I'm thinking about buying a 1985 iroc z28 in a couple days. I was hoping a few of you guys could help me out and tell me what to look for and please give me some info on it. Pro's and Cons of this car?

I really need engine and tranny info.

Thanks,
Ed

 

Make sure its a 350, the 8th charachter in the vin will be 8. I believe F is a 305tpi, E is 305 TPI.

 

Its a 350 tpi. Thats the one thing i knew to look for, since those engines arent visually different. Is this a rare car?.


Any info helps me!!!


Thanks

 

sorry but in 1985 gm did not install 350s in the camaros. the best you can get is a 305 tpi

 

If its a 350 like u say, then it is definatly not the original motor.

 

I think the only way you got a 350 was with an automatic transmission. I'm positive this is a 350 tpi though.

 

if your positive its a 350 then its either not an 85 or not the original motor

 

What years around that had the 350 tpi?

 

87 and up had the 350, some 86 1le cars had it but they where rare

 

What codes or numbers can i find to verify the car year?

 

Not sure on a code or ID tag for the year, the emissions tag under the hood may have it. But if the car is in the original setup 85 was the only year IROC with no center high mounted third brake light. 86 had it on top of the hatch, 87+ had it in the spoiler...

If it's a non-original motor that they claim to have swapped in it's going to be really hard to know if the seller is telling the truth about it, lying to you, or is too stupid to know... If they're telling you it's an original 350 TPI setup they're full of it. I'm not sure off the top of my head if there is an easy way to physically tell if it's a 350 or not, maybe someone else knows...

You can tell which motor it originally had by checking the 8th digit of the VIN, it should be a F for the 305 TPI (8 for the 350 available starting in 87 as someone else said). Easiest way to tell if it still has the original motor would be to check the numbers on a small block that will be on the front passenger side of the engine block, down below the alternator. Hard to get at, but it will have numbers stamped in it, something around a 5 or 6 digit set that will coincide with the last 5 or 6 digits of the VIN if it's the original motor. Someone correct me if I'm mistaken, going off memory...

 

Thanks for the info everyone

 

Just another seller claiming its a 350 and it is a 305. When you hear its a 350 do not belive it until you have actual proof, the Vin # or paperwork for a swap. The number of cars claiming to be 350's actually exceed what GM installed at the factory over the years.

 

The VIN will tell a lot about the vehicle, including the year.

http://www.f-body.org/oldfaq/html/vins/3genvins.html

That site breaks down the VIN. That will give you the year of the car and few other interesting items.

Just to add some clarification to that site...
LG4 = 305 low output carb
LU5 = 305 Crossfire TBI fuel injection
L05 = 305 TBI fuel injection
L69 = 305 high output carb
LB9 = 305 Tuned Port fuel Injection
L98/B2L = 350 Tuned Port fuel Injection

As far as the engine: The 305TPI and 350TPI are visually IDENTICAL. The only way to tell what block is in it would be to look at the block stamping. Its located behind the drivers side head, on the block, between the head and the transmission bellhousing. You will need a light and a mirror to view it. All late model 305s will have 5.0 stamped, and the late model 350 have 5.7 stamped in bold letters. If he swapped in an older 350 (which is common), you will need to write down the 7 or 8 digit number and reference it here: www.mortec.com

 

I just put $1000 down on it and its mine, i'll have it saturday!!! The vin number from under the hood is 1G1FP87S8FL108137. I checked the numbers with the site you gave Marc.

The block does have 5.7 stamped on it and it says tuned port injection. What horsepower and torque does this engine have?


Thanks for all the info so far guys.