Full Build: Squeezing Maximum Power Out Of A Tired 1986 Camaro Iroc-Z

Detroit Muscle undertakes a mission to squeeze everything that they can out of a tired 1986 IROC-Z Camaro, while staying on a strict budget.

The initial condition of the car was poor, with a cracked and rough interior, as well as an underpowered engine. We started with a budget of $10,000, which included purchasing the car and making power upgrades.

The first step was to replace the anemic 305 small block engine with a nitrous huffing 350 bottom end. Then we added go fast goodies and a small nitrous kit, doubling the car's power output.

Next, we focused on the interior, which was filthy and in a state of disrepair. We removed the old seats, dash, carpet, and headliner. Transforming the entire interior for about $1,000.

For the suspension upgrades, we inspected tie rod ends, sway bar links, ball joints, and decided to replace the struts, keeping all within our budget constraint.

[BroItsTJ]

Nothing says “before COVID” better than this video. I wish I can get any car for 3 G’s

[HondaRider]

I miss the days of watching Spike TV on a Sunday and not moving from the couch. Shows like this was top tier relaxation.

[Shadetree_Mechanic]

3k for a 1986 IROC that runs and drives with t-tops and has everything there… I call bs

[derekbenoit]

I'm 52 and totally miss these old school car shows. Brings back great memories.

[derekcarnes]

That dude flattened all the threads on that brand new shock lol

[frassers]

here who cannot buy that kind of stuff, but loves to see those great builds !

[andyleo]

$3k for that IROC? On what planet? No freaking way. This show is pure fantasy.

[baddbradd]

That stock header back exhaust is killing it

[markthegunplumber]

Dang, that was at least 100 HP less than i figured for the parts you added. An L31 Vortec with stock Vortec slightly ported heads and Bee Hive springs etc. and thin felpro 1094 .015" head gaskets to bump compression and improve quench should be close to 10-1 compression add a manifold and a LT1/LT4 Lunati 2008072 roller cam and Morel Lifters a 750 holley and long tubes will get you to 400+ HP NA and no nitrous needed, with AFR heads you should be close to 440 HP. Then you would have had a real tire fryer that sounds very nice.

[Bobbyboom]

I would've opted for an appropriate torque converter over that nitrous squeeze. That 700r4 is going to absolutely hand grenade on someone.

[coldwarkid]

My best friend in Highschool got an identical IROC to the one on this show for his graduation gift from his Grandpa. Dang that was an awesome car. It's still my favorite Camero of all time. Wish I had the money to do a restomod IROC.

[AdventuringwiththeS.G.O.C.C]

I purchased an 86 Camaro0 off the dealers floor and lowered it with just 13 miles on it. Added a 1st gen prom chip and graphics. Participated in some of the events at the 87-88-89 Car Craft nationals in Sacramento...

[UncleKrusty]

I had the '87 with a 350 in it. I miss that car and my hair.

[Dangerous_Drivers_of_CA]

Cars were much better looking back then.

[NorthSDsurfer]

i had a black IROC in high school. It was such a piece of crap that I took auto shop to learn how to repair it. best decision ever. seriously learned a lot and a skill. i did a swap like this in the 90s...eventually i got a 90 LX 5.0 notchback and the mustang was a superior car...

[KingSMW]

I had an 89'. Black w/Grey guys. T-TOPS, L98 350TPI, 4 wheel disc brakes. Chip, SLP Catback 3" exhaust. K&N, Had two 12's hooked up to a Precision Power Pro-Mos 450. Mb Quart mids and tweeters, with an Alpine deck and Alpine 6disc. Started overheating and i couldnt get it to stop. Turns out I was missing the lower valence that directs air to the radiator. It was pretty fast for back in the day. I think the SLP package from Summit took it from 225hp to prob 285hp. Which is laughable these days but at the time it was one of the fastest cars in the area. Now stock Civics would smoke it lol. Loved that car. Wish I still had it. Would love a 3rd Gen build.

[buckfiden]

I have always loved the soft yellow on 3rd gens.

[twotone]

Everyone dogs on the 305 for its horsepower. The torque is where these succeed.

[DuhYaThink]

Damn! Had an 87” same IROC. Awesome handling car for the era.

[mj_slender]

Camshaft, aluminum heads, and NOS. To not break 300 at the wheels is kinda anemic with what was spent. Imo