I drove a 91 Firebird in high school in the late 90s. It was a beat up janky POS already by then. But yeah, EVERYONE knew I was the dude who drove THE BEAST esp after the muffler fell off causing the car to be loud in the school parking lot plus blasting Metallica and Slayer on the stereo.
I was lucky to get an 85 IROC-Z black and gold combo with 18k miles with every documentation 6yrs ago. Currently stash away in my garage. These things are going up!
Nice!!… I had a 1987 black with gold wheels/stripes and black interior.305/5speed. They guy I bought if from even had gold door piping on the Louvers and a strip on the hatch where the lower glass ends ..I was 21 in 91 when I got it, I loved it. Timeless classic and looks way better than today’s cars.
I've been driving my '88 IROC for 33 years now. I store it each winter and look forward to bringing it out in spring. I've put 130k miles on it (enjoy driving it, not storing it) and rebuilt the engine a few years ago. (The rebuild was the result of planning to replace leaky valve stem seals, but one thing lead to another....) btw: I was in my late 20s when I purchased it.
Love IROC-Z. Had one out of high school and 5 years ago a purchased an exact twin of the IROC I had when I was 20. Its a 87 with 12k miles on it, still smells new.
Beautiful IROC. I am a huge IROC-Z fan. I owned 2 of them in high school 30 years ago, plus a few other third gens. I was the envy of a ton of people, lol. The girls really, I mean REALLY wanted to ride in them, hehe. I never grew apart from those cars, and currently own 4 third gens. Every time I get behind the wheel of one, it takes me right back to yesteryear. I guess it's my way of feeling young, lol. Enjoy the car!
I test drove an 87 ROC, white with a 5 speed. It was awesome. Handled great and had a decent rush at the top end of the rev band. It was $18k in Canada, and way beyond my means.
I was 19 in 1985 , and bought a new White IROC in '85. Yes, it was awesome. Yes I had a good job to pay for it, plus that high ass insurance bill. The bad thing was the tires were $500 a piece, because that tire was only used on the IROC and the Corvette. Mine was stolen 6 times. I had to buy wheels and tires 5 times. The last time, it didn't come back.
Major epidemic with these getting stolen. Dealer few block from me had every single wheel stolen off these overnight, made the LA times and news. Messed up but sorta laughed, bound to happen.
I saved my 88 IROC-Z from the car crusher some 10 years ago. T-Tops, power windows, power mirrors, power seats, and they all work! 5.7L so it’s an Auto but I can deal with it for the options and that 5.7L block foundation. Sadly with parent life and work and other projects, I’ve had to shelve the car in storage for years. Hoping to finish up my son’s truck this summer and get my Galaxie running by fall and start dusting off the IROC this winter and get her ready to play. Can’t wait to start driving her daily.
That car is in immaculate condition. I had a 1985 IROC Z with the 5 speed manual transmission and 5.0 HO engine. It put out 190 HP. I bought it brand new in 1985. I was 22 years old at the time. Kept it for 20 years. Great times and memories in that car.
The tourqe just jolted you back in these carcass suspension was just right it made it feel like you were in something so fast and special It was like Chevrolet engineers purposely made torque band in such a way to make the car jolt at certain rpm as more of an effect and not really for speed! Lol as basically an affect or maby it just was the right car at the right time..either way it makes such a fun car. !
I had a 1985 IROC just like this one. Same color and same interior. I ordered it with an employee discount as I worked for GM at the time. My supplier connections afforded me an extra thick-rimmed premium-leather wrapped steering wheel. I had the perimeter stripe removed to create a more uniform body look. About 1.5 years after purchase, I changed jobs and moved to the Detroit area. Three weeks in the car was stolen despite the $500 Alpine alarm I installed. My heart sunk. It was like getting punched in the stomach. The car was recovered a few weeks later. It had been completely stripped down for parts, clearly a professional theft. Even the headers I installed were gone, not to mentioned that one-off steering wheel and the useless alarm system. This video brings back memories.
Had one of those Clifford Alarma guaranteed theftproof. They offered 1000 if it disappeared. Well mine did.....they paid nothing I even had a club on it too. Thieves left it on the floor had it for yrs still worked lol
Love my iroc. Got the 5.7 tpi l98 and we completely rebuilt the front suspension, bigger brakes, removed all emissions, hooker long tube headers with 3 inch flowmaster exhaust all the way back with minimal muffling, afr 195 heads, new intake manifold, throttle body and the rest of works. TLDR: I have an 89 iroc and I am trying to make it actually fast. Currently sitting in my garage trying to finish it up.
@@joconnell3473 No leak issues, got the whole setup welded by a shop (very pricy though). Clearance is very low, but its not lower than the front air dam so just be mindful and dont try to take it on any steep bumps or drops.
My favourite car (I daily drove a black with grey interior 1987 IROC-Z with the 305 TPI and automatic for most of the 1990s). I absolutely loved that car, and should never have sold it (the engine, trans and rear end were basically worn out). I still regret selling it all these years later, and while I've had a lot of nice cars since, the IROC-Z is the one I wish I still had. And judging by the prices they are commanding these days, lots of people agree with me.
Beautiful original car. I had a 4barrel 82 z28 and an 85 tpi trans am. Both had a 305. It wasn't about hp. The look and the sound was intoxicating. Your power antenna is legit. Enjoy it for what it is.
I had a 85 Z28 in HS, in 1992. LOVED it. Red, with silver ground affects. Automatic with the 305. I just purchased another 1985 Z28, with a 350 HO/ 330 HP GM crate motor (Swapped from the original 305), with a manual trans, T tops, A/C, and the same paint combination as my HS car.
I wasn't in High School, actually I was a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps, and I ordered a brand new Bright Blue Metallc 5.0 TPI T-top in early 1985. I traded in my 1984 Z28 for it. As you say at the time it was pretty quick and would snap your neck back when you got on it. I stuck to the road like a slot car thanks to the big old Goodyear Gatorbacks.
Great writeup! The TPI, as you know, runs out of breath at 4500 rpm but it is still a great low-end motor and the gearing takes care of the higher speeds and allows you to get decent mileage too (plus aerodynamics help).
I love the 3rd Gen camaros. I actually owned 4 in my lifetime. My favorite that ive owned is the 1992 Z28 25th anniversary in the rare Medium Quasar Blue color. Back in the mid 80s/ early 90s 200-245hp was a lot!! Lol. Equivalent to about 400hp now days. Lol.
I've got a 1989 16, 000 MILE 350TPI IROC-Z, all original down to the Goodyear Gatorback tires in storage. I also have an LS swapped black 85 restomod in the garage that I do drive. The 1985 blue your car has is unique to that year and looks better IMO than the other models in blue. Congrats on you find!
@@4horsemen LOL I was saying hi to Arnold, who replied above. GASPEDDLER is his username on the most popular third gen website. His cars are SUPER awesome! As soon as I read his post on here, I knew immediately who it was :)
I had an 85 blue Iroc and I always thought is was different, saw one a few years ago at a classic dealership and the guy told me they were all the same, I disagreed, he was adamant, guess I was correct.
I own a 2020 SS, but this has always been my favorite body style. I guess its because I grew up in the 90's, and we idolized cars like these. It was a different time, thats for sure.
@@4horsemen Black T top car, automatic, in good condition, no rust, original grey interior, perfect dash, original radio, with 4th gen upgrade rear end with locker, and disc brakes. Also original 305 V8. I have a LQ9 (LS) motor for swap hopefully this summer. Small damage to left rear fender. Sorry I dont do any "social media". Other than this and email / text. LOL sorry.
Back in the day, you had the Lingenfelter Accel Superram intake, which took the F-Bodies to the next level. Add exhaust, heads, and cam; you would have a quick car even by today's standards.
My dad had an 86 berlinetta with an edelbrock crate 350 ram air scoop and cherry bomb exhausts. Black with red interior. Ive been obsessed with the 3rd generation since. The grand national and the iroc z are my favorite 80s cars.
My brother had an 86 and put a 350 in it. Black with silver decals, man I loved that car I was upset when he sold it. But I got my at the time dream car 00 SS. Still have it and swapped an LS6 stroker in. The IROC is great love this color too
I dont got a Z but i got a 92 RS that im building right now & i got to say that i love it & as weird as this sounds im happy it’s not a all original z because i am a guy that likes to add personal touches build something different i like to stand out, since i was a kid i always loved classics and fantasized about how i would build them when i got one & i know that if i got a Z in good condition I would’ve been really happy BUT I would’ve also been kinda sad because i know I wouldn’t be able to add my personal touch to it without it dropping value
Was given an IROC exactly like this one as a graduation gift in 1993. Mine was an '85, Electric Blue, 5.7L 350... but mine had T-Tops. I thought I was the king of the world sporting around in my IROC, racing my friends in their god-awful 1980's-era Novas, Cavaliers and Skylarks, lol. Still love the looks of that car, one of my all time faves, and to see it only capable of an 8-second 0-60 time is hilarious, but hey.... back then, it was still a rocket for the time! Today I drive a turbo-charged SUV (Genesis GV80) that is twice the size of that IROC, probably weighs 800lbs more and has all wheel drive... I could run circles around that IROC but wouldn't look half as cool! Love to take one of these IROCs and rebuild it mechanically to make it more modern- supercharger, better suspension and ride control, maybe add some modern safety features and tech, but leave the outside unchanged... dream car!
My first new car was a 1987 IROC-Z with 5.7 TPI. I had tge T tops which also was very rare. I was a young man of 20 years old and I was the King! I miss that car and those times.
Still remember the '82 Berlinetta that I got for $1000 back in 2006. 305 4-barrel with the TH200 3-speed and 10 Bolt GM rear-end. Gutless wonder with the shag interior. The rear-end howled like crazy. Only 145 HP under the hood. The body was in decent shape, but the car constantly nickle-and-dimed me. Traded it for a Grand AM in 2007. Mechanics hate swapping out the shocks on these cars due to the design of the front end.
I had a 1994 Z-28. That thing was phenomenal. Black with flame red interior. Sounded like a dream. Baddest car in school. Now I have a brand new Mustang GT in my garage. The Camaro was an F-15 Eagle. My Mustang is an F-22 Raptor. People usually get out of my way, they see the shark in their rear view mirror.
You have to rememebr that in the 80's NO CAR sounded this good, and hardly any cars had over 220 horsepower. And NO CAR handled this good. The mustangs were wobblie and did not sound good. The Torque is what makes this car great. But notice the power peters out on the upper end.. It has to do with the Max RPM which is not high, and the crankshaft and fuel delivery. But this was the First MODERN sports car that was Well Rounded, and nothing looked this good and stylish. Not even the corvette. The corvette was very cramped inside and did not sound as good. The mustangs where quick off the line but did not handle or sound good from the factory. Even the REGAL had several short comings.. like, Bad handling, off the line torque was not good, the turbos got heat soak, and they had no rumble and a regal body simply is not stylish. The IROCs and TransAms had it all! And no production car could compare. So anyway, Comparing this IROC to 2022 Mustangs and Camaros is Oranges and apples. you have to remember the Times and the Genre of all vehicles at the time. You have to mentally wipe everything else off the table. Then you can see how great this IROC really was. I never had 1 of my multiple friends that said they were buying a Corvette. And we all drive IROC's or a Mustang orJeep. And even my Jeep and Mustang friend later bought an IROC.
These cars are really going up and I seen that trend happening 4 years ago so I bought 2 of them 1982z28 52,000 original miles Texas car with 305 4barrel and a 1988 with 77,000 miles 355 swap vortec headed, forged flat top pistons, Holley carb, headers,cam 3;42 gears auto 700r4! Dam thing goes like a cheetah on cocaine! I drive them as much as I can except winter!
I graduated high school in 2007, I had an 85 TA and still have it now. I'm almost done swapping out the carbed 305 and 700R4 for a crate 350 and TH350 trans. I always noticed mine would "hit like a sledgehammer" and chirp the tires going into 2ed gear as well and thought there was something wrong with the old R4 trans but I guess not, seems they are supposed to do it lol.
5.7 Iroc Z owner class of 1989 , bought used in 1996 a couple years out of high school. It was a fun car, a bit problematic as I constantly triggered the notorious "check engine light". That check engine light was a dealer hustle.
My first car was 1989 RS hardtop, red. 305 TBI automatic.. it came with a 3.73.... i was 15. ... I loved that car. But theres something very special about the Iroc's...
That car should feel pretty stable up to 100. Not sure about the IROC, but I can assure you the Pontiac 305 TPI version with 3.23s does every bit of 145 nicely, felt more and more stable the faster it went, like it wanted to run there. I'd make sure alignment and suspension are 100% and try it again! :)
I bought my 1988 iroc Z28 5.7 liter back in 2006, From the org owner who ordered it from the factory, Unforturnly he passed away. I happen to be in the right place at the right time to buy it from the son. The gentlemen had a garage built for the car before he had ordered the car. The car had 05000.0 org miles when I bought it. The car has never been out in bad weather since day one. The car only has 0,7633.0 miles, I had to have spine surgery so the car has been set for the last 11 years. The only thing chanced was the hood when i bought it the son had chanced the hood. I never went back to get the org hood. I have been thinking about selling it. The car has the 145 mph speed odometer, poss track rear,
They were tested at 0-60 in 7.3 seconds at the time. I had a red '85 TPI I bought '88. It would obliterate the tires, and chirp 2nd...until the rear end blew up, anyway.
That's pure B.S.!!! I had an 88 16v scirocco ( 0-60 in 8.0 seconds and quarter mile in 15.9 seconds ) and my friends Iroc was significantly quicker 0-60 and significantly faster in the quarter! The real numbers are 6.9 and 15.0 sec.!
I've always loved the sound off of those T.P.I.'S. back in the day if you were walking down the street or whatever and somebody had one and they dropped a hammer on it, the T.P.I. sound commanded attention. J's.
I'm subscribing now. You are very respectful and have great manners. Thats enough right there. I'm a 4th gen camaro owner... I want to put a iroc right beside it.
THANK YOU!! We really appreciate those kind words, Jermaine. We really try and produce respectful comment. Send us photos of your 4th gen on instagram @4HorsemenRacing
had an 89 iroc solid tops 5.7 tpi gear package 147 mph, best car i have owned. cruisin at 45, hit the gas and it would spin the tires, possi, I have my Dads 91 RS convertible 5.0 42 k on it.
Lucky Guy to have that car and it is a beautiful color that I have not seen before. I should have never sold my minty 88 IROC with the 5.7 TPI and the sledge hammer hit into second that would bark the tires.
I owned a brand new '88 IROC-Z with a 5.7 Tuned Port Injection with an auto transmission. The car was rated at 225 horsepower but I never found it was all that quick, especially compared to Camaro's today. The '85 IROC-Z your testing has a 5.0 engine but 0-60 in 8.7 is pretty slow.
Back in 03.... my brother wanted a 66-67 Dodge Charger really bad. I was fond of the z28 / trans am and mustang gt. I told him about an Iroc that was available for about 3k. It wasn’t mopar.... but it he ended up loving it. It ended up stolen and burnt up about a year later tho🤧
I had a 1974 Corvette and it would smoke my cousins 1981 Corvette. In 1989 I bought my 1986 Iroc I was 22 years old. It would smoke both of the Corvettes so it was impressive for the time. It is hands down my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. I will admit though it was a piece of junk. Things constantly were going wrong with it. Every couple years it was a new exhaust and new tires. I believe I put 2 EGR valves and 2 Mass Air Flow sensors. The trany went out and the transmission shop said they would not warranty the repairs unless they could put in heavier gearing. I am not sure what they did but they ruined my IROC. It was a gutless turd after that. Couldn't even slide sideways drifting around corners. Which was quite easy with the stock transmission. Although it would never shift into overdrive when matted and would top out at 118 mph.
My nephew just sold his 1988 Formula Firebird with the LB9 tpi and 5 speed transmission. Great running and handling car, original paint and interior. I was sad he sold it. It way outhandled my fox mustang and was decently quick as well.
You're right! I drove the 305 and the 350 back to back, and the 350 powered Iroc felt way, way faster due to the extra torque, but sadly you could only get one with an auto trans!
@@evorider3689 the 700s had a deep first gear ⚙️ way better than the mustang aod at the time it felt like you were starting off in second with the aod so soft.
I had an 87 sc camaro with the lg4 305, 150 hp or whatever. My brother had a mid 90s bmw with a 150 something hp 4 banger. I know his lil 2 door (I forget the model) bimmer was definitely lighter than my Camaro, but he couldn't hang with my Camaro. Even with a carload of people in mine, and just he and his gf in his. Those fb memes are only so accurate. Idk if it was the tq difference or what, but I walked his car 10/10 times.
THis!! GM already had the LT1 intake....they coulda put that on and woulda made more power on paper but woulda taken the steam out of the 92-96 cars sails.
@@mikemullinix2698 It was UNDERATED at 225 hsp and 325 ft pounds of torque. Certainly nothing to write home about. BUT it was a Pontiac 400 and did smoky posi burnouts with a 3.08 limited slip rear.
please reply also my dad has the same car but he dose drag racing with it and he made that car different push on the gas on his car very very little bit it takes off like a rocket his car is way way faster
I've had several irocs growing up and One mustang LX 5.0 Auto matic the 5.0 was decent but the auto matic transmission sucked but it was quick. But the iroc-z just felt like a true race car low slung wide vicious growl stopped turned on a dime and I've had an 89 350 IROC Hit 150 yes it did it was 1992 and it handled it easily ran right with a 300 ZX twin turbo
Thats awesome, crazy how slow they were back then, i got a 4100 lb challenger RT 5.7 with the manual, best 60 i get so far is 5.7 seconds and thats slow compared too thd other cars like the scat packs and 5.0 Mustangs
You could order the G92 1LE option with the 230 H.P 305 TPI engine with 3.42 gears. There is guy that has some videos on you tube from back in the day . His is solid white graphics delete with that same engine and it moves on pretty good.
They were just as popular. Had an 85-6 Gt back then it was usually a drivers race. Both were 1/4 mi pigs but the most fun gm and ford came out with since 70
@@Coelacanth97 Right. And GNXs were just everywhere. I saw one in person recently. It was very cool. The paint had a mirror polish to it. But, I'll take Fox all day every day.
I own a red 88 iroc z convertible black soft top gray and black interior all original it's gorgeous. 305. TPI and it is very low KMs super responsive off the line very fast!! It will slide all over the road taking off it your not careful it's quite surprising. Im thinking on selling the car. I have a 72 Oldsmobile 442 convertible can't keep them all😢😢
I got a 85 blue iroc z when I turned 15 and I still have it and it's still like new besides the paint needs redone it sits inside a storage now. Mines a 5 speed. I get 0 to 60 in about 4 seconds bit I can drive I got trophies trophies prove it and head work done
Back in 86 , a neighbor took me for a ride in a model just as that one , nice blue color and had a mean second gear as he would frequently chirp those tires..🌋🌋🌋.
@@4horsemen Yeah it was. Actually he had a red one at first, 5 speed I think it was, that blue one had a computer chip installed and the after he had his fun in that one, went and got a grand national. He was blessed!!!
I've gotten myself into both of the best worlds, Ive got an 84 Z28, mostly original, and an 89 IROC-Z. Please, tell me again how bad the transmission in my 89 is again. I like Z cars but refuse to work on a Nissan.
305 TPI is around 6.6- 7 seconds with manual trans with the 230 HP version. Definitely not low 6s . My 2015 Impala with 3.6 305 HP actually beats them at the track even off the line and gets even farther and farther toward the quarter. The 350 TPI was good for only a good day 5.8 to a normal 6.2. Everyone always tries to make these out to be faster than they actually are lol Automatic 230 hp 305 is a 7.5 sec car to sixty.
I turned 16 in 1988. My first car was an ‘85 IROC hardtop in silver with the TPI 305. I still think of that car to this day. Great memories.
I owned the car. But in that royal blue
Great story!
Mine was a 1988 5.7 liter. Unfortunately, I totaled it.
85 Trans Am T-tops 305
Same here I owned the twin iroc in this video, sprayed a 150 shot of nitrous in it, was very fun.
Brings back so many memories of my first car. I WAS that kid who had an ‘86 Camaro Z-28 in High School and everyone knew it.
Me too. It was a blue 5.0 HO
I drove a 91 Firebird in high school in the late 90s. It was a beat up janky POS already by then. But yeah, EVERYONE knew I was the dude who drove THE BEAST esp after the muffler fell off causing the car to be loud in the school parking lot plus blasting Metallica and Slayer on the stereo.
That is one gorgeous IROC Z28.
Thank you for your comment Robert!!
I was lucky to get an 85 IROC-Z black and gold combo with 18k miles with every documentation 6yrs ago. Currently stash away in my garage. These things are going up!
That is too cool!! We'd love to see photos of your Camaro - DM/Follow us on Instagram @4HorsemenRacing
Nice!!… I had a 1987 black with gold wheels/stripes and black interior.305/5speed. They guy I bought if from even had gold door piping on the Louvers and a strip on the hatch where the lower glass ends ..I was 21 in 91 when I got it, I loved it. Timeless classic and looks way better than today’s cars.
I've been driving my '88 IROC for 33 years now. I store it each winter and look forward to bringing it out in spring. I've put 130k miles on it (enjoy driving it, not storing it) and rebuilt the engine a few years ago. (The rebuild was the result of planning to replace leaky valve stem seals, but one thing lead to another....) btw: I was in my late 20s when I purchased it.
Go put some miles on it!
Why stashed away? Driven not hidden!
Love IROC-Z. Had one out of high school and 5 years ago a purchased an exact twin of the IROC I had when I was 20. Its a 87 with 12k miles on it, still smells new.
12,000 mikes omg luck
...!
theyre worth a fortune now , the prices doubled in the last 5 yrs.
I sold mine and the odometer flipped. I let the buy know. Be careful if you come across a black and gold one with 5spd and ttops
Hope your putting lots of miles on it. Cant enjoy or make memories sitting in a garage
Cool to see the young man so excited.
Beautiful IROC. I am a huge IROC-Z fan. I owned 2 of them in high school 30 years ago, plus a few other third gens. I was the envy of a ton of people, lol. The girls really, I mean REALLY wanted to ride in them, hehe. I never grew apart from those cars, and currently own 4 third gens. Every time I get behind the wheel of one, it takes me right back to yesteryear. I guess it's my way of feeling young, lol. Enjoy the car!
There is nothing like an IROC time machine. Thank you so much for sharing! Please consider subscribing!
Favorite camaro generation🔥
It's one like no other!!
Best looking Camaros in the best decade ever in my opinion. I miss my 86 Camaro.
IROC-Z > Everything!!
I test drove an 87 ROC, white with a 5 speed. It was awesome. Handled great and had a decent rush at the top end of the rev band. It was $18k in Canada, and way beyond my means.
I was 19 in 1985 , and bought a new White IROC in '85. Yes, it was awesome. Yes I had a good job to pay for it, plus that high ass insurance bill. The bad thing was the tires were $500 a piece, because that tire was only used on the IROC and the Corvette. Mine was stolen 6 times. I had to buy wheels and tires 5 times. The last time, it didn't come back.
Major epidemic with these getting stolen. Dealer few block from me had every single wheel stolen off these overnight, made the LA times and news. Messed up but sorta laughed, bound to happen.
There is nothing like these cars I had one in my 20’s and I’m 46 now and still in love with them!
My first car was an 84 Camaro base model with the 305 V8. It wasn't super-fast but it was a really fun first car, especially in the snow!
I saved my 88 IROC-Z from the car crusher some 10 years ago. T-Tops, power windows, power mirrors, power seats, and they all work! 5.7L so it’s an Auto but I can deal with it for the options and that 5.7L block foundation.
Sadly with parent life and work and other projects, I’ve had to shelve the car in storage for years. Hoping to finish up my son’s truck this summer and get my Galaxie running by fall and start dusting off the IROC this winter and get her ready to play. Can’t wait to start driving her daily.
That car is in immaculate condition.
I had a 1985 IROC Z with the 5 speed manual transmission and 5.0 HO engine. It put out 190 HP.
I bought it brand new in 1985. I was 22 years old at the time. Kept it for 20 years. Great times and memories in that car.
The tourqe just jolted you back in these carcass suspension was just right it made it feel like you were in something so fast and special It was like Chevrolet engineers purposely made torque band in such a way to make the car jolt at certain rpm as more of an effect and not really for speed! Lol as basically an affect or maby it just was the right car at the right time..either way it makes such a fun car. !
Itz called " Americana " !!!!!!!
Would you rather eat Cubana........
I had a 1985 IROC just like this one. Same color and same interior. I ordered it with an employee discount as I worked for GM at the time. My supplier connections afforded me an extra thick-rimmed premium-leather wrapped steering wheel. I had the perimeter stripe removed to create a more uniform body look. About 1.5 years after purchase, I changed jobs and moved to the Detroit area. Three weeks in the car was stolen despite the $500 Alpine alarm I installed. My heart sunk. It was like getting punched in the stomach. The car was recovered a few weeks later. It had been completely stripped down for parts, clearly a professional theft. Even the headers I installed were gone, not to mentioned that one-off steering wheel and the useless alarm system. This video brings back memories.
Same here, was in high school, senior year I traded it in on an 85 vette., miss the Iroc
Had one of those Clifford Alarma guaranteed theftproof. They offered 1000 if it disappeared. Well mine did.....they paid nothing I even had a club on it too. Thieves left it on the floor had it for yrs still worked lol
Love my iroc. Got the 5.7 tpi l98 and we completely rebuilt the front suspension, bigger brakes, removed all emissions, hooker long tube headers with 3 inch flowmaster exhaust all the way back with minimal muffling, afr 195 heads, new intake manifold, throttle body and the rest of works.
TLDR: I have an 89 iroc and I am trying to make it actually fast. Currently sitting in my garage trying to finish it up.
Any leaking issues with those long tubes? How about clearance?
@@joconnell3473 No leak issues, got the whole setup welded by a shop (very pricy though). Clearance is very low, but its not lower than the front air dam so just be mindful and dont try to take it on any steep bumps or drops.
@@legendary6790 thanks!
My favourite car (I daily drove a black with grey interior 1987 IROC-Z with the 305 TPI and automatic for most of the 1990s). I absolutely loved that car, and should never have sold it (the engine, trans and rear end were basically worn out). I still regret selling it all these years later, and while I've had a lot of nice cars since, the IROC-Z is the one I wish I still had. And judging by the prices they are commanding these days, lots of people agree with me.
Beautiful original car. I had a 4barrel 82 z28 and an 85 tpi trans am. Both had a 305. It wasn't about hp. The look and the sound was intoxicating. Your power antenna is legit. Enjoy it for what it is.
Thank you, Bob. Our plans are to enjoy driving this IROC all while maintaining its original charm!! Please consider subscribing.
Tuned port injection was super throttle responsive for back then!
I had one. I raced Kirk Gibson of the Detroit tigers home one night after a game. He had a Porsche at the time .
Summer of 85
Did you win?
@@4horsemen oh no.
that Porsch was quick and could weave in and out of traffic 😄
Summer of '84! Use to see Gibby and Rozema in Grosse Pointe Park all the time, party guys!
I had a 85 Z28 in HS, in 1992. LOVED it. Red, with silver ground affects. Automatic with the 305. I just purchased another 1985 Z28, with a 350 HO/ 330 HP GM crate motor (Swapped from the original 305), with a manual trans, T tops, A/C, and the same paint combination as my HS car.
That is AWESOME!! Thanks for your comment!
I wasn't in High School, actually I was a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps, and I ordered a brand new Bright Blue Metallc 5.0 TPI T-top in early 1985. I traded in my 1984 Z28 for it. As you say at the time it was pretty quick and would snap your neck back when you got on it. I stuck to the road like a slot car thanks to the big old Goodyear Gatorbacks.
So much nostalgia! Awesome car and awesome story!! Thanks for your comment.
Great writeup! The TPI, as you know, runs out of breath at 4500 rpm but it is still a great low-end motor and the gearing takes care of the higher speeds and allows you to get decent mileage too (plus aerodynamics help).
We love our IROC-Z - Thanks for the comment!
They shoulda used that TPI in trucks woulda been perfect for them. TBI 350s were gutless turds
That car was built 5 days after mine, when comparing the invoice dates. These are wonderful cars!
“Ohh man, that takes me back to a time where I didn’t live.” smh.
Hahaha, Thanks for your comment!
It’s not my fault I was born in the year 2000 😂
Made me laugh. lol
I am glad a young dude like this is into Irocs. Other cars may be faster... but NONE are as bitchin'.
it do be like dat, doh
@@michaelthebarbarian3380 Thank you!! Well said!! Please consider subscribing!
Glad to see you appreciate it,I have a 85 L-69 IROC Z that I'm working on.
Heck yes! We love it!!
I love the 3rd Gen camaros. I actually owned 4 in my lifetime. My favorite that ive owned is the 1992 Z28 25th anniversary in the rare Medium Quasar Blue color. Back in the mid 80s/ early 90s 200-245hp was a lot!! Lol. Equivalent to about 400hp now days. Lol.
It's crazy to see how much Camaros have evolved over the generations - stay tuned for a video on our 1000hp ZL1 1LE
I've got a 1989 16, 000 MILE 350TPI IROC-Z, all original down to the Goodyear Gatorback tires in storage. I also have an LS swapped black 85 restomod in the garage that I do drive. The 1985 blue your car has is unique to that year and looks better IMO than the other models in blue. Congrats on you find!
Thank you!! Would love to see photos of your cars - message us on IG @4HorsemenRacing
Hello Gaspeddler! :)
@@dagwoodz28 Hello!
@@4horsemen LOL I was saying hi to Arnold, who replied above. GASPEDDLER is his username on the most popular third gen website. His cars are SUPER awesome! As soon as I read his post on here, I knew immediately who it was :)
I had an 85 blue Iroc and I always thought is was different, saw one a few years ago at a classic dealership and the guy told me they were all the same, I disagreed, he was adamant, guess I was correct.
I grew up in a 85 iroc same color hard top. This car brings back a lot of memories and it makes me want another one
I own a 2020 SS, but this has always been my favorite body style. I guess its because I grew up in the 90's, and we idolized cars like these. It was a different time, thats for sure.
I was in high school late 90s, my 89 iroc got me respected!
Friend of mine had an 85’ in 97’. Fun, solid, brash car to drive.
Beautiful car. and YES, in my opinion you must keep this perfect example stock. I have an 83 all stock, but not perfect. Love these cars, enjoy!
They are tons of fun!! We'd love to see photos of your Camaro - DM us on Instagram @4HorsemenRacing
@@4horsemen Black T top car, automatic, in good condition, no rust, original grey interior, perfect dash, original radio, with 4th gen upgrade rear end with locker, and disc brakes. Also original 305 V8. I have a LQ9 (LS) motor for swap hopefully this summer. Small damage to left rear fender. Sorry I dont do any "social media". Other than this and email / text. LOL sorry.
I had an '86 in red with red interior. Dad gave it to me for graduation from high school. Got drunk & wrecked it. Loved that car.
86 were the slow ones
@lowbodyfat6707 Yes, but was still a cool car at 18 yrs. Old.
My favorite American Muscle! Tank simulator software designer back in 1990 had this exact iROC.
Wow …
I have a purple 86 IROC with 383 inside ..i Love them … timeless car .
Greeting from Germany…
Hey! Thanks for the comment!!
The silver with red graphics was my favorite color in ‘85, but this blue is darn close.
Back in the day, you had the Lingenfelter Accel Superram intake, which took the F-Bodies to the next level. Add exhaust, heads, and cam; you would have a quick car even by today's standards.
still got that book lingenfelter wrote back then about his TPI and carbd sbc combos. He sure knew how to make driveable reliable power.
@@gordocarbo 💯.
My dad had an 86 berlinetta with an edelbrock crate 350 ram air scoop and cherry bomb exhausts. Black with red interior. Ive been obsessed with the 3rd generation since. The grand national and the iroc z are my favorite 80s cars.
My brother had an 86 and put a 350 in it. Black with silver decals, man I loved that car I was upset when he sold it. But I got my at the time dream car 00 SS. Still have it and swapped an LS6 stroker in. The IROC is great love this color too
My dad just recently bought a 1989 IROC Z with the 5.7 in it. Its all original with only 46000 miles
I dont got a Z but i got a 92 RS that im building right now & i got to say that i love it & as weird as this sounds im happy it’s not a all original z because i am a guy that likes to add personal touches build something different i like to stand out, since i was a kid i always loved classics and fantasized about how i would build them when i got one & i know that if i got a Z in good condition I would’ve been really happy BUT I would’ve also been kinda sad because i know I wouldn’t be able to add my personal touch to it without it dropping value
I went to school with a guy that drove one. He was from Iraq. His tag read "IRAQIZ"...lol
Was given an IROC exactly like this one as a graduation gift in 1993. Mine was an '85, Electric Blue, 5.7L 350... but mine had T-Tops. I thought I was the king of the world sporting around in my IROC, racing my friends in their god-awful 1980's-era Novas, Cavaliers and Skylarks, lol. Still love the looks of that car, one of my all time faves, and to see it only capable of an 8-second 0-60 time is hilarious, but hey.... back then, it was still a rocket for the time! Today I drive a turbo-charged SUV (Genesis GV80) that is twice the size of that IROC, probably weighs 800lbs more and has all wheel drive... I could run circles around that IROC but wouldn't look half as cool! Love to take one of these IROCs and rebuild it mechanically to make it more modern- supercharger, better suspension and ride control, maybe add some modern safety features and tech, but leave the outside unchanged... dream car!
Actual 0-60 was 6.9 seconds! Still, not fast by today's standards but a lot better than 8 and a half seconds like in this video!
My first new car was a 1987 IROC-Z with 5.7 TPI. I had tge T tops which also was very rare. I was a young man of 20 years old and I was the King! I miss that car and those times.
Good times. If you had a Z Iroc or a 5.0 you had it together or so I thought.
Only car I never got pulled over in not sure how.
Still remember the '82 Berlinetta that I got for $1000 back in 2006. 305 4-barrel with the TH200 3-speed and 10 Bolt GM rear-end. Gutless wonder with the shag interior. The rear-end howled like crazy. Only 145 HP under the hood. The body was in decent shape, but the car constantly nickle-and-dimed me. Traded it for a Grand AM in 2007. Mechanics hate swapping out the shocks on these cars due to the design of the front end.
I had a 1994 Z-28. That thing was phenomenal. Black with flame red interior. Sounded like a dream. Baddest car in school. Now I have a brand new Mustang GT in my garage. The Camaro was an F-15 Eagle. My Mustang is an F-22 Raptor. People usually get out of my way, they see the shark in their rear view mirror.
Oh yeah!! That is too cool!! Thanks for your comment.
You have to rememebr that in the 80's NO CAR sounded this good, and hardly any cars had over 220 horsepower. And NO CAR handled this good. The mustangs were wobblie and did not sound good. The Torque is what makes this car great. But notice the power peters out on the upper end.. It has to do with the Max RPM which is not high, and the crankshaft and fuel delivery. But this was the First MODERN sports car that was Well Rounded, and nothing looked this good and stylish. Not even the corvette. The corvette was very cramped inside and did not sound as good. The mustangs where quick off the line but did not handle or sound good from the factory. Even the REGAL had several short comings.. like, Bad handling, off the line torque was not good, the turbos got heat soak, and they had no rumble and a regal body simply is not stylish. The IROCs and TransAms had it all! And no production car could compare. So anyway, Comparing this IROC to 2022 Mustangs and Camaros is Oranges and apples. you have to remember the Times and the Genre of all vehicles at the time. You have to mentally wipe everything else off the table. Then you can see how great this IROC really was. I never had 1 of my multiple friends that said they were buying a Corvette. And we all drive IROC's or a Mustang orJeep. And even my Jeep and Mustang friend later bought an IROC.
These cars are really going up and I seen that trend happening 4 years ago so I bought 2 of them 1982z28 52,000 original miles Texas car with 305 4barrel and a 1988 with 77,000 miles 355 swap vortec headed, forged flat top pistons, Holley carb, headers,cam 3;42 gears auto 700r4! Dam thing goes like a cheetah on cocaine! I drive them as much as I can except winter!
That is awesome, Larry!! Thanks for your comment - please subscribe for more IROC content coming soon!
I graduated high school in 2007, I had an 85 TA and still have it now. I'm almost done swapping out the carbed 305 and 700R4 for a crate 350 and TH350 trans. I always noticed mine would "hit like a sledgehammer" and chirp the tires going into 2ed gear as well and thought there was something wrong with the old R4 trans but I guess not, seems they are supposed to do it lol.
The transmissions in 1985 Camaro's and Trans am's shifted very tight, I had an 85 T/A that used to chirp 2nd anytime I wanted it to.
Should have manually shifted it, those 305's rev higher with TPI than the 350's do...
5.7 Iroc Z owner class of 1989 , bought used in 1996 a couple years out of high school. It was a fun car, a bit problematic as I constantly triggered the notorious "check engine light". That check engine light was a dealer hustle.
My first car was 1989 RS hardtop, red. 305 TBI automatic.. it came with a 3.73.... i was 15. ... I loved that car. But theres something very special about the Iroc's...
That car should feel pretty stable up to 100. Not sure about the IROC, but I can assure you the Pontiac 305 TPI version with 3.23s does every bit of 145 nicely, felt more and more stable the faster it went, like it wanted to run there. I'd make sure alignment and suspension are 100% and try it again! :)
Thanks for the input!! We might just be used to modern supercars and the way they pick up speed.
my 88 with the 350 tpi did 150 or more. that was the fasted i had it
@jeremy York nope, they would only get 145 mph on a great day. Exactly the same as a 5.0 Mustang.
Former GM employee says so. 😁
I had a 1987, 5.7 L iRock Z and I smoked every mustang formula 350s GTA’s that I faced a car was a freak.
I have an '89 iroc z 305 convertible, I ran a 0-60 in over 6 secs, im going to restore it now that I have the money 💰
Don't hesitate to reach out if you need a hookup on parts!! Email us @ info@4horsemenracing.com
@@4horsemen cool, I'll do that, I'll need a few things to get it running. Do they have cosmetics like clips and dashboards and convertible tops?
I had an 87 same exact color. Those things are the best
I bought my 1988 iroc Z28 5.7 liter back in 2006, From the org owner who ordered it from the factory, Unforturnly he passed away. I happen to be in the right place at the right time to buy it from the son. The gentlemen had a garage built for the car before he had ordered the car. The car had 05000.0 org miles when I bought it. The car has never been out in bad weather since day one. The car only has 0,7633.0 miles, I had to have spine surgery so the car has been set for the last 11 years. The only thing chanced was the hood when i bought it the son had chanced the hood. I never went back to get the org hood. I have been thinking about selling it. The car has the 145 mph speed odometer, poss track rear,
sell it to me....what state you in?
They were tested at 0-60 in 7.3 seconds at the time. I had a red '85 TPI I bought '88. It would obliterate the tires, and chirp 2nd...until the rear end blew up, anyway.
For some reason, the 85s had very tight shifting transmissions, my 85 T/A would chirp 2nd whenever I wanted it to.
Yeah the should do 0-60 in 7 flat. The L98 would do closer to 6 flat
I currently own a 1988 305 manual convertible with 68000 miles love the car. Thanks for sharing your car love your video
Thank you so much! We would love to see some photos of your 88. Message us on Instagram @4HorsemanRacing
They listed 0-60 in the mid 8s and 1/4s in the high 15s.
That's pure B.S.!!! I had an 88 16v scirocco ( 0-60 in 8.0 seconds and quarter mile in 15.9 seconds ) and my friends Iroc was significantly quicker 0-60 and significantly faster in the quarter! The real numbers are 6.9 and 15.0 sec.!
1985 I was driving a 1982 Mustang GT 5.0. Black paint Red interior sunroof no T-Tops.
I've always loved the sound off of those T.P.I.'S. back in the day if you were walking down the street or whatever and somebody had one and they dropped a hammer on it, the T.P.I. sound commanded attention. J's.
Thank you for your comment!
Agree! A stock exhaust on any 80s z or iroc sounded great!
5.0s did also
Those are the original flowmaster cars that made em popular.
I'm subscribing now. You are very respectful and have great manners. Thats enough right there. I'm a 4th gen camaro owner... I want to put a iroc right beside it.
THANK YOU!! We really appreciate those kind words, Jermaine. We really try and produce respectful comment. Send us photos of your 4th gen on instagram @4HorsemenRacing
@@4horsemen i followed you guys. My ig is jermainesmith8813
had an 89 iroc solid tops 5.7 tpi gear package 147 mph, best car i have owned. cruisin at 45, hit the gas and it would spin the tires, possi, I have my Dads 91 RS convertible 5.0 42 k on it.
Nice. I had 85 Z/28 back in the day. And also a 80 Z/28. Now I own a 5th gen Camaro SS. Like to get a newer one. But that's down the road.
Yo guys got keep making videos and growing the channel don’t change your formula it will catch on bc you guys make great content
Lucky Guy to have that car and it is a beautiful color that I have not seen before. I should have never sold my minty 88 IROC with the 5.7 TPI and the sledge hammer hit into second that would bark the tires.
That shift into second is unforgettable.
I have owned six of them my favorite car passed one down to my daughter she loves it
Beautiful car I have a restored 1986 metalic red Iroc
That was my dream car in 1985... color and all
We love the blue!!
I drove iroc z to prom insted of limo. !!!!!!
Cl-ass of 89. !!!!
I gotss 96 trans am in driveway !!!
Life is gorgeous....
I owned a brand new '88 IROC-Z with a 5.7 Tuned Port Injection with an auto transmission. The car was rated at 225 horsepower but I never found it was all that quick, especially compared to Camaro's today. The '85 IROC-Z your testing has a 5.0 engine but 0-60 in 8.7 is pretty slow.
They werent meant to be drag cars and had a tall fwy gear.
No sense in comparing to day modern ones werent around in 88
Us smart IROC owners knew to stay away from automatic's with the boat anchor 305. This one is pretty though.
Back in 03.... my brother wanted a 66-67 Dodge Charger really bad.
I was fond of the z28 / trans am and mustang gt.
I told him about an Iroc that was available for about 3k. It wasn’t mopar.... but it he ended up loving it. It ended up stolen and burnt up about a year later tho🤧
I had a 1974 Corvette and it would smoke my cousins 1981 Corvette. In 1989 I bought my 1986 Iroc I was 22 years old. It would smoke both of the Corvettes so it was impressive for the time. It is hands down my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. I will admit though it was a piece of junk. Things constantly were going wrong with it. Every couple years it was a new exhaust and new tires. I believe I put 2 EGR valves and 2 Mass Air Flow sensors. The trany went out and the transmission shop said they would not warranty the repairs unless they could put in heavier gearing. I am not sure what they did but they ruined my IROC. It was a gutless turd after that. Couldn't even slide sideways drifting around corners. Which was quite easy with the stock transmission. Although it would never shift into overdrive when matted and would top out at 118 mph.
They didnt know how to adjust the T+V cable. Wonder if they even rebuilt it
My nephew just sold his 1988 Formula Firebird with the LB9 tpi and 5 speed transmission. Great running and handling car, original paint and interior. I was sad he sold it. It way outhandled my fox mustang and was decently quick as well.
Had both and as you said the F body could outhandle the stangs big time
Both lots of fun though.
The ones with the tpi in first gear would make you think they had much more horsepower. That torque would fool you!
First car to 30mph or 30 ft whichever comes first I used to say!
They were fun light to light.
You're right! I drove the 305 and the 350 back to back, and the 350 powered Iroc felt way, way faster due to the extra torque, but sadly you could only get one with an auto trans!
@@evorider3689 the 700s had a deep first gear ⚙️ way better than the mustang aod at the time it felt like you were starting off in second with the aod so soft.
@@johnsheetz6639 Intreresting, thanks for the info!
I had an 87 sc camaro with the lg4 305, 150 hp or whatever. My brother had a mid 90s bmw with a 150 something hp 4 banger. I know his lil 2 door (I forget the model) bimmer was definitely lighter than my Camaro, but he couldn't hang with my Camaro. Even with a carload of people in mine, and just he and his gf in his. Those fb memes are only so accurate. Idk if it was the tq difference or what, but I walked his car 10/10 times.
Thay underpowerd it because THAY know WE would do "stuff" to it. After all it was the 80's ! GEN X RUELS
THis!! GM already had the LT1 intake....they coulda put that on and woulda made more power on paper but woulda taken the steam out of the 92-96 cars sails.
Worth the wait guaranteed
In 1985 I drove a 77 Pontiac Can Am with T/A 6.6. I was not fearful of 305 Iroc Z ;)
Those are beautiful cars!!!
Good looking cars for sure. But they need an LS MOTOR.
Oh you meant the Can Am was beautiful , I misunderstood. Yes, it was basically a REAL 1977 GTO.
Lmao, 180hp!
@@mikemullinix2698 It was UNDERATED at 225 hsp and 325 ft pounds of torque. Certainly nothing to write home about. BUT it was a Pontiac 400 and did smoky posi burnouts with a 3.08 limited slip rear.
the steering feel can be improved with an astrovan steering shaft that eliminates the rag joint.
Thank you for the input! We love this IROC-Z
Love that car!
Although it may not be the fastest - it is SO much fun. Thank you for the comment!!
They are great cars used to have a 87 IROC Z with a 5.7 tpi and I regret that I sold it 😢
please reply also my dad has the same car but he dose drag racing with it and he made that car different push on the gas on his car very very little bit it takes off like a rocket his car is way way faster
I've had several irocs growing up and One mustang LX 5.0 Auto matic the 5.0 was decent but the auto matic transmission sucked but it was quick. But the iroc-z just felt like a true race car low slung wide vicious growl stopped turned on a dime and I've had an 89 350 IROC Hit 150 yes it did it was 1992 and it handled it easily ran right with a 300 ZX twin turbo
Thats awesome, crazy how slow they were back then, i got a 4100 lb challenger RT 5.7 with the manual, best 60 i get so far is 5.7 seconds and thats slow compared too thd other cars like the scat packs and 5.0 Mustangs
Right? A modern day family car could pull on the IROC-Z
You could order the G92 1LE option with the 230 H.P 305 TPI engine with 3.42 gears. There is guy that has some videos on you tube from back in the day . His is solid white graphics delete with that same engine and it moves on pretty good.
TPI 350s werent far behind your times. Not having a 3 or 4 spd transmission helps new cars be quicker than they should.
Coolest for a while. Then the 87-93 Fox body hit the streets. Game over. Still beautiful.
The mustangs with the 4-lug wheels, rear drum brakes, no oil cooler and taxi cab interiors (as recently described by Hemmings)?? Those ones?
You overlooked the '86/'87 Grand National. Game over before the game started!
They were just as popular. Had an 85-6 Gt back then it was usually a drivers race.
Both were 1/4 mi pigs but the most fun gm and ford came out with since 70
@@jukeboxzero1 You nailed it.
@@Coelacanth97 Right. And GNXs were just everywhere. I saw one in person recently. It was very cool. The paint had a mirror polish to it. But, I'll take Fox all day every day.
I own a red 88 iroc z convertible black soft top gray and black interior all original it's gorgeous. 305. TPI and it is very low KMs super responsive off the line very fast!! It will slide all over the road taking off it your not careful it's quite surprising. Im thinking on selling the car. I have a 72 Oldsmobile 442 convertible can't keep them all😢😢
I got a 85 blue iroc z when I turned 15 and I still have it and it's still like new besides the paint needs redone it sits inside a storage now. Mines a 5 speed. I get 0 to 60 in about 4 seconds bit I can drive I got trophies trophies prove it and head work done
Its nowhere near stock if its doing 4 seconds to 60.
Back in 86 , a neighbor took me for a ride in a model just as that one , nice blue color and had a mean second gear as he would frequently chirp those tires..🌋🌋🌋.
Although it might nat have 1000 HP, that second gear hit is something unforgettable!
@@4horsemen Yeah it was. Actually he had a red one at first, 5 speed I think it was, that blue one had a computer chip installed and the after he had his fun in that one, went and got a grand national. He was blessed!!!
@@lelomiliken7598 That is rad! Thanks for sharing!!
How do High school students have 6000 dollar IROCS at 3 years old? They keep talking about this, but its a dream.
My Highschool crush 😍 in 1991.😊
Damn!! These cars sounded like that back in the day? So used to hearing an LS engine
absolutely beautiful color! I wanted one that color so bad
Thanks for the comment!
Id have to up the HP to about 315 & thats all she needs imo. beautiful car.
I've gotten myself into both of the best worlds, Ive got an 84 Z28, mostly original, and an 89 IROC-Z.
Please, tell me again how bad the transmission in my 89 is again.
I like Z cars but refuse to work on a Nissan.
That is awesome! We'd love to see your cars!! Send us photos via instagram @4HorsemenRacing
beautiful IROC. but the best time to 60mph was a 6.4 and high 14's were possible under the best conditions.
Keep in mind we are at altitude and the car is a few decades old ;)
305 TPI is around 6.6- 7 seconds with manual trans with the 230 HP version. Definitely not low 6s . My 2015 Impala with 3.6 305 HP actually beats them at the track even off the line and gets even farther and farther toward the quarter.
The 350 TPI was good for only a good day 5.8 to a normal 6.2. Everyone always tries to make these out to be faster than they actually are lol
Automatic 230 hp 305 is a 7.5 sec car to sixty.
@@damontroch4765 but that car looks so good during those 7.5 seconds. 91 z28 vert.
@@damontroch4765 THere were no TPI camaros in 2015 so your point is kinda of redundant