Big Tav

Hi guys, I'm looking to buy an Iroc Z and have found 2 really good cars. One is a white 87 and the other is a red 89. Both 5.7TPI with T-Tops. The white one has 55,000 miles and the red one has 75,000. Both are in excellent condition and similar spec. The white one is $2,000 more because of the mileage.

Is there any reason I should go for the 89 over the 87? I think I read the 89 got better brakes and upgrades to the motor? I could be wrong though.

Should I go for the dealer lower mile car or is the 89 a better buy at $2,000 less?

Thanks.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

The 1989 will have a single serpentine belt instead of 4 from the 1987, depending on the time of the year the 89 was built, dual cats, which also counts for the rear brakes and return to the 10 bolt rear end. Oh and the 1989 had the Vehicle Anti Theft System.

dagwood

iTrader: (5)

Tough call......I'd maybe go with the lower mile car, but that's just me.

JohnFB

Since the 1989 has T-tops, I don't believe it is a G92 car (G92 not available with T-tops starting in 1989). Therefore, it would not have the dual cats or much extra hp. The 1987 would have the better performance gearing (standard on 5.7L that year). I think the 1989 probably has the better brakes, though. I would go for the 1987, but I'm biased :-)

chazman

iTrader: (4)

The '87 is automatically a G92 with a 3.27 rear. The '89 won't be a G92 because it has t-tops, but will have the better PBR rear brakes and a 2.77 rear gear.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

And, the 87' may have the interior roof console that we all love and cherish.

zya5point0

iTrader: (4)

I'm also biased towards the 87's But I also think it depends what your plans are for the car. If you want to drive it as much as possible I'd go with the lower mileage one. If you want something to do a little hotroding with then maybe the later car is a better choice. I wish I'd have bought a lower mileage car myself. Mines now got 91k on it and although I don't plan on ever selling it, I'm slightly afraid once it hits 100k the value will go down no matter how nice it is.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

I used to worry about the value when I hit 100k on the odometer. Now at 122k+, I'm just going to drive it until I get old and die, and get's passed on to a worthy relative.

SirReveller

iTrader: (4)

The ‘89 may have the N10 dual cats regardless of t-tops if it was a later year manufacture.

Read here
https://www.thirdgen.org/1987-chevy-camaro/

https://www.thirdgen.org/1989-chevy-camaro/

Overall, here’s an easy way to decide: red or white?

Drew

iTrader: (58)

The 89 over the 87 every time that both cars are in similar condition. GM improved a bunch of little things by 89. Just in general the 89 is a better car from the factory.

Or hold out for a better color, Gunmetal Gray, Flame Red Metallic, Black, or best of all, the King of Iroc colors - Blue!

sshoureas

iTrader: (1)

I didn't realize the BLUE was so sought after when I was looking for mne until after I bought it then found out how lucky I got to find an 87, g92, 5-speed, t-top, BLUE Iroc and with th 1SC option package so it means it has the overhead console!

JohnFB

The logic connecting T-tops and N10 dual cats is the following.
1989 order guide says "A new low back pressure exhaust system is optional (requires 3.27 rear axle option)" for the 5.7L engine. Since G92 (3.27 gears) was not available with T-tops, N10 wasn't either.

ray jr

iTrader: (2)

i would drive them both and see which one you like better .. almost every iroc ive driven and ive driven alot run and feel a little different than the next one .. some just feel tighter and more responsive than others .. i wouldnt worry about the price difference , buy the better car and you'll be much happier later ..

Bow_Tied

iTrader: (1)

Where I live '87 is the last year for emission testing exemption so that's a main reason for the '87 in my sig. I have heard the '89s are better built. For the differences, I say look at them both, drive them both, and ask yourself which one "makes me happy?" If still can't decide either you need to look for something better (another one always comes along) or you need to buy them both.

F-body-fan

I really like both years. With most cars in that 30 year age mark, I am surprised they are in the same condition. For me, I would go with the one that is the most original & best overall shape. But that is assuming they are priced accordingly? 2K apart on what asking price?

Nice clean ones are getting harder to find at a reasonable price.
I agree, if they are reasonable & nice, buy them both.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

For clarity here, this must have been a Camaro thing? My '89 GTA has T-tops and G92.

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

I agree. 89 did get the best cam though. A knock against it at the same time IMO is the VATS system.

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

87 has the better interior - JMHO.

SirReveller

iTrader: (4)

Correct me if I’m wrong but the N10 dual cats started showing up on its own independent of G92 or t-tops towards the back half of the ‘89 run, no?

Regardless, what a comparison Big Tav has kicked off. Hopefully he doesn’t go and buy a Mazda3 as we continue debating lol.

Im surprised no one mentioned the difference in the rims. I’m just a tad more partial to the 88-90 for a more metallic vibe and also prefer the IROC-Z graphics at the back of the doors- seems more windswept or something. That being said - and as guys have mentioned already - a cleaner ‘87 beats a rougher ‘89 every time.

Bow_Tied

iTrader: (1)

chazman

iTrader: (4)

True! A Camaro thing.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

No G92, no N10. And in 1989 on Camaros, G92 = hardtop only.

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

I agree with this ....everything else being equal

chazman

iTrader: (4)

BTW, I'm also partial to '89s. Lots of improvements, BW 9 bolt and PBR brakes, last year of the non-air bag steering wheel, and I also prefer the '88-'90 double line IROC wheels, although I like both.

Nicer, one year only interior on the '87, though.

JohnFB

chazman, doesn't the 87 also have the BW 9 bolt? I believe the 87 Camaros have the 9 bolt if they are either a 5.7L or an LB9 5-speed G92 (like mine).

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

They do but not with the Aluminum brake calipers although that's easy enough to change.

JohnFB

I knew about the brakes -- that's probably what chazman was referring to.

chazman

iTrader: (4)

The '87's have the BW rear, but with the Delco brakes. '89 was the first year for the PBR brakes and retain the BW 9 bolt.

SirReveller

iTrader: (4)

Ahhh I did not know that. Great lil debate.

F-body-fan

One other minor thing, my 89 starts easier than my 87 when they are both cold. I am guessing there might have been some sort of change in the ECU programming, or it has something to do with the dumping of the cold start injector setup my 87 has? Pretty sure thats gone in my 89. In any event, it seems to start & run a bit better when its cold.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

Don't ever let VATS be the reason you don't buy a car by the way. It's a super easy thing to eliminate with a custom computer chip. I've done more than I can count at this point.

SirReveller

iTrader: (4)

Early days but I haven’t had trouble with mine so yet to see the issue with it. Moreover a member just days ago posted how the VATS in his ‘89 prevented thieves from successfully hot wiring his ride...

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

The bulldog or the AK47 will thwart thieves long before Vats prevents them from getting mine. Lol.

MrPackstin

iTrader: (9)

I prefer '89 over '87 for the same reason Drew mentioned. '89 also has the serpentine belt setup-personal preference. Red and/or white are both good body colors-personal opinion. Part of my consideration would be the factory RPOs, like the N10 mentioned. BW is preferred to me...just count the bolts on the rear differential cover if this is something that you prefer. Tough choice for sure; both sound like nice cars.

zya5point0

iTrader: (4)

Interesting discussion for sure. I think he should put some pics of both so we can help him decide better, lol! But am I the only one still curious what he wants to do, if anything, with whatever he buys? Just my 2 cents, but I think that's the biggest question.

86L69

Doesn't the 89 have a roller cam vs 87 flat tappets ? Big difference if a cam swap is a possibility...

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

Roller started in 87 didn't it?

JohnFB

1987 is the first year for roller cams, so that won't be a difference.


In my response to the original poster, I was giving my opinion that the main technical advantage of the 1989 over the 1987 would be the better brakes. Probably the main advantage of the 1987 over the 1989 would be the better gearing. Others mentioned things like N10 (dual cats), but those don't apply to the T-top cars that the original poster mentioned. Of course, there are the cosmetic differences, but those are a matter of taste.


A couple of people recommended just buying the "nicer" car (whichever feels better or is in better shape). That makes a lot of sense to me, as the technical differences in the years are not huge IMHO.

SirReveller

iTrader: (4)

Agreed on all points. The better cam would be the other main non-cosmetic nod for the ‘89. Again though we don’t know what plans are in store so possibly moot..

Big&BadGTA

iTrader: (1)

89 = better brakes, better engine (camshaft), simpler front dress


I'd buy the 1989, or keep looking for another.

Big Tav

Hi Guys! I'm still here! Thanks for the great replies!
I haven't bought a Mazda 3 or anything don't worry!

I'm just asking as I have found 2 really nice ones. I had an 87 years ago and loved it. Regretted selling it ever since.

I have found an 87 white one with red interior and it does have the 3.27 gearing. 52,000 original miles. 2 owners.

The Red one has the 2.77 gears and has 77,000 miles. Got the grey interior.

Both are really nice cars but aren't anywhere close to me. I have to get them inspected and delivered to me.

Just wanted to know if you guys thought there as an obvious choice.

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

Like others I do agree on the preferred placement of the later door decals and the two stripe wheels - however, I ordered an 87 new so I'm biased.


White over red is stunning, red over grey is pedestrian.

F-body-fan

I truly can say I like them both equally from a looks perspective. No preference on either year. Just a good looking car throughout its run, But I loathe seeing the early style wheels on a later year, or vise-versa.

SirReveller

iTrader: (4)

Pardon me- “pedestrian”?





J/k- tav can’t go wrong.

F-body-fan

It's it funny how often a member will ask a fairly simple question & we will carry on & on.....

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

I guess that was a little harsh.

SirReveller

iTrader: (4)

Agreed- though this comparison is a particularly good one since it’s best against the best.

ray jr

iTrader: (2)

what kind of money are they asking for them ??

JohnFB

One other thought -- do you know the paint condition of the cars? Perhaps the paint is not the original but if it is, the 1987 might have better paint if it is a Norword-built car. (1987 is the last year for the Norwood plant.) Of course, that's assuming similar maintenance for the two cars.

SirReveller

iTrader: (4)

Good point - I for one forgot about that paint difference between the two plants everyone refs.