L98 Convertibles?
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lonsal (08-03-2023)
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Car: 89 GTA ASC Conv., Prev: 89 GTA 6.3L
Engine: 5.7L L98 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1 w/ JG1 Options:B2L, N10, U1A
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Re: L98 Convertibles?
There are records of 1987 Camaro convertibles with the factory 5.7 option. The convertibles, by ASC, are based on the T-Top. This is why you'll find that ASC converted several 1989 Firebirds with the 5.7L - it was the only year the Trans Am and GTA could be ordered with the T-Top and 5.7L option together, which was the starting point to being converted into a convertible.
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Big&BadGTA (04-22-2020), EP90266 (04-25-2020)
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Car: 89 GTA ASC Conv., Prev: 89 GTA 6.3L
Engine: 5.7L L98 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1 w/ JG1 Options:B2L, N10, U1A
Re: L98 Convertibles?
There are records of 1987 Camaro convertibles with the factory 5.7 option. The convertibles, by ASC, are based on the T-Top. This is why you'll find that ASC converted several 1989 Firebirds with the 5.7L - it was the only year the Trans Am and GTA could be ordered with the T-Top and 5.7L option together, which was the starting point to being converted into a convertible.
Yes, all convertibles BEGAN life at T-Top cars. It was a requirement to have the top of the windshield formed already for this, and then remove the T-Bar, B-Pillars, and the rear hatch (although the 91-92 cars for sure, got the dummy plugs from the factory for this, so not to waste the glass hatches and time to install, prior transport).
I spoke w/ a good friend about this, who had retired from GM. He was at Van Nuys in that era and remembered the cars well.
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Car: 89 GTA ASC Conv., Prev: 89 GTA 6.3L
Engine: 5.7L L98 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1 w/ JG1 Options:B2L, N10, U1A
Re: L98 Convertibles?
It's interesting to see on the red car, the unique third brake light housing/lens, plus the "door spears" which were omitted from later cars.
Very cool!
Any more pics of the 86, also?
Very cool!
Any more pics of the 86, also?
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Car: 85 Recaro TA 87 IROC Vert 86 Z Vert
Re: L98 Convertibles?
OMG I accidentally attached a few extra attachments and it took me thirty tries to get it to remove all but the swimming times!
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Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: L98 Convertibles?
Just an update, I now have record of 5 87 5.7 IROC-Z Convertibles
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Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: L98 Convertibles?
I have a list of 4 from b-man007 who used to work at ASC, as these cars went down the line, he grabbed special VINS and in some cases even build sheets... PM me with your VIN he might have your Build Sheets (Yes Plural)
And I found another online which also was a 350.
Here are the 4 from Bryan (B-man)
21444
37831
35368
47398
And the one I found online 45203
I have verified these are true 350 IROC-Zs There is one however that could be a NOrwood OR a VanNuys as both had the same sequence number and both were 350 cars...
John
And I found another online which also was a 350.
Here are the 4 from Bryan (B-man)
21444
37831
35368
47398
And the one I found online 45203
I have verified these are true 350 IROC-Zs There is one however that could be a NOrwood OR a VanNuys as both had the same sequence number and both were 350 cars...
John
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: L98 Convertibles?
ASC Conversion cars... The dealer would contact ASC for the Convertible bits, and GM the rest of the vehicle.
"Factory 3" Cars - GM would cover the entire car, and then GM would get compensation from ASC for the convertible bits.
Ultimately the factory "3" convertibles were more of a simplification of the ordering and support process for dealerships...
I believe that ASC would send out specialists to fix any of the warranty issues, whether or not it was a "factory 3" or a conversion. At least I know they had service techs who would do these kinds of services.
#18
Re: L98 Convertibles?
Thank you.
Yes, sorta...
ASC Conversion cars... The dealer would contact ASC for the Convertible bits, and GM the rest of the vehicle.
"Factory 3" Cars - GM would cover the entire car, and then GM would get compensation from ASC for the convertible bits.
Ultimately the factory "3" convertibles were more of a simplification of the ordering and support process for dealerships...
I believe that ASC would send out specialists to fix any of the warranty issues, whether or not it was a "factory 3" or a conversion. At least I know they had service techs who would do these kinds of services.
ASC Conversion cars... The dealer would contact ASC for the Convertible bits, and GM the rest of the vehicle.
"Factory 3" Cars - GM would cover the entire car, and then GM would get compensation from ASC for the convertible bits.
Ultimately the factory "3" convertibles were more of a simplification of the ordering and support process for dealerships...
I believe that ASC would send out specialists to fix any of the warranty issues, whether or not it was a "factory 3" or a conversion. At least I know they had service techs who would do these kinds of services.
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Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: G90
Re: L98 Convertibles?
Are there any records or ways to verify the asc converted 350 convertibles. Hearsay evidence says I own one, but I’d like to be able to verify it. It is an L98 1992 Z28 convertible
#20
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Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: L98 Convertibles?
2) Also the first 12 digits of the VIN would help verify what you have.
3) In short, Chevrolet does not have record of any L98 Convertibles.
I have never seen any ASC (dealer) conversion Camaros after 1987, maybe an 88, but even that I do not recall 88.
John
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Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: G90
Re: L98 Convertibles?
1) Do you have any pictures?
2) Also the first 12 digits of the VIN would help verify what you have.
3) In short, Chevrolet does not have record of any L98 Convertibles.
I have never seen any ASC (dealer) conversion Camaros after 1987, maybe an 88, but even that I do not recall 88.
John
2) Also the first 12 digits of the VIN would help verify what you have.
3) In short, Chevrolet does not have record of any L98 Convertibles.
I have never seen any ASC (dealer) conversion Camaros after 1987, maybe an 88, but even that I do not recall 88.
John
From what I understood, ASC would upgrade LB9 engines to L98s at the request of the owner before taking delivery as new. Original owner stated this to me when I purchased it, but I took it with a grain of salt. I figured worst case they blew up the original LB9 and replaced it with a 350 small block.
I will get some pics when I’m at my property.
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: L98 Convertibles?
Then this car is the LB9 (305 tpi) with a 350 swapped in later. I don't think ASC was swapping engines.
it’s a factory convertible VIN 3 with F VIN designation - 1G1FP33F9NL1xxxxx but engine is 350ci.
From what I understood, ASC would upgrade LB9 engines to L98s at the request of the owner before taking delivery as new. Original owner stated this to me when I purchased it, but I took it with a grain of salt. I figured worst case they blew up the original LB9 and replaced it with a 350 small block.
I will get some pics when I’m at my property.
From what I understood, ASC would upgrade LB9 engines to L98s at the request of the owner before taking delivery as new. Original owner stated this to me when I purchased it, but I took it with a grain of salt. I figured worst case they blew up the original LB9 and replaced it with a 350 small block.
I will get some pics when I’m at my property.
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Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: G90
#24
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Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: L98 Convertibles?
The 8th digit is an "F" which makes it an LB9 aka 305 TPI.
The 350 would have an 8 for the 8th digit.
It is a Z28 Convertible with a TPI 305.
John
The 350 would have an 8 for the 8th digit.
It is a Z28 Convertible with a TPI 305.
John
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Car: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: G90
Re: L98 Convertibles?
I’m not trying to decode the VIN, just trying to see if anyone has an answer to my question. I’m familiar with all of the technical detail about what and was not available. I’m trying to see if anyone has information about ASC and their L98 3rd Gen conversions so I can find a way to confirm if my car was an ASC conversion or not.
#26
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes
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119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: L98 Convertibles?
Best bet is someone swapped a 350 into it then. ASC did not do engine swaps.
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