What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????????
#101
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Aussie 9-bolt/3.27 posi
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
LOL wrote that because i thought they were super rare i don't really care if its valuable because i will never sell it, one place i read they are rare and then i read they aren't. I wish they could give us an exact number. Guess i should change that on the GTA source page.
#102
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Springfield,Illinois
Posts: 479
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1987 TA GTA, 1987 IROC 1988 Formula
Engine: 350 tpi/305 tpi/350 tbi
Transmission: All have 700r4's
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt with 3:73's
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
the inner door plastic on my GTA says OCT 86 and it has paddles. I love the folding mirrors i found out they did that because i hit my arm on it and it moved. I was confused for a second. They shouldn't of discontinued them they look great on the car, but thats my opinion.
#103
Member
#104
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
The TTA 'vert is cool, but since it was converted by ASC later on, IMO it takes away from it value compared to if it had been a factory planned 'vert from day 1; in other words, there was nothing stopping anyone else from doing the same, it's just that nobody did.
Still cool though, if brown and gold are your thing.
Still cool though, if brown and gold are your thing.
#105
Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NH
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
Car: 1967 Firebird P.T.
Engine: LS3 4" Strkr 422ci
Transmission: MN12 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 8.5" 10 Bolt Eaton
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Pfffffffffffffffttttttttt.... Go brag about your 305 to any group of car enthusiasts, and take note of how they look at you, change the subject, and laugh at you as you walk away. That is assuming they don't automaticly burst out in laughter directly to your face.
305's are the laughing stock of the small block Chevy family tree.
305's are the laughing stock of the small block Chevy family tree.
Last edited by 88FormulaKiller; 08-10-2011 at 07:51 AM.
#106
Supreme Member
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
thats a pretty ignorant statement Drew, i can agree that most 305's of the era were doggish but in the ending years of the third gens, the 305tpi/T5's were putting out only 15hp less than a GTA with a 5.7. I dont consider anyone to be a car "enthusiast" if all they care about is what ### CI my engine is... SO i guess ILL be laughing next year when my little 325 CI engine blows away a few mild to medium built LS1's because ill forget to tell the car "enthusiast" about the turbos attached to the little 325.....
#107
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Also, to continue the petty bickering, Drew's right--the stigma of how crappy the 305 is in the car world is painful. It's so painful I tell people my car has a 5.0 in it, and hope they know the legend of the 5.0 but don't realize it was Ford's 5.0 that the legend was built around. Yeah, I do get tired of know-nothings ******* on my automatic because they assume that in 10000% of cases "sticks are faster hur hurr" without knowing anything at all about the tranny gear ratios between a particular model's auto/manual offerings, etc., but I'd rather deal with that than people ragging on my 305.
But he is right. Regardless of how close the 305 was to the 350, it still at the end of the day is a basic transportation engine that was never designed for performance, and unfortunately it's also the reason everyone thinks back so fondly on Foxbodies and so poorly on F-bodies.
And while *some* people may have been hell-bent on a T5 and ordered down to a 305 to get one, I'd be willing to bet that more often than not, it came down to cost. A 305 car would be cheaper than a 350 car, and back then a manual would've been cheaper than an automatic so I think a lot of people settled happily, figuring, "Well, I can't afford a 350, but I CAN get into a 305 with a cheaper 5-speed and call it a pretty good compromise."
I rack my brain trying to decide if it's a 350 '90 IROC I'd want (no T-tops available), or a '90 IROC T5 'vert that I'd want. What I do know though, is that I'd never regret the 350 car, but even I have a hard time stomaching paying out upwards of $20k for a low-mileage 305 'vert, which is about what the few '90s I've seen go for. It would also have to be red with a black gut, limiting my options further. I guess ultimately if I'm adding to the one I have, I'd go with the hardtop car, but if I was replacing my current ride if it got totaled or whatever, I'd probably have a much harder time choosing, and lean towards the 'vert.
Either way, a 305 is a crappy performance motor, because it isn't nor ever was one.
But he is right. Regardless of how close the 305 was to the 350, it still at the end of the day is a basic transportation engine that was never designed for performance, and unfortunately it's also the reason everyone thinks back so fondly on Foxbodies and so poorly on F-bodies.
And while *some* people may have been hell-bent on a T5 and ordered down to a 305 to get one, I'd be willing to bet that more often than not, it came down to cost. A 305 car would be cheaper than a 350 car, and back then a manual would've been cheaper than an automatic so I think a lot of people settled happily, figuring, "Well, I can't afford a 350, but I CAN get into a 305 with a cheaper 5-speed and call it a pretty good compromise."
I rack my brain trying to decide if it's a 350 '90 IROC I'd want (no T-tops available), or a '90 IROC T5 'vert that I'd want. What I do know though, is that I'd never regret the 350 car, but even I have a hard time stomaching paying out upwards of $20k for a low-mileage 305 'vert, which is about what the few '90s I've seen go for. It would also have to be red with a black gut, limiting my options further. I guess ultimately if I'm adding to the one I have, I'd go with the hardtop car, but if I was replacing my current ride if it got totaled or whatever, I'd probably have a much harder time choosing, and lean towards the 'vert.
Either way, a 305 is a crappy performance motor, because it isn't nor ever was one.
#108
Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NH
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
Car: 1967 Firebird P.T.
Engine: LS3 4" Strkr 422ci
Transmission: MN12 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 8.5" 10 Bolt Eaton
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Also, to continue the petty bickering, Drew's right--the stigma of how crappy the 305 is in the car world is painful. It's so painful I tell people my car has a 5.0 in it, and hope they know the legend of the 5.0 but don't realize it was Ford's 5.0 that the legend was built around. Yeah, I do get tired of know-nothings ******* on my automatic because they assume that in 10000% of cases "sticks are faster hur hurr" without knowing anything at all about the tranny gear ratios between a particular model's auto/manual offerings, etc., but I'd rather deal with that than people ragging on my 305.
But he is right. Regardless of how close the 305 was to the 350, it still at the end of the day is a basic transportation engine that was never designed for performance, and unfortunately it's also the reason everyone thinks back so fondly on Foxbodies and so poorly on F-bodies.
And while *some* people may have been hell-bent on a T5 and ordered down to a 305 to get one, I'd be willing to bet that more often than not, it came down to cost. A 305 car would be cheaper than a 350 car, and back then a manual would've been cheaper than an automatic so I think a lot of people settled happily, figuring, "Well, I can't afford a 350, but I CAN get into a 305 with a cheaper 5-speed and call it a pretty good compromise."
Either way, a 305 is a crappy performance motor, because it isn't nor ever was one.
But he is right. Regardless of how close the 305 was to the 350, it still at the end of the day is a basic transportation engine that was never designed for performance, and unfortunately it's also the reason everyone thinks back so fondly on Foxbodies and so poorly on F-bodies.
And while *some* people may have been hell-bent on a T5 and ordered down to a 305 to get one, I'd be willing to bet that more often than not, it came down to cost. A 305 car would be cheaper than a 350 car, and back then a manual would've been cheaper than an automatic so I think a lot of people settled happily, figuring, "Well, I can't afford a 350, but I CAN get into a 305 with a cheaper 5-speed and call it a pretty good compromise."
Either way, a 305 is a crappy performance motor, because it isn't nor ever was one.
And OP, my answer to your thread, the 92 Firehawk Vert for both, to me atleast. sorry, got sidetracked again by "Performance".
#109
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
actually the V6 was the basic transportation engine. and if you missed my response, a 1992 305 TPI / T5 w/3.42's is going to be very close to the performace of a 5.7 TPI with 3.23's. Maybe your basing your opinion off of that L03 in your car, which is Not a performance V8 without quite a bit of mods.
That's besides the point though, and not what me nor Drew were getting at; I could build my 305 and put a blower on it and make 400 hp, doesn't absolve it of being a crappy engine with a stigma that will forever haunt it. I could run down 5.0 Mustangs till I was blue in the face with a blown 305 and I'd still get laughed at for driving a 305.
Last edited by puma1552; 08-10-2011 at 09:00 AM.
#110
Supreme Member
iTrader: (16)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Originally Posted by puma1552
That's besides the point though, and not what me nor Drew were getting at; I could build my 305 and put a blower on it and make 400 hp, doesn't absolve it of being a crappy engine with a stigma that will forever haunt it. I could run down 5.0 Mustangs till I was blue in the face with a blown 305 and I'd still get laughed at for driving a 305....
#111
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Why would GM build a motor with the exact same 3.48" stroke as a 350, but put a puny bore in it, something that can not ever be worked around? Because it was a basic transportation engine that was not designed to ever have much potential, but was designed to make assembly life and R&D life as easy as possible in terms of interchangeability.
Plain and simple, a 305 is a permanently maimed 350, more or less. The 350 is the performance motor, the 305 is not. The small bore is the reason.
Plain and simple, a 305 is a permanently maimed 350, more or less. The 350 is the performance motor, the 305 is not. The small bore is the reason.
#112
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: DAYTON OHIO
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 86 z28,89 iroc
Engine: 350 crate and ls1
Transmission: 700r4/4l60e
Axle/Gears: open diff stock/4th gen posi
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
get off the 305 topic and back to the original post!
#113
Supreme Member
iTrader: (16)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Why would GM build a motor with the exact same 3.48" stroke as a 350, but put a puny bore in it, something that can not ever be worked around? Because it was a basic transportation engine that was not designed to ever have much potential, but was designed to make assembly life and R&D life as easy as possible in terms of interchangeability.
Plain and simple, a 305 is a permanently maimed 350, more or less. The 350 is the performance motor, the 305 is not. The small bore is the reason.
Plain and simple, a 305 is a permanently maimed 350, more or less. The 350 is the performance motor, the 305 is not. The small bore is the reason.
How could you possibly imply that three hundred and five cubic inches is a limitation in power, regardless of the bore size? We want quench to be sporadic, and the bore size itself is meaningless in terms of usable air that that engine is burning during it's cycle. The 305 will take in as much air as you can supply to it, believe me, I've given them 15-psi and it will take in a lot more, and horsepower is based on not only that, but how much fuel your supplying that air, not to mention the the timing of it. This, in conjunction with vehicle weight, stall (if auto), and rear gears will dictate your performance. By the way, have you ever even looked at a stock GM Acceleration Enrichment table? Do you have any idea how much was left on the table, even with the peanut cam....?
#114
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
EDIT: Nothing you've said has any relevance to my point, really. I'm an engineer and I've built engines myself. If you can get 400 HP out of your turbo L69, cool. Doesn't change anything I said, because I never said you couldn't, quite the opposite in fact. The 305 was not designed as a performance engine, and garners almost no respect in the auto community in terms of performance.
Anyway, back on topic.
Anyway, back on topic.
Last edited by puma1552; 08-10-2011 at 11:13 AM.
#115
Supreme Member
iTrader: (16)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Originally Posted by puma1552
Ugh, you're missing the point....
Originally Posted by puma1552
I'm an engineer....
Originally Posted by puma1552
I could run down 5.0 Mustangs till I was blue in the face with a blown 305 and I'd still get laughed at for driving a 305....
#116
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,672
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Also, to continue the petty bickering, Drew's right--the stigma of how crappy the 305 is in the car world is painful. It's so painful I tell people my car has a 5.0 in it, and hope they know the legend of the 5.0 but don't realize it was Ford's 5.0 that the legend was built around. Yeah, I do get tired of know-nothings ******* on my automatic because they assume that in 10000% of cases "sticks are faster hur hurr" without knowing anything at all about the tranny gear ratios between a particular model's auto/manual offerings, etc., but I'd rather deal with that than people ragging on my 305.
But he is right. Regardless of how close the 305 was to the 350, it still at the end of the day is a basic transportation engine that was never designed for performance, and unfortunately it's also the reason everyone thinks back so fondly on Foxbodies and so poorly on F-bodies.
And while *some* people may have been hell-bent on a T5 and ordered down to a 305 to get one, I'd be willing to bet that more often than not, it came down to cost. A 305 car would be cheaper than a 350 car, and back then a manual would've been cheaper than an automatic so I think a lot of people settled happily, figuring, "Well, I can't afford a 350, but I CAN get into a 305 with a cheaper 5-speed and call it a pretty good compromise."
I rack my brain trying to decide if it's a 350 '90 IROC I'd want (no T-tops available), or a '90 IROC T5 'vert that I'd want. What I do know though, is that I'd never regret the 350 car, but even I have a hard time stomaching paying out upwards of $20k for a low-mileage 305 'vert, which is about what the few '90s I've seen go for. It would also have to be red with a black gut, limiting my options further. I guess ultimately if I'm adding to the one I have, I'd go with the hardtop car, but if I was replacing my current ride if it got totaled or whatever, I'd probably have a much harder time choosing, and lean towards the 'vert.
Either way, a 305 is a crappy performance motor, because it isn't nor ever was one.
But he is right. Regardless of how close the 305 was to the 350, it still at the end of the day is a basic transportation engine that was never designed for performance, and unfortunately it's also the reason everyone thinks back so fondly on Foxbodies and so poorly on F-bodies.
And while *some* people may have been hell-bent on a T5 and ordered down to a 305 to get one, I'd be willing to bet that more often than not, it came down to cost. A 305 car would be cheaper than a 350 car, and back then a manual would've been cheaper than an automatic so I think a lot of people settled happily, figuring, "Well, I can't afford a 350, but I CAN get into a 305 with a cheaper 5-speed and call it a pretty good compromise."
I rack my brain trying to decide if it's a 350 '90 IROC I'd want (no T-tops available), or a '90 IROC T5 'vert that I'd want. What I do know though, is that I'd never regret the 350 car, but even I have a hard time stomaching paying out upwards of $20k for a low-mileage 305 'vert, which is about what the few '90s I've seen go for. It would also have to be red with a black gut, limiting my options further. I guess ultimately if I'm adding to the one I have, I'd go with the hardtop car, but if I was replacing my current ride if it got totaled or whatever, I'd probably have a much harder time choosing, and lean towards the 'vert.
Either way, a 305 is a crappy performance motor, because it isn't nor ever was one.
The 305 was to be GM's basic passenger car V8 displacement, thanks to CAFE and emission requirements of the early '80s. It was even planned for the Corvette. The "Corvette mafia" had enough political pull to retain the 350 for itself however. Keep in mind that both CFI and TPI were developed around a 305 displacement. Also keep in mind that lower-po V8s were available at the time, namely 262 and 267 versions. So in some respects, the LG4 was a step up V8 option. ****, it even came with a 4 bbl carb. When fitted with higher compression, freer flowing exhaust, bigger cam, etc., (ie, L-69, big cam LB9) the 305 was a very respectable performer for it's day.
Anyway, I'm one of those folks who think a stick shift is important. When people check out my IROC, the first thing they'll usually say is "wow, it's a stick!". Personally, I don't really care that a very good running 5.7/N10/3.27 is as fast or possibly even a tenth or two faster than my LB9/T5/3.45 car. I think I've got the more fun combo.
In modern terms however, none of our relatively stock 3rd gens can be considered street terrors. The fastest ones might beat a modern Camry or Accord, the slower ones not even close. They are older cars and should be appreciated and enjoyed for what they are.
#117
2011 Norwood Gathering
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 99 WS6 / 00 SS / 11 CTS-V / 13 300
Engine: LS1 / LS1 / LSA / 5.7 Hemi
Transmission: 4L60E / T-56 / 6L80E / W5A80
Axle/Gears: 3.23 / 3.42 Auburn / 3.23 / 2.62
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
#118
Supreme Member
iTrader: (16)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Originally Posted by chazman
Also keep in mind that lower-po V8s were available at the time, namely 262 and 267 versions. So in some respects, the LG4 was a step up V8 option. ****, it even came with a 4 bbl carb....
"Good things come in small packages. Compared to a V8, a Buick V6 is rather diminutive, except when it comes to power. Jim Ruggles' Grand National Sportsman engines produce 530+ horsepower from 274 cubic inches. Even without a hand-held calculator, that figures out to 1.94 horsepower per cubic inch, an impressive figure for any engine on one four-barrel carburetor and gasoline"....
#119
Supreme Member
iTrader: (58)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
So many people missing the point, and straying from the original topic. Reading comprehension is a skill, some in this thread need to develop it.
The OP asked what is the rarest of the rare thirdgen, and what is the most valuable. That part at least has been answered. The question was then raised "what makes a car rare/valuable". In the course of that topic, the 305 vs 350 topic came up. The point isn't that the 305 is so much slower then the 350, it's that many people hold the 305 in very low regard, which hurts it's value more then the T5 and HP ratings could ever help it.
I know the capabilities of the LB9 5spd, but when you get off of this forum no one else does. To most people it's just another 305, L69, LG4, LB9, L03, it's all just a 305 to them. Seriously, get out more, go talk to car enthusiasts, and try talking up your 305, they will laugh in your face. Go ahead and preach the word of the mighty high output 305 if you want. My money is they still won't care. You don't need to convince me the 305 is really close to the 350, you have to convince the world that the exception makes up for the multitude of SLOW, SLUGGISH, 305s. So stop bugging me about this, the debate isn't about the 305's capabilities, it's about the general conception toward the 305.
Get over it, people will always think your 305 is gay, because it's a 305. Period.
The OP asked what is the rarest of the rare thirdgen, and what is the most valuable. That part at least has been answered. The question was then raised "what makes a car rare/valuable". In the course of that topic, the 305 vs 350 topic came up. The point isn't that the 305 is so much slower then the 350, it's that many people hold the 305 in very low regard, which hurts it's value more then the T5 and HP ratings could ever help it.
I know the capabilities of the LB9 5spd, but when you get off of this forum no one else does. To most people it's just another 305, L69, LG4, LB9, L03, it's all just a 305 to them. Seriously, get out more, go talk to car enthusiasts, and try talking up your 305, they will laugh in your face. Go ahead and preach the word of the mighty high output 305 if you want. My money is they still won't care. You don't need to convince me the 305 is really close to the 350, you have to convince the world that the exception makes up for the multitude of SLOW, SLUGGISH, 305s. So stop bugging me about this, the debate isn't about the 305's capabilities, it's about the general conception toward the 305.
Get over it, people will always think your 305 is gay, because it's a 305. Period.
Last edited by Drew; 08-10-2011 at 01:36 PM.
#120
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,257
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: Turbo Buick
Engine: 3.8 V6
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Bingo. But the truth of the matter is that any engine can be made to perform, just give it what it wants. Hell, look at the naturally aspirated Stage II Buick V6, for instance....;
"Good things come in small packages. Compared to a V8, a Buick V6 is rather diminutive, except when it comes to power. Jim Ruggles' Grand National Sportsman engines produce 530+ horsepower from 274 cubic inches. Even without a hand-held calculator, that figures out to 1.94 horsepower per cubic inch, an impressive figure for any engine on one four-barrel carburetor and gasoline"....
"Good things come in small packages. Compared to a V8, a Buick V6 is rather diminutive, except when it comes to power. Jim Ruggles' Grand National Sportsman engines produce 530+ horsepower from 274 cubic inches. Even without a hand-held calculator, that figures out to 1.94 horsepower per cubic inch, an impressive figure for any engine on one four-barrel carburetor and gasoline"....
IMHO a T5 /305 thirdgen is far more desirable for all but pure drag racing use.
#122
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,672
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
So many people missing the point, and straying from the original topic. Reading comprehension is a skill, some in this thread need to develop it.
The OP asked what is the rarest of the rare thirdgen, and what is the most valuable. That part at least has been answered. The question was then raised "what makes a car rare/valuable". In the course of that topic, the 305 vs 350 topic came up. The point isn't that the 305 is so much slower then the 350, it's that many people hold the 305 in very low regard, which hurts it's value more then the T5 and HP ratings could ever help it.
I know the capabilities of the LB9 5spd, but when you get off of this forum no one else does. To most people it's just another 305, L69, LG4, LB9, L03, it's all just a 305 to them. Seriously, get out more, go talk to car enthusiasts, and try talking up your 305, they will laugh in your face. Go ahead and preach the word of the mighty high output 305 if you want. My money is they still won't care. You don't need to convince me the 305 is really close to the 350, you have to convince the world that the exception makes up for the multitude of SLOW, SLUGGISH, 305s. So stop bugging me about this, the debate isn't about the 305's capabilities, it's about the general conception toward the 305.
Get over it, people will always think your 305 is gay, because it's a 305. Period.
The OP asked what is the rarest of the rare thirdgen, and what is the most valuable. That part at least has been answered. The question was then raised "what makes a car rare/valuable". In the course of that topic, the 305 vs 350 topic came up. The point isn't that the 305 is so much slower then the 350, it's that many people hold the 305 in very low regard, which hurts it's value more then the T5 and HP ratings could ever help it.
I know the capabilities of the LB9 5spd, but when you get off of this forum no one else does. To most people it's just another 305, L69, LG4, LB9, L03, it's all just a 305 to them. Seriously, get out more, go talk to car enthusiasts, and try talking up your 305, they will laugh in your face. Go ahead and preach the word of the mighty high output 305 if you want. My money is they still won't care. You don't need to convince me the 305 is really close to the 350, you have to convince the world that the exception makes up for the multitude of SLOW, SLUGGISH, 305s. So stop bugging me about this, the debate isn't about the 305's capabilities, it's about the general conception toward the 305.
Get over it, people will always think your 305 is gay, because it's a 305. Period.
#123
Supreme Member
iTrader: (58)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Listen, I've got news for you. Most people who are not neck deep in the 3rd gen culture think ALL of our powerplants are "gay", B2L NOT excepted. These cars are nearly 3 decades old. Except for us, no one really cares or knows the difference in what we have under the hood.
Wow, that's funny... Every time I drive my Formula and someone asks about it, they always say "305?" with this disgusted scowl on their face. When I tell them "it's a 350" suddenly they get wide eyed and doubtful. It's almost the exact opposite of when I drive the Mustang and people say "5.0?" and I say "no, it's just a 2.3L", the lights go out and suddenly they're not interested anymore.
#124
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,672
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
They only ask that because you don't have a stick....
Last edited by chazman; 08-10-2011 at 05:15 PM.
#125
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Springfield,Illinois
Posts: 479
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1987 TA GTA, 1987 IROC 1988 Formula
Engine: 350 tpi/305 tpi/350 tbi
Transmission: All have 700r4's
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt with 3:73's
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
How about if it is faster than a civic its a good engine LOL.
#126
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Southeast Az
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: Red 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 5.0L V8
Transmission: Auto :(
#127
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: DAYTON OHIO
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 86 z28,89 iroc
Engine: 350 crate and ls1
Transmission: 700r4/4l60e
Axle/Gears: open diff stock/4th gen posi
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP OP
#128
Moderator
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
As you can see, I edited the thread to keep it on topic and removed all of the 305 vs 350 arguments. I left Drew's post that sums up the situation regarding the image of the 305. In the years prior to the 350, the 305 cars were great, but once the 350 came out, the 305 was passed on to being inferior in all ways. While it may not be, people that don't know better think so. Almost everybody asks if my car is a 350. They never ask if it's a 305.
Drew, yes, my Olds had an Olds 307. I read a couple posts and got caught up in the "307" part and forgot what I was doing. It was still a dog though!!!
Drew, yes, my Olds had an Olds 307. I read a couple posts and got caught up in the "307" part and forgot what I was doing. It was still a dog though!!!
Last edited by scottmoyer; 08-10-2011 at 07:14 PM.
#129
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Katy TEXAS (West Houston)
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: 5.0 TBI L03 V8
Transmission: Rebuilt 700R4 W/ Corvette shift kit
Axle/Gears: 2:73 open
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
FYI. There isn't one "rarest" 3rdgen. There are several. There are alot of one of a kind prototype and concept 3rdgens.
Last edited by SKELITOR117; 08-10-2011 at 06:14 PM.
#130
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Tampa Florida
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1992 Z28 Convertible
Engine: 305
Transmission: auto
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Mines in the running, out of only 1254 made less then 300 left as of 2009
#132
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Houston Area
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z
Engine: 355, 6.0 (LQ4) soon
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 2.77 for now
#134
Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
The questions seem to be answered sufficiently for the birds, but the only Camaro that seems to make the ultra rare list is the first year 1LE. The 92 Z28 1LE with the heritage package is pretty rare, about 30 made I think. Broken down into 5 spd and 350 autos they are all pretty rare. They don't seem to be much more valuable than other 92 1LE's though. Rarity alone doesn't lead to value, it has to be something rare that a lot of people want. I would pay more for a 92 1LE Z03 car than I would for any other 3rd gen Camaro, but that is a personal preference and not one that is probably shared by others. The best bets are rare performance options, or rare body styles (mainly convertibles). I think that would speak to the TTA and Firehawk convertibles. Those are probably the most valuable 3rd gens out there.
I believe the 1LE's are probably the best bet for future value (or present value for low mileage cars). Simply because they were relatively unknown at the time (like the original Z28), they were made in fairly low quantities and they were designed for racing. They won't touch the ultra rare third gens, but they are the best bet IMO.
My buddy that has the only factory 5 speed 350 has really got it made (jk of course).
I believe the 1LE's are probably the best bet for future value (or present value for low mileage cars). Simply because they were relatively unknown at the time (like the original Z28), they were made in fairly low quantities and they were designed for racing. They won't touch the ultra rare third gens, but they are the best bet IMO.
My buddy that has the only factory 5 speed 350 has really got it made (jk of course).
#135
Supreme Member
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
As you can see, I edited the thread to keep it on topic and removed all of the 305 vs 350 arguments. I left Drew's post that sums up the situation regarding the image of the 305. In the years prior to the 350, the 305 cars were great, but once the 350 came out, the 305 was passed on to being inferior in all ways. While it may not be, people that don't know better think so. Almost everybody asks if my car is a 350. They never ask if it's a 305.
Drew, yes, my Olds had an Olds 307. I read a couple posts and got caught up in the "307" part and forgot what I was doing. It was still a dog though!!!
Drew, yes, my Olds had an Olds 307. I read a couple posts and got caught up in the "307" part and forgot what I was doing. It was still a dog though!!!
#136
Supreme Member
iTrader: (16)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Originally Posted by scottmoyer
As you can see, I edited the thread to keep it on topic and removed all of the 305 vs 350 arguments. I left Drew's post....
Originally Posted by Drew
So many people missing the point, and straying from the original topic. Reading comprehension is a skill, some in this thread need to develop it....
[/done]
#137
Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NH
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
Car: 1967 Firebird P.T.
Engine: LS3 4" Strkr 422ci
Transmission: MN12 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 8.5" 10 Bolt Eaton
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
i completely agree with imissmygta and Lethal, does drew have special privileges or something??
If anything Drew seems to be the most ignorant Third gen hobbyist ive seen on this thread with the whole condescending responses about engine sizes. I'm pretty sure most of the people driving third gens bought them for their exterior physical appearance, not because of whats under the hood.
If anything Drew seems to be the most ignorant Third gen hobbyist ive seen on this thread with the whole condescending responses about engine sizes. I'm pretty sure most of the people driving third gens bought them for their exterior physical appearance, not because of whats under the hood.
#138
Supreme Member
iTrader: (58)
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
LOL You guys are funny. If you go back and read what I posted, it wasn't all that inflammatory. A few of you got your panties in a bunch, and steered the topic off into a debate. A debate which none of you could support with any facts. No one is disputing that the real world differences between the 305 and the 350 aren't always that great, and that's what you're trying to say. My position isn't that 305s are gay, you don't need to convince me. My position is that most people absolutely hate 305s, and that effects the value. That statement is on topic, and relevant. "My 305 does burnouts, and it's a real MUSCLE CAR" isn't on topic. I'm not insulting 305s, I'm just telling you how MOST people view them.
I've driven a thirdgen of one type or another since 1995. I've owned about a dozen thirdgens. I've been on this forum since 1996. I was a moderator here for several years. I know what people think of the 305. Sharing that knowledge, and applying it to the topic doesn't make me immature or ignorant. Getting upset about a comment on the internet, and being a crybaby about it is immature and ignorant. Grow a thicker skin, and stay on topic. Contribute more to a thread than publicly crying because someone might not like your car because of the engine. Get over it.
I've driven a thirdgen of one type or another since 1995. I've owned about a dozen thirdgens. I've been on this forum since 1996. I was a moderator here for several years. I know what people think of the 305. Sharing that knowledge, and applying it to the topic doesn't make me immature or ignorant. Getting upset about a comment on the internet, and being a crybaby about it is immature and ignorant. Grow a thicker skin, and stay on topic. Contribute more to a thread than publicly crying because someone might not like your car because of the engine. Get over it.
#139
Supreme Member
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
I know.. since you speak for MOST people.. then no one has a say that can be contrary to yours without name calling (crybaby, immature and ignorant) and belittlling others. Nice. Making fun of people.. no one did that to you or your cars. Yet you presist...
#140
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,672
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Here's one of mine:
How rare? I don't know. G92/LB9/T5/3.45 Aussie BW rear, N10 dual cats, (because of the N10, the Feds kept my car from being released out of Van Nuys for weeks, until final certification), DX3 decal delete. I've never really seen one with the same combo of options.
How rare? I don't know. G92/LB9/T5/3.45 Aussie BW rear, N10 dual cats, (because of the N10, the Feds kept my car from being released out of Van Nuys for weeks, until final certification), DX3 decal delete. I've never really seen one with the same combo of options.
Last edited by chazman; 08-11-2011 at 01:24 PM.
#142
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,672
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
LOL You guys are funny. If you go back and read what I posted, it wasn't all that inflammatory. A few of you got your panties in a bunch, and steered the topic off into a debate. A debate which none of you could support with any facts. No one is disputing that the real world differences between the 305 and the 350 aren't always that great, and that's what you're trying to say. My position isn't that 305s are gay, you don't need to convince me. My position is that most people absolutely hate 305s, and that effects the value. That statement is on topic, and relevant. "My 305 does burnouts, and it's a real MUSCLE CAR" isn't on topic. I'm not insulting 305s, I'm just telling you how MOST people view them.
I've driven a thirdgen of one type or another since 1995. I've owned about a dozen thirdgens. I've been on this forum since 1996. I was a moderator here for several years. I know what people think of the 305. Sharing that knowledge, and applying it to the topic doesn't make me immature or ignorant. Getting upset about a comment on the internet, and being a crybaby about it is immature and ignorant. Grow a thicker skin, and stay on topic. Contribute more to a thread than publicly crying because someone might not like your car because of the engine. Get over it.
I've driven a thirdgen of one type or another since 1995. I've owned about a dozen thirdgens. I've been on this forum since 1996. I was a moderator here for several years. I know what people think of the 305. Sharing that knowledge, and applying it to the topic doesn't make me immature or ignorant. Getting upset about a comment on the internet, and being a crybaby about it is immature and ignorant. Grow a thicker skin, and stay on topic. Contribute more to a thread than publicly crying because someone might not like your car because of the engine. Get over it.
Welp, I think there was some good discussion in the page or so that Scott deleted. Personally, if it were up to me, I would have left those posts up. Although slightly tangential, those posts also added some interesting points to the thread.
#143
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: O'Fallon Mo.
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1992 Camaro
Engine: HSR 355, afr 195s, xfi280, Holley e
Transmission: t-5
Axle/Gears: Braced 10 bolt Auburn and 3.73s
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Unsubscribing from what was an interesting thread.
#145
Supreme Member
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Here's one of mine:How rare? I don't know. G92/LB9/T5/3.45 Aussie BW rear, N10 dual cats, (because of the N10, the Feds kept my car from being released out of Van Nuys for weeks, until final certification), DX3 decal delete. I've never really seen one with the same combo of options.
#146
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,672
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
#147
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,672
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
I've got just shy of 11K miles on it.
#148
Supreme Member
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
wow very cool. if you ever want to sell it... keep me in mind!
#149
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 9,672
Received 546 Likes
on
376 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
Beyond the usual, (ie., condition, mileage, etc.), what makes a 3rd gen valuable *to me* are any numbers of things. Certain color combos for example. Silver, yellow, medium gray, medium orange and others. As much as I hated the gaudiness of the LS Conteur interiors back in the day, they are now points of interest for me. A stick shift is a HUGE selling point and adds lots of value for me - so much so, that I usually skip over 5.7s because I know they lack a manual trans.
To me, something like an '85 Silver IROC, with a red LS Conteur interior, T5 and L69 is pretty much hitting the jackpot.
I mentioned previously that a neglected, but running, LB9/T5/3.45 '89 IROC is being parted on this site right now as we speak. Had I run across that one first, it would have had more value to me whole for it's relative rarity, than what it is being parted out for.
BTW, something odd like an Iron Duke, (stick required ), also has value to me.
To me, something like an '85 Silver IROC, with a red LS Conteur interior, T5 and L69 is pretty much hitting the jackpot.
I mentioned previously that a neglected, but running, LB9/T5/3.45 '89 IROC is being parted on this site right now as we speak. Had I run across that one first, it would have had more value to me whole for it's relative rarity, than what it is being parted out for.
BTW, something odd like an Iron Duke, (stick required ), also has value to me.
Last edited by chazman; 08-11-2011 at 04:47 PM.
#150
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Springfield,Illinois
Posts: 479
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1987 TA GTA, 1987 IROC 1988 Formula
Engine: 350 tpi/305 tpi/350 tbi
Transmission: All have 700r4's
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt with 3:73's
Re: What is the rarest of rare third gen....and also whats the most valuable one?????
I've heard Flame red with carmine interior is pretty rare but not the rarest. I wish the PO of mine kept the original seats in it. It has carmine interior.