IROC Z Camaro Gets New Life With LS3 Transplant
Third-gen Camaros aren't known for being particularly fast, but this one is much better with LS power.
Problem Solved
The third-generation Camaro holds a special place in our hearts, mainly because many of us have owned at least one in the past. But let's be honest - these cars were seriously lacking in the power department, even the sportier IROC Z. Luckily, that problem can be easily addressed with LS power, which is precisely what Jeremy Redfox did with this super nice IROC that was recently featured over at Chevy Hardcore.
Photos: Jeremy Redfox
Dream Car
Like many of us, Redfox grew up admiring the third-gen Camaro, he just wasn't quite old enough to buy one at the time. Luckily, he was able to find the car of his dreams later on. "When I was a child, my older brother had a yellow '86 IROC with T-tops and a five-speed," he said. "He bought it brand new and I was heartbroken when he sold it. When I found this yellow IROC with a five-speed, I bought it sight unseen. I have wanted this car since I was 12 years old."
Photos: Jeremy Redfox
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Say No More
At first, Redfox didn't plan on reinventing the wheel with his build but did want to update a few things on the car. However, his wife sealed the deal when it came time to choose a powerplant. "After I got the car home, I sent it off to have it repainted," he said. "While it was getting painted, I said to my wife, 'I think I’m going to do an LS swap.' She said, 'why wouldn’t you?' That was all I needed to hear."
Photos: Jeremy Redfox
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New Motor
Instead of rebuilding some junkyard motor like so many do these days, Redfox opted to secure a brand new crate LS from GM. "The engine is Chevrolet's LS376/480,” he said. "I added a Holley Performance accessory drive as well as Hooker Blackheart headers and exhaust. I had Moser Engineering build me a 12-bolt rear-end, and I replaced the entire front and rear suspension with parts from UMI Performance."
Photos: Jeremy Redfox
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Prototype Tranny
The transmission is likewise very much new - Tremec's TKX five-speed manual gearbox, which has only been on sale for a short period of time. "Mike Kidd at Tremec is a friend of mine and knew I was building this car, so he asked me if I would like to try out a prototype transmission," Redfox said. "I installed it with an LS7 clutch with a Tilton throw-out bearing and clutch master cylinder."
Photos: Jeremy Redfox
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Worth the Effort
Impressively, Redfox completed all of the work on his third-gen in his own garage, and with little experience to lean on. Regardless, he got a lot of help from his friends and worked tirelessly every weekday afternoon and weekend to get it done. Needless to say, the finished product was well worth the effort.
Photos: Jeremy Redfox
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Future Plans
Of course, no good project car is ever truly complete, and Redfox plans on having some custom gauges made in the near future. So long as he doesn't do anything radical to this classic Camaro's handsome looks, however, we're perfectly fine with it.
Photos: Jeremy Redfox
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 IROC Z Camaro right here in LS1Tech Forum!
For help with the service of your car, check out the how-to section of LS1Tech.com