what did you do to your thirdgen today?
#501
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
got my
got my wonderbar , springs, and founders caster plates. have almost all my parts now.
#502
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Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Installed some Koni yellows all the way around. So much better! Definitely firm, but in no way harsh IMO. Starting to feel like a more modern car finally. The KYB Excel-G's were fantastic for the price, but the rear end was just too boat-like.
Gotta decide on some solid strut mounts now. Hard to argue with the price of the Founders ones...
Gotta decide on some solid strut mounts now. Hard to argue with the price of the Founders ones...
#504
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Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
I'll let you know when I get some! Going to wait for a sale at Summit or Jegs or something and get some UMI ones I think. Founders are cheap but after tax and shipping, it's only $30-40 off from UMI at full price from Summit or Jegs with free shipping.
I've never done solid strut mounts on one of these cars so I'm not sure what to expect NVH-wise. Did it on the rear of a Miata and couldn't really tell any difference as far as NVH for what it's worth, but those had a rubber bushing at the bottom of the strut.
I've never done solid strut mounts on one of these cars so I'm not sure what to expect NVH-wise. Did it on the rear of a Miata and couldn't really tell any difference as far as NVH for what it's worth, but those had a rubber bushing at the bottom of the strut.
#505
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
my suspension is so beat up. im really tempted to add one piece a week so I can tell what each part does on its own and then as a unit. I have a 3 point strut tower brace, founders strut mounts, wonderbar, voitland springs, kyb agx struts, swaybar bushings. im also doing balljoints and control arm bushings. im not sure I have the patience though
#506
Member
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Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
I'll let you know when I get some! Going to wait for a sale at Summit or Jegs or something and get some UMI ones I think. Founders are cheap but after tax and shipping, it's only $30-40 off from UMI at full price from Summit or Jegs with free shipping.
I've never done solid strut mounts on one of these cars so I'm not sure what to expect NVH-wise. Did it on the rear of a Miata and couldn't really tell any difference as far as NVH for what it's worth, but those had a rubber bushing at the bottom of the strut.
I've never done solid strut mounts on one of these cars so I'm not sure what to expect NVH-wise. Did it on the rear of a Miata and couldn't really tell any difference as far as NVH for what it's worth, but those had a rubber bushing at the bottom of the strut.
#507
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iTrader: (1)
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
I was pushing the front of the car down with the hood open and watching the strut mounts and they definitely move around some vertically. They are KYBs and a little over a year old. Under 10k miles for sure. Seems like solid mounts should make a noticeable difference. I also completely filled the fuel tank and it hardly makes a difference now. There used to be a huge difference in how much the rear floated around with the old shocks, especially over speed bumps. I think I might actually like it with the bit of extra weight in the back?
Today I finally hooked the wideband up to the ECM, but it's not pulling into ALDLDroid correctly yet (using APYPWB). Also rigged up the ALDL adapter to get switched power from the ALDL port and then added some Velcro so I can hook it up and stick it right next to the port. Finally no more rats nest of wires when datalogging/monitoring! I think I also finally fixed the tiny bit of knock retard/count at WOT over 3200 RPM, but I gotta drive it more before I get too excited...
Today I finally hooked the wideband up to the ECM, but it's not pulling into ALDLDroid correctly yet (using APYPWB). Also rigged up the ALDL adapter to get switched power from the ALDL port and then added some Velcro so I can hook it up and stick it right next to the port. Finally no more rats nest of wires when datalogging/monitoring! I think I also finally fixed the tiny bit of knock retard/count at WOT over 3200 RPM, but I gotta drive it more before I get too excited...
#508
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
was at the gym a few days ago and some jerk in a big truck hit my mirror so hard it bent up the mirror and dented the door where the mirror mounts.
#511
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Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
I swear that there is an underground organization that purposely does things like that to get these cars off the road.
#512
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Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
#515
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Location: New England
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Car: 1988 IROC Z Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI (LB9)
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: G80 GU2
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
I still say report it and get his insurance to pay to fix the car.. He’ll be paying $75/mo surcharge for 6 years (at least in MA)
#516
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
today my good running firebird started running badly. feels like a fuel issue. im going to check the filters. I haven't looked at them since ive owned the car. It made me sad.
#517
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Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Got the coolant flush done today on my new IROC. It's been a week long project but I'm pretty happy with how things turned out.
A lot of things were neglected on this car before I bought it, and I'm gradually rectifying past wrongs.
The coolant was disgusting. There was so much rust and filth in the system that it looked like coffee coming out of the radiator. After 5 drains and flushes with distilled water and two separate flushes with Blue Devil radiator flush, things were not improving. I gave in and spliced one of those Prestone backflush kits into the heater inlet hose and went at it with the garden hose.
I ended up filling 3 kids plastic pools with filthy water before it FINALLY ran clear. I then did three more drains and fills with distilled water to get the city water out, and topped it off with concentrated coolant to end up with a roughly 50:50 mix.
After all was said and done, I replaced the thermostat and gasket, water neck, both radiator hoses, all the heater hoses, heater control valve, and throttle body gasket.
Took it for a drive tonight and then rechecked everything - nice clean green coolant, plenty of heat and best of all, no leaks. Mission accomplished!
A lot of things were neglected on this car before I bought it, and I'm gradually rectifying past wrongs.
The coolant was disgusting. There was so much rust and filth in the system that it looked like coffee coming out of the radiator. After 5 drains and flushes with distilled water and two separate flushes with Blue Devil radiator flush, things were not improving. I gave in and spliced one of those Prestone backflush kits into the heater inlet hose and went at it with the garden hose.
I ended up filling 3 kids plastic pools with filthy water before it FINALLY ran clear. I then did three more drains and fills with distilled water to get the city water out, and topped it off with concentrated coolant to end up with a roughly 50:50 mix.
After all was said and done, I replaced the thermostat and gasket, water neck, both radiator hoses, all the heater hoses, heater control valve, and throttle body gasket.
Took it for a drive tonight and then rechecked everything - nice clean green coolant, plenty of heat and best of all, no leaks. Mission accomplished!
#518
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Car: 2002 Firehawk & ws6 1989 Iroc Z
Engine: All 3 have 350s
Transmission: Birds manual Iroc auto
Axle/Gears: TAs 342 & Iroc who knows?
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Congrats on sticking with it & getting it done to your satisfaction. Post up some pics of your ride.
#521
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
bought plugs, wires, and a fuel filter today hoping a good tune up would cure my fuel issue. I feel pretty confident that its a gross filter. looking at the filter I wouldn't be surprised if it were the factory piece. I got the fuel filter changed but didn't get to the plugs and wires. once those are on im going to do a cap, rotor, and air filter as well. im probably going to change the injectors but im going to have a look at them and see how they look. they are probably originals.
#522
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
well life got in my way and I didn't get the plugs and wires in. the fuel filter didn't correct the issue. im bummed about it but will keep after the fuel system until I cure it. luckily there aren't that many parts to a fuel system.
#523
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Man I had a rough day today, last night I finished up the 3” exhaust so today I went out there to fire the car over to hear it. The second I opened my door it wreaked of death and I saw a dead baby mouse on the back seat... I just completely re did the interior two years ago with brand new carpet and good conditioned seats so my heart sunk into my chest. I never even drove the car with the new carpet in it... I was working in the interior last week and it still smelled like a brand new car.
after I saw the first mouse I panicked and started looking around. I spotted another baby mouse under the driver seat. They had no fur and their eyes weren’t even open yet. I then excepted that my interior needed to come out so I pulled the two bottom seats in the back. Huge piles of foam and carpet backing... I lifted up the pile of foam and my brand new carpet was soaked and stained yellow with mouse fluid. There was another mouse in one of the piles which brings the mouse count to three.
I then faced my fears and took out the new headliner material I had folded up in the rear floor pan. sure enough, mama mouse was dead underneath it and she stunk so bad. The mouse count is now 4.
My next move was to take the back seat out but before I did that I noticed another baby mouse stuck to the carpet on the side of the drive shaft tunnel. Mouse count 5.
i removed the back seat and lifted up the carpet and didn’t see any signs of them getting underneath it but I’m still not taking my chances, tomorrow I’m pulling the entire interior out of the car. I don’t want to re use the brand new carpet since it’s been violated with mouse fluids. Blows my mind how in under a week they were able to destroy my interior and all die at the scene of the crime, I don’t use poison mouse traps.
this has me thinking though. I have plans on turning the car into a track car, I have my brand new 383 in it and running, built 700r4, adjustable suspension, and a bunch of other performance parts in it, subframes connectors were next on my list before I drive it so I’m thinking now is the time to put a cage in it. I know a cage isn’t necessary at the track for the speed it will run with the current engine but I’m thinking while the interior is already gonna be out of the car then I might as well get it done and crossed off the list for the future.
After all this heartache I’m not even sure if I wanna put carpet and back seats back in the car. Ever since I moved into this house I’ve been at war with the mice in the garage and they finally dropped the atomic bomb on me, I wanna surrender. I would leave it outside but the rain will leak in through the t tops and wreak havoc as well, I was planning on doing all the gaskets soon but I’ve seen many posts of people with new t top gaskets still getting rain water in. I think I’m just gonna leave the carpet and seats out until The cage is in, new gaskets installed, and the mice have been defeated.
after I saw the first mouse I panicked and started looking around. I spotted another baby mouse under the driver seat. They had no fur and their eyes weren’t even open yet. I then excepted that my interior needed to come out so I pulled the two bottom seats in the back. Huge piles of foam and carpet backing... I lifted up the pile of foam and my brand new carpet was soaked and stained yellow with mouse fluid. There was another mouse in one of the piles which brings the mouse count to three.
I then faced my fears and took out the new headliner material I had folded up in the rear floor pan. sure enough, mama mouse was dead underneath it and she stunk so bad. The mouse count is now 4.
My next move was to take the back seat out but before I did that I noticed another baby mouse stuck to the carpet on the side of the drive shaft tunnel. Mouse count 5.
i removed the back seat and lifted up the carpet and didn’t see any signs of them getting underneath it but I’m still not taking my chances, tomorrow I’m pulling the entire interior out of the car. I don’t want to re use the brand new carpet since it’s been violated with mouse fluids. Blows my mind how in under a week they were able to destroy my interior and all die at the scene of the crime, I don’t use poison mouse traps.
this has me thinking though. I have plans on turning the car into a track car, I have my brand new 383 in it and running, built 700r4, adjustable suspension, and a bunch of other performance parts in it, subframes connectors were next on my list before I drive it so I’m thinking now is the time to put a cage in it. I know a cage isn’t necessary at the track for the speed it will run with the current engine but I’m thinking while the interior is already gonna be out of the car then I might as well get it done and crossed off the list for the future.
After all this heartache I’m not even sure if I wanna put carpet and back seats back in the car. Ever since I moved into this house I’ve been at war with the mice in the garage and they finally dropped the atomic bomb on me, I wanna surrender. I would leave it outside but the rain will leak in through the t tops and wreak havoc as well, I was planning on doing all the gaskets soon but I’ve seen many posts of people with new t top gaskets still getting rain water in. I think I’m just gonna leave the carpet and seats out until The cage is in, new gaskets installed, and the mice have been defeated.
#524
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Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Car: 1987 Iroc-Z
Transmission: Auto
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Bought a 4th gen leather interior. The colour was 'off' for my tan/ beachwood interior. Fixed up the leather cracks and holes and painted the drivers side seat in Camel. Worked out great I think...
#526
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
started changing the plugs, did the passenger side front underneath. while I was under there I found a plug that's broken and hanging. it looks like it connects to a brass fitting screwed into the block but im not sure i
f that the case. im guessing its a knock sensor but im not sure. I will research it. this is near the starter
f that the case. im guessing its a knock sensor but im not sure. I will research it. this is near the starter
#527
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Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
I reattached my new air dam. I've had a hell of a time figuring out what the right size bolts are for this thing.
As it turns out, 4 of the six were 6.3mm bolts with a 10mm hex head. The previous owner appears to have somehow enlarged the other two holes in the core support, so I have to figure those ones out.
While I was under the car, I lubed the front end.
Took it for a nice long drive tonight. Not sure how many more nice days we'll have before it's time to put her away for the winter.
As it turns out, 4 of the six were 6.3mm bolts with a 10mm hex head. The previous owner appears to have somehow enlarged the other two holes in the core support, so I have to figure those ones out.
While I was under the car, I lubed the front end.
Took it for a nice long drive tonight. Not sure how many more nice days we'll have before it's time to put her away for the winter.
#528
Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
started changing the plugs, did the passenger side front underneath. while I was under there I found a plug that's broken and hanging. it looks like it connects to a brass fitting screwed into the block but im not sure i
f that the case. im guessing its a knock sensor but im not sure. I will research it. this is near the starter
f that the case. im guessing its a knock sensor but im not sure. I will research it. this is near the starter
The knock sensor and fan switch both use the same connector, just different colors. So note which one is which if you ever unplug both at the same time.
#530
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
not a great day in thirdgen world today. I noticed I had a plug hanging last night. i thought it might be a knock sensor but its in fact the fan sensor plug. the wife took the car out and it overheated. I hope there is no damage. I ordered a new sensor. fingers crossed.
#531
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
went to my orileys to get the fan switch and was told they forgot to order it. re-ordered it for tomorrow.
#532
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Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Meriden, CT 06450
Posts: 4,036
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Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Man I had a rough day today, last night I finished up the 3” exhaust so today I went out there to fire the car over to hear it. The second I opened my door it wreaked of death and I saw a dead baby mouse on the back seat... I just completely re did the interior two years ago with brand new carpet and good conditioned seats so my heart sunk into my chest. I never even drove the car with the new carpet in it... I was working in the interior last week and it still smelled like a brand new car.
after I saw the first mouse I panicked and started looking around. I spotted another baby mouse under the driver seat. They had no fur and their eyes weren’t even open yet. I then excepted that my interior needed to come out so I pulled the two bottom seats in the back. Huge piles of foam and carpet backing... I lifted up the pile of foam and my brand new carpet was soaked and stained yellow with mouse fluid. There was another mouse in one of the piles which brings the mouse count to three.
I then faced my fears and took out the new headliner material I had folded up in the rear floor pan. sure enough, mama mouse was dead underneath it and she stunk so bad. The mouse count is now 4.
My next move was to take the back seat out but before I did that I noticed another baby mouse stuck to the carpet on the side of the drive shaft tunnel. Mouse count 5.
i removed the back seat and lifted up the carpet and didn’t see any signs of them getting underneath it but I’m still not taking my chances, tomorrow I’m pulling the entire interior out of the car. I don’t want to re use the brand new carpet since it’s been violated with mouse fluids. Blows my mind how in under a week they were able to destroy my interior and all die at the scene of the crime, I don’t use poison mouse traps.
this has me thinking though. I have plans on turning the car into a track car, I have my brand new 383 in it and running, built 700r4, adjustable suspension, and a bunch of other performance parts in it, subframes connectors were next on my list before I drive it so I’m thinking now is the time to put a cage in it. I know a cage isn’t necessary at the track for the speed it will run with the current engine but I’m thinking while the interior is already gonna be out of the car then I might as well get it done and crossed off the list for the future.
After all this heartache I’m not even sure if I wanna put carpet and back seats back in the car. Ever since I moved into this house I’ve been at war with the mice in the garage and they finally dropped the atomic bomb on me, I wanna surrender. I would leave it outside but the rain will leak in through the t tops and wreak havoc as well, I was planning on doing all the gaskets soon but I’ve seen many posts of people with new t top gaskets still getting rain water in. I think I’m just gonna leave the carpet and seats out until The cage is in, new gaskets installed, and the mice have been defeated.
after I saw the first mouse I panicked and started looking around. I spotted another baby mouse under the driver seat. They had no fur and their eyes weren’t even open yet. I then excepted that my interior needed to come out so I pulled the two bottom seats in the back. Huge piles of foam and carpet backing... I lifted up the pile of foam and my brand new carpet was soaked and stained yellow with mouse fluid. There was another mouse in one of the piles which brings the mouse count to three.
I then faced my fears and took out the new headliner material I had folded up in the rear floor pan. sure enough, mama mouse was dead underneath it and she stunk so bad. The mouse count is now 4.
My next move was to take the back seat out but before I did that I noticed another baby mouse stuck to the carpet on the side of the drive shaft tunnel. Mouse count 5.
i removed the back seat and lifted up the carpet and didn’t see any signs of them getting underneath it but I’m still not taking my chances, tomorrow I’m pulling the entire interior out of the car. I don’t want to re use the brand new carpet since it’s been violated with mouse fluids. Blows my mind how in under a week they were able to destroy my interior and all die at the scene of the crime, I don’t use poison mouse traps.
this has me thinking though. I have plans on turning the car into a track car, I have my brand new 383 in it and running, built 700r4, adjustable suspension, and a bunch of other performance parts in it, subframes connectors were next on my list before I drive it so I’m thinking now is the time to put a cage in it. I know a cage isn’t necessary at the track for the speed it will run with the current engine but I’m thinking while the interior is already gonna be out of the car then I might as well get it done and crossed off the list for the future.
After all this heartache I’m not even sure if I wanna put carpet and back seats back in the car. Ever since I moved into this house I’ve been at war with the mice in the garage and they finally dropped the atomic bomb on me, I wanna surrender. I would leave it outside but the rain will leak in through the t tops and wreak havoc as well, I was planning on doing all the gaskets soon but I’ve seen many posts of people with new t top gaskets still getting rain water in. I think I’m just gonna leave the carpet and seats out until The cage is in, new gaskets installed, and the mice have been defeated.
#533
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
got my fan sensor. will install it tomorrow and start testing for a dead cylinder. ive been searching and searching for the cause of my running issue. I felt like it was a fuel issue. however I noticed a few symptoms that are odd. 1) car starts fine. 2)exhaust note is weird and choppy,3) exhaust smells like fuel,4) motor shakes under load,5) no power,6) motor doesn't want to revv here is the symptom that threw me. as stated the motor has no power and wont revv. however if I powerbrake it I can get the rpms up and it takes off as expected but as the rpms even out I lose all the power again.
#535
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
i was kind of thinking the same thing. Im going to do a compression test and then probably a leak down. Makes me sad when my car isnt running right
#536
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
welp seems like was a spark issue. running much better. didn't get the fan switch in yet but may still do it this evening. took the car out for about 15 miles at different speeds and it felt much better. haven't done cap and rotor yet but will soon. now I can get back to my suspension.
#537
Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Glad to hear it wasn't something horrible!
Started messing around with better audio for the car. Despite the 6x9s, the bass was just non-existent. it's weird because my 2nd gen with 6x9's in the rear deck has plenty of bass (but not super low subwoofer bass obviously). So I installed a Rockford Fosgate P300-10. So much better! I tried a Rockville RW10CA slim 10" last week but I just wasn't happy with it. It was better than nothing for sure, but it seemed to have a weird response curve and I just didn't like how sloppy it sounded.
I was originally hell bent on putting the sub in the spare tire compartment so it was hidden, but the P300 wouldn't squeeze in there and after thinking about it, the deck area is useless for storage most of the time anyways. The P300 has connectors for power and everything so it's super easy to unplug and take it out, and the umbilical cord is long enough that I should be able to fold the rear passenger seat down and set it there.
Makes me want to add a 4 channel amp and upgrade the other speakers from the low budget 4x6 and 6x9 Pioneers I have running off the head unit. But I want to gut the interior and do a full deadener/foam/MLV treatment first since it really needs new carpet anyways.
Started messing around with better audio for the car. Despite the 6x9s, the bass was just non-existent. it's weird because my 2nd gen with 6x9's in the rear deck has plenty of bass (but not super low subwoofer bass obviously). So I installed a Rockford Fosgate P300-10. So much better! I tried a Rockville RW10CA slim 10" last week but I just wasn't happy with it. It was better than nothing for sure, but it seemed to have a weird response curve and I just didn't like how sloppy it sounded.
I was originally hell bent on putting the sub in the spare tire compartment so it was hidden, but the P300 wouldn't squeeze in there and after thinking about it, the deck area is useless for storage most of the time anyways. The P300 has connectors for power and everything so it's super easy to unplug and take it out, and the umbilical cord is long enough that I should be able to fold the rear passenger seat down and set it there.
Makes me want to add a 4 channel amp and upgrade the other speakers from the low budget 4x6 and 6x9 Pioneers I have running off the head unit. But I want to gut the interior and do a full deadener/foam/MLV treatment first since it really needs new carpet anyways.
#538
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
I installed the fan switch. it fixed nothing and created more problems. I pulled the original fan switch and asyouknow half my coolant flowed all over. I put down a drain pan but I still got a nice coolant shower to get me sticky. I pulled out the original fan switch sensor and compared it to the replacement and it didn't look the same. the replacement was a bit longer. I already had it out so I tried the new one. it was difficult to install because the extra length interfered with the hard line that runs near it. I plugged in the switch and started the car. it wasn't leaking but the temp gauge immediately went to 220. the motor was still cool to the touch but it read 220. I will go tomorrow with the original and make sire I get the correct part and go at it again. I have no clue whats up with the temp gauge.
#539
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: SE Pennsylvania US
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Car: 1986 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Presently Open w/3.23 Ratio
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
I snagged up my ` 86 IROC a couple of years ago. I always dreamed of having a Camaro since I was ten years old.
At that time we had a Chevy dealer on my block an was always checking out the 1971 2nd gens. Oh the corvettes
had the better engine but the Z28's just stole my heart. When FI came in the mid '80`s and the
HP and handling was on the upswing and .. that awesome hatch window shape came, well my love for the Third gen exploded!
What I've done.. just bits here and there as a humble family man can afford but the best thing I done today (Technicaĺly yesterday) was
Take her out for a fun Drive!! Whoo Hoo!
I'll try to upload some pics
*
At that time we had a Chevy dealer on my block an was always checking out the 1971 2nd gens. Oh the corvettes
had the better engine but the Z28's just stole my heart. When FI came in the mid '80`s and the
HP and handling was on the upswing and .. that awesome hatch window shape came, well my love for the Third gen exploded!
What I've done.. just bits here and there as a humble family man can afford but the best thing I done today (Technicaĺly yesterday) was
Take her out for a fun Drive!! Whoo Hoo!
I'll try to upload some pics
*
Last edited by TAbracadabra; 10-14-2018 at 04:01 AM. Reason: Correct double mention and typo and add a few words:)
#540
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: SE Pennsylvania US
Posts: 45
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Car: 1986 IROC-Z
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Presently Open w/3.23 Ratio
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Only a few local car shows left and gotta have some fun before she gets tucked in the warm garage to hibernate for the winter.
Rollout In late March or April is such a long wait.
Rollout In late March or April is such a long wait.
#541
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Join Date: Aug 2017
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Received 16 Likes
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Car: 2002 Firehawk & ws6 1989 Iroc Z
Engine: All 3 have 350s
Transmission: Birds manual Iroc auto
Axle/Gears: TAs 342 & Iroc who knows?
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Glad to hear it wasn't something horrible!
Started messing around with better audio for the car. Despite the 6x9s, the bass was just non-existent. it's weird because my 2nd gen with 6x9's in the rear deck has plenty of bass (but not super low subwoofer bass obviously). So I installed a Rockford Fosgate P300-10. So much better! I tried a Rockville RW10CA slim 10" last week but I just wasn't happy with it. It was better than nothing for sure, but it seemed to have a weird response curve and I just didn't like how sloppy it sounded.
I was originally hell bent on putting the sub in the spare tire compartment so it was hidden, but the P300 wouldn't squeeze in there and after thinking about it, the deck area is useless for storage most of the time anyways. The P300 has connectors for power and everything so it's super easy to unplug and take it out, and the umbilical cord is long enough that I should be able to fold the rear passenger seat down and set it there.
Makes me want to add a 4 channel amp and upgrade the other speakers from the low budget 4x6 and 6x9 Pioneers I have running off the head unit. But I want to gut the interior and do a full deadener/foam/MLV treatment first since it really needs new carpet anyways.
Started messing around with better audio for the car. Despite the 6x9s, the bass was just non-existent. it's weird because my 2nd gen with 6x9's in the rear deck has plenty of bass (but not super low subwoofer bass obviously). So I installed a Rockford Fosgate P300-10. So much better! I tried a Rockville RW10CA slim 10" last week but I just wasn't happy with it. It was better than nothing for sure, but it seemed to have a weird response curve and I just didn't like how sloppy it sounded.
I was originally hell bent on putting the sub in the spare tire compartment so it was hidden, but the P300 wouldn't squeeze in there and after thinking about it, the deck area is useless for storage most of the time anyways. The P300 has connectors for power and everything so it's super easy to unplug and take it out, and the umbilical cord is long enough that I should be able to fold the rear passenger seat down and set it there.
Makes me want to add a 4 channel amp and upgrade the other speakers from the low budget 4x6 and 6x9 Pioneers I have running off the head unit. But I want to gut the interior and do a full deadener/foam/MLV treatment first since it really needs new carpet anyways.
#542
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iTrader: (1)
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
I installed the fan switch. it fixed nothing and created more problems. I pulled the original fan switch and asyouknow half my coolant flowed all over. I put down a drain pan but I still got a nice coolant shower to get me sticky. I pulled out the original fan switch sensor and compared it to the replacement and it didn't look the same. the replacement was a bit longer. I already had it out so I tried the new one. it was difficult to install because the extra length interfered with the hard line that runs near it. I plugged in the switch and started the car. it wasn't leaking but the temp gauge immediately went to 220. the motor was still cool to the touch but it read 220. I will go tomorrow with the original and make sire I get the correct part and go at it again. I have no clue whats up with the temp gauge.
No, and I'm not sure that would actually cover it. Not crazy about it being visible either. At least I have rear window louvers sort of covering it I guess?
#543
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Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Picked up a late 4th gen spare from the junkyard. Tight, but it fits. Had to leave the plastic pedestal thing out and trim the tab on the interior panel to get that to fit back in place. Had the jack and ratchet and all that already, but no actual spare tire. I do have AAA, but I wanted a spare too just in case of some odd situation where I can't wait for a tow, or just need a wheel on it while I deal with the blown one. I figure if a rear tire goes I can put the donut on to keep from damaging the wheel and call AAA. Or if I really need to drive it just a little further/limp to a nearby tire shop, I can put the donut on the front and put a front tire on the back to save the probably worn out posi.
#544
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
with the car running well I decided to tackle the front suspension. I did ball joints, springs, and struts. its not a terribly difficult job but removing springs is pretty scary. I rented a ball joint press from orileys. it was rough getting the old ball joint out until I realized I was pressing the wrong direction. once that was fixed thing popped right out. the other super smart thing I did was decide that the control arm would be easier to get back together if the spring was still compressed. it was very easy but then I couldn't get spring compressor out of the spring. I got it all done correctly. the test drive showed a greatly improved ride. im pretty happy that I used my weekend to get it done. I still have a wonderbar , swaybar bushings and end links , casterplayes/upper strut mounts , and a 3 point strut tower brace to install and then steering will be next. ,then rear suspension, then subframe connector
Last edited by Evilokc; 10-29-2018 at 06:20 AM.
#546
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Picked up a late 4th gen spare from the junkyard. Tight, but it fits. Had to leave the plastic pedestal thing out and trim the tab on the interior panel to get that to fit back in place. Had the jack and ratchet and all that already, but no actual spare tire. I do have AAA, but I wanted a spare too just in case of some odd situation where I can't wait for a tow, or just need a wheel on it while I deal with the blown one. I figure if a rear tire goes I can put the donut on to keep from damaging the wheel and call AAA. Or if I really need to drive it just a little further/limp to a nearby tire shop, I can put the donut on the front and put a front tire on the back to save the probably worn out posi.
#548
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
when I installed my balljoints last weekend I didn't have a grease gun. today I went out and greased em up real good. my new steering rebuild kit is on the way. im really hoping that will cure my click. I think its a bad tierod end clicking. they are in pretty bad shape. cars running well though and the new front suspension has improved the ride.
#549
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Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Picked up a late 4th gen spare from the junkyard. Tight, but it fits. Had to leave the plastic pedestal thing out and trim the tab on the interior panel to get that to fit back in place. Had the jack and ratchet and all that already, but no actual spare tire. I do have AAA, but I wanted a spare too just in case of some odd situation where I can't wait for a tow, or just need a wheel on it while I deal with the blown one. I figure if a rear tire goes I can put the donut on to keep from damaging the wheel and call AAA. Or if I really need to drive it just a little further/limp to a nearby tire shop, I can put the donut on the front and put a front tire on the back to save the probably worn out posi.
#550
Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: what did you do to your thirdgen today?
Plus it's on a 16" wheel and should be compatible with 4th gen LS1 brakes if I end up actually doing that.