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Wild Card time! This is probably the toughest month to compete in and the toughest month to choose a favorite. Twelve (12) very worthy Third Gens to choose from.
Thank you for the nomination Abubaca earlier this year! The backstory on my car is that I got my car in 2012 and it has been an on going project ever since. It is a 1983 Camaro Berlinetta that originally had the 305 with 700r4 combo, and had every option that was available in 1983 including a rear windshield wiper and t tops. This is my first car and I got when I was 14 in 2012 and since then I have made huge changes to my car. Originally the car was Light Brown Metallic with dark brown accents and had wire basket wheels. Now it is Inferno Orange Metallic with matte black accents and my personally restored IROC wheels. The second major thing that I did to my car was the 350 TPI swap. I completely rebuilt an engine out of a 1985 Corvette over the course of about a year, then took a months time to complete the install... Sadly after about 6 months it blew up on me about 4 hours from home. That was an extremely long tow truck ride home. But I did not let it get me down, I went on the hunt for a later L98 with a roller cam, and I stumbled across an engine out of a 1987 Corvette with factory aluminum 113 heads that would serve as my replacement. After about 4 months of waiting I finally got the engine installed and the car going driving down the road again! The third thing that I did was replace the old 3.08 open rear end with drum brakes to a borg warner 9 bolt with disc brakes and posi! That was a huge improvement over the open diff and that I could burn up both tires equally rather having the one tire fire. Finally I got to do the transmission swap I always wanted to do, I got a WCT5 out of a friends car and took a weekend to give my car a huge upgrade in the driving experience! Now that everything is mechanically where I want it, I've started to do some small leather additions to the interior, making it stand out above the rest! Leather dash, leather console and shift boot! Next up is the arm rests! There's always something that needs to be done.....
I'm going to reuse most of what I posted back in April, but with a couple of changes.
First of all thank you for the nomination and good luck to the other nominations. I am the second owner of my 1985 Trans Am and got it during my senior year of high school back in 2013. It was completely stock with around 33k miles and was very well kept by the couple who previously owned it since new. The paint is original and the color is Russet Metallic with Gold ground effects. Despite the odd color, the car pretty much came with very few options from the factory. The SPID label is one of the smallest ones I've seen on these cars and to be completely honest I'm still surprised it did not come with manual windows. Anyways, the car started with the "economical" 305 option, the LG4, which I soon started to tinker around with after owning it for a few months. I started with the basics by getting a factory L69 dual snorkel intake, then I moved on to a set of short tube hooker headers and a GMMG catback. The previous owner had put on some Amercian Racing wheels and some Radial T/As which looked decent enough, but I've always like how the crosslace wheels looked so I ended up getting some factory gold GTA wheels which I eventually upgraded to the 17x9 units made by Hawks. The last big thing I did with the 305 was installing a Comp cam in the middle of January in my cramped garage. It was quite the learning experience for me despite the not so ideal work space conditions. After that I got it set up with a complete MSD ignition system and it dyno'd with a whopping 185 rwhp and 230 rwtq. Shortly after I upgraded the peg leg 3.08 drum brake rear to a 3.70 posi with disc brakes. I took my first ever trip to a track that summer (2015 I think) and ran mid 15s I believe. That seemed alright enough for me considering it was my first time. I later gave it another go a the Fall ****** Militia meet at Cecil County Dragway where I ran the 305's best time of a 14.9 despite having some sort of WOT fuel issue that I was never able to figure out. The following year (2016) the 305 started to knock towards the end of the summer and that's when I decided to undertake my biggest project with the car yet, an LS swap. My good friend punkmaster98 was very helpful with getting me on the right path. First I picked up a 6.0l LQ4 out of a farm truck that only had around 50k miles on it. The guy I bought it from was a parts manager at a Chevy dealer and said they replaced the engine in the truck under warranty even though all that was wrong were some cracked heads, so he scooped it up to put in a drag car. He put on some 823 rectangle port heads that came off of an LS9 and had it all mounted in his drag car when he decided to get a crate engine that dyno'd around 750hp. He sold the LQ4 with the 823 heads on it for only $750 which was a hell of a deal. I got myself a custom cam kit from Martin Smallwood which came with a Straub trunnion kit and a high pressure melling oil pump. I also ordered a FTI 3600 lockup converter through Martin. After grabbing the 60e that I had rebuilt and upgraded, I pulled out the 305/700r4 and dropped in the 6.0l/60e. I spent the next couple of months collecting the rest of the parts I needed like the harness, intake, fuel system components etc and finally got it running at the end of January 2017 and tuned a month later. This time the dyno results were much more impressive, 392 rwhp and 362 rwtq. This thing was a completely different beast compared to the old drivetrain and I could not be happier with the results. After more than two years, the LS is still going strong with no hiccups. I also swapped out the 60e for a T56 back in May which significantly improved the car's ability to cruise on the highway.
Sorry for the novel. I tried to condense everything as best as I could
Here's an album with a bunch of pictures of the general history of my car since I've owned it: https://imgur.com/a/XIJ5Od5
Rainmaster, that is one SNEAKY sleeper! No way would I make that for a 400+ horsepower LS swapped car. That color combination even lulls me from noticing it's sitting on 17"s.
Well...if I'm gonna have a shot at winning this thing, I'd better get my story out their sooner than later.
I'll try to keep it brief this time.
I know we're all supposed to lust after a First Gen Camaro...and a Second Gen Charger, and I do lust after those cars. I know we're supposed to prefer the IROC-Z if not the Trans Am as far as Third Gens are concerned. But, the truth is that for me, my personal collection absolutely hinges on there being a very fast Third Gen Formula in the stable. And regardless of what your preferred flavor of Third Gens happens to be, we can almost all agree that these cars are notorious for giving headaches to those of us who love them. Most all of us have had our ups and downs with these cars.
In 2010 I thought I found a great deal on a pristine Formula for only $7,000. That's not chicken feed, but seemed like a way fair price for a Formula 350 with only 29,745 original miles.
When the car arrived at my house I could smell that junkyard smell of gasoline that had turned to varnish. The seller, who had earlier stated that the car starts right up every single time, now confided in me that the car had not been started nor driven in 18 years - and insisted that that had been his story the entire time. The car was dead on arrival, albeit a fairly pretty corpse.
With a complete overhaul of the engine, I put together a list of parts (thousands of dollars) that I thought, and conventional wisdom suggested would be easily a 350 hp L98. The car dynoed at some 221 horsepower to the wheels. This was on a notoriously stingy Mustang dyno, but the butt dyno felt about like a stockish/bolt-on LT1.
After a few years I could no longer live with the idea that any showroom stock Mustang GT, new Camaro, stock LS1 car, or well put together Honda would easily blow my doors off, and so began the quest for some serious power. I had a vision in my mind of what an LS swap could look like in my car, and I'm happy to say that I have is a fairly accurate representation of that vision.
I consider this car another TGO classic because while most of the swap was done in my shop with my own two hands, there was an almost constant line of communication with TGO members who were just way more knowledgeable than I was, and willing to help. Thank you all.
I hope you enjoy this music video that my kid helped me put together.
An overview of the technical data on this Formula is that it's an '89 with just over 38,000 original miles. The power plant is a big cam LS3 that makes 550 hp and 505 tq. The car most recently dynoed at 440 hp and 403 tq at the wheels. She's got ceramic coated Hooker Long Tubes and Hooker true dual exhaust. She has a built 4L60E with a yank 3400 stall. She has Baer Brakes, adjustable Koni yellows, and most all of the performance suspension stuff, a lot of it from Hotchkis. And, obviously, she's got a lot of the countless little things that we'd want or need.
I did take advantage of some unseasonably clear weather a few days ago and took some new pictures in case you missed the video in my earlier post.
Not much to tell. The car is a 91 Formula 5.7L TPI R6P package car, mostly correct and original. Bought it 20 years ago with a lot of miles and rough edges. Did a bit of cleanup, replaced a lot of damaged bits, drove it all over the first few years. It's due for a repaint, but doesn't look too bad. It's not a show car, just a nice survivor, not really up to the class of competition. Posting pics mostly for those that like pics of Firebirds I guess.
Well...if I'm gonna have a shot at winning this thing, I'd better get my story out their sooner than later.
I'll try to keep it brief this time.
I know we're all supposed to lust after a First Gen Camaro...and a Second Gen Charger, and I do lust after those cars. I know we're supposed to prefer the IROC-Z if not the Trans Am as far as Third Gens are concerned. But, the truth is that for me, my personal collection absolutely hinges on there being a very fast Third Gen Formula in the stable. And regardless of what your preferred flavor of Third Gens happens to be, we can almost all agree that these cars are notorious for giving headaches to those of us who love them. Most all of us have had our ups and downs with these cars.
In 2010 I thought I found a great deal on a pristine Formula for only $7,000. That's not chicken feed, but seemed like a way fair price for a Formula 350 with only 29,745 original miles.
When the car arrived at my house I could smell that junkyard smell of gasoline that had turned to varnish. The seller, who had earlier stated that the car starts right up every single time, now confided in me that the car had not been started nor driven in 18 years - and insisted that that had been his story the entire time. The car was dead on arrival, albeit a fairly pretty corpse.
With a complete overhaul of the engine, I put together a list of parts (thousands of dollars) that I thought, and conventional wisdom suggested would be easily a 350 hp L98. The car dynoed at some 221 horsepower to the wheels. This was on a notoriously stingy Mustang dyno, but the butt dyno felt about like a stockish/bolt-on LT1.
After a few years I could no longer live with the idea that any showroom stock Mustang GT, new Camaro, stock LS1 car, or well put together Honda would easily blow my doors off, and so began the quest for some serious power. I had a vision in my mind of what an LS swap could look like in my car, and I'm happy to say that I have is a fairly accurate representation of that vision.
I consider this car another TGO classic because while most of the swap was done in my shop with my own two hands, there was an almost constant line of communication with TGO members who were just way more knowledgeable than I was, and willing to help. Thank you all.
I hope you enjoy this music video that my kid helped me put together.
I bought an entire cowhide, and asked my local upholstery guy if he could wrap my dash in leather and stitch it to match. It's really nice to not have cracks in the dash anymore!
My story goes back more than 20 years now. My first car was a 1983 Z28 in 1985. I replaced it with a 1982 Z28 that was fully loaded. I loved that car, but had so many issues with it that I sold it. In the early 1990s, I bought a '88 Sport Coupe, but it didn't compare to the '82 in many ways. By the late 90's, I decided I wanted another performance based 3rd gen, and I started looking.
I found this car around midnight on a Friday night after another deal fell through earlier in the day. I contacted the owner at 8am on Saturday and was told that four others already contacted him. The seller was a 19 year old that acquired the car when his mother passed away. His mother wanted the car to be a show car and the other buyers all wanted a clean shell to build for racing. He held the car for me to look at and sold it to me on the spot when I told him it would be a show car. This was in 2000, with only 6000 original miles on the car.
The car is a show car with multiple Platinum awards, and scoring 199 of 200 points at Camaro SuperFest and the highest of 996 points in a 1000 point judged show. This IROC-Z has also enjoyed the Hot Rod Power Tour in 2011. The car is all original, except for maintenance parts needed over the years. This coming June will be 20 years of ownership for me on this car.
It's a 1987 IROC-Z with almost every option. It has the L98, TTops, Bose Stereo, leather interior, overhead console, auto dimming mirror, etc, etc. Original window sticker was $21,019. I've seen only one 1987 IROC-Z with a higher window sticker and it was for $15 more for door edge protection.
Last edited by scottmoyer; 11-17-2019 at 09:33 AM.
My story goes back more than 20 years now. My first car was a 1983 Z28 in 1985. I replaced it with a 1982 Z28 that was fully loaded. I loved that car, but had so many issues with it that I sold it. In the early 1990s, I bought a '88 Sport Coupe, but it didn't compare to the '82 in many ways. By the late 90's , I decided I wanted another performance based 3rd gen, and I started looking.
I found this car around midnight on a Friday night after another deal fell through earlier in the day. I contacted the owner at 8am on Saturday and was told that four others already contacted him. The seller was a 19 year old that acquired the car when his mother passed away. His mother wanted the car to be a show car and the other buyers all wanted a clean shell to build for racing. He held the car for me to look at and sold it to me on the spot when I told him it would be a show car. This was in 2000, with only 6000 original miles on the car.
The car is a show car with multiple Platinum awards, and scoring 199 of 200 points at Camaro SuperFest and the highest of 996 points in a 1000 point judged show. This IROC-Z has also enjoyed the Hot Rod Power Tour in 2011. The car is all original, except for maintenance parts needed over the years. This coming June will be 20 years of ownership for me on this car.
Scott, your car is the absolute best of the best. It can't possibly get any better for a meticulously maintained, original car. With all of the showing, magazine features, etc....this is the pinnacle of IROC-Z Camaros. I absolutely love your car.
My story goes back more than 20 years now. My first car was a 1983 Z28 in 1985. I replaced it with a 1982 Z28 that was fully loaded. I loved that car, but had so many issues with it that I sold it. In the early 1990s, I bought a '88 Sport Coupe, but it didn't compare to the '82 in many ways. By the late 90's , I decided I wanted another performance based 3rd gen, and I started looking.
I found this car around midnight on a Friday night after another deal fell through earlier in the day. I contacted the owner at 8am on Saturday and was told that four others already contacted him. The seller was a 19 year old that acquired the car when his mother passed away. His mother wanted the car to be a show car and the other buyers all wanted a clean shell to build for racing. He held the car for me to look at and sold it to me on the spot when I told him it would be a show car. This was in 2000, with only 6000 original miles on the car.
The car is a show car with multiple Platinum awards, and scoring 199 of 200 points at Camaro SuperFest and the highest of 996 points in a 1000 point judged show. This IROC-Z has also enjoyed the Hot Rod Power Tour in 2011. The car is all original, except for maintenance parts needed over the years. This coming June will be 20 years of ownership for me on this car.
The irony is that a well recognized car can go unrecognized where it is an obvious choice.
I wish I could tell a great story of how I saved this car from the crusher and totally dismantled the car and had it blasted and replaced every nut and bolt and about the blood, sweat and tears etc.... Those are great stories and I have the upmost respect for those journeys, because they are journeys for sure. But this is a different story, a different journey. More of a jaunt, really.
I purchased this 1989 Iroc-z Camaro (5.7, automatic) from the original owner in Topeka, Kansas. He had kept the car mostly original for 30 years. I purchased the car as soon as I saw the unusual color combination of bright blue metallic paint with the gold trim and beechwood tan interior. I have never seen one in this color combination before, other than in a few pictures. I say that it is mostly original because I am sure it has some things like the battery that are not original. It is very original in the fact that it has most of it's original parts including the original tires and wheels. I have removed the original tires and wheels and stored them and replaced them with new 17 inch replicas and new Goodyear tires just so I can actually drive it. I have some documentation like build sheets, window sticker, purchase agreement, financing agreement, protection plan agreement, odometer statement, and a copy of the previous title. The car was purchased new at Ed Bozarth Chevrolet and still has the dealership decal on the rear spoiler. I wanted to remove it, but the older I get the more I appreciate originality, and I really like how original this car is. I have a lot of respect for the original owner who had the restraint not to modify this car for 30 years. When I was younger, I always wanted to make a car "mine" and changed out radios, speakers, wheels etc. as soon as I could. I bought a new Camaro in 1989 and stopped at a shop and had the windows tinted on the way home from the dealership. So really, the credit for the condition of this car has to go to the original owner. I am just thrilled to be able to enjoy it, drive it to shows and continue it's stewardship.
I appreciate being nominated back in August and I appreciate it being considered this time as well. Thanks everyone for your consideration.
This is the day I brought it home. Trailered, of course, since it was winter time and snow on the ground.
Bull-vette, that is one gorgeous car. Good luck. I love the blue that year, but have to agree, that you don't see the saddle and gold accent often. I love it!
Bull-vette, that is one gorgeous car. Good luck. I love the blue that year, but have to agree, that you don't see the saddle and gold accent often. I love it!
Thank you, Scott! When I bought a new Camaro RS in 1989, I wanted an Iroc that was about the color of your car. Unfortunately, it was just a bit more than I could afford at the time. But I've always liked that color. Good luck, not that you need it, you have a great car.
Linson, that was an awesome presentation.. Killer song choice! It went perfect with your story as well.
Scott’s car would probably win any pointed show contest between any third gens. That car is a world champion. I can’t imagine that car in person.
This might be the best month of presentations so far and we have some left!
I'm with ya. Scott's car scored 996/1000 points. A brand new car off the lot probably wouldn't score any higher....or even that high. That thing has to be incredible in person. That is what posters are made of...
11-15-2019, 04:17 AM
That's some funny stuff right there! 
