musclecar70sfan

iTrader: (1)

What is it? I know that they're pretty rare and desirable but what makes a 1LE camaro any better than a regular z28 or something?

flippermtc

iTrader: (1)

Not that rare...And even though they had some up graded hardware over the std IROC/Z28's i have found them at least with the 350/auto combo not to have any more performance over my "regular" IROC..

okfoz

The thing that makes them "Special" is a liturgy of special parts. IE larger brakes... for better stopping, They handle different, I know I know, they have mostly the same suspension, but I take it from people that have owned both regular Camaros and 1LE's They swear that you can tell the difference, they just drive different. also a special Gas Tank, and all of the other performance goodies... It can't be all that special? Can it?... {insert sarcasm here}

John

Jason444

iTrader: (6)

Not that rare? According to Camarosource.ca, there were 412,845 Camaros built in the 1988-92 model years. Of those only 1332 were 1LE's - 4 in '88, 111 in '89, 34 in '90, 478 in '91 and 705 in '92. If my math is correct, that comes up to a little over 3/10th's of ONE percent of Camaro production in third gens. If any of these numbers are wrong, someone please correct me.

flippermtc

iTrader: (1)

IMHO i just have not seen a significant difference btw a 1LE & my regular old IROC....

Scorpner

iTrader: (4)

http://ve3eie.ncf.ca/1le_history.html

http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/1leown...tion/1les.html

From this website:
https://www.thirdgen.org/IROC-Z-1LE-performance-package

Iroctopless

Canadian Players Challenge Series

Also more stuff here . . . https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...e-players.html

Also using a "search" will find lots more info.

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

had a few hrs of work to get 15" wheels on my 1LE Z28.. Lol

musclecar70sfan

iTrader: (1)

Oh wow that's pretty neat! Kinda makes me consider upgrading my 91 Trans Am 'vert WS6 to the 1LE level.

TOM-1LE

It all depends on how you define performance, and what kind of racing you do. The engines are the same, so if you're looking at 1/4 mile times, there is a negligible difference...just what might be gained from slightly lighter weight. A good driver in the IROC (or a fatso in the 1LE) can offset this. But drag racing is not what the 1LE was built for.

To some enthusiasts, handling, braking, and transient response are more important than 1/4-mile times. The third-gen 1LE is one of those rare automotive packages that somehow ended up being more than the sum of its parts.

To the "magazine racer," the 1LE's test-track numbers -- even skidpad G's -- are not really any different from a regular, performance-optioned Camaro or Firebird. The beauty of the package is not what kind of magazine-test numbers it produces, but how well-sorted the components are for road racing, how consistently usable that performance is, and how well the 1LE-specific suspension and brake bits hold up to the abuse.

Try hot-lapping Nelson Ledges repeatedly with a stock "regular old IROC" and see how well the brakes hold up to the heat. The stock brakes (even the regular J65 4-wheel discs) were notorious for poor heat dissipation and under-sized rotors, resulting in substantial brake fade and eventually a soft pedal. Unacceptable for road racing! In a 1LE, the hotter you get the brakes, the better they feel!

The better weight distribution of the "true" (A/C-delete) 1LEs also makes for better handling. Most people would not notice any difference in 7/10ths driving, which is really all you can do on public roads. On a track day you can feel the difference. There is less understeer, and the car feels lighter on its feet.