88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

Hello,
I'm on my third 3rd gen Camaro and have found a lot of helpful information on here so decided I should join up!

I started with an 85 Z28 305 TPI and moved on to a 1987 dark red IROC with a 5 speed, T-Tops and a 3:42 axle. A couple bolt ons, exhaust, chip, etc and it could beat most 5.0 mustangs and 5.7 liter IROCs that didn't have superchargers or nitrous.

Unfortunately my 1987 was totaled in 2002 when a guy rear ended me so hard my back seats were practically touching my fronts. That car had an insane paint job and looked brand new even though it had 110,000 miles. I mourned that car but since the car looked showroom inside and out the insurance company did right by me and I put a down payment on a Tahoe.

Well, I finally saved enough money to go out and get another one. I found a 31,000 original mile convertible in the almost the same color as my 1987, but this is an 88! They did slightly change the dark red and renamed it flame red for 88.

It's stuck in a garage for now, but I can't wait to bring it out and cruise. It is a well preserved car but needs some minor things to get to showroom condition.

My criteria for IROCs was always:
87-90
T-Top 5speed TPI
T-Top 5.7 TPI
Convertible TPI

I'd love a 5 speed convertible but never could find the right color for me. I like seeing IROCs in every color, but Dark Red and Black are my colors.

I'm always looking for little interior pieces (Gray if you got it).

Could use some of that plastic convertible trim too. Can't have any cracks to be showroom, right? Convertible trim is damn near impossible to find..

I'm also happy to chime in on any IROCs for sale out there. I did so much research I think I know every one that's for sale in the USA right now in decent shape.

Cheers,
JC

KITT1983

iTrader: (3)

welcome

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

Thanks KITT!

BOTTLEDZ28

iTrader: (9)

welcome aboard man. Sweet ride.

GASPEDDLER

iTrader: (2)

Nice Find!

chazman

iTrader: (4)

F-Bobby

that is a super clean vert. nice find!

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

You gota real gem there!

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

Thanks dmccain, F-Bobby, chazman, GASPEDDLER, and BOTTLEDZ28..

Looked for a vert for years.. Wanted a 5-speed.. But this color combo sold me on it..

When you put the top down you don't worry about the transmission..

It was also a great deal compared to the super low mile ones out there going for $20k-$30k

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

Love the car, where in MA are you?

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

I'll be in the Boston area this summer. Western Mass (Springfield area) in winter.

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

I grew up in Palmer and we are currently looking at getting a weekend home out in the Berkshires, nice quiet area out there.

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

I know Palmer well.. Back in the 90s when I had my 87 IROC I was always around Palmer, Monson, Ludlow and cruising Memorial Drive in Chicopee..

Used to try and avoid Wilbraham.. Those cops were ridiculous.. They'd pull you over for going 5 MPH over, 5 MPH under, check you tinted windows, search the car, etc..

Good times..

PurelyPMD

iTrader: (3)

LOL, well, here is my 87 IROC, picture was taken in Palmer at my parents house. Now that I have it back, I need to get it up there and take the picture again.

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

Nice black 87!

anesthes

iTrader: (12)

Good to see some nice cars.

I'm in Southern NH on the Methuen border, and the only thirdgen's I see driving around are rust buckets that should have been parted out.

-- Joe

twood

Welcome. That's a great car you have. I like the color.

KITT1983

iTrader: (3)

how far are you from Boston?

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

I'm about 45min from Boston..

mikeceli

iTrader: (2)

Very nice!

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

Thanks mikeceli!

Yeah, anesthes, that's why I wanted another IROC so bad.. I haven't seen one of these cars on the road at all in 10 years.. I wanted to find a well kept, low mileage one that I could easily get into showroom condition and maintain it for cruising on weekends..

It really turns heads like crazy because people don't even know what it is.. People have asked if its a corvette.. Ha ha

Thanks twood.. This is by far my favorite color on an IROC.. Shows off the shape really well and looks exotic and sporty. It looks different in different light.. It's hard to see the decals but looks awesome when the sun hits them.. Someday I do want a black 5.7 with T-Tops..

Was hard to get this car in the winter and have it sitting in a garage! Was very happy when it arrived.. Can't find any rust anywhere and the rims look brand new. It's in better shape than my 87 was that I bought in 1993 that had 35k miles.. Didn't expect the paint to be as nice either..

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

I was also shocked that there was not a drip of oil or anything else on the garage floor through the winter.. Another experience that is rare with third gens I've owned..

The interior was surprisingly close to mint.. None of the white lettering/icons on the buttons, turn signal were worn off.. The center console is like brand new.. Better than low mile third gens I've owned in the past.. Original GM floor mats are like new..

I do want to get the A/C working and fix a couple plastic trim pieces that have small cracks..

Other than that just keep it detailed and cruise..

This car is bone stock except for a magnaflow muffler but I still consider that bone stock compared to my old 5 speed that could do 12.9 quarter mile. The magnaflow sounds awesome too.

This car also felt quicker than I expected. It puts you in the seat and feels fast but I'm sure the quarter mile time is close to 15 sec. It shifts nice and hard.. Good thing I'm over racing people and just enjoying driving.. I had my 12 sec IROC when I was 18-25.. Ha ha. I just want to look and sound good these days

mikeceli

iTrader: (2)

Whatever you do, don't get sold a R134 AC conversion. Find a shop that will use the proper R12.


https://newlondon.craigslist.org/pts/5603955044.html

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

The compressor kicks on, but no cold air..

Thanks mikeceli, I had no idea you could still get R12.. I'll poke around.. I should have stocked up when I worked at Autozone in the 90s..

I'm hoping it just needs a recharge..

My 87 A/C stopped working in 1997 but I just got it recharged with R12 and it would get so cold in there you could see your breath even when it was 90 degrees outside.. They were telling me back then I'd have to switch to 134A if I needed another charge down the road..

I probably won't need A/C with a vert, but there are times where it's nice..

88IROCvertZ

iTrader: (1)

I AM impressed the cruise control still works..

Have to get a bra for the highway.. I may still have the embroidered IROC Z bra from my 87.. Glad I didn't sell it on EBay or anything.. Just have to find it..