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Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
I just bought a 1991 Z28 1LE that I would say is at least 90% original. BUT... here's where it is not and I need some help. The guy said it was running goofy so he swapped out the ECM!!! Oh my God the 1LE had a specially tuned chip. I know zip about chips. Does anybody know if that chip can be replicated? I assume it can but does anybody know just how it was programmed?
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
I wonder if it is possible/feasible to start some sort of registry of who's got what. And that way when another member has needs or questions about originality they could reach out to the guy who has what they need to know.
I would love to find all the guys with mostly original 87 IROC Conv's.
I'd like to assemble about 10-20, low miles, 95% or better, all original cars that we can use to reference with photos, for current and future restorers. Just factory originals.
I guess I'll take the lead here for now, until we can get this all figured out.
If anyone wants to join in and help, that'd be great. This is kind of a work in progress, so any suggestions are welcomed.
For starters, this month's COTM has several cars which I think automatically qualify.
They are:
-ev305tpi's '87 IROC-Z
-Scottmoyer's '87 IROC-Z
-drjewalton's '84 Z/28
-Russlecronk's, '87 IROC-Z
-and my own '89 IROC-Z.
We need some Firebirds as well.
If the owners don't want to be on this list or anyone feels that one of these shouldn't be on here, let me know.
If you want to be part of this, post a pic of your car, so I can remember which car goes with which member. I'm pretty familiar with most of low miles, originals here, but I need to be reminded on who goes with which car. That way, we can know who to contact, if the need arises for a specific photo.
What do you have to do, if your car is one of the reference cars? If it comes up, maybe post a picture or two of a specific detail. For example, what did the factory muffler hangers look like? Or, what underhood decals were there? How did the shifter ball stitching look? Stuff like that.
For now, I guess this thread can serve as a depository of sorts, for a dozen or two cars we can use as reference.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by neilcase
I wonder if it is possible/feasible to start some sort of registry of who's got what. And that way when another member has needs or questions about originality they could reach out to the guy who has what they need to know.
I would love to find all the guys with mostly original 87 IROC Conv's.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
I'm already working on a 1987 factory convertible spreadsheet. I'm not doing the "registry" thing as much as I'm trying top document as many of the 744 Z28s that I can. Since all 1987 IROC-Zs were Z28s, the 744 count doesn't let us know how many of each there were. I'm documenting certain options so that it can be known at a later time how many of what were made. I wish I had access to GMs archives so that I could research it on my own and not just by looking for cars online.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by neilcase
I just bought a 1991 Z28 1LE that I would say is at least 90% original. BUT... here's where it is not and I need some help. The guy said it was running goofy so he swapped out the ECM!!! Oh my God the 1LE had a specially tuned chip. I know zip about chips. Does anybody know if that chip can be replicated? I assume it can but does anybody know just how it was programmed?
Hello,
Close buy here and saw that red 91 1le on craigslist for sale for a while, pictures looked like it had some hard days.
If my memory serves me correct there are some posts on this sight about programming your own chip is best...
Mine to had the chip replaced with a Hypertech chip that they now say was just a fluke chip.. I'd like to think if we had GM involved on this you would be able to reorder the custom chip by the vin number???
Keep me posted
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Hmmm. There weren't any pix in the CL ad for the car I bought. Did you see some? The car I bought has a near perfect interior except for a wear spot on the drivers seat and a mid size ding on the driver's door. Other than that it is in good condition with the what I'd consider to be less than normal wear and tear on a 25 year old car. Far better than either of my 87's. I wonder if you're talking about a different car. There was another Red 1LE for sale locally but it too looked to be in pretty good condition too. I suppose your idea of condition could be quite different then mine. In any case, even if you are talking about my car I'd ask that you not disparage mine or any other members cars. Thank you.
Originally Posted by 881SA
Hello,
Close buy here and saw that red 91 1le on craigslist for sale for a while, pictures looked like it had some hard days.
If my memory serves me correct there are some posts on this sight about programming your own chip is best...
Mine to had the chip replaced with a Hypertech chip that they now say was just a fluke chip.. I'd like to think if we had GM involved on this you would be able to reorder the custom chip by the vin number???
Keep me posted
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Ill post the original ad for my 1988 GTA that I had before I sold it. 48,000 original miles. only things not factory were the radio and the k&n with an slp cold intake. You'll have to scroll down to see the pics https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fire...-trans-am.html
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Sweet ride!!
Originally Posted by 88IROConv
I don't get on here very much but I will add mine. The car is 100% original. I still have the production line battery and oil filter somewhere in the garage. I thought I had lost the battery about 15 years ago but found it again out in the shed a few years ago. When I bought the car I also bought another set of tires and wheels. I haven't driven it enough to replace the tires. I have all the documentation for the car. I did have to replace the serpentine belt but I kept the original. Somewhere I have the front license plate bracket but never installed it even though my state requires a front plate.
Here are few shots I have on my computer. Maybe this summer I will try to photograph everything and do some documentation.
Replacement oil filter I bought back in '88. The production line filter I have was painted over when the block was painted at the factory.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Don't think you'll get many of these...... 86 Sport Coupe 2.8L 35k miles and I would say 95+% original. Changed factory stereo and speakers but all original and unmolested.
Last edited by Wirewrestler; Apr 7, 2016 at 08:36 PM.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by neilcase
I just bought a 1991 Z28 1LE that I would say is at least 90% original. BUT... here's where it is not and I need some help. The guy said it was running goofy so he swapped out the ECM!!! Oh my God the 1LE had a specially tuned chip. I know zip about chips. Does anybody know if that chip can be replicated? I assume it can but does anybody know just how it was programmed?
When ordered, the ECM does not come with the tune chip in it. You are supposed to pull the PROM out of the "bad" ECM and place it in the "new" one, then re-install it in the car. You likely have your original PROM in a new or remaned ECM.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by Wirewrestler
Don't think you'll get many of these...... 86 Sport Coupe 2.8L 35k miles and I would say 95+% original. Changed factory stereo and speakers but all original and unmolested.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
I just saw this thread. I have a 1991 Formula 1-LE that I ordered new in May 1990. It has been kept close as possible to the way I received it. Normal maintenance items changed. It has 21,800 miles on the LB9 305 engine.
Last edited by formula1lle; May 19, 2016 at 05:29 PM.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Thanks PurelyPMD. Basically the Formula 1-LE is the LB9 305 with 5 speed, no power options (except brakes), A/C delete, and the one thing I did add was a cargo cover. The dealership that I ordered the car thru added a radio with cassette player and graphic equalizer. I wanted the Formula 1-LE to be as bare bones as possible. I wanted the racing edge. As I stated, I ordered the car in May '90 & received it in August '90. It is Bright Blue (98), & Med. gray interior. It is a fun car to drive even though I don't drive it that much. Mainly to local car shows & cruise ins.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
This is a great thread, don't know how I missed it.
Picked this us past April. 1987 Formula base, LG4 engine with 700R4 trans. Car has only 13200 miles on it. It is stock except for the removal of the emissions and replacement of defective equipment caused by lengthy storage. Had to replace alternator, water pump, power steering pump and all hoses and belts.
Engine is detailed, not to factory but to the way I wanted it to look. From factory the engine bay was a flat red, with no clear coat.
I am the second owner. For a 30 year old car, the paint is flawless, not a mark or scratch.
Obviously it was stored in a controlled environment.
Louis
Made this dual snorkel, bellows and scoops were not installed yet in this photo.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by siuol
This is a great thread, don't know how I missed it.
Picked this us past April. 1987 Formula base, LG4 engine with 700R4 trans. Car has only 13200 miles on it. It is stock except for the removal of the emissions and replacement of defective equipment caused by lengthy storage. Had to replace alternator, water pump, power steering pump and all hoses and belts.
Engine is detailed, not to factory but to the way I wanted it to look. From factory the engine bay was a flat red, with no clear coat.
I am the second owner. For a 30 year old car, the paint is flawless, not a mark or scratch.
Obviously it was stored in a controlled environment.
Louis
Made this dual snorkel, bellows and scoops were not installed yet in this photo.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
I know Scottmoyer's '87 IROC-Z is on the list but here is another (and yes I know I am late to the party). Just purchased a '87 IROC-Z, 350TPI, T-TOPS, 21,000km. Battery has been changed but still has original spark plugs. I will post some better pics after it is cleaned up in the spring.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Wow! what a find. I have an 87 IROC conv that needed full restoration when I got it. It has good metal and good bones and was 95% complete but some things I just cant find in the service manual. The one that is driving me nuts right now is the spark plug wire looms/retainers. Where do they belong and what to they look like so I can start to hunt some down. Any chance you could snap close up shots of the plug wire retainers? THx
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
BTW I also just bought that 87 Yellow IROC 350 from eastern PA and its getting shipped to CA soon. It is missing its SPID label and seems to be a pretty close match to your car. I might have be bugging you about helping me restore that car to original too. Thx
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by neilcase
The one that is driving me nuts right now is the spark plug wire looms/retainers. Where do they belong and what to they look like so I can start to hunt some down.
They'd be of the black plastic variety, most have four spots for the wires and a snap in clip that locks the wires into the loom. The looms are anchored to the stainless heatshields on the exhaust manifolds.
The trouble is that the lock tends to break during removal, and the 87-up looms are a tight fit on the OE 7mm wires, so they tend to be discarded when upgrading to aftermarket wires, or headers, etc. Last I looked up the part numbers, I couldn't find any place that still offers the original equipment pieces. FWIW
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
First 2 are driver's side, next 2 are passenger side. all locators are the black plastic type already mentioned. Passenger side front cylinders are routed low, then come up near the rear to meet the back 2 cylinders. After the last clip all of my wires have the black split loom on them.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Hey I have a 1987 Iroc-Z. I am going to be replacing the cat back exhaust soon and was hoping I could get a picture of someones original muffler and outlets from the axle back? That would be awesome, thank you guys!!
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by 87'IROC-Z
Hey I have a 1987 Iroc-Z. I am going to be replacing the cat back exhaust soon and was hoping I could get a picture of someones original muffler and outlets from the axle back? That would be awesome, thank you guys!!
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by KMK454
Croz, what springs are you running?
They are iX Intrax springs. The lowering kit was already in the car when I bought it. Not sure if they are a 1" or a 2" lowering spring. I have all the originals with the stickers still on them.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
[QUOTE=Croz;6122772]
Originally Posted by 87'IROC-Z
These are all from an "87 Iroc-Z with the 350.
Just an FYI for all those who've asked on other threads. There's a great pic here of the G92 Australian built rear end. Notice that its actually painted where as the standard were not painted and there is a plastic filler hole plug just to the left of center. Standard rear ends didn't have that. All 5.7's in 1987 got the G92 but it didn't appear as G92 on the SPID as G92. It appeared as the G80 with J65. But for some reason the 5.0 when equipped with this rear end showed G92 on the SPID. (I've got one of each cars) Anybody with more or more accurate info could add to this.
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
[QUOTE=neilcase;6123053]
Originally Posted by Croz
Just an FYI for all those who've asked on other threads. There's a great pic here of the G92 Australian built rear end. Notice that its actually painted where as the standard were not painted and there is a plastic filler hole plug just to the left of center. Standard rear ends didn't have that. All 5.7's in 1987 got the G92 but it didn't appear as G92 on the SPID as G92. It appeared as the G80 with J65. But for some reason the 5.0 when equipped with this rear end showed G92 on the SPID. (I've got one of each cars) Anybody with more or more accurate info could add to this.
I have heard it the same way and my SPID confirms exactly what you said. I just want to confirm that when people talk about the "G92 performance gear ratio", when you ordered the G92 it always came with the Australian housing correct? Or could you get different ratios in the 5.0 cars and still get the standard axle housing?
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
This thread is awesome! Great idea!
I may have repainted my Vert, but it’s the exact factory color and everything was meticulously made to look stock showroom. We used pictures and measurements to make sure everything was precise. The painter restores high end, rare collector classic cars from around the county so I was confident restoring the original paint from good to perfect. You don’t need mine for reference with Chazman’s super factory original example. Mine had 31k miles when I got it and was never modified except for the exhaust, battery, tires, and radio.. my goal was to make this a showroom original car so this is a great reference thread! I will replace original parts if I find NOS or if the replica is all there is available and I can’t live with it the way it is..
I’m learning from this thread! Thanks to ev305tpi I know what the missing sticker from my door jam probably was.. I was trying to figure out what would have went there..
I wish I had my window sticker but you can’t have it all sometimes..
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by Croz
Excuse me sir, I'm the tread pattern police and I'm here to let you know the rear wheels and tires are mounted on the incorrect side. Since it is the holiday season, I'll let you off with a warning but please fix this issue b4 posting anymore pictures of your beautiful machine.
Thank you and have a good day
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by TTOP350
Excuse me sir, I'm the tread pattern police and I'm here to let you know the rear wheels and tires are mounted on the incorrect side. Since it is the holiday season, I'll let you off with a warning but please fix this issue b4 posting anymore pictures of your beautiful machine.
Thank you and have a good day
10-4. In my defense I only put those wheels back on to store it for the winter. Once I realized I was an idiot and didnt pay attention to the directional tread it wanst worth the effort to move it around and put it back on the hoist, but it did bug me. It will not happen again... we will use those pictures as a reference of what not to do.....
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Great find!!
Interesting frame stiffeners, or were they skid guards?
Did the original exhaust have two catalytic convertors, looks like only one in the pic?
Re: Seeking some low miles, all original, "Reference Cars".
Originally Posted by 881SA
Great find!!
Interesting frame stiffeners, or were they skid guards?
Did the original exhaust have two catalytic convertors, looks like only one in the pic?
Aftermarket frame connectors. Only has one catalytic converter. Build sheet doesn’t have dual N10 option code.
