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32k Mile 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Convertible

This 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Convertible is located in Lawrence, New Jersey. It only has 32,000 miles and is listed here on Craigslist. We appreciate Mitchell G. sending us the link to this survivor. The seller has the car listed for $25,000 which seems to be a good deal. There are not any pictures of the engine or interior and only one picture of the entire car. The ad has been listed for 4 days.

The 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z28 is an iconic ’80s American muscle car, characterized by its respectable performance and distinctive design. The base engine for the 1987 IROC-Z was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine (305 cubic inch V8) and mated to a four-speed automatic (190 hp) or 5 speed manual transmission (215 hp). . A buyer could also order the larger L98 5.7 liter engine (350 cubic inch V8) which was only available with an automatic transmission. This engine was rated at 225 hp. This powertrain configuration delivered improved acceleration and a fun driving experience. However, the IROC-Z was most known for its excellent handling and performance suspension.

The red paint looks good and the interior is said to have no rips or tears. Externally, the IROC-Z28 was aerodynamic and sleek , accentuated by its distinct lines and iconic badging, signifying its association with the International Race of Champions (IROC) racing series. This connection underscored the car’s racing-inspired lineage and performance-focused design, adding a layer of historical significance to its identity. Internally, the 1987 Camaro IROC-Z28 prioritized driver comfort and functionality. The cabin featured supportive bucket seats, a driver-centric dashboard layout, and optional amenities like power windows, air conditioning, and a premium audio system, catering to both performance and comfort.

The IROC-Z28 was equipped with performance-enhancing options, including tuned suspensions, upgraded braking systems, and larger wheels and tires, refining its driving dynamics and appealing to enthusiasts seeking a balanced blend of performance and usability. Chevrolet manufactured 38,889 units of the IROC-Z for the 1987 model year and only 744 were convertibles that were converted by ASC. This example is said to run well and the air conditioning blows cold. All power accessories are said to work.

Comments

  1. Craig Baloga Craig Baloga

    Nice IROC- Zed, Bruce!

    Beautiful condition, and these cars are a blast!

    👍🤓

    Like 7
  2. Chris Cornetto

    I bought a black one in 2006 with a bad tranny for 400.00 and never fixed it. It is funny, cars luck is like some people. This one a cared for nice unit and right now two of these convertibles are at the u-pull-it, one red and one black. I suspect it was a collection that was given up on as there is a mid 80s Vette there also along with a Reatta. I think the trailer park reputation may be slowly disappearing from these. For me the 5.0
    is way it over this and I still have mine.

    Like 1
  3. Nelson C

    Sweet looking car. Timeless style. Reminds me of when as bachelor buddy of mine bought a red Firebird convertible. I asked him if it “worked”. He grinned and said “oh, yeah”.

    Like 3
  4. Rw

    Horrible car IMHO

    Like 1
    • Greenhorn

      With an automatic it is. Still a very attractive car.

      Like 0
      • Keith. Jr. Attle

        Except if the transmission has been rebuilt, It soon will be. I had 87 IROC. The sad truth is generous motors didn’t have the common sense or decency to put a decent transmission in them. Unfortunately, I speak from experience.

        Like 0
  5. Claudio

    I bought a one owner 88 red with black top auto
    The interior was the ugly beige/saddle/camel mismatch plastic , i hated the interior , hated the way in rode like it had ciment tires ! Sold it with a big profit but found out later that the tires had to be replaced for a softer ride !
    Later bought a 97,much better car but still prefer the look of these…

    Like 1
  6. PRA4SNW PRA4SNW Member

    You could buy 2 pretty decent 1987 Corvette convertibles for the price of this one.
    Just saying.
    I know which way I would go.

    Like 1
    • Claudio

      Welll, i have a convertible 89 corvette that hardly gets any use because of grandkids taking up more seat space than the corvette can supply ! So, looks like a 4 seater topless camaro /firebird is next …

      Like 3
  7. Tim W

    My sons first car in 2003 was a black t-top 87 IROC. 350 tpi. I went out on a limb with Mom to convince her he would’t kill himself….We chipped it, lowered it, added polished 17 in Torque-Thrust II’s. He sold it like 6 years later to finance a Ford POS Suv for his wife to trash out . She had never had to buy anything with her own money, so she didn’t take care of it. Had to have a tetanus shot to get in it. Oh well, it was a great running car while it was around

    Like 1
    • James Ford

      Had to trade my 87 Black IROC-Z for a “new” 91 Chevy Lumina 4dr 3.1v6! Oh! that hurt to repeat!! my wife (ex-wife now) was crying about our son kicking her in the back while in his car seat in the Z when we all had to go somewhere, so we took it to the Chevy dealer and did the trade. I will never forget that day! I looked for the car for years but never found it. I settled for a really nice 84 Z28 a year ago. Every time I drive it I think of my old 87 IROC-Z, not the ex!

      Like 2
      • PRA4SNW PRA4SNW Member

        Similar thing happened to me, James.
        I had a ’99 Z/28 and when the first child came, traded it for a lease on an Audi A4 wagon. That was a nice vehicle, with a 1.8T that I chipped so it had a lot of power, but never like having an LS1 under your foot.

        I hunted, and did find, a couple of year old sale listing for my car. Someone had replaced or dyed the white interior black (like every other Z – boring) and added a huge video screen in the passenger dash. I wish I never knew that!

        I’m kind of glad that I never found my ’81 Camaro that I sold in ’85 in mint shape. That trails ended in the early ’90’s.

        Like 3
      • Cooter Cooter Member

        I too bought a new 99 Z28 convertible and only sold it about 5 years ago. It had the SLP setup, added a .373 gear and eventually rebuilt the transmission adding a shift kit. Talk about waking that thing up…it was already fast! I eventually replaced the top with a very expensive but effective double layered top so it didn’t look like a balloon going down the road, repainted it a darker shade of blue and added 17″ torque thrust rims and BF hi-comp T/A’s. I wish I had it back, miss the kick of the LS1 dropping in. Pic attached.

        Like 3
    • Dave

      I sold my ’89 RS to help finance a ’79 Corvette.

      Like 1
  8. Harry 1

    Would be nice to have. Pics of interior, engine compartment & underbody chassis initially. Learned not to assume nothing. Liked these model Z-28s. Becoming scarce to find in fair to good condition. For 25g would have to see in person. But for now memories will serve my purpose.

    Like 0
    • James Ford

      Bought my 84 Z28 from a 71 yr old fella that took really good care of it. I’m one of the lucky ones. I had to drive 4 hrs to Tennessee to find one in great shape. Your right good solid Z28 cars are hard to find.

      Like 0
  9. James Ford

    Seems to be a very nice car.I have an 84 Z28 and I have had a 87 IROC. Both are great cars as long as you purchase them from responsible adults not kids who have drove the crap out of them! 25,000 is a little high but if I was to see it in person that could be different opinion. Never buy unless you can touch it in person. Personal experience you know!

    Like 0
  10. Robert Atkinson, Jr.

    These were probably the at the apex of development for the F-Body twins before they took their extended “vacation”! I tend to prefer the TransAm to the Z28, as I do generally in the Firebird versus Camaro race, although this one appears to be in very good condition and has led a charmed life, missing pics of the engine and interior notwithstanding. For the record, the only Camaro I prefer to the F-Bird is the 1969 Camaro RS/SS, with the small-block V8 and the hideaway headlights! The hideaway lights really improve the RS’s looks over the base Camaro, IMHO!

    Like 1
    • JONAS M

      I have a 1969 Camaro RS/SS 4 speed 350 Black/White convertible, I couldn’t agree more!

      Like 0
  11. Skidmarc

    Wow, an IROC in New Jersey, weird.

    Like 2
  12. Eric

    Another awesome car-just goes to show you that the “BO TIES”-Chevy rule !

    Like 0
  13. Melton Mooney

    I’ve put about 250,000 miles on my 89 iroc convertible since 1992. I can’t be precise on mileage because 15 years ago a rear gear change threw the speedo off. Here’s the rundown.

    The good:
    ASC engineering for the convertible was excellent. Takes 15 seconds to flop the top up or down.
    Comfortable airflow for front seats with the top down. A snug fitting cap will stay on at highway speeds.
    Cornering/handling is outstanding, especially with upgrades.
    Stone reliable gen 1 small block chevy.
    5 speed cars offer pleasing performance, even stock, due to better cam/exhaust/gears.
    Massive selection of aftermarket parts and upgrades.
    Repair parts are inexpensive.
    Straightforward to maintain, repair, or upgrade. (except fuel pump).
    Gaining in popularity and value.
    Stalled projects or non-running cars can be had for next to nothing.
    Attractive styling, IMO.

    The bad:
    Terrible factory brakes completely unfit for spirited driving.
    Flimsy unibody twists with every grade change.
    Rattles, squeaks, and wind noise are part of the deal.
    Typical weak-link GM driveline won’t stand up well if you start adding horsepower/torque.
    Limited power potential of Tuned Port Induction.
    Fuel pump replacement is ridiculously complicated and time consuming.
    Stock automatic cars are pretty lethargic.
    No 350 in convertibles until you put it in yourself.
    In a pouring rain, you’re going to get wet, whether the top is up or down.

    Like 3
  14. ClassicP

    I had an 87’ yellow with gold interior it wasn’t convertible but it was a 5-speed manual and it was fun. Drove it from Vegas to Wisconsin to start a job on Indian reservation casino those were great times over 30 years ago.

    Like 0
  15. Connecticut mark

    Friend bought 3 of these new, all were stolen within 3 months, never found, then he bought a Toyota pickup, no one stole that.

    Like 0

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