ledman66

iTrader: (2)

I didn't see a welcome thread, so I figured I would post here in my regional area.
So, Hello everyone, my name is Mike

I am a professed MOPAR guy, I currently drive a 2013 Charger SE as my DD...but, have had a few F bodies in my day, '83 Z28 that was swapped to a 350 and a '83 Trans Am t-top with the 305 CFI, and always love the 3rd Gen Camaros and Firebirds.

Well, I found a deal to good to pass up, a 1988 Camaro IROC-Z28 305 V8 auto TBI. I know it's not a 5.7 TPI car which is ultimatley more desirable, but this car really scoots along for a 170hp motor! I remember my Trans Am's 305, and it was a great engine other than the terrible cross fire injection system, but thats another story, but a very reliable small block.

1 owner California car with 114k. Actually, I went to the Long Beach car show and swap meet today, and my wife went with me, which she never does. I went looking to score an old MOPAR for about 5k. I found a few, but they needed ALLOT of work, more than I wanted to tackle.

Well, she saw the Camaro first and fell in love with it, and we new we had to have it. This car is clean! Has good power, drives nice, will burn rubber easily, and everything works! Well, except one fog light is out, and the AC works OK while driving, but doesn't work too well when the car idles, I think it just needs a re-charge, no biggie. He gave me the car cover too. Has all the original manuals, and dealer serviced 100%. No original window sticker though:/
Best thing is, it is all original,(minus the IROC decals on the doors) not hacked up inside, no mods to the engine or body.

Dash and seats have been re-done, and one re-paint under warranty back in 1990 as the original clear coat, started peeling, so he told me Chevy repainted the car for him for free. Still looks good, very good paint!

I think we did good for $4800, (he was asking $5250) clean title, 1 owner car, garaged and covered it's whole life.

I am all up for ideas on squeezing out some more HP from it, so any suggestions are appreciated, but I don't want to stray too much from the stock condition. I am thinking a new perf. muffler for some better V8 sound to start off with. Do they make a tuner for the computer?

He is getting it smogged for me,(California BS) and we will complete the deal tomorrow.
Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure. Now, I need a name for her!

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Ungawa, & nice car.Im also in Tustin.In addition to the muffler, maybe some headers.There's smog legal cams too, I think.Only thing you can do with the ECM is maybe a chip, but better off spending money on the exhaust.

We got a meet this sunday, should try to make it.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/sout...iday-meet.html

vtwinsroc

iTrader: (1)

Nice always loved the red and black.will be nice to see where it goes from here

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Thanks, I may just do that as I was planning on going to the Pomona swap meet to continue my car search, but I really don't need to do that now!
Some headers would be awesome, but I would have to pay someone to install them for me as I don't have the resources to do it myself

I don't have the car yet...the seller has to go get it smogged, possibly will get it tomorrow or the next day. We shook on it, he seemed like a nice kid, he is selling it for his grandpa, and the kid insisted he smog it first, so nothing comes back to bite him in the ****. I agree! lol

+++EDIT+++...I posted over in the get together thread expressing my interst in going, so hope to see you there so I can show off my new to me toy, and get some tips and advice!

jharrison5

Looks like a nice clean car! I wish I was out in Cali this time of year it was 74 here yesterday and 19 today! Stupid Nebraska anyway lol!

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Thanks you, it really is in great condition!
And Oh wow,what a swing in temp change!! Today was what Californians call a winter day lol...rainy and 61 degrees
I grew up in Western PA, so I know that not to be true

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

I just reinstalled my headers to replace a gasket.It's not too bad if you get short tube style.Important part is the EO# should be on the part.We're not too far apart, might able to help you out.I got the tools & space.

Hopefully the car passes smog or you can't sell/register it.Some members show up w/ their "other" car if their f-body is not running, so you can
make an appearance either way.

James Sutton

iTrader: (2)

Good deal. Have fun.

Best advice from Supreme Members here: Third Gens are antiques; if you can't repair them, better not to buy them.

jharrison5

[QUOTE=James Third Gens are antiques; if you can't repair them, better not to buy them.[/QUOTE]

Isn't that the truth lol! I have now spent three times more money on fixing up my iroc then i paid for it.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Now that would be sweet, I will bring the beer and chips! And parts too of course lol It would be nice to have a real friend that has some know how to help me upgrade some things.

Still waiting on the seller to get it to pass the CA smog test, it failed today, just the tail pipe part...all the proper parts are on the car, so that's not the issue. The kid told me the smog station was just around the corner from his house, so he said he didn't let the car warm up properly, so he was thinking that's why it failed the tail pipe sniffer test. He can take it back Wednesday for a free re-test, so well see what happens...he knows if he can't get it to pass emissions I will not buy the car.

Any tips to help it pass the CA emissions testing?
Thanks!

Phenom-1

LOL Dude Did you buy that Camaro on Craigslist? I think I saw that one for sale on Craigslist a few months back. I might have even saved some pics on my phone. Lol


I had an '87 Dark Red Metallic Iroc-Z with the LG4 Carbureted version of the 5.0 same HP as yours 170 & 250 torque.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

With regards to the tail pipe test.Thats depends which of the three is over the limit.There are some knowledgeable people here that can diagnose it better than me.Dyno Don & his son are two.Try to get the results from the seller.

Phenom-1

Before taking it to get smogged, I always bought 2 little 99¢ cans of fuel injector / fuel system cleaner from the 99¢ store. Put them in the gas tank, drive the car around for a bit, and make sure the car has a clean air filter, and that it has had a recent oil change and recent (not old enough to be fouled up) spark plugs, so as not to hamper performance or breathing.

And my '92 Z28 has a 3" Flowmaster Cat-back 80s series Exhaust with 3" chrome tips with an angle cut and it passed emissions.

But my Fathers 2001 Dodge Caravan, surprisingly with it's 3.3L V6 didn't pass emissions because it had a Bad Oxygen Sensor, and the check engine light on, so he bought a new sensor, I put some Fuel system cleaner in the tank, drove it for a 50 mile round trip to Long Beach, and then it passed, but if it doesn't pass, I know our smog guy, and he can get around it and make it pass, he charges us $65.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

I actually got it at the Long Beach car show/swap meet, I didn't know it was even on CL until I met the seller,and he informed me once we shook on the deal, he would remove his ad from CL. So I jumped on CL and found it and saved the pics before he deleted the ad, which he did yesterday.
So, were you thinking of taking a look at it? It really is stunning in person, the car looks amazing in person! Lots of people couldn't walk by without stopping to look at it..but most wanted one with the 5speed 5.0 TPI of course

And Yeah, I know these cars are not big HP monsters at 170hp, but they are what Detroit could put out at the time with all the emissions crap mandated by the gummimint.
I have to say though, the camaro seemed just as fast as my 2013 V6 Charger that's rated at 292hp, plus I have it tuned and exhaust and a CAI, so I know I am well over 300bhp...the Camaro being lighter, felt just as fast off the line as my 4000 pound charger at least thats what my "butt dyno" tells me lol

Phenom-1

Naturally... The Camaro is lighter so it makes up for the weaker power compared to the heavier Charger.

Less Body mass so it also "FEELS" faster or you can feel the wind and body moving.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

yes, so can we say our camaros have 300hp?? lol

Phenom-1

My 1992 Z28 5.7 TPI has 245hp and 345lbs torque but with the Flowmaster 80s Series 3 inch Cat-Back Exhaust system it really wakes up the car and makes it come to Life.

It feels like a 300hp car and I have actually beaten 2005 - 2008 Mustang GTs with the 4.6L V8 making 300HP I gotta tell you, it's a great feeling when your 3rd Gen that's 23 years old with 23 year old technology could still beat a 6 year old Mustang GT with the 3 valves per cylinder 4.6 V8

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Hell yeah, that's so awesome! Mustangs have been to me, always over rated cars...I prefer a good Chevy or MOPAR any day over a Ford

Phenom-1

Yeah, I grew up in a Family that had 'em all.

My Grandfather Loved Ford trucks, he had a '56 F-100 with the Wraparound rear window. A '59 or '60 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. Then Later he got an '81 Oldsmobile which I now own. But he loved GM cars too, especially Corvettes.

My father grew up with that '56 Truck so he loves Ford and Dodge Trucks. When he was 18 as a Graduation present, My Grandma & Grandpa bought him a 1976 Trans Am with the 400ci, which was Brand New back then.

My Aunt, had a 1986 Bright Red IROC-Z with the 5.0 TPI she bought when it was new from the Dealership.

And when I was 8 years old I remember sitting in front of my Fathers tv watching Knight rider come on, and seeing this Black Bullet shaped Car Speeding through the Desert with the Sun setting and a Red scanner light in front, and at 8 years old I had No Idea it was a Trans Am. But I knew I wanted one and was going to have one someday.

And when I was 13, My New next door neighbors moved in and the guy owned the Teal green '92 Z28 that I own today, and I fell in love with it, he took me for a ride in it one day and I knew I had to have it when he no longer needed it.


So from My Heritage and Childhood... Camaro's and Trans Ams were my Destiny over any other car. I like Fords and Dodge but I'll always prefer GM first.

My Uncle and I both like and prefer GM trucks like Silverado's And GMC Sierras first.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

I also grew up and watching knight rider...and my name being Michael made it more surreal for me as a kid lol...I also wanted a trans am really bad and finally got an red '83 TA t-top in 1994. Not knight rider, but close enough for me at the time.
my family was mainly a GM family but my dad worked for Ford and chrysler combined for 30 years and also had his own shop. He always bought chevys but we had a few ford's snd mopars come and go.

Pontiac is my first love...the 80's firebird trans am...best body style ever imo along with the camaro.

Mopars are my second love. My first car was a 69 dart 2 door hardtop 318 v8 2bbl. Loved that car!! Wish I still had it.

Phenom-1

Yeah I think the 3rd gen was revolutionary in it's design Especially back then in '82 when it was first introduced.

I believe the '84 Trans Am is still one of the most aerodynamic cars made.

I think it's drag coefficient was 0.29 That's ridiculous. Only Modern Corvettes and Supercars have that.

No production car has a drag coefficient of less than 0.24 really, only Concepts and cars that never made it into production have that.

I think maybe 1 Mercedes has 0.22 and GMs EV1 has 0.19 but that's not something you hear or see of everyday


0.29 is what New and Modern GTR, ZR1, Porsche, and Lamborghini's have of Drag To have that in a 30 year old Trans Am was like an In Your Face BOOM Sucker! 30 Years Old and I still Rock!

James Sutton

iTrader: (2)

But when Camaros have aluminum composite bodies, the weight advantage will go away.

89mulletbird

iTrader: (4)

Nice car. The very first mod I would do to a stock car is a 180F thermostat and a 190F fan switch and throttle body coolant bypass. From the factory, the cars would run at 220+ degrees. Of course, do this after you smog it because it doesn't help emissions!

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

UPDATE. OK, short and simple the car needs a new catalytic converter. The seller tried to get it smogged again, and it passed everything but the 15mph test, hydrocarbons off the chart, but the 25mph test all within range. The car still has the original CAT on it. He said he has known this, and was trying to avoid the inevitable, replacing the Cat.
California law requires him to provide me a current smog on the car, so this is what he has to do to complete the sale, and he is 100% been cool about it all.

So, the seller is paying to have the cat replaced, and re-smogging it again tomorrow. Hopefully I will have the car Saturday, as we are planning to do the deal then, so I can come out to Frisco's on Sunday, and have you guys look over the car for me and give me some simple MOD ideas, keeping in mind, I want to try and keep it pretty original, but I have an open mind, but a small wallet lol

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Lets hope that'll do it.HCs are the toughest to pass.Post the results afterwards.I found this today.Not interested in buying, but it sure is tempting.
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4790611231.html

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Wow $850 looks like a steal! It looks nice...but who knows. The tow company just wants to make their money back so this looks like a good deal either way...parts alone are worth the 850

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Was thinking for parts too.It's probably a six cyn as well, but the body is clean to put a v8 in.

Phenom-1

One of us should call and find out if they know if it's a v6 or 5.0 v8.

Or get them to read the Vin to us and we'll know by the 8th digit. The Engine Code.

The big problem is the not having the key for it.

No key so they don't know if it runs. Repossessed cars have this problem, the tow REPO guys go and take the car sometimes without the key if the guy didn't want to give them the key.

So that's why 850 bucks... A solution for that would be to change out the Ignition cylinder for a new one and thus get a fresh cut key.

Classic Industries sells new ignition cylinders with a new ignition key.

So Add $400 to fix that issue and you've got a $1,250 dollar RS with a broken grill and Iroc wheels.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

OK, the new CAT did the trick! The car passed smog with flying colors, and I am taking delivery of the car tonight! So it looks like I can make the cruise this Sunday!
I made sure to tell him, to bring the paperwork from the smog station, to show proof it passed, or no money will change hands!!

WOOT!!

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Phenom-1

Something to look forward to in the future is an exhaust mod.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

That is one of the first things on my list, other than getting the windows tinted. Maybe a clear bra from the wrap shop for the front end to protect the paint from rock chips etc...the paint is in really great shape, I would like to keep it that way.

What do you think about putting on the IROC-Z decals on the doors? I am not sure if this car was a decal delete car or not.

Phenom-1

Car looks good plain in straight black. Black wheels... Give it a tint and it will blend in with the night A great Stakeout car LOL


Whether it was or wasn't a decal delete car, the Fact remains It is an IROC-Z (even if it's the low optioned one) so at any time later if you want you can put the Door decal and the whole stripe kit.

Since it's a black car, you can do the silver, blue, gold, or red stripes.

I personally like red stripes on the '88-'90s Black Irocs. I don't see too many of those.

But since it is an '88 Hardtop, the one thing I'd do to it IF it was my car is, after I did the Flowmaster 80s Upgrade and Tint, I'd definitely get a set of 16" IROCS for it that way it would look much cooler and also Fool people into thinking it's the TPI


Then if I really wanted to mess with people, I'd get the 5.7 Tuned Port Injection decal that goes on the left part of the rear bumper HAHAHAH.

Phenom-1

I think this is one of the best looks for a Black IROC


The 16" '88 IROC wheels, no stripes, just a Catback 3" Exhaust, Window Tint and the silver IROC-Z Decals on the door.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Haha a little "upbadging" never hurt anything.
Well, I have possession of the car!! A quick one over and Everything looks different at night lol...the car is dirty from all the recent rain we've had and it being black doesn't help.
What is really cool, is he had the original warranty book with his grandpa's name on it, delivery date and miles at delivery...63 miles, delivered on May 20th 1988, and of course the original owners name is on the title. I made a copy of the title, to back up the warranty book as verification that it was a 1 owner car. You can tell the ink is old, not like it was just written on there today.

Original VIN numbers on the doors, rear hatch and hood, indicating they are original to the car, so no major accidents. No rust that I can find, the body is really straight, no dents or dings that I can see, and you know black shows everything!

The car, is not perfect. but, I am picky
I noticed a few small things I didn't the first time I looked it over. Like the passenger side rocker panel, is separated a little from the body behind the front wheel well, not a big deal.
A few small chips on the psg side door, on the edge. Very minor, along with some normal scrapes on the bottom of the front air dam, not noticeable unless you get down on one knee and look underneath.

The panel lights for the radio and heater/defroster control do not work. But the heater/defroster works well.

The spare tire cover is loose, one of the plastic bolts is loose, or the clip it goes into is broken.

The center console arm rest pad is good condition, but doesn't not lock down with the latch.

Drivers side sun visor is a little loose.

Not sure if the cruise control or cassette player works.

What is cool, he just put a new rear hatch lock down motor in it.
New bushings on the rear sway bar, and of course the new CAT, and a whole new distributor less than a year ago. Tires are in fair condition. Seats, dash and headliner in great condition, dome light and map lights work, foot-well lights work. Under hood light works...but you have to jiggle it around, must have a short or something in it. The main gauges, all work, and the dash lights work on them also. Wipers work, along with the washer pump.

Original stereo works good...lol...funny that passed a a good stereo for it's day, it sounds OK for what it is I guess.

The doors and hood close nicely, as the rear hatch does too. The hood release sticks a little, you can't seem to tell once you pull the release, that it has actually done anything.

Pasg, door lock, doesn't unlock fully when using power locks. Pasg side power mirror works well all 4 ways, drivers side will only go up and down, not in and out.

Rear defroster works, power seat works, all positions, the power windows work also, as does the auto rear hatch release switch. Power radio antenna works great.

I let it run for about 45 minutes, the AC needs a recharge. No leaks that I can see, nothing on the ground at least when I left it tonight. Oil was at the add mark after letting it run. It needs and oil change. Trans fluid is clear and a light pink color, no funny burnt smells.

All the exterior lights work, brake, tail, signals, revers, license plate and fog lights, except the pasg side fog light is out. Is that a bulb, or do I need a whole new unit?

OH, and the kid told me, that the car came originally with 16 inch IROC wheels, in red, but his grandpa didn't like red, so he got the stock 15 inch wheels in black...d'oh!!

He also gave me a Chiltons repair manual for 82-92 camaros, a spare rear spoiler for like a 83-85 Z28 with a brake light in the spoiler, a car cover, the original CLUB, the original keys and 2 sets of spare keys, and a cool old school camaro key chain lol, a bunch of micro fiber towels and it appears to have OEM GM floor mats, I don't know if they are or not, but they have a little rubberr square on them that say GM

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Yes!! I like that...I was thinking the silver IROC decals because the IROC emblems on the rear and rocker panels appear to be silver...now to just find some IROC wheels in 16 inch...my wife will kill me thats going to have to wait until I actually will need new tires. But exhaust and window tint can be done after the holidays.

Phenom-1

Hood light on mine flickers also, you have to play with it. Must be some short. I just stopped looking under there at Night.

It seems to stick on old 70s and 80s GM cars My Grandfathers 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham also sticks, I pull the hood release and feels like it opened but the hood itself stays closed, gotta pull it a few more times and time it just right for it to actually POP open.

On my Z28 same thing, one time it stuck and wouldn't open, I was screaming at it like what's the Password today? OPEN SESAME!!

I've had to replace both Fogs on mine. Get new Bulbs.

I'm always running into Z28/IROC wheels for sale on Craigslist. I've seen some good deals.

Camaro parts ain't exactly cheap, and we're all tapped out after Black Friday. And we ain't done Christmas shopping yet Ho Ho Ho

Phenom-1

When oil change time came I changed it every 3,000 miles or every year (whichever happened first) I Used 5W30 Pennzoil Platinum, Mobil 1, I think I used Quaker State Q-Torque once and my preferred was Castrol GTX.

I'd suggest Castrol GTX & K&N Filter or go with Royal Purple.


Oh and I also recommend to change out the valve cover gaskets, I can tell you a couple of Leaky nightmare stories about cars in our family that have gone on with the same gaskets unchanged for years.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Alright....got the car up on the lift this morning.
I also hadn't driven it yet at freeway speed until this morning. It drives nice but it needs new struts on the front. No shaking or anything just an extra bounce when hitting dips in the road.

Front rotors and pads are gone. Getting replaced now plus bleeding the brake system. Rear brake cylinders are leaking. Replacing them. New oil cap and oil/filter change getting done.

It is leaking from the valve covers. That will have to wait a little it's not terrible yet. Slight coolant leak...appears the water pump gasket is shot...not bad but that will be next on the list. Other than that my buddy said the car looks solid. He works at pep boys and he's hooking me up with some free extras

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

2nd owner here too, since Nov,88.

The hood light flickers because there is a plunger like ball in the socket, which makes/breaks contact.Its designed to "switch off" when you close the hood & "on" when you open it.Tap the socket & you nay hear the ball bounce around.If you observe while closing the you should see the light go out.So that's actually normal function.

The air damn (& chin spoler) scrapes on these cars, since they're pretty low to start with.

Check the console lid for the striker sticking out below the button.If there's no return, the button may be missing the spring behind it.Or it fell out of place.

Loose sun visors also pretty common on these models.

Power door locks sticking is pretty common on these cars too.Sometimes the solenoid needs some lubricant spray.My power mirrors do the same due to me not driving/using my car for months, but after a few tries the motors loosen up & work fine.Might be the switch though, cause my windows do the same thing after months of non use.

Id check the fog light bulb, maybe swap sides, see if the fault goes with it.

Personally, never a fan of Iroc wheels.I like the GTA wheels, but sucks he switched though.

My car had the OE floor mats when I bought it w/ 48k back in 88.Wore them out eventually.Classic has some great sturdy replacements, a bit pricey but worth it.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

I decided to go ahead and replace the the front struts with some new KYB's.

Phenom-1

Never been a fan of GTA wheels on a Camaro.

Only exception are the Firehawk Ronal wheels.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Alright I feel a little better about the car being road more worthy now.

1. New KYB struts on the front
2. New Rotors and brake job, brake lines bled and new fluid added.
3. Rear wheel cylinders replaced, brakes cleaned and adjusted
4. Oil and filter change, zerk fittings greased
5. New Air filter
6. Fog light bulb replaced
7. Coolant was seeping from drain cork in bottom of radiator. Radiator drained, no new gasket available for drain plug, so we jerry rigged it with some gasket sealer and the the old rubber seal and a washer, no leaks now.
8. New oil cap on valve cover, old one was leaking
9. Tires balanced
10. Front Wheel bearings repacked/greased

Grand total:$922
Who's buying me lunch, because I am one broke *** 3rd gen driver now!
Hope to see you all tomorrow!

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

At least now you have a starting point.See ya tomorrow.

Phenom-1

HAHAHA!

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

So you will be buying me lunch then, laughing at me brokenness lol

Should I wear my MOPAR t-shirt?

Phenom-1

MOPARs and 3rd Gens don't get along.

I'll buy lunch... Someday

Classic1

Hi Mike,

Welcome to thirdgen ownership. Looks like a great car.

We are in Huntington Beach, CA. Since you are in our area, here are a few links that might do you some good. If you'd like to request or download a FREE catalog, you can do so here.

You can also sign up for our eblast promotions here.

And if you want to get those decals you need here is a link to them in red.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Looks like the mileage IS 214K according to the car fax that picks up the records starting in 1992 at 59,545 miles.
Always dealer serviced. Shows title changes, but no change in ownership until I bought it.
According to the car fax, the car has only been driven 48,883 miles since 2002, most of the miles were put on the car in the first 8 years 108,793 reported in 1996, so really the past 18 years the car has been driven 105,457 miles. Average over the past 26.5 years comes out to 8049 miles a year average.
I think this car was babied like the kid said, it was well taken care of, it just needs some regular TLC maintenance that has been ignored as it has not been driven much the past 7 years. Those that saw the car at the last 3rd gen get together can attest to it's appearance of being a nice original unmolested car. IT's not perfect, but it's all mine!! vroom vroom!! lol

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

That's not too bad, least now you know the actual mileage.Did you fix the hinge btw?