I am thinking of buying a 3rd generation Z28 in the next few months. I had an 82 as my first new car, and that car is the one that "got away" from me. I foolishly sold it in 84 and have regretted it since. In any case, I have started looking for another one. I am really fond of the 82-84 pre IROC cars. I am looking for a 5 speed car. I am really surprised that so few of these cars remain, and that most are beat to the point of being junk. I want a solid car and will consider any year in the 82-92 span, but prefer the older ones. I figured that I would toss my request out there in any case. Thanks, Rudy E
Hey Rudy, where are you located? There are still TONS of these cars out there, but u're right they are all beaten down. I had a third gen as my first car as well, i bought it as a project. Personally i am shying away from these cars, because the more i learn about them, the less i like them. Too many design flaws. And the third-gen community isnt the nicest place. HOWEVER!, i know of a few cars around, 5 speed not so much, but third gens in general. Maybe i can help. Let me know ur location.
I am located way down on the Louisiana gulf coast. There are plenty of these cars left here,too. They are usually wasted, though. The climate here is very salty and humid, and Katrina and Rita also cut a wide path through plenty of local cars from the East Texas coast all the way over to Alabama. I am not in a bind for a car, and I know that I am cutting down on my chances by limiting the search mainly to the older manual trans cars. I guess that I am looking to replace my first car with something as close as possible to what it was "back in the day". I have an engine swap in mind sometime down the road. I would like to swap in a hotter GM crate motor or one of the Gen III or IV motors. I also want a decent car that I can drive, as I have enough non drivers around here already. I seem to remember that the L69 option continued on in Canadian spec cars after the TPI motors replaced it in the US market. What do you think? Thanks, Rudy E.
Not sure about the later versions, i know the L69 is a rare option for sure. Try www.thirdgen.org You may have to travel, but theres some good deals on there. Everybody on that board asks WAY too much, so talk to ppl in private. You may have to travel but i think you will find what you're lookin for. I went through alot of trouble with some rust issues on these cars recently, so if ur still unfamiliar with them, i can point out some key "trouble spots" for you. Good luck.
Try Roy at fbodymotorsports.com They have a few for sale from time to time. I have dealt with him before and he is a top notch guy.
Rudy ...how about one of these....or both../.Christmas special :Brow: an 1985 z28 w/305 clean ...w 80k miles no issues drive anywhere...$4300 or possibly a 1983 Daytona edition clean w/60k miles no issues drive anywhere $6900 Or.... o No: take em both for $11k combo deal ... ou: more info & pics on each one ..seperately here... http://64.17.187.214/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=7&sid=7920e6c9a501bd0e3706cef9634f413c
Rex, those look like a pair of fine cars. Looking for a 5 speed car, but those two are in the condition that I want. Nice drivers, not beaters. Nice T/A, but I am keeping on the Z28 only. Clearly, someone else likes these 80's rides, too. GM sold them in the 100,000's until the late 80's. I am going to round up a keeper while they can still be found for the right $ and in decent shape. Thanks, Rudy E.
Rudy, I know you said you were holding out for a Z, but this T/A looks pretty nice: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=9 It's really close to me and so far I've resisted going to look at it. I already have an 89 LB9/T-5 Formula and an 89 GTA so I think I'm set for 3rd Gens right now. If your interested, I could probably check it out this weekend if still available. Most likely an LG4/T-5 car though.
Check out thirdgen.org. probably the best f-body ever. I've had an 85 Trans Am, 84 trans am clone, 88 bird, and I still own an 86 Trans am. I also prefer the early Z28 over the 85-92. It is hard to find them nice, but alot of old guys bought them new and still have them. Low mileage cars are starting to creep out. good luck.
Thanks for the leads, guys. I have had two LS-1 4th gens, and I am still a bigger fan of the 3rd gen car. It's hard to forget your first new car, and I have always wanted another one. There is no doubt that the 4th gens are better performers, but the 3rd gen is a great platform to start with. It has handling as good as the later cars, and the engine bay will accept any combo of powertrains you could imagine. Parts are available new OEM, new aftermarket, and used. These cars are often maligned by some folks, but they were very competitive in their day. It can be argued that the resurgence of automotive performance we enjoy today started with the release of the new 3rd gens and Ford's 5.0 Mustang in 1982. The war was clearly back on at that point. These cars were far more successful for GM than the 4th gens with six figure sales nearly every year of there production run. Thanks, Rudy E.
Rudy, incase you havent found a car yet. I just saw this post on thirdgen.org. The ad reads as follows: I am selling my 1985 L69 Iroc-Z Camaro one of only 1,500 made in 1985! Black with Silver Stripes 5-Speed T-Tops 373 4-Wheel Disk brakes LS Contur interior CAMARO,CAMARO,CAMARO BRAND NEW GM PARTS INSTALLED Front Fenders Nose Nose ground effect Side Ground effects Rear Bumper Reconditioned IROC-Z wheels with brand new old stock Goodyear Eagle GSC tires. The car was painted a year ago with PPG base coat clear. The black was color matched to the original color. The body on this car is SHOW PERFECT. The car is for sale at $5,500 I have well over what I am asking for this car in it. This was my dream car but now must go because I purchased my other dream car and am out of room. Another Camaro, 1969 Z28. I want to see this car go to a good home and finish being restored the way I was going to finish it. The car comes with some OE GM parts as well as some used parts. If anyone has any questions or requires pictures please call or email me. Jeff 216-905-1983 or jmakovich@corsaperf.com or IROCZJEFF@WOWWAY.COM The car is located in Cleveland OH. Can help with shipping if needed.
