Hey guys. Im new here and am thinking about buying a 1989 Camaro Iroc Z with the 350 tpi. Im going up to look at it this week, and was wondering if there are any specific things I should look for or ask about the car. Also, what kind of bolt ons are available for these irocs and what are the prices for all different mods. Any more info or advice about it would be greatly appreciated.

 

First off, Welcome to the site. There is a little info that I can share with you. You need to run the numbers in the glove box, vin numbers and engine serial numbers. This will tell you exactly what you have before you get it. Good luck with the car and hope that you enjoy it like I have mine.

 

Run a compression test first. If the clyinders are not equal (within 10%) then the engine is on the way out. Should be over 140 psi.

 

If it's in good condition it'll probably be a great car because they hold up nicely if taken care of. Make sure the 8th digit of the VIN is 8.

 

http://www.angelfire.com/on3/whiteli.../purchase.html

 

WTF!? Those are reasons not to buy, not words of encouragement... robvas must have bad luck with his. My car isn't rusted everywhere, the doors don't sag, and the T's don't leak. The car was NOT taken care of before I owned it.

Regardless, check the 8th digit of the VIN first! If its an 8, its a genuine 350. If its not, walk away. If he's passing off a 305 as a 350 there will be other problems with the car.

Mods? Anything and everything, the aftermarket is HUGE. You'll have so many mod options you'll be back asking more questions.

These cars have some minor problems, but nothing to discourage you from buying one. A couple of things to look for: Trans operation. Make sure it shifts into all gears at full throttle. No 2-3 shift at full throttle is a sure sign a trans will be needed soon. Make sure the posi rear is working. The 89 came with the rare 9 bolt, which is quite strong, but parts are expensive! Other than that just use common sense.

Don't impulse buy. It might help if you report back what you found along with the price so we can help you determine if its a wise purchase.

Good luck!

 

good advise

 

cheack out the rpo codes (3digit) inside the glove box console and look for the Z28 code, in 89 there wasnt any plain z28 models then so for the iroc models they used the code Z28.

also you should see the engine code in there L98 (for the 350 tpi engine)

About doors saging and stuff like that Marc 85Z28 must be super lucky or something cause i never seen a used 3rd gen yet that didnt have ether saggy doors or leaky ttops...
Im not disgeraging you from a 3rd gen just watch out for things like these things...if you know the bad things to look for then youll know the good things about it.

Where im from the rust is a problem too..... they first go on the floor panels under the petals...subframe close to the tranny crossmember....rear 1/4s on the lip........under the gfx and undersides of the doors cause the outside window sweeps are craked and let water in the doors.

But your in the right direction a 350 tpi is the best choise for a iroc right out of the box.

 

my 85 doesnt have saggy doors
had a saggy headliner

 

Sounds like you pick the winners!