drjewalton

The console clock is a fairly rare find in 1985. My 84 has one too (and it's still ticking!). Personally, I think it's one of the neatest "80's" features of the early third gens.

Da Spudro

jminton - Very nice car. How come yours doesn't have the 16" IROC Rims though. Were they optional? I thought they came standard with the B4Z package. Your dash is cracked in the exact same spot mine is right above the center console.

drjewalton

To 84ws6ta:

I would love to see more pics of your car! It looks to be the same color combination as my 84 z-28 counterpart!

To the rest:

Nice cars! It's nice to be a part of a group who appreciates what we have and enjoys talking about their cars as well as listening to peers talk about theirs!

Just to add: my first third gen was also an 84 z28 L69, but it had the automatic transmission. It did however also have the 3.73 posi rear end which Was an option then. ( see home page under tech data tab for 1984 camaro).

Third gens rule!

Motown

Jminton, Holy crap man! Awesome L69 car! If that seat bolster wasnt torn id be making you a ridiculous offer on those seats and door panels. Be thankful you own that car. Fix it up and enjoy it.

burnout88

That blue 85 has some cool 80's options on it. Console clock, rear wiper, recaro seats, and the L69, 5- speed. Needs a little TLC but not much to turn it back to its glory days. Looks like it has been repainted. Also sure the mileage has not rolled over?

jminton

@ drjewalton : I was under the impression that console clocks came with AM Stereos, but I have a bare bones AM/FM stereo. I really don't want to replace it because it works just fine (though it would be nice to find out how to wire in a RCA jack). This stereo does not display the time.

@ Da Spudro : It did come with the 16" single stripe wheels. PO decided to get rid of them because at the time 16" tires were "too expensive". The original wheels were not saved. I've recently found some that should clean up nice.

@ burnout88 : Carfax, and other sites like it state that the mileage has not rolled over.

Yes, it more than likely has been repainted. There is a run on the driver front fender in the wheel flare. It is only slightly frustrating. I ran a clay bar over it the last time I washed it and it was smooth as glass.

Da Spudro

couple of options here depending on how electrically savy you are. since you didn't mention anything about aftermarket, i assume you're like me and trying to keep the original stereo (not in my IROC that's long gone, but my Vert has the factory CD player). i would also assume by RCA input what you are looking at doing is to connect a minijack used for Ipods or Zunes. here's a couple links that may interest you.

If your radio has a built in equializer and you aren't intimidated by soldering inside the stereo check here.

If you're looking for a less intrusive way, this option will allow you to hook up an minijack to your factory radio simply by putting the input inline to your radios antenna. pretty cool device and much more reliable/clean then the wireless versions.

if your looking for a cheaper version of the item above that actually has RCA inputs check this one out. same concept, but this one doesn't have an auto sensor to turn on and off the input feed and the antenna, you have to manually switch it which means installing the switch somewhere.

gotcha ok so i wasn't crazy then. That' s cool you found a set, i like the 85-87 IROC Rims better then the 88-90's, either way it's a very nice looking car, kind of wish mine was that close to being finished.

Da Spudro

I edited the first post with a directory of sorts to those who have spoken up about their L69-ness. if i missed any one or got any information wrong let me know and i'll edit it.

jminton

Does anyone know if that RediRad unit for the stereo will work with the power antenna?

FJA1791

iTrader: (3)

Did anyone notice the trans am in the video was not equipped with air conditioning... probably didn't have many other power options helping it beat the Iroc in the quarter mile.

Z28FAST1

1983 Z28 L69 w/dual snorkel, w/power everything, tan interior w/wood trim, 5 speed, 4 wheel disc brakes, 3.73 gears, etc

Looked like this when my pops handed it down to me at 16 years old w/ about 40-50K miles:


Currently looks like this:

Da Spudro

i don't know for certain, but i would figure yes. worst case that i have seen alot of people mention is that GM's after a certain year will require antenna adapters. other wise you'd turn on the radio and tune to a certain station to listen to the ipod or zune, at which point your power antenna should extend. then when you tune off your ipod/zune the radio should kick in and work as normal till you turn off the stereo.

speaking of power antenna, any one know where to find one for these cars. mine came with one and it broke alooooong time ago, been looking for one since as the aftermarket ones found in my local auto parts store are too short.


Z28FAST1 - Very Nice.

drjewalton

@jminton:

If I remember correctly, the console clock was an option the buyer could pick as long as they didn't pick the deluxe sound group, which included a delco tape deck (with or without equalizers) but had a digital clock display. If this was picked, then the console clock option was not available. This is what makes these clocks rare in late 84 and 85 because most of the delco radios at that time were coming out with digital clock displays on the radio. There are no factory console clocks beyond 1985.

I still have my original radio but I bought and installed a 90's delco cd player that has been wired with an mp3 input that interrupts the radio when a iPod/iPhone is connected....found it on eBay. I did this obviously as an upgrade but also because it's still a delco and fits in the space perfectly and looks factory.

The point of me going into all of this is to tell you that the console clock wiring is independent of the radio....you can change/add whatever you want and it should not bother the clock at all.

FormerL69

iTrader: (2)

This sounds right. My parents bought a brand new '85 Z28 which had exactly two options: TPI and t-tops. The car had the console clock and an AM-only radio with analog tuning. They had the dealer swap the head unit (which had to be ordered from GM) with a Delco AM/FM/cassette which had digital tuning and the clock. With that change, we had two clocks in the car. Hard to believe you could get a car with an AM-only radio in '85 ...

162chevy

are you selling the blue iroc?

Z28FAST1

Here's a beauty for sale:




https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/cama...84-ho-z28.html

855speed

Here is mine. 3.73 rear non-posi, currently has 350 crate motor, and spohn suspension. Have all the original stuff, motor included. Was originally a rear wiper arm lid, been replaced by previous owner. Currently doing body work.

Da Spudro

Nice looking ride. You've been added to the list.

kmcn47

l69 z28, and as for the 305s what i've heard is that its the one to have, despite my wanting a tpi its staying original

FJA1791

iTrader: (3)

1984 H.O. Z-28 L69 with 11,895 original miles...Low option car... A/C delete with 5sd. Has optional Lear seiglar seating, 4 whl disc brakes, factory radio with EQ and casette. Still sports original Eagle GT tires. Hope you enjoy.

kmcn47

a beautiful example of what my car should look like, the first pic anyway i prefer the leather and tweed interior i have to the lear seiglar always liked the way it looked, but my god your cars pretty and sooo cherry it hurts

chazman

iTrader: (4)

Nice!

Da Spudro

Very Nice Specimen. Very nice indeed.

the209bnr

I've got an L69 Powered 1984 Trans Am, 700R4 and 3.73Posi rear. 4 wheel disk brakes as well.. with what seemed every available option for it (other than the pace car edition).. here's a few videos

http://youtu.be/gEAmagARkfo
http://youtu.be/Rb4Z_u-qink
http://youtu.be/UFbz3Cj8QJI
http://youtu.be/TANG3-CHxEs

sc@hms

iTrader: (1)

I have an '83 L69 Z28 and an '84 L69 Trans Am. Both are 5-speed cars with the 3.73. Although there not the fastest third gens, they do have a good feel to them, especially through second and third gear. In their day, the L69's were good running cars and depending on launch and driver ability, could handle themselves quite well against most of the then current cars, including the Mustangs. I ran a number of L69 cars pretty hard back then and until the TPI Corvettes and intercooled Buicks arrived, they were pretty tough. It was peculiar though that some examples ran extremely well compared to others. A good friend of mine had a brown '84 that was really strong. There was a local girl whose parents bought her a charcoal '84 auto brand new that was really strong too. Regardless they were all fun to drive.

sc@hms

iTrader: (1)

Here is an L69 IROC that belongs to Rick Hendrick, nascar team owner. 20k miles, all original, including tires. It's part of his Camaro collection and is one of three third gens he has. He had a 1990 1LE new that they used as a track car and was a partner on the Peerless Camaro and Reher and Morrison third gen Camaros back in the '80's. In short, he's one of us!

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

Thats a very cool car. Just more proof that for its time the L69 was a very important engine. It was also the basis for the LB9 and L98 cars that came along afterward. An L69 car with a 5-speed and 3.73 gears was a great performer for its time.

pontiacguy1

I have TWO 1984 15th anniversary edition Trans-Ams, which came with the L69 305 and automatic trans. They made 1,500 of the anniversary cars, 500 with the 5 speed and 1,000 with the 700-R4 automatic. ALL of the anniversary cars had the 3.73 rear and positive traction. The two cars are in storage in the barn right now. One of them is pretty dang rough, and will serve as the parts car to fix the other one. Basically, I am going to take the two cars and make one good one out of it.

The Trans-Am had a different air cleaner assembly on it, which mated to the hood and actually allowed air to be drawn in through the functional cowl induction system. There was a flap in the hood that was activated by a soleniod which opened when you hit wide open throttle.

Also, I have heard that because of some type of production problem, either quality problems or a manufacturing limit of some type, that a lot of the 1984 cars came with open differentials instead of the posi unit. They sold a lot of those cars, and that Posi unit was in high-demand.

I plan on restoring mine to as-near stock conditions as possible. At least I want everything to look stock. I have a set of 305 heads that have been ported, and I will probably use a slightly hotter cam. I also plan on sending the feedback carb to JET who can rework and retune them. They used to claim that by adding their rebuilt carburetor to an otherwise stock L69, you could drop half a second off of your 1/4 mile times. I remember that from back in the day. I wonder if they are still working on carbs anymore?

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

I never knew that the L69 cars had a real problem getting posi until I read this thread. What is the deal with that? You would think that with 3.73 gears and a high strung motor like the L69 posi should have been manditory.

Did the 10 bolt rear have problems taking the power of the L69? I guess this is another reason why GM started putting in Borg Warner 9bolts in the IROC's with the L98 or LB9 / G92 / 5-speed combinations in later years.

Da Spudro

great posts guys - registry (post #1 updated).

Keep `em coming...

pontiacguy1

From what I understand it was a manufacturing problem somewhere in their supply chain that caused them to have a shortage of the positive traction carriers for that rear end.

I don't believe that you would be in any danger of tearing up a factory rear-end with a stock or near-stock 305 engine. Of course anything can be torn up if abused.

yaj15

iTrader: (3)

Ah I see. Thats what I didn't get. The L69 didn't make as much power as the L98 and some of LB9's that came along in later years. I thought it was strange to have rear end failures behind a stock 305. Like you said though, if it wasn't maintained or assembled properly thats a ticket to problems.

Atilla the Fun

Of all the choices in '85, an L69 IROC would have been my first. TPI was new and un-proven, T5s were already known to break when drag-racing on M&H slicks. And in hindsight, it wasn't the WC version, either. Since I've tried a 350 / 700R-4 / 3.73:1 third-gen, and since my stock L69 engine got bolted into a second-gen with 700R-4 and 2.73:1, I conclude from those experiences that while an L69 / 700R-4 / 3.73:1 would be very fine, having an L69 / 700R-4 / 3.42:1 combo wouldn't be a disaster. Stock L69s get no respect, but I'd love to have one as a 3rd or 4th car, maybe swap one into an S-10?

iroc_zz

You can add mine to the list. 1985 IROC-Z L69 5 speed, black, Saddle interior, Ls contour seats, Gold wheels, t-tops, overhead console, mostly original.
I have owned it since 1991, was my daily driver in the summers the first 4-5 years, finaly got it out of storage last week, I haven't driven it in about 2 years. Just got done putting in a new intank fuel pump in it, fixed up some exhaust leaks, freshened up the rear diff and replaced the 15 year old dry rotted tires.

Da Spudro

Nice ride - physically on the out side yours looks like mine is supposed to look. would love to see mine back in even that condition, but in time. right now mine has the front end in about 5 shades of primer, while the doors and back end of the car are 4 shades of black and rust. but mine too has the gold package. i think when i get mine repainted though i will have the gold pin stripe and IROC-Z airbrushed in the stock font, gold, then ghosted so the light has to hit it right to see it, and clear coated.

kmcn47

dont mean to be a stickler but can you edit the first post so my car is an l69 z28 with a 3.73 posi and auto totally stock, sorry but it bugs me lol it doesnt look it in pics but the car is very cherry, minus small paint chips and a rip in the *** of the driver seat, no rust anywhere, needs new rear main though, and some gaskets are worn, thing sat for 10 years and was finally pulled from storage by the p.o. and freshened up to running condition and then i bought it from him

Da Spudro

no problem - Done (i think). i'd rather the directory or whatever it is be accurate. it's your car so if you want it posted a certain way just let me know. i just kind of threw some stuff in there from your post.

goes for anyone, if you want it to show something else let me know and i'll edit it.

sonjaab

Here it is:

iroc_zz

Thanks, it is definitely a 10 footer but It's only original once so I am putting off repainting it as long as possible. I do need to get the drivers seat fixed next.

Yours sounds like it will look sweet when your done!

Da Spudro

wish the Previous owners didn't get rid of that snorkle setup on mine. i see your in the Cuse. my family is from up there, maybe the next time i take a trip i'll drop you a line and see if you want to meet up or something.

kmcn47

thanks, much appreciated

David M

I've got an '84 L69 Z28. Restored 1997-2001. 700R4 trans, rear drum brakes, non posi 3.73 rear gear. To see more of the car go here http://www.oldcarmemories.com/content/view/111/113/

Also I can tell you in 1985 there were 400 L69 optioned IROC's that went to Canada. I have all the SPIDS on those.

Mark_ZZ3

The 86's were Players race cars ... and street legal too! in fact they all had to be registered and insured in order to race.

Cool cars.

Mark.

84Camarodriver

Very very nice!, my car is almost the same, auto l69 148,000kms rear drums non posi 3.42's,

mmorley1024

I will be picking up my 1985 l69 iroc, 5 speed, 3.73 non posi, with t top, pw,pl, rust free but needs a paint job will post pics next week and it is pretty fun to drive with the l69 i only every had 89 up tpi's and l98, but i do have an 1987 l98 vette motor sitting in the garage.

kmcn47

i do please ask that you leave the l69 in there, they really are great motors, and original is original there pretty rare

kmcn47

your air cleaner lid appears to be upside down

jez3941

iTrader: (1)

here is my 84 T/A L69, 700r4, 3.73 limited slip, disk brakes

has a 350, the original engine was long gone before i got it and the rear has 4.11s now

mmorley1024

Yes i am leaning towards leaving it in there, just because they do seem rare, i guess i never realized seeing i have seen more than 2 that my buddies owned, both 85's iroc's, but this car does have the fun to drive factor.

Slater126

iTrader: (1)

That's a very rare car. Please do not drop a 'Vette Motor into it. Practically every bozo with a clapped out Third Gen has dropped a 'Vette Motor into it at some point, and has of course told the obligatory stories exaggerating how fast this endeavor actually made the car, how it outran the cops, how it went 205 MPH once, etc., etc., etc.

Restore it to stock. This is one which will probably be worth a decent amount once Third Gens start gaining some appreciation.