I was told today that in 1986 only 2000 5.0 TPI IROCZ's were made. Can this be right?

 

When anyone talks about production numbers, you should ALWAYS ask where the information comes from -- cite the reference.

In 1986, 88132 Z28's were built. Of these, 49585 came equipped with the IROC-Z option. There were also 46374 305 TPI units installed in all Z28's (including ones with the IROC-Z option). There is no further breakdown. So based on percentages, 56 percent of all Z28's had the IROC-Z option. Therefore, we can safely conclude that ~25969 TPI's were installed in Z28/IROC-Z's in 1986. These production numbers are from the "Camaro White Book".

 

Thanx, Willie. I didn't think that sounded right.

 

Willie's numbers are as close as we'll ever get to knowing for sure, but I'd bet that IROCs got more than their fair share of the TPI motors. I've only seen 1 non-tpi 86 IROC. I know that they're out there, but they're relatively hard to find. I've only seen a few TPI 86 Z28s. It makes sense, because in general, the IROCs tended to be heavily optioned cars, so it's logical that it would get the TPI in most cases.

 

I tend to agree with Jim. The 305 TPI was a $695 option (rather expensive) on the Z28 and I would assume that more than the 56 percent I quoted above were installed in "top of the line" IROC-Z's.

I suppose then that the 1986 Z28 (non-IROC-Z) I bought new was relatively "rare" (I use the term loosely as 1986 production figures are very high). It was a Z28 with a 305 TPI. To add to that, it was white with CHARCOAL ground effects and charcoal wheels. It also had t-top shades (very limited availability in 1986).

I also owned a 1987 IROC-Z convertible with a 305 LG4 (carb).

Willie

 

Willie,

What years exactly were these sunshades available? I did not even know they were even available in third gens until I took a '91 Firebird in on trade a few months back. I opened the trunk, and there they were in the factory packaging, unopened!

I had checked back about 2 years ago through my parts department, and they showed no sign of ever even being available. I wish my '89 had had them...it probably would've helped significantly against the slight fading the interior developed through the years...

 

Jason,

The sunshades were available for a very limited time in 1986 Camaros. I made an assumption a while back that since they were discontinued after only a couple of months, that they were never used again. But my assumption was wrong. I have learned through this board that they were available in 1989 Camaros -- several owners of '89 Camaros have said this. I do not know of any other years and I also do not know about availability in Firebirds.

What I find odd is that this option (RPO DE4) is not listed in the White Book. The only reference that cites this option is "Camaro, The Third Generation" by Michael Lamm (which you have a photocopy of). Look on page 112 of the third printing under "RPO Equipment Added for 1986" and "RPO Equipment Discontinued for 1987".

Willie

 

FWIW I have a set of the sunshades in my 91 V6, and have seen them in several other 91's and some 92's.

 

Sun shades are news to me! How about a photo?

 

LOL pictures of ttop shades are pretty bland... imagine a square the size of the ttop glass, one side is padded and covered with the same material as the headliner, the other side is black cardboard with "driver" or "passenger" stamped in black ink.
One edge tucks under the plastic molding on the ttop, the inside two corners are held by 1" round patches of Velcro.

My set is virtually mint, the paper backing from the velcro has never been peeled off, but when you put em in the car the fabric sags just like headliners.

 

fabric sags just like headliners.

It doesn't seem like I am missing anything.

Thanx,ANDYZ28

 

I drove a brand new TA in 87 that had sunshades in it. I didnt look at the window sticker to see if they were listed on there somewhere though.

 

Talking about tpi vs carb in '86 IROCs, remember, all manual transmission IROCS were carbed. TPI wasn't available on the IROC (or Z/28) with 5 speed until '87.