Unveiling a Legend: The 1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
Behold the 1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z, a car with a pedigree that’s as sparkling as its finish. Born at Ellis Brooks Chevrolet in good ol’ San Francisco, California, this beast wasn’t just a pretty face. It was swiftly thrust into the fast lane of SCCA autocross, clinching eight national championships in the E-Street class. It stayed under the loving guardianship of one California family until the current owner stepped up in 2023. Talk about holding onto a legend!
Built for Glory
This beauty is decked out in a Bright Blue Metallic that’s complemented by pinstripes and unapologetically bold IROC-Z graphics. It roars to life with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, joined by a four-speed automatic transmission. Noteworthy features include the high-performance 1LE Package, G80 limited-slip differential with G92 performance axle ratio, and adrenaline-pumping Lingenfelter Performance Engineering throttle body. And there’s more: SLP long-tube exhaust headers, a custom stainless-steel exhaust, and a modern MagnaFlow muffler.
Did You Know? This very Camaro IROC-Z boasts a mere 4,700 miles on the odometer, mostly spent living the quiet life in a garage.
Spotlight on Performance
Strutting on 16″ Revolution wheels and armed with four-wheel disc brakes, this Camaro doesn’t shy away from its racing roots. Some features are meant to impress, like the airy fiberglass hood and sporty wickerbill-style rear wing. However, time has left some marks: a few paint scratches, a touch of fading on the bumper, and some weary exterior trim. A small price to pay for a classic icon’s battle scars.
Customized to Thrill
- Wheels and Tires: The Revolution wheels, with their eye-catching blue centers, are shod with 255/50 Toyo Proxes R888 tires—installed freshly in 2023.
- 1LE Package Delight: Finned aluminum brake calipers, larger rotors for those sharp turns, stiffer springs and struts, and thicker sway bars await the discerning driver.
- Additional Modifications: A strong performer thanks to power steering, custom-valved Koni shock absorbers, and adjusted suspension bushings.
The Camaro was optioned without a stereo and lacked rear seats, streamlining it for the track.
Inside the Cabin
Step inside, and you’re greeted by Corbeau racing seats, complete with blue four-point harnesses. Though minimalistic, the car comes with a cabin heater, manual windows, and a master electrical switch taking the place of a head unit. For steering enthusiasts, a Nardi steering wheel with a vintage flair awaits. It’s no surprise it’s installed on a quick-release hub, flanked by a 145-mph speedometer and 7k-rpm tachometer. The six-digit odometer, by the way, shows less about 10 miles added since it was acquired by the current owner.
Under the Hood
- Engine Power: A roaring 5.7-liter L98 V8, enhanced by tuned-port fuel injection.
- Exhaust Perfection: Long-tube headers by SLP Engineering and a recent addition of a power kill switch.
- Transmission: All that power is funneled through a four-speed automatic gearbox, to the G80 limited-slip differential rattling with a G92 performance axle ratio—all part of the 1LE Package treatment.
- Additional Features: An aluminum driveshaft and a fuel tank with dual pickups got thrown into the mix, further boosting this Camaro’s performance prowess.
Closing the Chapter
Along for the ride are a set of four bold, yellow-finished Revolution wheels that catch the eye at every turn, plus two spare rear axle assemblies for the enthusiast ready to break new ground. All’s crystal clear on the Carfax report too, with no accident or damage blemishes, although there’s an open recall to keep an eye on. This classic Camaro IROC-Z, a legendary symbol of automotive brilliance, stands ready for its next chapter.
While this car blazes its trail, why not explore the world of the Aston Martin or maybe hop into the driver’s seat of the Opel Mokka / Mokka X?