Heart of a Corvette

Chevy charged 1987 IROC-Z buyers a mere $1,045 to upgrade from 305 to 350 cubic inches. Let’s explore this junkyard relic and see what other upgrades came with the bigger 350 mill and its 330 ft/lbs of Mustang-baiting torque. And who is Uncle Tony? Watch and learn!

[@ACEMIDNIGHT102]

That car should be in my driveway, not a junk yard

[@veedriver]

Next Door Neighbor has entered the chat...

[@Kingques]

That and the K5 blazer in front of it.

[@djmtndew]

Buy it

[@tomwesley7884]

Go git 'er

[@jeremya3120]

Yeah what the hell is that doing there besides decaying

[@MrDharris62]

Get well Steve, the world needs to hear you. Praying for you and your family, friends etc.

[@ClaremontClassicGarage]

Those TPI engines were just about a work of art. They look good

[@chriscarlson3700]

Performed well, too. I had an ‘89 Corvette that performed flawlessly. The C4s get dogged quite a bit, but I really enjoyed mine.

[@48Boxer]

@@chriscarlson3700 Yeah, I have a '93 LT1 C4 and although performance is great, it's such a boring looking engine. Also just picked up a '91 ZR1 and it luckily looks more like an overgrown TPI engine than the LT1

[@ClaremontClassicGarage]

@@chriscarlson3700 I saw a gorgeous white C4 on the front row of dealership yesterday. After the 68-71ish ones, C4s are my second faveorite Corvettes.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Yeah but it sucks you couldn't get a standard trans with the 5.7, goddamn bean counters

[@ClaremontClassicGarage]

@@MrTheHillfolk The only 5 speed available at the time was the T5 and that 350 would blow it to bits.

[@randyluca6339]

That Camaro definitely needs saving. After this video I am sure it will be. Again, great knowledge and presentation Steve. 👍

[@ExUSSailor]

Why? You can find those things anywhere. They're as common as dirt, and, worth just as much.

[@Oldguynotbald]

@@ExUSSailor Not the IROC's, that is going to be a collector.

[@gregkellow4723]

@@Oldguynotbald yeah, especially with the original tpi. People ditched it for a carburetor due to a lack of understanding of the system.

[@spodie251]

The only collector cars will be the low mileage cars in original condition. If you're pulling it from a boneyard, it will never be a collectable

[@Oldguynotbald]

@@spodie251, depends on the miles and the level of restoration. Remember insurance companies totaled cars for what they “once were worth”

[@yendor86]

Love this video. I had an 88 GT and I was always thrilled when an IROC pulled up to me, especially if it was a 5.7. I used to get sadistic joy from making the owners have buyers regret. But today, I love all those cars from that ‘modern’ horsepower war. Also, wishing Steve a full recovery. Please like and subscribe.

[@oldschool6268]

The car means alot to me, I graduated in 1988 from high school, a few rich kids had them, My parents or I could not afford them, but now I have a pro-touring chevelle, a ZL1/1LE? and the most powerful sportbikes. The kid in me didn't give up.

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

My dream car when I was in HS in the 80s - red IROC-Z w/T-tops and 5.7L V8. I miss the Big 80s.

[@DonJ.]

OMG!!! memories I had a 82/83 z28 with a 350 swap. Engine so strong it would smoke the tires when you just tap the gas pedal. Same everything except it was black, T-top with the red and orange z28 stripes on the side.🔥🔥🔥🔥 Thanks for the video!.....also the rear yoke used to break, that rear axle couldn't handle it all the time.

[@henryknox4511]

I remember back in 86 one of the seniors at my high school was the first to bring a tpi camaro to school, when he popped the hood it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen in a car. Got an 88 formula 350 sitting out front right now that's at about 75% finished. "Holy sht! That thing looks like a freakin' octopus" - me 1986

[@coreyshort9461]

Totalled one of these in December of 1992. From the start of the slide to the point it came to rest, total distance covered was 739 feet and resting on it's top. That car would run like hell but it sucked at flying upside-down....😅

[@67marlins]

Hope neither you nor anybody else was hurt. You sound lucky to be honest.

[@coreyshort9461]

@@67marlins my cousin was thrown out through the back hatch/glass and I stayed in the car due to a seat belt. I got out of the car after it finally stopped sliding upside down and ran back to find my cousin 300 feet away from the car. Broke his leg above the knee and it also broke his neck but through the grace of God he wasn't paralyzed and recovered completely. I only got some stitches on my head from where it made contact with the road after the glass t-tops were destroyed. That crash changed everything and my life!

[@Toxic2T]

@@coreyshort9461 holy shlt lol

[@Crazy8ts]

Many of.these were bought by kids just out of high school and 5.0 mustangs were being bought too. Serious accidents were common because they were light cars in the rear and were purposely under rated horsepower...plus the goodyear gator backs these cara came with were a very hard compound and spun.easily with ANY kind.of.moisture or.cold.pavement. a bit too much car for kids that had just got out of highschool....I know of one muatang gt in my area back then that 2 kids were killed in....the engine came.out of the car it was so bad

[@67marlins]

@coreyshort9461 This is slightly off topic because it was written about a plane crash, but check out the song, D.O.A. by Bloodrock. It was misinterpreted as kids crashing a car, 'flying low' while on LSD. I'm glad you're OK btw.

[@paulpadilla5288]

I would love that car in my garage.......even in that shape.....

[@capricetony]

Purchased my 1987 Iroc-Z 5.7L T-Top car from the original owner in October 1996, still own it today, still original and stock. 👍😊

[@pjcornell9691]

I still love IROCs. First year was 1985 for the IROC. My High school dream car to get the girls...

[@thrillbilly9785]

I’ve got the c4 corvette with the 350 TPI and aluminum heads. By todays standards the engine is a dog but I gotta say, when you pop the hood on a vette or a Camaro and see that TPI intake you are looking at one of the most beautifully designed fuel injected engines ever made.

[@glassdave]

i have always thought people dont give enough credit to the C4 Vette. It truly was GM's first step at making the Corvette a world class sports car. Even the 84 cease fire car was an absolute leap ahead and GM has raised the bar with every C series since. I have a funny story about the TPI though, i happen to be working at a Chevy dealership in 85 when the TPI was introduced. We pulled a brand new vette in the showroom and opened the hood and as we all looked at the motor the exact words out of my mouth were "oh my good this is nuts, this is the end of street rodding. how are we ever going to work on these!" lol Could not have been more wrong . . . it was the beginning and i have regarded the TPI as one of GM greatest street rod engines ever and have built several including my 71 Camaro with a full driveline swap from an 86 IROC. Absolutly LOVE the tpi . . . .

[@thrillbilly9785]

@@glassdave cool story. I was in high school in the mid 90s. These IROCS and mustangs were the must have. My c4 is a fixer upper. Got it for 2500 and was told there is no such thing as a cheap corvette. I’m finding that to be true as I’m chasing down one issue after another to get it daily drivable. Fighting a stalling issue now. I think it’s a vacuum leak somewhere but haven’t been able to find it yet. Idles fine but wants to die when I put it in gear.

[@karlwalter2242]

I had one in white with lines, mint condition, I traded the car for a piece of land..

[@nedaCFilms]

Visually the TPI is a masterpiece ❤️

[@andydhillon1977]

@thrillbilly9785 I graduated in 1995. The Mustang was definitely the car to have. I was an import/Honda guy (still am) so I always wanted to make my Hondas faster than the Canaros and Mustangs. Now I have a C4 6-spd in my collection. First domestic I've owned. Fun car!

[@neilouellette3004]

Bought a brand new 1987 IROC 5.7 in May 1987. Installed a Hypertech Stage 2 Chip in it and ran great. Traded it in for a new leftover 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane. Those were great years!

[@Chris.8.8.]

That car almost looks freshly parked. Hope it finds a new home soon

[@butcher390]

It does look 🤔 freshly parked . Looks complete too . I Wonder why it's there .

[@Vekurus]

Right? That engine bay was in great condition. I bet it just needed more maintenance to bring it back to the street than someone wanted to spend.

[@purpurahaze9179]

​@@butcher390we will never know some people scrap running and driving cars just to get rid of them

[@morganahoff2242]

I'm knocked out every time by how knowledgeable Steve is. He'll walk around a car and encounter something he wasn't expecting, and immediately be quoting date ranges, and series numbers. Junkyard Crawl is a great romp through automotive history, and a great KZbin channel. To do a KZbin video all in one take, with no edits, is remarkable. A lost art, from a time when performance was valued over technology.

[@gteefxr3094]

Totally right.

[@OldBeaterGarage]

To be fair it's not all up in his head. He does know a lot but he does research on each car before doing the segment. He looks up all the 0-60times, weights, sales figs etc. so he doesn't have to guess or misspeak and piss off the internet trolls.

[@morganahoff2242]

@@OldBeaterGarage Yeah, he evidently does some research and prep. He lifts the hood, and there's a magazine with a bunch of stuff underlined that he's planned to read. Most of the stuff he's read recently. But still, if I committed that much to memory, heck, it would bump my parents' names right outta there!

[@ramblerdave1339]

I'm knocked out that people think Magnante is knowledgeable, just cause he's a fast talker. 😂

[@morganahoff2242]

@@ramblerdave1339 Naw, he's not just babbling. He talks fast because he's developed the ability to think about what he's going to say next, while he still saying the last thing!

[@dniksich]

Miss my 89 IROC! Had the dual cat 5.7. If a hail storm wouldn't have ruined it, I'd still have it today. Loved that car!

[@user-mq6zd1js4s]

Stephen shares his vast wealth of knowledge about automobiles. The best car show on TV and streaming!

[@joe6096]

Steve, the Camaro is near and dear to my heart. I'm 45, so this exact car is the car of my childhood. It is THE car that got me into seriously reading about cars and learning everything I could about them. The '87 IROC 350 Camaro is the reason my Mom got me subscriptions to both Car and Driver and Road and Track for my 11th birthday in 1988 which I have renewed continuously, non-stop, to this very day. It's the reason I own (or until yesterday owned) a 2019 Camaro 2SS. Unfortunately I was in an accident, and it was totaled. Not to worry. First off, both myself and the other driver are ok, no injuries. And the insurance company gave me MORE than I paid for the car! So I am actually going to my local Chevy dealer on Friday to place an order for a new 2024 Camaro 2SS. It's going to be bittersweet for me. Not because I lost my other Camaro but because they're going to stop making them (again). One of the things GM said at the time they quit making the original lineage of F-Bodies in 2002 was that we haven't seen the last of the Camaro, and indeed we did not. This time around, I think we have. If it comes back as an electric car I will have zero interest in it. GM and Mary Barra do not understand the emotional connection we have to these cars. It's devastating to see the direction she's taking the company. I know some people want electric cars, and I have no problem building those boring, soulless appliances for them. They're cars for people who don't care about cars. But there's still enough life left in those of us who want a Chevy small block in front of us and a beefy transmission to our right. I'm always a manual transmission fan but I have no problem with anyone who wants an automatic. I really hope someone comes in to save this beauty. It doesn't deserve to rot away at Bernardston.

[@williamcavanaugh1415]

I tell people the same thing about electric cars,they have no soul, I have brought may cars back to life after sitting for decades,nothing beats watching 4 foot flames shoot back out of a carburetor while your bringing it's heart back to life ,and not to worry,there are still a lot of young guys out there that love these old cars,be well my brother...

[@samholdsworth420]

I think it has a chance now at least

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I will get deathly sick if GM introduces something called an "E28" in a few years! It took me a long time to recover from hearing about the Ford (it's definitely NOT a Mustang!) "Mach E" when it was announced!

[@RossEphgrave]

Cant that car be restored? Doesnt look that bad...

[@joe6096]

@@RossEphgrave My opinion is that if the body is at least 60% sound without corrosion/rot, and it doesn’t have cracked engine block or severely warped heads, it’s absolutely restorable.

[@googleusergp]

I know people go nuts over these, but I never cared for the whole third generation F body, especially the Pontiac version which to me were "Chevyiacs". My parents had a 1982 Berlinetta 305 V8 for a short time, but my dad's business partner wrecked it. It was a Norwood made 305 V8 with four barrel (LG4 RPO). I still have the VIN for it. Mr. DeFeo is from the same area as me and we used the same auto parts stores, but he's older than I am by a minimum of eight years, so we didn't cross paths. We used to call them "Italian R.... Out Cruising" or "I Reek Of Cologne". I've always found them to be sloppy and at least in the Pontiac version, you were better off with a 2nd generation which is a true Pontiac with true Pontiac power and not a "Chevyiac". No, 1987 is the first year for the 350 F body. There were several test mules in 1986, but they were destroyed. Somewhere, I have that confirmed in writing on in a yellow GM response card from a GM Service Parts employee and it's been confirmed in writing elsewhere. You know this because you will not find a 10th VIN digit of "G" (1986) and an 8th digit of "8" (L98 350 V8), only 1987 (with a 10th digit of "H" as you have here). The 2.5L was last offered for the 1986 model year, so by 1987, it was a V6 or a V8. Yes, GM didn't have a manual (at the time or at least that's what they said) that could handle the torque of the 350, so only on automatics with the Camaro and Firebird 350 in the 3rd generation. It was more that they didn't want F body sales to eat into Corvette sales back then. We got the VIN, we win: 1G1 for US made Chevrolet, FP for Camaro Sport coupe, 21 for two door coupe, 8 for 5.7L V8 with Tuned Port Injection (MFI), aka RPO code "L98", 9 is a check digit, H for 1987 model year, N for Norwood, OH assembly and the rest is the production sequence. The Norwood, OH plant closed in August 1987 and then production continued at Van Nuys through the 1992 model year when the plant closed. We got the SPID, glad you did: A03 for windshield with upper shading, AG9 for power adjustable seat, AR9 for reclining bucket seats, AU3 for power locks, A01 for tinted glass, all windows, A31 for power windows, A90 for power hatch release, B18 for deluxe interior ornamentation, B2K for special sales package, B34 and B35 for front and rear carpeted floor mats, B4Z for IROC package, B84 for body side moldings, B94 for body emblems, B97 for lower body emblems, CC1 for removable hatch roof panels, CD4 for delay wiper system, C49 for rear window defogger, C60 for air conditioning, DD8 for auto tint day/light interior rear view mirror, D34 for inside sunshade, D80 for rear spoiler, D6M for driven speedo gear, D88 for sport stripe, FE2 for ride and handling suspension package, GW6 for 3.27:1 rear axle ratio, G80 for limited slip rear axle, J65 for power front and rear disc brakes, KC4 for engine oil cooler, K34 for cruise control, K68 for 105 amp alternator, L98 for 5.7L V8 with TPI, MD8 for THM700R4 four speed automatic overdrive transmission, MX0 for automatic transmission merchandising option, NA5 for Federal emissions, NOD for Norwood, OH assembly, NP5 for leather wrapped steering wheel, N33 for tilt steering wheel, N64 for aluminum space saver spare wheel, N96 for 16x8 cast aluminum wheels, PB4 for wheel lock kit, P20 for styled steel wheel cap, QDZ is a tire code, TR9 for courtesy lamp group, TT4 for halogen headlights, T93 for special stop and tail lights, U21 for oil, coolant temperature, voltmeter, and tachometer gauges, U25 for rear compartment courtesy lamp, U26 for under hood light, U29 for instrument panel courtesy lights, U75 for chrome power antenna, U79 for four speaker system, VK3 for front license plate bracket, V73 for US and Canada vehicle statement, YR1 for front custom seat cushion, YT1 for special door and quarter buildup, Z28 for Camaro Z28 (which all IROCs of this generation were), 1SC for sales package, 15P for silver metallic aluminum wheel color, 74Q for Dark Red moldings, 74U for Dark Red exterior paint, 82C and 82I for Medium Dark Gray interior trim, and 829 for Medium Dark Gray seat belts. These have their followers, and I'm not one of them. But, I'd chose the Camaro over the Firebird in these years.

[@tomwesley7884]

Agree with you on Camaro over Firebird in this era, love the styling of the Camaro, not so much the Firebird. As much as I admire them, wouldn't want to own one (maybe if I was young and in high school). In my mind, the 305 manual and 350 auto are a "toss up," but I could be way off on that.

[@googleusergp]

@@tomwesley7884 I had a 1986 Norwood assembled Camaro 2.8L V6 with T-tops that was given to me after it was in an accident (for the 2nd time). I parted it out and junked the remainder. After the yard closed some years later, it was eerily still left behind at the yard. It eventually was removed when there were plans to redevelop the area (which never happened). It was code 23 Bright Blue.

[@BojarskyLeGrand]

​@@googleusergpThank you very much for all of these information. This car would have been very expensive considering all the options it has.

[@googleusergp]

@@BojarskyLeGrand Sure. Indeed it was a costly car when it was new.

[@richardlarson2969]

Thanks for all those codes. Helpful to me.

[@darrininverarity4297]

I remember when they brought the L98 350 back,I thought everything was right in the world again,350’s were hard to find back then to replace the 305 wezzer so this kind of news was welcomed in the car crowd.

[@brentmiller1607]

I had an 83 z28 that I tragically lost in a wreck. Still to this day, I miss that car! If ever I can afford to get another and restore it, it would be one bad mofo!

[@bryanfogle6672]

Had an 86. My favorite "detail" was the way all the gauge needles pointed the same way when all was well.

[@johngranato2673]

Now, it's an I-ROT

[@fixyourautomobile]

Close to home!!! I love that junkyard.

[@Alex_Miller1980]

Watching that old dog I can feel my mullet growing back...

[@joshuagibson2520]

Tony DeFeo is a real piece of work.

[@tomwesley7884]

LOL

[@gteefxr3094]

"The King" of what? Unfinished projects and bullshit. I used to live for Super Stock & Drag Illustrated, so I read a lot of his stuff there. His channel turned out to be a total disappointment. Reversing stock compression pistons on 318/slant-sixes and breaking out the holes away on ratty 4-door mopars is not hot rod genius.

[@gteefxr3094]

Might want to ask Lamchop or Nick's Garage "what he's a real piece of".

[@nojunkwork5735]

@@gteefxr3094 I completely agree with you. After the Lunar Lunatic engine build people got to see just what a hack he really is. He tries to talk a good game but I never see him wrenching on anything. from start to finish. That Plymouth 4-door Popcorn Fart or whatever he calls it was going to run ten-second 1/4 mile times with a normally aspirated 318. I don't know why more people don't see through his BS. When it comes to mechanical ability, I doubt that he can wipe his own butt without screwing it up.

[@mexicanspec]

That could be taken two ways.

[@michaelnazaruk4100]

Back in my bar cruising days, there was this drop dead, super hot sweetie with a white '87 IROC. She was so stuck up like her sh*t didn't stink. She looked really good in that IROC though! Fast forward to present day - she's now a 200+ lard bucket trucking around in a Rav4.

[@gman123167]

I am a proud owner of a 87 IROC-Z28 350 w/13k on the clock. She has to original AM/FM/Cassette player, t tops and auto adjustable rear view mirror. I still get goose bumps when i take her out for a spin.

[@4NINETYSIX]

Worked at the largest Mustang store on the East Coast . Any 5.0 Mustang , 5-speed with 3.08 gears could tear this IROC's dress at will . We took many on trade including Formula 350's and GTA's .

[@badassbuick86]

Then the Gen II LT1 came out in 1992 and Ford has been behind ever since.

[@4NINETYSIX]

@@badassbuick86 Try to keep up . He's speaking about the 5.7 IROC .

[@badassbuick86]

@@4NINETYSIX That's why I said "then", as in, comes after. Basic English really.

[@4NINETYSIX]

@@badassbuick86 I'm happy for you . Glad your wifes kids helped you with the post .

[@peterantonopoulos2572]

Morning Steve....love those 3rd gen camaro's.

[@frankcastle2045]

They were 💩 I had 3 80 Z28's and an 87 Iroc 5.7 the Iroc was a boxy pile that fell apart 🤣🤣

[@johnhinston958]

Guys are taking these cars and dropping in 5.3 and 6.0 engines from pickups in the junkyard. They are rebuilding the engines and getting 500 horsepower in them . Can you imagine 500 hp in that low and wide car ?world beater

[@xfactorautomotive1496]

I transplanted a 5.7 Corvette tuned port engine into my '62 Nova and, it's a badass torque monster and moves that 2500 pound deuce at an alarming rate for a basically stock engine. I love it!

[@robbyaugtel5189]

Irocknroll is what we called them! Love these cars, I owned the Cousin GTA . These cars handled like a dream. Thanks Steve. And somebody please rescue her

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I believe it was nineteen eighty-seven, and I was like 14, and the town park was near my house. Fourth of July fireworks, there would be cars parked along the side of the road for 5 miles in each direction. So me and my buds we ride our bikes back and forth on the strip to kill time ,see friends etc. Some surfer lookin dude with a brand new yellow IROC pulls in a spot as we are riding along , and his gf get out and is just smokin hot. Anyway, I'm like "nice IROC man!" He spins around , and pointing his hands like guns he goes "IROC, you rock, bro". Haha that was the awesomest shizz ever. Guido's mostly ran the IROC back then , not Joe Dirt like nowadays ...ugh ,I can smell the drakkar 😂

[@johncrankshaft2886]

I had a 91 Z28 i purchased for $200 because it wouldnt start and had been in a field for close to a decade. With lakewood suspension parts, proper torque arm, wonderbar and upgraded sway bars that thing moved like a go kart. I eventually lost interest because nobody would tune the engine i was building so i sold it. Problem with third gens is lack of body parts.

[@robertwest3093]

I nearly flipped out of my chair when I saw the COMPLETE 350 tpi still under the hood!

[@Toxic2T]

I remember till 2 years ago everybody used to hate on IROCZs and said they were slow. Nostalgia is saving them.

[@RoofysGarage]

UTG is anither one of my favorite KZbin channels! Glad to see the shout out to him.

[@Sirmjr23]

Selling my 86 IROC-Z was such a mistake! Mine was in absolutely fantastic condition!! Almost all stock too. The 3rd brake light was my favorite. T-tops and all!! Miss that thing sooooooo much!! I got my graduation photos with it too!

[@johnciesielczyk204]

That car looks in great shape. Someone should Rescue It. I own an 87 Camaro. I love it

[@Dewydidit]

Uncle Tony sent me to your channel to send well wishes!

[@mrozboss]

My mate in 87 imported an iroc z 350 to Australia in red and silver he thought it was the ducks guts until one day we got flogged but an vl Commodore turbo 5 speed along the road between Deniliquin and Echuca lol from them on he only owned commodore's but that car in your video is well worth saving I hope a viewer does Steve there still one of my dream cars and I would love to save it's bacon

[@devonkennedysmith6434]

In My late dads junkyard, we had only one crashed iroc with A/C and a manual, it was before I had a license and I had begged him to let me fix it but he didn’t want me to have that for my first car, eventually I bought an anemic hardtop 1996 3.8 firebird in teal, and ended up blowing the automatic up from all the burnouts and young kid stuff. Years later I inherited the Camaro, and sold it, when we were loading it up on the guy’s trailer with a tractor the floor fell out of it because it was so rotted, the guy said, “well we’re halfway there just finish slapping it on the trailer, there’s no sense going back” lol.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

We're all pulling for you Steve. Hope to see you soon

[@bobhill3941]

I love Uncle Tony's channel.

[@GuyandLori]

Remember these very well. I had a 1966 GTO at the time but still had an appreciation for these cars.

[@randyarock]

I had a 1984 Camaro Berlinetta (with the funky unique interior with digital gauges), and when I'd warm up it's carbureted 305 V8 on cold mornings, the frost on the hood would show that the Z28 hood scoop structure was there under that plain skin hood. I thought it was quick back in the day, but I know that its V8 would be stomped by a 2.0 liter turbo 4 from just about any car company nowadays. 😜

[@scoobyroorogers]

Yes. That model of Berlinetta was so very Cool...

[@purpurahaze9179]

I never noticed that the Berlinetta's had different gauges

[@acepilotson3331]

I had an 87’ Trans-Am. 305 TPI in high school. Loved it. I loved the IROC too.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

Uncle Tony is da man.👍🏻 I miss my 84 RS.

[@chriscadman6379]

Good Morning.

[@SSFormula-iz7wc]

The G92 optioned 5.7 Iroc Z without T Tops was the way to go. Even better was the 1LE option cars.

[@pmscalisi]

I hated my T tops.

[@daniellima2973]

That Blazer in the background is perfect

[@tomtom6319]

this guy is a fountain of car knowledge. Amazing!

[@buckballard7409]

I was a Chevy salesman in those days. Those cars were fun to sell, especially as mid-life crisis cars. Many mid-life crisis buyers would trade them in within a year or so for a Capprice, a 1500 pickup or something else a little higher off the ground.

[@ryurc3033]

Uncle Tony is one of my favorites. Like the crazy tin foil hat wearing uncle that you always talk to at family events, just to hear what wild crap he is on that month.

[@SwiftyMcVeigh851]

Love Unc....

[@johnkranyics281]

Good morning 👍👍🇨🇦. Nice to see that Uncle Tony hasn't changed.

[@Scott-qp9rw]

I’d almost forgot how awesome those engines looked…

[@hankschrader149]

We're pulling for you Steve! You got this!! 🙏🙌

[@andregonsalvez9244]

I remember these Iroc z Camaro's back in 85 . These were pretty powerful and popular back in the day especially if you had the 5.7 cid V8 .

[@andregonsalvez9244]

This Camaro shouldn't be in the scrap yard I hope someone restores it .

[@JerroldSullivan-nt7qj]

Yea 15.50s. Yay

[@colinhaliben9959]

June23/23 . Steve I bought a 89 iroc-z 350 new in 89 and still have the car with collector plates on and still loving it. These cars stand out as they don’t look like every other car on the road. Old school styling. I had the opportunity to drive one in 1985 and from that day was totally committed to owning one. Steve I did some fact finding in reference to the door decal. In 85, 86 and 87 the door decal was placed at the front of the door to go with the Z-28 emblem on the rocker. In 88 Chevrolet decided it looked to busy and moved the decal to the rear of the door. I have enjoyed learning about the third gen Camaro over the years and the people that own or have owned one or two.

[@jakeclauson9863]

My dad had one very similar to that when I was like 5. Only didgeridoo is the lower body panel line was gold. Loved that thing... wish I had one

[@shepsplasticbodyshop]

Tony is a champ. Writing or building he is like dry ice: it works and it’s cool. Thanks for the shout out to Uncle Tony’s Garage. #gagit

[@nufnuffz28]

Great video. As a point of reference on some small corrections being I have had dozens of these cars... -the 5500 RPM redline wasn't exclusive to a 350 car. it could be had in any of GMs "high output" offerings of the time, like the LBP TPI, HO 305s, etc. the lower output 305s received the 5k redline as their smaller cams were even more out of breath by 5k, than the larger cammed cars -The Iroc decal on the door was at the front from 85-87. It moved to the rear in 1988 when the wheels got "2 stripes" rather than one like the earlier models had. -While you can look for the RPO codes as well. The VIN # will tell you what engine the cars had as well so you could easily identify them from the outside. Thank you for shining light on these Camaros!

[@sc3ku]

Two more notes: -the package code is B2L, not B2K -the 9-bolt was available in 5.0 TPI cars with a manual. They had a 3.45 gear vs the 3.27 in the 5.7 (this assumes RPO G92, IIRC)

[@nufnuffz28]

@@sc3ku true! I have an 87 yellow with the 3.45!

[@timc9893]

Gen 3 will always be my favorite, even though I never got to own one. I had a 79 Z28 and a 95 Trans Am LT-1 convertible that I loved dearly.

[@danswrld]

We are all pulling for you Steve!!! You keep on hanging in there!!!

[@mikegrappone9078]

Thanks for doing more modern cars!

[@christianmccollum1028]

I didn't know Uncle Tony was a hot rod journalist! How cool is that?!! Thanks Steve. Always learning something doing the Junkyard Crawl.

[@samholdsworth420]

Ditto

[@OldBeaterGarage]

Steve didn't talk about the pic at the bottom of the page at the end of the Article where Tony parked that IROC in front of a row of Port O Pots because in his eyes the car was a Toilet! I still like the IROC personally but it was always a step behind the Mustang.

[@monikhushalpuri]

Yup uncle Tony did a bunch of articles especially with foxbody stangs

[@hotrodcasanova3574]

That camaro is still nice. That drivers seat looked new.

[@butcher390]

I remembered 😂 Tony's article back then . They flogged that Camaro 😂

[@DR.ELEKTRIK]

The California Highway Patrol had these in their fleet in the early 90's! Pretty cool at the time!

[@charlesdalton985]

I remember those days. It was like watching the sunrise after a long dark night. Real performance was returning and each year got a little better. Thank you as always ~ Chuck

[@robertmacdonald4518]

That car and K5 should be saved! My friend had a 88' Pontiac Formula 350 and I was a 5.0 stang guy till he got that car , cornering was amazing! And it would easily beat my friends brand new mustang in 01. Burnouts for miles!

[@robertmacdonald4518]

And at 140mph with 4 people could barely tell.

[@1967davethewave]

I remember being a freshman in H.S. in 1982 and my best friend and me talking as we were running laps in track about how performance was over. The '79 Trans Ams with 400/403 were what we considered the last of the true muscle cars. To find out that the new Camaro and Trans Am only had 305's? We were disgusted. And the Mustangs all sported 2bbls and of course Dodge and Plymouth were totally absent. Little did we know that by 1986 there would be Grand Nationals and Mustang 5.0's running into the lower 14's!!

[@Cstoreri]

Senior year 1985 my dad purchased a very base looking Camaro in this color with the 305 HO motor what a sleeper for the day…. Lots of Smokey burnouts leaving the High School parking lot 😝

[@whatareyoudoingyouidiot342]

I had an '89 IROC very similar to that one. It was a great car. I had so much fun with it. I miss that thing. This one looks like it's still in good shape. Someone, please save this car!

[@chuckgladfelter]

Your Junkyard Gold series on TV was my favorite show.

[@user-pr8zn6iw5t]

Get well soon, Steve.

[@67L-88]

I remember these days well! It seemed that the new car hierarchy was GN, Iroc/TA 5.7, Mustang LX 5.0, Iroc/TA 5.0, and this doesn't include the occasional Corvette or super rare GNX that could pop up every so often. Many folks would make a few mods and then all bets were off. Also, the older muscle cars and sleepers would show up too. That was life on Main St back in the late 1980s. I wish I could do it over again!!!

[@robviousobviously5757]

stock the LX 5.0 beat the 5.7 Z/TA in a straight line... but it was close. the opposite on a road course.

[@ZacLowing]

@@robviousobviously5757 I had an 86 LX 5.00 and would practice my launches behind our warehouse at lunch. Once your rolling, not much you can do, but getting the launch right won races. From what I saw, most new muscle car buyers where into the smoke show too much and couldn't adjust when it came to racing. GNs where the same, they react too slow, or spin, you had a really good chance of beating them.

[@badassbuick86]

@@ZacLowing GNs don't react slow if you know how to drive them. Leave the line with a pound or two of boost built up, nothing can touch it. Stock for stock anyway.

[@JackDubya80]

The funny thing is, yeah, the GN’s would destroy everyone back then, but they were wildly inconsistent, hyper sensitive to atmospheric changes. I think barometric pressure. only way to explain how one day the car runs like a raped ape, and the next day it’s dogshit slow. stock ones were more consistent, but once you started modding GN’s? All bets were off. The 5.0 mustangs were the most consistent performers back then.

[@wranglercody8422]

My dad had an 87 iroc same color but a 5 speed without T tops. 1 month after buying it he stoplight drag raced a new grand National and lost miserably. He traded his iroc in 89 for a used GN and had that up till last year.

[@Avi8tor857]

I built my 1989 formula firebird the way it should of been back in the 80s. It started it's life as a LO3 (305 TBI) and a 700R4. With WS6 suspension but with the 10 bolt and rear drums. I put in a 5.7 Aluminum LS1 and a T56, front and rear brakes from a 2000 trans am. AC works, all factory gauges work. Custom wiring harness built by me. Full emissions. It is no stronger than a 2000 trans am but my goal was near factory appearance. The car has 17 inch GTA reproduction wheels, and yes it is a TTop. The car has subframe connectors but even with the ttop it stands up to the power.

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

I went with my dad to buy this same car off the showroom floor in 1987. I now own a Camaro SS 1LE after 36 years!

[@digitalmagicAR]

Those cars still look amazing. Timeless design

[@markjohnson5081]

Had one of these back in the day. Bought it after my '88 Monte SS was stolen. Terrific car! But it's horrible to drive during Canadian winters with those tires. After two winters, I lost my nerve and sold it.

[@dexburwell]

as an owner of 1988 model (since 1992) - to present day. I appreciate this 👍

[@jordanjohnanderson]

The L98 is the best looking small block of the modern EFI era.

[@gregscott9170]

I had a ‘85 “California” IROC. I think they made 1000 of them. They only came in black, red, or white. No decals, no rear spoiler, no hood vents. A really clean looking car. The 305 TPI was a dog, but the car handled great. GM stopped putting posi in them because they’d break the small rear end. I replaced the 85 mph speedometer with the accessory 150 mph speedometer.

[@rollin19]

What did it take to replace the 85 to 150 mph speedometer? The whole cluster needs to be replaced?

[@gregscott9170]

@@rollin19 no, just pulled the bezel and swapped out the speedo head

[@nedaCFilms]

GM offered a G80 posi through the 3rd Gen as well as 4th Gen.

[@gregscott9170]

@@nedaCFilms I put one in mine. Didn’t have any problems.

[@FIXANDREPAIR]

Was that the same 7.5 rear end they used in the monte Carlo ss at the time? Did the Monte carlo ss have the same problem with rear end? How much hp and torque are the 7.5 rears good for?

[@bobbbobb4663]

Car and Driver did a long term test (30,000 miles) of a 1982 or 1983 Camaro. Something like 15 Unscheduled visits to the dealer which is still probably the record as of today.

[@joe6096]

Those first few years of the 3rd gen were touchy, no question about it. By '87 though, they'd worked out the gremlins and rattles and they were much better cars. Far more solid and reliable.

[@ABANDONEDCARREVIVALS]

I recently fired up an 84 berlinetta camaro up in a field where it sat for 20 or so years and drive it 3 hours home! shes still roast the tires pretty good with the 305.

[@rockzhard2009]

had a '87 Vette powered Iroc. bought it from the original owner. he had special ordered it, all available options. black and gold. would fry those wide ass 16s like it was born to do nothing else. car had it all, red light to red light was no slouch, handling was fantastic, stopped on a dime, and was a babe magnet. got t-boned in the passenger side by a 17 y/o girl texting. would love to find another one just like it.

[@GreyRockOne]

Nice! Always wanted a Tuned-Port engine, but I absolutely loved and miss my loaded 84 Z with the 305 HO 5-speed, so fun to drive and gave me no issues for the 3 years I owned it. Thanks Steve!

[@fredsimonson2738]

I had the same car as you. Very fun to drive!

[@jeffreyhillery1614]

Dad had one. I swear to this day that 84 High Output Carburetor was faster than 305 TPI. The 84 would throw you back in the seat at take off!

[@toddbell3419]

They didn't make a 84 5spd Z28! The first 5 speed EVER that came in a Camaro was bolted to a 305 TPI. The did make a bunch of carb 4 speeds prior to 85

[@65panhed39]

@@toddbell3419 I'm drivin one. Share more of your bullcrap no-ledge.

[@OnlyGeneralMotors]

@@jeffreyhillery1614Definitely prefer TPI, but a L69 Z is one carb car I have to own!

[@corvairjim1]

I remember well the first 3rd generation Camaro that I saw close up. I worked doing new-car prep for a Chevy dealer at the time, and when I came in one morning, there was a two-tone blue Berlinetta sitting in my wash bay. That car flat blew me away! Gorgeous! The Mustang might have been faster, but it looked like an antique conpared to the new Camaro. Cone to think of it, Mustangs have ALWAYS looked dated next to the same year Camaro, and even the Corvair in 1965 and '66. (Styling never was the Mustang's strong suit... )

[@judgegixxer]

I agree, I think the 3rd gens look orders of magnitude better than Mustangs of post 1970.

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

The 3rd gen Camaro looks like they designed a replacement for the Monza and slapped the Camaro name on it. Not complaining, it's a great looking car, it just doesn't carry any Camaro design cues.

[@franksrok5843]

Bought my 1985 silver IROC new in santa Barbara In august 85. TPI. Just honorably discharged USN Seabees Port Hueneme. still have it never driven in the rain. 29k miles. No t tops, awesome. Drove my first one at the exchange on Guam on deployment.

[@bendodge6502]

Steve Magnante is a gift to all of us car guys!

[@ericcarr1648]

Your automotive knowledge is absolutely incredible!! Thank you for all the car history.

[@Whatsupeiththestupidhandlebs]

Except he can’t read or is blind. That’s a B2L 220 hp 350 not the b2k. 😂🤣🙄

[@gregkellow4723]

Oh my gawd! That car takes me back. I bought an '86 Iroc z when I was 18. It was that exact color, without T tops. It had the 305 tpi. And at the time, that engine had plenty of power for me! I couldn't keep tires on it, it was a tire smoking machine! It didn't have rear disc brakes, it had aluminum drums. I loved that car. People used to compliment me on how good it looked, cuz I used to detail it every weekend. I wish I could get it back. Life happened, marriage,two kids, and living in the Northeast, I needed 4wd to get from my new residence to work. I traded it in after 4 years for an S10 pickup😢 with a 2.8 liter.

[@robviousobviously5757]

life happens.. being a dad is way better.

[@jeffclark2725]

Makes memories of the TV show Simon and Simon, that show had a T Top Camaro

[@pmafterdark]

That's why I stayed single and childless 😁

[@gteefxr3094]

To some maybe.

[@googleusergp]

Should have kept the car, the wife and the kids. When all else fails, keep the car. LOL.

[@VincentVader]

My 1st cousin had a 1987 5.7L IROC from brand new. It was the coolest thing when I was a kid.

[@808cuda]

Steve, nice reference to Tony Defeo. I grew up reading all his Mopar articles and watch his channel with Kathy!

[@ZacLowing]

My 1986 Mustang LX with the GT options never lost to a stock Z-28 or TA back then in street racing. Dudes that owned them went through a sad period back then, you could see it when they saw the 5.0 badge.

[@mypronouniswtf5559]

My 383 Road Runner never lost to a 5.0 or a GM twin back then...My Plymouth was bone stock,I was a poor teen..Bought off a 1 owner female,car truly was too nice for a 16 year old..

[@atribecalledcookies4]

Hmmmm, my 90 Formula 350 with Goodyear Gatorbacks aired down used to walk the 5.0's at the street races every weekend.

[@jukeboxzero1]

Fox boxes - Taxi cab interiors (per Hemmings). 4-lug wheels with rear drums. No oil coolers. Styling straight out of a 6th grader's notebook. Fortunately, we rarely have to see the butt ugly things anymore.

[@ZacLowing]

@@jukeboxzero1 all you ever saw where the taillights

[@jukeboxzero1]

@@ZacLowing Yeah - at the junkyard where they belong.

[@jessepaul9774]

My mother had a 87 iroc with the 350 and it had t tops and ac. Pretty much fully loaded from what I can remember.

[@sherwinstaudt1881]

Department of Public Safety which is known as DPS in Texas tried the Mustang back then, I new a couple of officers talk to them on monthly basis one day there were driving Camaros. I asked them what happened to the Mustangs they told me there were junk if you turn them up all the connecting rods would fall out of them left them sitting many times. Also had a overheating problem. Camaros had no problem whatsoever. Except with the Corvettes LOL. They also explained to me that the Mustang did not have any room in them.

[@michaelmyers3892]

I just dropped $5,000 on a one-owner 86 t-top IROC Z28 with the 350 TPI beautiful black and gold package with tan interior low mileage what an awesome car

[@craigjones2878]

Hi Steve, I never knew that the Camaro used a Borg Warner diff, these were also used in Australian Falcons and Valiants, they were quite a good little diff.