and turbo 400 trans in one of them.

 

formula

 

Hello my_lil_fire!!

Some wars have ended in a stalemate, I'd call it a draw, and keep both!!