History / Originality Got 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!

Is my Car an IROC?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 28, 2011 | 09:56 PM
  #1  
puma1552's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 27
From: Minneapolis
Is my Car an IROC?

If you just bought a new 1985-1990 Camaro, and you aren't sure if it's an IROC or not, here's how you can tell. This document will only focus on determining if your car is an IROC, or not. It will not go into greater detail to determine exactly which model you have (Berlinetta, Sport Coupe, RS, Z28, etc.) beyond that. This post is mainly just to determine if you have the king of the hill IROC-Z or not. If not, you will need to use the site's extensive tech data to determine exactly which model you have, plain Z28 or otherwise. The tech data is available on the homepage here, in the left sidebar. Now, on to determining if you have an IROC or something else.

The best way to tell what your car is is by looking at the RPO codes, listed in the center console. These are de facto truths, as long as the VIN on the SPID (Service Parts Identification) matches the VIN on your cowl. However, in the event your car's console has been replaced and your SPID is long gone, it is possible in some cases to determine if your car is an IROC or not by the VIN; the VIN tells you what engine the car came with originally, not what trim model the car came with. However, as certain engines were only offered on IROCs in certain years, you can deduce that you have an IROC based on the VIN in some instances. Data is broken down by year below. In each year, the letters for each engine option refer to the eight digit of your VIN--that is the engine code. If at all possible, use the RPO codes to determine if your car is an IROC, rather than the VIN. Only look to the VIN for guidance if your SPID is missing.

If your car's model year is:

1985:

1985 IROCs used two different RPO codes--"Z28", and "B4Z". Plain Z28s will have just "Z28" in the RPO codes. IROCs will have both "Z28" and "B4Z", because "B4Z" is the RPO code for the IROC package, which was added on to the "Z28" package. For 1985, No "B4Z"=no IROC.

However, if your SPID is missing, the eighth digit of the VIN may be able to tell you what you have:

IROC Engines:

F (LB9)
G (L69)
H (LG4)

--In 1985, if your VIN shows a "G" in the 8th position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model this engine was available in.

--In 1985, if your VIN shows either "F" or "H", the VIN tells you nothing about the car's status as an IROC, because these engines were also used in other models. You will need the RPO codes from the SPID.

--The RPO code to look for in 1985 is "B4Z". For this year, No "B4Z"=No IROC.

1986:

1986 IROCs used two different RPO codes--"Z28", and "B4Z". Plain Z28s will have just "Z28" in the RPO codes. IROCs will have both "Z28" and "B4Z", because "B4Z" is the RPO code for the IROC package, which was added on to the "Z28" package. For 1986, No "B4Z"=no IROC.

Engine options for 1986 were as follows:

IROC Engines:

F (LB9)
G (L69)
H (LG4)

--In 1986, the VIN tells you nothing about the car's status as an IROC, because all of the engine options were available on models other than just the IROC. You will need the RPO codes from the SPID.

--The RPO code to look for in 1986 is "B4Z". For this year, No "B4Z"=No IROC.

1987:

1987 IROCs used two different RPO codes--"Z28", and "B4Z". Plain Z28s will have just "Z28" in the RPO codes. IROCs will have both "Z28" and "B4Z", because "B4Z" is the RPO code for the IROC package, which was added on to the "Z28" package. For 1987, No "B4Z"=no IROC.

However, if your SPID is missing, the eighth digit of the VIN may be able to tell you what you have:

IROC Engines:

F (LB9)
H (LG4)
8 (L98)

--In 1987, if your VIN shows an "8" in the 8th position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model this engine was available in.

--In 1987, if your VIN shows either "F" or "H", the VIN tells you nothing about the car's status as an IROC, because these engines were also used in other models. You will need the RPO codes from the SPID.

--The RPO code to look for in 1987 is "B4Z". For this year, No "B4Z"=No IROC.

1988:

In 1988, you could not purchase a Z28 that was not also an IROC. All Z28s were IROCs by default in 1988, so GM no longer used both "Z28" and "B4Z" RPO codes. Instead, they dropped "B4Z" and just used "Z28" on the SPID. In other words, for 1988, No "Z28" (RPO on the SPID)=No IROC.

However, if your SPID is missing, the eighth digit of the VIN may be able to tell you what you have:

IROC Engines:

E (LO3)
F (LB9)
8 (L98)

--In 1988, if your VIN shows an "E" in the eighth position, the VIN tells you nothing about the car's status as an IROC, because this engine was available in both the IROC and the Sport Coupe. You will need the RPO codes from the SPID.

--In 1988, if your VIN shows either an "F" or an "8" in the eighth position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model these engines were available in.

--The RPO code to look for in 1988 is "Z28". For this year, No "Z28"=No IROC.

1989:

In 1989, you could not purchase a Z28 that was not also an IROC. All Z28s were IROCs by default in 1989, so GM no longer used both "Z28" and "B4Z" RPO codes. Instead, they dropped "B4Z" and just used "Z28" on the SPID. In other words, for 1989, No "Z28" (RPO on the SPID)=No IROC.

However, if your SPID is missing, the eighth digit of the VIN may be able to tell you what you have:

IROC Engines:

E (LO3)
F (LB9)
8 (L98)

--In 1989, if your VIN shows an "E" in the eighth position, the VIN tells you nothing about the car's status as an IROC, because this engine was available in both the IROC and the RS. You will need the RPO codes from the SPID.

--In 1989, if your VIN shows either an "F" or an "8" in the eighth position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model these engines were available in.

--The RPO code to look for in 1989 is "Z28". For this year, No "Z28"=No IROC.

1990:

In 1990, you could not purchase a Z28 that was not also an IROC. All Z28s were IROCs by default in 1990, so GM no longer used both "Z28" and "B4Z" RPO codes. Instead, they dropped "B4Z" and just used "Z28" on the SPID. In other words, for 1990, No "Z28" (RPO on the SPID)=No IROC.

However, if your SPID is missing, the eighth digit of the VIN may be able to tell you what you have:

IROC Engines:

F (LB9)
8 (L98)

--In 1990, if your VIN shows either an "F" or an "8" in the eighth position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model these engines were available in.

--The RPO code to look for in 1990 is "Z28". For this year, No "Z28"=No IROC.

Quick Summary:

1) 1985-1987 IROCs will have "B4Z" on the SPID. For these years, no "B4Z"=no IROC. If you just have "Z28" on the SPID, it's a plain Z28, and not an IROC.

2) 1988-1990 IROCs will have only "Z28" on the SPID. For these years, no "Z28" (RPO on the SPID)=no IROC. "B4Z" was not an RPO code used in these years.


3) An engine code of "8" for any car, 1987-1990, means the car is an IROC.

3) An engine code of "G" in 1985 means the car is an IROC.

4) For 1986, you must use the SPID to determine if you have an IROC. The VIN can't help you at all.

5) For 1987, an engine code of "F" or "H" tells you nothing. You need the SPID to determine if you have an IROC.

6) For 1988-1990, an engine code of "F" or "8" means you have an IROC. If you have an engine code of "E" (1988-1989 only), you need the SPID to determine if it's an IROC.

Last edited by puma1552; Jan 28, 2011 at 11:56 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2011 | 03:07 PM
  #2  
'87IROCZOWNER69's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
From: Goose Creek, SC
Car: 1987 IROC-Z and 1988 Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7 350 V8 and 5.0 305 V8
Transmission: 700R4 Automatic Transmission
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

This should be a sticky. Too many people keep asking these same questions over and over again.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2011 | 07:14 AM
  #3  
JamesC's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

Thanks for taking action, Puma.

JamesC
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2011 | 08:13 AM
  #4  
sloick's Avatar
Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Dayton OH
Car: Many
Engine: Several
Transmission: Automatics
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

Originally Posted by '87IROCZOWNER69
This should be a sticky. Too many people keep asking these same questions over and over again.
all information is readily available with a simple search. there is no way to make it any easier and guys will still think they have a factory 84 350tpi 5 speed Iroc.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2011 | 11:49 AM
  #5  
hardon85's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

Originally Posted by sloick
all information is readily available with a simple search. there is no way to make it any easier and guys will still think they have a factory 84 350tpi 5 speed Iroc.
I have that exact car only mine is a factory convertible all stock too
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2011 | 08:28 AM
  #6  
puma1552's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 27
From: Minneapolis
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

Originally Posted by JamesC
Thanks for taking action, Puma.

JamesC
No problem, it needed to be done--whether or not it becomes a sticky.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2011 | 10:52 PM
  #7  
BLKIROCZ87's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: LongIsland - NY
Car: 87 Black Iroc-Z
Engine: 305-LG4/ Soon to be ?
Transmission: TH-350/ soon to be ?
Axle/Gears: 3.73 POSI - Auburn -
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

Very well put together and should be Sticky...
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2012 | 09:02 PM
  #8  
rusty vango's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 5
From: knoxville tn
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 700-R-4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 open
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

thats great!!!! now for those of us whose SPID sticker is now missing or not legible,how about any other evedence we can use to narrow the gap??
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2012 | 09:41 PM
  #9  
Motown's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 613
Likes: 5
From: Michigan
Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: MD8
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

Try this...

http://www.iroczone.com/2009/10/iroc-z-spotters-guide/
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2012 | 07:12 AM
  #10  
JamesC's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

Originally Posted by rusty vango
thats great!!!! now for those of us whose SPID sticker is now missing or not legible,how about any other evedence we can use to narrow the gap??
Your 86 should have a door placard showing that the car was equipped with 16" wheels.

JamesC
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2012 | 11:16 PM
  #11  
rusty vango's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 5
From: knoxville tn
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 700-R-4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 open
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

thats all well and good but if your spid is illegible i guess your just pissin in the wind,huh
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 08:47 AM
  #12  
rusty vango's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 5
From: knoxville tn
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 700-R-4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 open
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

Originally Posted by puma1552
If you just bought a new 1985-1990 Camaro, and you aren't sure if it's an IROC or not, here's how you can tell. This document will only focus on determining if your car is an IROC, or not. It will not go into greater detail to determine exactly which model you have (Berlinetta, Sport Coupe, RS, Z28, etc.) beyond that. This post is mainly just to determine if you have the king of the hill IROC-Z or not. If not, you will need to use the site's extensive tech data to determine exactly which model you have, plain Z28 or otherwise. The tech data is available on the homepage here, in the left sidebar. Now, on to determining if you have an IROC or something else.

The best way to tell what your car is is by looking at the RPO codes, listed in the center console. These are de facto truths, as long as the VIN on the SPID (Service Parts Identification) matches the VIN on your cowl. However, in the event your car's console has been replaced and your SPID is long gone, it is possible in some cases to determine if your car is an IROC or not by the VIN; the VIN tells you what engine the car came with originally, not what trim model the car came with. However, as certain engines were only offered on IROCs in certain years, you can deduce that you have an IROC based on the VIN in some instances. Data is broken down by year below. In each year, the letters for each engine option refer to the eight digit of your VIN--that is the engine code. If at all possible, use the RPO codes to determine if your car is an IROC, rather than the VIN. Only look to the VIN for guidance if your SPID is missing.

If your car's model year is:

1985:

1985 IROCs used two different RPO codes--"Z28", and "B4Z". Plain Z28s will have just "Z28" in the RPO codes. IROCs will have both "Z28" and "B4Z", because "B4Z" is the RPO code for the IROC package, which was added on to the "Z28" package. For 1985, No "B4Z"=no IROC.

However, if your SPID is missing, the eighth digit of the VIN may be able to tell you what you have:

IROC Engines:

F (LB9)
G (L69)
H (LG4)

--In 1985, if your VIN shows a "G" in the 8th position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model this engine was available in.

--In 1985, if your VIN shows either "F" or "H", the VIN tells you nothing about the car's status as an IROC, because these engines were also used in other models. You will need the RPO codes from the SPID.

--The RPO code to look for in 1985 is "B4Z". For this year, No "B4Z"=No IROC.

1986:

1986 IROCs used two different RPO codes--"Z28", and "B4Z". Plain Z28s will have just "Z28" in the RPO codes. IROCs will have both "Z28" and "B4Z", because "B4Z" is the RPO code for the IROC package, which was added on to the "Z28" package. For 1986, No "B4Z"=no IROC.

Engine options for 1986 were as follows:

IROC Engines:

F (LB9)
G (L69)
H (LG4)

--In 1986, the VIN tells you nothing about the car's status as an IROC, because all of the engine options were available on models other than just the IROC. You will need the RPO codes from the SPID.

--The RPO code to look for in 1986 is "B4Z". For this year, No "B4Z"=No IROC.

1987:

1987 IROCs used two different RPO codes--"Z28", and "B4Z". Plain Z28s will have just "Z28" in the RPO codes. IROCs will have both "Z28" and "B4Z", because "B4Z" is the RPO code for the IROC package, which was added on to the "Z28" package. For 1987, No "B4Z"=no IROC.

However, if your SPID is missing, the eighth digit of the VIN may be able to tell you what you have:

IROC Engines:

F (LB9)
H (LG4)
8 (L98)

--In 1987, if your VIN shows an "8" in the 8th position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model this engine was available in.

--In 1987, if your VIN shows either "F" or "H", the VIN tells you nothing about the car's status as an IROC, because these engines were also used in other models. You will need the RPO codes from the SPID.

--The RPO code to look for in 1987 is "B4Z". For this year, No "B4Z"=No IROC.

1988:

In 1988, you could not purchase a Z28 that was not also an IROC. All Z28s were IROCs by default in 1988, so GM no longer used both "Z28" and "B4Z" RPO codes. Instead, they dropped "B4Z" and just used "Z28" on the SPID. In other words, for 1988, No "Z28" (RPO on the SPID)=No IROC.

However, if your SPID is missing, the eighth digit of the VIN may be able to tell you what you have:

IROC Engines:

E (LO3)
F (LB9)
8 (L98)

--In 1988, if your VIN shows an "E" in the eighth position, the VIN tells you nothing about the car's status as an IROC, because this engine was available in both the IROC and the Sport Coupe. You will need the RPO codes from the SPID.

--In 1988, if your VIN shows either an "F" or an "8" in the eighth position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model these engines were available in.

--The RPO code to look for in 1988 is "Z28". For this year, No "Z28"=No IROC.

1989:

In 1989, you could not purchase a Z28 that was not also an IROC. All Z28s were IROCs by default in 1989, so GM no longer used both "Z28" and "B4Z" RPO codes. Instead, they dropped "B4Z" and just used "Z28" on the SPID. In other words, for 1989, No "Z28" (RPO on the SPID)=No IROC.

However, if your SPID is missing, the eighth digit of the VIN may be able to tell you what you have:

IROC Engines:

E (LO3)
F (LB9)
8 (L98)

--In 1989, if your VIN shows an "E" in the eighth position, the VIN tells you nothing about the car's status as an IROC, because this engine was available in both the IROC and the RS. You will need the RPO codes from the SPID.

--In 1989, if your VIN shows either an "F" or an "8" in the eighth position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model these engines were available in.

--The RPO code to look for in 1989 is "Z28". For this year, No "Z28"=No IROC.

1990:

In 1990, you could not purchase a Z28 that was not also an IROC. All Z28s were IROCs by default in 1990, so GM no longer used both "Z28" and "B4Z" RPO codes. Instead, they dropped "B4Z" and just used "Z28" on the SPID. In other words, for 1990, No "Z28" (RPO on the SPID)=No IROC.

However, if your SPID is missing, the eighth digit of the VIN may be able to tell you what you have:

IROC Engines:

F (LB9)
8 (L98)

--In 1990, if your VIN shows either an "F" or an "8" in the eighth position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model these engines were available in.

--The RPO code to look for in 1990 is "Z28". For this year, No "Z28"=No IROC.

Quick Summary:

1) 1985-1987 IROCs will have "B4Z" on the SPID. For these years, no "B4Z"=no IROC. If you just have "Z28" on the SPID, it's a plain Z28, and not an IROC.

2) 1988-1990 IROCs will have only "Z28" on the SPID. For these years, no "Z28" (RPO on the SPID)=no IROC. "B4Z" was not an RPO code used in these years.


3) An engine code of "8" for any car, 1987-1990, means the car is an IROC.

3) An engine code of "G" in 1985 means the car is an IROC.

4) For 1986, you must use the SPID to determine if you have an IROC. The VIN can't help you at all.

5) For 1987, an engine code of "F" or "H" tells you nothing. You need the SPID to determine if you have an IROC.

6) For 1988-1990, an engine code of "F" or "8" means you have an IROC. If you have an engine code of "E" (1988-1989 only), you need the SPID to determine if it's an IROC.
many of us have well used cars,also many of our SPID stickers in the console are, by now illegible. what to do?? is there no way to document what we have?? someone should come up with a useable alternative to the SPID. what about installed equipment? like the quick RTO steering gear? ect ect
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 10:13 AM
  #13  
JamesC's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

So your door placard is absent as well (located, of course, on the door)? Sorry, another of your posts indicates that you're aware.

JamesC

Last edited by JamesC; Feb 7, 2012 at 11:52 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 09:14 AM
  #14  
John in RI's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
Community Favorite
iTrader: (170)
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,260
Likes: 460
From: RI
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: LT1
Transmission: T56 6-speed
Axle/Gears: 4.11 LS1 Rear End
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

It's VERY EASY clone an IROC. Some parts are easier than others to swap and many times small things are overlooked by the person building their home-made IROC.

In my experience there is but one area to look to when the car in question is missing is RPO code sheet & that's the suspension. Other than limited drivetrain options, the IROC suspension is what set it apart from other Camaro body styles. As Jim pointed out,... if the door sticker shows the proper matching VIN number and 16" wheels; the car is an IROC. Here's a few other things that SHOULD be installed on all IROC cars.

"Quick Ratio" steering box
16" Wheel Front Control Arm 'Bump' Stops
An IROC Wonder Bar
Sway bars; 34mm MINIMUM for the front, 23mm MINIMUM for the rear
( Exception; Did 1985 IROC get a 32mm Solid front sway bar ? )
Springs; Fronts = 'BZW' and rear = "NNL"
(please do not open a spring debate here ! Yes - they were used on later
Z28's, when there was no IROC in the line-up.)

While NONE of these things are proof positive that a car is - or is not - an IROC,..... if 1 or more of these items is missing; I'd seriously questions it's authenticity.

Reply
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 10:23 AM
  #15  
JamesC's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Is my Car an IROC?

Originally Posted by John in RI
16" Wheel Front Control Arm 'Bump' Stops
Which measure 2 1/4" vs. 2" for 15" wheels.

JamesC
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BlueIroc-Z
Camaros for Sale
7
Jun 9, 2019 03:22 AM
87iroctheo
Wheels and Tires
5
Aug 29, 2015 09:44 PM
Linson
Auto Detailing and Appearance
40
Aug 21, 2015 02:12 PM
kyleb24
Camaros for Sale
2
Aug 15, 2015 08:24 AM
mustangman65_79
Body
3
Aug 11, 2015 03:17 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:10 AM.