1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 5.7 V-8
Summary:
The fastest, most beautiful car I've ever driven
Faults:
Car ran hot and as a result cooling system parts had to be replaced.
Radiator had to be replaced at 80,000 miles. Wasn't very expensive. Easy to replace myself.
Replaced water pump 2-3 times. Easy and inexpensive to do compared to any other car on the road.
Thermostat ($5) was replaced 2-3 times as well. Easy to install also.
Fixed overheating problem by installing manual fan switch to turn on the electric fans myself instead of waiting for the automatic switch to do it. Car ran at regular temp after this.
Air conditioner blower motor failed, but was very easy to remove and very inexpensive to replace ($20).
Tires were expensive ($400 minimum for all 4) to replace. This happened every 30,000 miles since the car was driven in a "spirited" manner.
Overall the car was very easy to work on. A novice mechanic's dream car.
No other problems. Car ran very very well.
General Comments:
This car was very very fast. I loved the performance. The tuned port V-8 had incredible torque (345 ft lbs). Could easily light up the tires on takeoff. Car out-ran most cars on the road. An absolute blast to drive.
Handling was remarkable for a car of its size (approximately 3400 lbs). Could easily out-corner most modern sports cars. Low stance allowed very high cornering speeds.
Brakes were also superb. Massive four wheel discs stopped the car very quickly.
The car was low and long, so the interior wasn't very spacious. I liked the cockpit positioning, though "butt on the floor" seating isn't optimal for many people. Overall it was a comfortable leather-lined luxury car, with every power option imaginable.
As an unfortunate consequence of its incredible power, the car required concentration while driving in the rain. Driving fast in the rain is dangerous as the light rear-end would tend to lose traction. Lost control a few times, but after a while I got used to controlling it and could have fun with it.
Gas mileage was horrific. Fuel economy was befitting a truck or sport utility vehicle twice it's size. 13 miles per gallon on average between city and highway driving. This was definitely the most expensive part of owning the car. I drive more than average (24,000 miles per year), but found myself filling up the tank with $25 of gas every 4-5 days.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st June, 2001
16th Jul 2004, 08:36
Um, you complain of horrific gas mileage... it sounds like you have your foot into it wherever you go (spirited driving). That would result in lousy mileage. My '91 RS with the 305 gets great gas mileage, way better than my '99 F-150. My Camaro gets 20 mpg city and about 25 highway and I don't drive like some granny all the time either!
2nd Aug 2004, 06:02
You have a 305 that's why the 305 was Chevy's most fuel efficient 8 although 13 mpg is quite low for a tuned port injection that's what I get with a carb. 350. Also the gearing in the rear has a big effect on the MPG. That's awesome you have all wheel disc brakes that's rare in the F-bodies. keep her clean and don't wreck her.
16th Jul 2001, 11:03
I think that your car is nice but needs exterior work under the hood.