IROC vs. Z28
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7
From: Lexington, SC USA
IROC vs. Z28
Hi I'm new here and thought I'd post a question. I'm interested in getting a 3rd gen Camaro but had a question. When the IROC was discontinued and the Z28 became it's own model again, did handling change any? The IROC, as I understand it, was 1 inch lower than the Z28 and had an upgraded suspension, so what was the new Z28 relative to this? This may sound like a stupid question but of all the information I've gotten about this car that seems to be the only major question I still have. Thanks for any help!
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 80
From: Overland Park, KS
Welcome to the board! You certainly found a great place for info. To your question: I'm pretty sure that the '91-'92 Z28's have the same IROC suspension. I think the IROC suspension is actually only 1/2" lower than Z28 suspension (at least initial package in '85 was). Good luck on your car search! 
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,647
From: At car shows and cruise nights!
They do not have the IROC-Z WonderBar, I'm not sure if there are any other differences, but I would say the IROC-Z's were definetly the best handling Third Gen, best Camaro too.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 514
From: Columbia, South Carolina
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by IStandAlone:
Hi I'm new here and thought I'd post a question. I'm interested in getting a 3rd gen Camaro but had a question. When the IROC was discontinued and the Z28 became it's own model again, did handling change any? The IROC, as I understand it, was 1 inch lower than the Z28 and had an upgraded suspension, so what was the new Z28 relative to this? This may sound like a stupid question but of all the information I've gotten about this car that seems to be the only major question I still have. Thanks for any help! </font>
Hi I'm new here and thought I'd post a question. I'm interested in getting a 3rd gen Camaro but had a question. When the IROC was discontinued and the Z28 became it's own model again, did handling change any? The IROC, as I understand it, was 1 inch lower than the Z28 and had an upgraded suspension, so what was the new Z28 relative to this? This may sound like a stupid question but of all the information I've gotten about this car that seems to be the only major question I still have. Thanks for any help! </font>
Do u ever get to hang around at night with the redneck mustang and truck owners infront of that Kmart any? But to answer your question. if it were me, i would get the Z28 instead of an iroc. The 1991/1992 Z28s had a special hood and rear spoiler that made it look flat out BAD ***. They are gonna be HARD to find around here. I used to have a black 1991 Z28 loaded and almost mint and really miss it. If i could afford to trade my 1998 for it back straight up i would. But if i remember the Z28s had a little more hp and torque and i dont think handeling was down graded for the new 1991/92 years of the Z28, it got better if anything. If the Iroc handled any better its not enough to make a deal about. But the best advice im going to give, is to shy away from the 305s if all possible and get a 350 TPI (L98) equipped Fbody.
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Arctic White 1998 Z28 Camaro LS1 A4 3.42s
Lid, Exhaust, Gears/HPP3.
5% tint and black outs..
301.3rwhp
311.0torque
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 514
From: Columbia, South Carolina
Plus, i think the 1980s keeps calling and said they want all their iroc emblems off the doors of all the camaros...
Yea, i think the iroc decals look a little to 1980s for my taste.....
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Arctic White 1998 Z28 Camaro LS1 A4 3.42s
Lid, Exhaust, Gears/HPP3.
5% tint and black outs..
301.3rwhp
311.0torque
Yea, i think the iroc decals look a little to 1980s for my taste.....------------------
Arctic White 1998 Z28 Camaro LS1 A4 3.42s
Lid, Exhaust, Gears/HPP3.
5% tint and black outs..
301.3rwhp
311.0torque
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 825
From: Stamford, VT
Well, since the car are FROM THE 80'S, I guess the decals are pretty appropriate.
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The IROC Homepage
View the Restoration of an 85 IROC
Weekend projects aren't.
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The IROC Homepage
View the Restoration of an 85 IROC
Weekend projects aren't.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 229
From: Fort Mill, SC
Welcome to the board!!!
FYI, my '92 RS had (stock) the exact same suspension as my '88 Iroc, with the exception of the rear swaybar and wonderbar. Iroc has the 24mm (stock) and the RS had a 21mm, now a 24mm and a wonderbar also. The RS handles great!!
Ed
[This message has been edited by ebmiller88 (edited June 21, 2002).]
FYI, my '92 RS had (stock) the exact same suspension as my '88 Iroc, with the exception of the rear swaybar and wonderbar. Iroc has the 24mm (stock) and the RS had a 21mm, now a 24mm and a wonderbar also. The RS handles great!!
Ed
[This message has been edited by ebmiller88 (edited June 21, 2002).]
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,647
From: At car shows and cruise nights!
I like IROC-Z's and everything about them. 91-92 Z28's I don't really like. 
You pretty much never see an IROC-Z without the stickers, but you do sometimes see a 91-92 Z28 with them. LOL.
[This message has been edited by IZ28 (edited June 21, 2002).]
91-92 Z28's I don't really like. You pretty much never see an IROC-Z without the stickers, but you do sometimes see a 91-92 Z28 with them. LOL.[This message has been edited by IZ28 (edited June 21, 2002).]
Registered User
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 240
From: Manchester, IA
welcome to the board. I peronally love the 91-92 z28s. But i also love my iroc. 3rd gen camaros handle really well when you putt some new springs and sub frame connectors on. I love flying around corners in my car. I dont think a 4gen could handle nearly as good as my car. If you get a 3rd gen. I wouldnt settle for any less then an iroc. Its hard to find an rs in good shape, irocs are to but if you pay $6000-$7000 for one it will be a nice one. Anyways, i believe the irocs came with a thicker swap bar and a lower ride heith like you said. But i beleive that is the only difference in the suspension between a z28/rs/irocz.
Bobby
Bobby
Registered User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 312
From: Tucson, Arizona USA
....But the best advice im going to give, is to shy away from the 305s if all possible and get a 350 TPI (L98) equipped Fbody.
I tend to agree with most everything said so far, except this statement. My sig tells the story about my anemic 305....
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Willie
Moderator
History/Restoration Board
http://www.thirdgen.org
Supercharged 1987 305 IROC-Z, Daily-Driver, Emissions-Legal.
Best E/T: 12.00
Best Trap Speed: 117.69 mph
http://members.optushome.com.au/iroc-z/cars/willie/willie.html
1987 "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" Z28 Convertible -- Super Chevy Show Class Winner, 1998.
I tend to agree with most everything said so far, except this statement. My sig tells the story about my anemic 305....
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Willie
Moderator
History/Restoration Board
http://www.thirdgen.org
Supercharged 1987 305 IROC-Z, Daily-Driver, Emissions-Legal.
Best E/T: 12.00
Best Trap Speed: 117.69 mph
http://members.optushome.com.au/iroc-z/cars/willie/willie.html
1987 "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" Z28 Convertible -- Super Chevy Show Class Winner, 1998.
Registered User
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 240
From: Manchester, IA
agree with Willie. If your getting a 3rd gen then yes do NOT settle for anything lest then the l98 350. Not talking trash atol about the guys with a 305 i just think you would be MUCH happier with a 350.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 80
From: Overland Park, KS
I admit that the 305's are weak, however if you can find a G92 car, that's 225hp, and FUN!! It's sad that our 305's can't perform as well as fox bodied 5.0's, but replacement engines aren't that expensive. You can pick up a base GM 350 for about $1200.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,022
From: MD
Willie - You may have one quick 305, but you'd be AT LEAST .5 faster with the 350 - and oh yeah, you'd have saved more money too.
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1985 Z28, Jasper Class 1 350, Edelbrock Performer intake, Dual snorkel air cleaner, K&N filter, Edelbrock headers, Catco cat, Hooker cat-back, built 700r4 w/ Darrell Young 2400 stall TC, Jet stage 2 chip, SSM subframes, Lakewood LCA's, Powertrax locker w/stock 3.23's, Centerline Auto Drag's
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1985 Z28, Jasper Class 1 350, Edelbrock Performer intake, Dual snorkel air cleaner, K&N filter, Edelbrock headers, Catco cat, Hooker cat-back, built 700r4 w/ Darrell Young 2400 stall TC, Jet stage 2 chip, SSM subframes, Lakewood LCA's, Powertrax locker w/stock 3.23's, Centerline Auto Drag's
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7
From: Lexington, SC USA
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by KamaroL98:
Hey, once you get your camaro you can help me compete against all those d@mn mustangs from lexington! I live right across the dam from ya in irmo. Do u ever get to hang around at night with the redneck mustang and truck owners infront of that Kmart any?
But to answer your question. if it were me, i would get the Z28 instead of an iroc. The 1991/1992 Z28s had a special hood and rear spoiler that made it look flat out BAD ***. They are gonna be HARD to find around here. I used to have a black 1991 Z28 loaded and almost mint and really miss it. If i could afford to trade my 1998 for it back straight up i would. But if i remember the Z28s had a little more hp and torque and i dont think handeling was down graded for the new 1991/92 years of the Z28, it got better if anything. If the Iroc handled any better its not enough to make a deal about. But the best advice im going to give, is to shy away from the 305s if all possible and get a 350 TPI (L98) equipped Fbody.
</font>
Hey, once you get your camaro you can help me compete against all those d@mn mustangs from lexington! I live right across the dam from ya in irmo.
Do u ever get to hang around at night with the redneck mustang and truck owners infront of that Kmart any? But to answer your question. if it were me, i would get the Z28 instead of an iroc. The 1991/1992 Z28s had a special hood and rear spoiler that made it look flat out BAD ***. They are gonna be HARD to find around here. I used to have a black 1991 Z28 loaded and almost mint and really miss it. If i could afford to trade my 1998 for it back straight up i would. But if i remember the Z28s had a little more hp and torque and i dont think handeling was down graded for the new 1991/92 years of the Z28, it got better if anything. If the Iroc handled any better its not enough to make a deal about. But the best advice im going to give, is to shy away from the 305s if all possible and get a 350 TPI (L98) equipped Fbody.
</font>
Wow never thought I'd get such sound advice...thanks for the welcome and the help! To answer your question NO I DON'T hang with the rednecks in the KMart parking lot, but I got a good laugh when I read that cause I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. I pass by there almost everyday. Driving through Lexington on a Saturday night is like being in the middle of some Mustang cruise night or something, and I'll be proud to be a in a 3rd gen Camaro smoking 95% of them.
I had a GT once myself but I got tired of losing to Trans Ams and Camaros. I don't have anything against the 5.0s, but I definately plan on getting a strong running 350 TPI and going from there. The whole reason I asked what I asked was I like the look of the later Z28s as well, too BAD ***!!! If I could still get the handling of the IROC with the look of the later Z28s, I'll be one happy camper.