With its sexy 16-inch wheels, spoiler, and special decals, the IROC-Z Camaro had a unique look that won it many fans. Its chiseled design was also one of the most powerful third-generation Camaros ever created.
The IROC-Z Camaro was a hot car until 1990, when Chevrolet’s sponsorship with the International Race of Champions (IROC) racing series expired. That year the Z28 was revived as a more street-friendly model with the B4C Special Service package designed for law enforcement.
It was a collectible car
A collectible car is a car that is rare or one of a kind. These cars tend to be more desirable than others due to their low production numbers and unique design. The IROC-Z is a great example of this. It was produced between 1985 and 1990 and is now a sought-after collector’s item. It also has a distinctive 80s look that will transport you back to 1985 faster than Doc Brown’s DeLorean.
The IROC-Z Camaro was a special edition of the third-generation Chevrolet Camaro that was introduced in 1985. It was designed to compete in the International Race of Champions, a series of auto races that pitted drivers against each other in equally prepped stock cars. The IROC-Z came with a lowered suspension and an aero body kit to give it a competitive edge. It was also available with a 305 ci V8 that made use of GM’s Tuned Port Injection system and delivered 215 horsepower. The IROC-Z received rave reviews from the automotive press, including a top spot on Car and Driver’s “Ten Best” list in 1985.
In 1986, the IROC-Z returned with few changes. The most significant change was detuning the IROC-Z’s 5.0-liter Tuned Port Injection engine to make it more fuel-efficient and meet emissions regulations. The new camshaft reduced horsepower by 25 and lowered torque to 275 lb.-ft. Despite this, Hot Rod magazine still said the IROC-Z was “one of the best Camaros ever built.”
In 1989, Chevrolet dropped its sponsorship agreement with the IROC racing series, leading to the end of IROC-Z production. Nevertheless, the IROC-Z remained the most potent Camaro model available. In order to keep the model popular, Chevy offered a number of options packages that improved performance. These included the 1LE package, which added a full road-racing suspension and other cooling and drivetrain upgrades borrowed from SCCA showroom stock racing where the Camaro was being campaigned.
The IROC-Z Camaro is an excellent choice for collectors because of its low production numbers. It’s also easy to find one that’s functional and drivable. This makes it a great vehicle to collect, especially since the Camaro has always been popular with young people.
It was a high-performance car
The IROC Camaro is a high-performance car that is still popular today. Low-mile originals can be found for a reasonable price and are considered to be one of the best muscle cars from the 1980s. While they are not the fastest Camaros ever made, their iconic design evokes nostalgia. The IROC-Z’s distinctive styling takes us back to 1985 faster than Doc Brown’s DeLorean. The car’s performance is impressive, and it is easy to maintain. Whether you’re cruising the highway or racing down the strip, the IROC-Z is a fun ride that will leave you feeling like an 80s rock star.
The International Race of Champions (IROC) is an all-star racing competition that began in 1974. It was designed to showcase the skills of top drivers from various racing circuits, such as NASCAR, Le Mans, and NHRA. In the beginning, organizers used Porsche Carrera RSRs as the race car; however, they switched to a Chevrolet Camaro in 1980, and it would remain the race car until the series went on hiatus. When the IROC returned in 1985, Chevy chose to market a consumer version of the Z28, calling it the IROC-Z.
General Motors only offered the IROC-Z for six years, but it was a popular choice in the market. The car was fast, had great handling, and looked bad as hell. It even appeared in a number of movies and TV shows.
In 1985, the IROC-Z was a top pick in Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best lists. It was equipped with a 305 c.i. LB9 engine and a TH700-R4 automatic transmission. Chevrolet also created a special (1C5) RPO California IROC-Z with an LB9 engine and an optional G92 rear axle gear ratio of 3.27.
The IROC-Z was also lighter than its competitors, which gave it a huge advantage in terms of acceleration. The Mustang’s errant tail was a major hindrance through Willow’s esses, while the Camaro was much easier to follow. A lower weight equated to better cornering balance, too. This meant that the IROC-Z was able to trail brake much deeper into turns than other muscle cars of the time.
It was a fast car
When it comes to fast cars, the IROC-Z Camaro is definitely one of them. The car got its name from the International Race of Champions racing circuit, where drivers competed with identically equipped cars. The driver’s skills determined the winner of each race. The street version of this car was no slouch either, with plenty of engine choices to suit any driver.
The IROC-Z came with a number of upgrades over the regular Camaro, including a unique front fascia and 16-inch wheels. It also featured a special suspension and sway bars. These improvements added 52 pounds to the vehicle, which may not seem like a lot in today’s world, but back then, it could make the difference between a 15-second quarter mile and a 14-second one.
In addition to the improvements, the IROC-Z also had a tuned port injection system, which gave it extra power and improved fuel economy. It also received a new 140-mph speedometer. The car was available in both a coupe and convertible body style, with the latter being particularly popular.
While the IROC-Z is no longer one of the fastest muscle cars, it still has a lot to offer car enthusiasts. It’s a timeless classic, and many car fans would love to see it return to the market.
80s nostalgia is having a moment right now, and the IROC-Z is one of the most iconic models to come out of that decade. The retro styling is appealing to a wide range of people, from Gen-Zers with their rose-colored glasses to millennials digging on “old stuff” chic. This trend has even found its way into the automotive world, with 80s-era styles like the Countach and E30 M3 enjoying a resurgence.
It was a hot car
One of the best Camaros to ever hit the road, the ’84 to ’90 IROC-Z is one of Chevy’s most memorable and iconic coupes. It had the best-performing 305 V-8 that the carmaker could offer and a style that was all its own. It is not the fastest Camaro that was ever made, but it was a great car that can still be enjoyed today.
While some people might judge the IROC-Z by modern standards, it is important to understand its context and how it was intended to be used. Its performance numbers would be laughable by today’s standards, but it is important to remember that the IROC-Z was built in a time when power was not a major consideration.
In addition to the unique decals and 16-by-8-inch aluminum wheels, IROC-Z cars got a lower ride height and a new steering/frame brace known as the wonder bar. It was designed to help keep the car on the road in the corners and at high speeds. The IROC-Z also had a better cooling system, which was crucial to the performance of the small-block V8.
The IROC-Z was the first model to get the LB9 carbureted 305 V8 engine capable of 215 horsepower. It was a big step up from the old 5.0-liter L78 that had been used in previous Camaros. The LB9 engine also included a one-piece rear main seal and a new lubrication system.
Unlike some other Camaro models, the IROC-Z did not have a hood louver or rear decklid spoiler. This helped it achieve a more streamlined look. It was also the only Camaro to have a front spoiler that was functional. The car was equipped with fog lights and a unique wheel design. It was also able to reach the quarter mile in less than 15 seconds, which was fast for its day.
While the IROC-Z was not a huge sales success, it is now a prized collector’s item. Its low production numbers and attention-grabbing personality make it desirable for muscle car enthusiasts. Its value is expected to continue increasing as more collectors seek out these rare Camaros.