IROCZ28MTL

Hi All,

1st off my apologies if this is the incorrect section. I searched and couldn't find info to my questions. Also please excuse my nOOb questions on Camaros.

I have always loved camaros and I'm thinking to take the plunge and finally get my 1st. I have found one that I'm going to look at and wanted opinions and advice from current/past owners.

What's are the pros and cons for the 87 IROC 350?

What issues have you experienced?

How are parts availabillity?

What should I pay the most attention on at the dealer?

Odometer is showing around 75000 miles and there is no VIN listed. I will check as soon as I get it.

Here's a link to the car:
http://www.parade-leasing.com/en/use...spy?id=5639933

Thanks in advance for any info!

- Chris
Montreal, Canada

scottmoyer

It depends on what you're looking for. Me? They are asking too much for what it is. I like clean original cars and the pricing is increasing, but for a little bit more, you can get one with less issues.

What I see here is that the car was repainted at some point and the decals weren't replaced. The decal delete was available starting in '88, not '87 so that is not correct. It has an aftermarket exhaust which in my opinion looks hideous. I'm not a fan of the exhaust pipes sticking out like that. There is a lot of wear on the buttons that make me think the car was either not taken care of for the miles or the miles are not correct.

1987 was the first year for the 350 and it was a good year. It was the first year for a lot of things and the last year for a lot of things.

Firsts:
350, leather, Bose, all performance options included with 350 as standard

Lasts:
all performance options included with 350 as standard
Norwood factory built cars
decals at the front of the car
the most coveted IROC-Z rim design
Z28 badges on the rocker instead of IROC-Z

IROCZ28MTL

Thank you very much for your reply.

I knew there were some things that didn't add up with the info/pictures.

Can I ask what is the decal delete?

scottmoyer

In 1988, you could order the car with RPO code DX3 which was for decal delete. It gave a credit, a very small credit, for getting the car without the stripes along the ground effects and the IROC-Z door decals. It looked very much like a '89 or '90 RS only with the IROC-Z hood and wheels. It was the 80's way of creating a sleeper.

IROCZ28MTL

Thanks again Scott.

I just got back from paying it a visit at the dealer. Props to you as you were pretty much bang on with your assesment just by looking at the pics. This is not an IROC as advertized on their site.

By the VIN its a 305 -190 LB9 engine. She told me that the engine was changed by the previous owner. She has no clue what it was changed to.

Are there any visibile parts to distinguish the 305 from the 350 engines? I checked and apparently there pretty much the same lookwise.

The Car Proof report shows no accidents/stolen. But it does show in 1991 the ODO was 70k. In 1995 it had 96k and it dropped down to 31k in 2002. Im guessing thats where the engine was changed.

Sucks as I knew more then she did. Makes me a little hesitant. Definietly not worth the price there asking without knowing. Shes going to clean it up and call me back for a 2nd visit. I'm gong to also contact a buddy who is a mechanic and test it with him.

Thx!

Chris

calroc

The 5000RPM redline is a clear indicator that the peanut cammed 305 was in it from the factory, and my still be.
The 31k in 2002 is probably 131k, and more than likely has 175k on it presently, based on the 96k reading in 1995. I doubt the last owner rolled back the mileage if, indeed, there was an engine swap.
Second visit at your own risk. It may not be a bad purchase at a fraction of what they're asking (IMHO)

camaroyoungster

I think the only hard stuff to find for our 87 350 iroc was the y pipe, the catalytic converter and that long pipe. The 350's have a bigger y pipe than the 305's and it has a flange for a bolt on cat instead of a welded on one.

calroc

From the factory, the y pipes were the same size, I believe, for 305 & 350. Same exhaust system. The last year for 4-bolt flange cats was 1985. They were slip-on since then.
With all due respect, I think I'm missing the point of your post.

camaroyoungster

I thought he asked about some of the hard stuff to find. And I know the Y-pipes were different since you can't use a 305 one because its too small so you have to find all of the right size stuff. I am also pretty sure about flanged cat and stuff too.

camaroyoungster

So if he ever needs to replace exhaust parts, I think it could be a pain since they dont make the y-pipe any more.

IROCZ28MTL

Thanks everyone for the infos. It has really helped me out alot.

Unless they have more info on engine ect... come down in price going to

keep looking.

Have a great day!

-Chris

calroc

You're right. I stand corrected. He did ask about parts availability.
As for the y-pipe & flanged cat, what do I know? I've only owned 7 3rd gen F-bodies over the past 29 years (305's & 350's).
He's going to keep shopping, anyway.

camaroyoungster

Hey sorry if I got you a little pissed. That was what we found out by actually measuring them. I guess our car isn't all original then. :/

jrhaus76

Just FYI this is what Scott was talking about, 1989 factory decal delete car.

It was a $65 credit. IIRC, 25 years was a lot of years ago.

jrhaus76

Just looked at the link. $9k. That's dude is out of his mind.

DJP87Z28

On 1987 models the odometer rolls over to zero at 100,000 miles so that car now has 131,000 miles in 2002. Can't change the odometer for a engine change.

jrhaus76

The cluster could have been changed. In reality we have no idea other than there is more than 96,000 miles on it. I'm guessing 171 but who knows.

I'd avoid this car like the plague or pay like $3,000 for it.

jrhaus76

Let me give you a quick example...

In 1989 we bought a 350 iroc. It was sold in 1991. In 2008 I bought it back after stumbling across it.

I paid $5000 for it. Forget any sentimental value, I feel the car was a great deal.

83,000 miles. No way it's 183,000 based on condition.
350 hard top
Zero modifications
Zero rust
Needed paint.
No questions about anything.
Was it perfect? No, but it wasn't altered or showing any sighs of things not adding up.