I have a nice clean 87 Iroc-Z 20th anniversary convertible that is a fully optioned TPI/5 speed with all the good stuff plus some nice period correct upgrades. Not overly high mileage at 52,xxx miles and a clean carfax history accident wise.

I have had the car posted for sale on and off. Seems like every time I drive it I get reluctant to sell and take it off the local CL.... This may be a common issue

Anyway, the car has always felt more potent than other 5.0 TPI's I have driven. I chalked this up maybe to the motor mods I know this car has - MSD billet distributor, SLP intake, headers, 3" exhaust and some sort of a bigger cam and maybe a chip? What I just discovered however is that the rear of the block casting clearly shows 5.7l. As I do not know the full history of this car, other than it was a customer special order out of New Jersey, I would assume the original motor was swapped out at some point?

So... the car should have a 5.0 TPI but it now has a 5.7 TPI. Aside from the obvious changes to the intake runners/headers/distributor this car looks very clean and stock under the hood. While this would explain the great driving experience does this have a significant impact on the value of this car? I think if it was a very low mile example it might hurt the value but as this is a nice driver maybe it is not really an issue?

When I go to sell this car again in the future I would like to describe it as accurately as possible.

I am curious as to what other peoples opinions are on this?

Pierre

 

what you just said is how i would describe it in your for sale add .. good luck

 

Post some pics.

 

Here are a couple motor pics - the second is of some type of an adjustable fuel pressure reg I have not seen before with a coin edge adjuster dial.

 

This is the exterior currently

 

Pretty sure that's a Holley AFPR. SLP runners. Someone relocated the coil, which could be a sign the base isn't stock. Best way to ID the engine is to decode the casting numbers.

 

Pretty hard to get a clear pic of the casting numbers on the back of the block But I will see if I can at least write them down.

I looked up the Holley AFPR and you are right that is the one.

 

It's a pain getting down behind the wiring and whatnot, then to accurately make out the numbers... But it's possible. Also in front of the passenger's side head there will be stampings as long as the block has never been milled. One of the stampings will match the last six digits of the vin, if it's the original engine. Another worthwhile check is the head casting number, but a valve cover has to come off to read it usually.

 

The air injection system is also gone. Is the EGR valve still there?

 

I think so - is that the disc shaped item under the upper plenum? If so then yes.

 

The casting on the back left side of the block says "GM 5.7LG SGI".

I am pretty certain that this car came with a 305 TPI considering that it is a factory MM5 5speed car..... I am more interested in what people think the non-original 350 TPI does or does not do to the re-sale value.



Pierre

 

I remember speaking to you last year Pierre, and we knew your car wasn't totally stock. Given that, having a 5.7 is a bonus.

 

I'd have to agree... It's a wash. A little collector value gone, but the car is more fun to drive. It's not like the LB9 is anything special... Special for a 305 is still just a 305.

 

Non original motor is a minus, correct 5.7 is a plus - not sure they cancel each other out but I wouldn't be upset.

Now the decal location - that bothers me.

 

 

Yes Pierre, you must do something about the decal location...

 

Yes....yes....yes the decal location bothers me too. Definitely on the list of things to change if I keep the car much longer.

 

I think it hurts the value more than you think. I posted a similar well option car here a few weeks back that the asking price was 15k. we discussed it on this board and came to general consensus that it was a good asking price(the guy joined the board to chime in about his car) if not a selling price. Same year make model and mileage but ALL original. Now please don't take this the wrong way I am just giving my opinion that was asked for. I belive your car would be worth about 9K on the upper end. 5.7, performance goodies, I bet it is a blast to drive. That being said your market has narrowed down quite a bit on perspective buyers. I feel that only original examples will bring high money as it seems that is what the majority wants The market just is not there for cars like yours(and mine) yet. It may never be for you and me. So if you like the car and enjoy driving it than you should keep it looking as best as you can and drive the **** out of it. I wish I had a 5.7 in my vert!!

 

Thanks for your opinion Vinny - quite a bit of merit in what you are saying. The biggest thing for me is when I actually sell this car I do not want to misrepresent it to the next owner. Now that I know it is not an original 5.0 car I will need accurately describe it as it is.

To be honest part of me is glad because it reopens the door for me to improve certain things I held off on like sub frame connectors and lowering the car a bit.

I will continue to improve the car and enjoy it until it is sold one day. With only so many 87 convertibles out there... I suspect there will always be somewhat of a market for a nice driver with thoughtful upgrades.

 

I will continue to improve the car and enjoy it until it is sold one day. With only so many 87 convertibles out there... I suspect there will always be somewhat of a market for a nice driver with thoughtful upgrades.[/QUOTE]

My Sentiments excatly! Well except for the selling part. I will give mine to my son.

 

I have updated my ad in the classifieds section to more accurately describe this car.

Pierre

 

Let me know when your T-5 blows up. Sweet car though.

 

As these cars are all turning 30 they are changing in the eyes of many collectors. When they were 5-10 years old Upgrades were pretty cool, we all did them to separate our cars from the other dozen irocs just like it around the corner. In 93-ish, one of my 87's had a rod knock & I dropped in a 350 & it was a nice performance improvement. When I sold the car, they buyer was pretty happy about the 5.7 upgrade & nobody consider the cars collector cars at all. While there are still plenty of those buyers out there 20 years later, its mixed with guys that want to have the cars like they were when they came right off the sales floor & that type of buyer is growing. A modified iroc will no doubt sell when the right buyer comes around that can appreciate the changes that have been made. But unfortunately the money & effort spent does't increase the value of the car like it would have 20 years ago & it limits the number of buyers out there depending on the price point.

 

I have re-priced it at $11k USD - a reasonable price for a fairly low mile clean Iroc Vert 5 speed. I think for potential buyers that actually want a car to drive and enjoy, this combination is pretty difficult to find. I also think it is pretty neat that all of the mods are period correct-ish.

 

The goofy decal location needs to be fixed if you actually want to sell it. A lot of buyers will not even read your add once they see that pic.

 

I'm with Brian, Pierre. Whether you keep or sell, those decals need to be fixed. Maybe even especially if you want to sell.

 

Agreed, purchase and move the sticker, it looks goofy there.

 

Alright.....seems im getting some "Peer/Pierre pressure"....