Third Generation (1982 - 1992) Technical Data

Drivetrain List

Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
82	Sport Coupe Firebird	M4,A3	LQ8* L4	8.2:1	2.5 (151)	90@4000	132@2800	2 bbl	3.42	----	2.93	3.08
82	Sport Coupe Firebird	M4,A3	LQ9 L4	8.2:1	2.5 (151)	90@4000	132@2800	TBI	3.42	----	2.93	3.08
82	Sport Coupe Berlinetta Firebird S/E	M4,A3	LC1 V6	8.5:1	2.8 (173)	102@4800	142@2400	2 bbl	3.23	----	3.08	----
82	Sport Coupe	A3	LG4 V8	8.6:1	5.0 (305)	145@4000	240@2000	4bbl	----	----	2.73	----
82	Berlinetta Firebird S/E	A3	LG4 V8	8.6:1	5.0 (305)	145@4000	240@2000	4bbl	----	----	2.73	----
82	Z28 Trans Am	M4,A3	LG4 V8	8.6:1	5.0 (305)	145@4000	240@2000	4bbl	2.73	----	2.73	----
82	Z28 Trans Am	M4,A3	LU5 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	165@4200	240@2400	CFI	3.23	----	2.93	3.23
*Canada and overseas - only 921 produced
Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
83	Sport Coupe Firebird	M4,A3	LQ8* L4	8.2:1	2.5 (151)	92@4000	134@2800	2 bbl	3.42	----	3.08	3.23
83	Sport Coupe Firebird	M5,A4	LQ8* L4	8.2:1	2.5 (151)	92@4000	134@2800	2 bbl	3.73	----	3.42	----
83	Sport Coupe Firebird	M4,A3	LQ9 L4	8.2:1	2.5 (151)	92@4000	134@2800	TBI	3.42	----	3.08	3.23
83	Sport Coupe Firebird	M5,A4	LQ9 L4	8.2:1	2.5 (151)	92@4000	134@2800	TBI	3.73	----	3.42	----
83	Sport Coupe Firebird	A3	LC1 V6	8.5:1	2.8 (173)	107@4800	145@2100	2 bbl	----	----	3.08	----
83	Sport Coupe Firebird	M5,A4	LC1 V6	8.5:1	2.8 (173)	107@4800	145@2100	2 bbl	3.42	----	3.23	----
83	Berlinetta Firebird S/E	A3	LC1 V6	8.5:1	2.8 (173)	107@4800	145@2100	2 bbl	----	----	3.08	----
83	Berlinetta Firebird S/E	M5,A4	LC1 V6	8.5:1	2.8 (173)	107@4800	145@2100	2 bbl	3.42	----	3.23	----
83	Sport Coupe Firebird	M5,A4	LG4 V8	8.6:1	5.0 (305)	150@4000	240@2400	4bbl	3.23	3.73	3.08	----
83	Berlinetta Firebird S/E	M5,A4	LG4 V8	8.6:1	5.0 (305)	150@4000	240@2400	4bbl	3.23	3.73	3.08	----
83	Z28 Trans Am	M5,A4	LG4 V8	8.6:1	5.0 (305)	150@4000	240@2400	4bbl	3.23	3.73	3.23	----
83	Z28 Trans Am	A4	LU5 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	175@4200	250@2800	CFI	----	----	2.93	3.23
83	Z28 Trans Am	M5	L69 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	190@4800	240@3200	4bbl HO	3.73	----	----	----
*Canada and overseas - only 156 produced
Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
84	Sport Coupe Firebird	M4	LQ9 L4	9.0:1	2.5 (151)	92@4000	134@2800	TBI	3.42	----	----	----
84	Sport Coupe Firebird	M5,A4	LQ9 L4	9.0:1	2.5 (151)	92@4000	134@2800	TBI	3.73	----	3.73	----
84	Sport Coupe Firebird	M5,A4	LC1 V6	8.5:1	2.8 (173)	107@4800	145@2100	2 bbl	3.42	----	3.23	----
84	Berlinetta Firebird S/E	M5,A4	LC1 V6	8.5:1	2.8 (173)	107@4800	145@2100	2 bbl	3.42	----	3.23	----
84	Sport Coupe	M5,A4	LG4 V8	8.6:1	5.0 (305)	150@4000	240@2400	4bbl	3.23	3.73	3.08	----
84	Berlinetta Firebird S/E	A4	LG4 V8	8.6:1	5.0 (305)	150@4000	240@2400	4bbl	----	----	3.08	----
84	Z28 Trans Am	M5,A4	LG4 V8	8.6:1	5.0 (305)	150@4000	240@2400	4bbl	3.23	3.73	3.23	----
84	Z28 Trans Am	M5,A4	L69 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	190@4800	240@3200	4bbl HO	3.73	----	3.42	3.73
Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
85	Sport Coupe Firebird	M5,A4	LQ9 L4	9.0:1	2.5 (151)	88@4400	132@2800	TBI	3.73	----	3.73	----
85	Sport Coupe Berlinetta Firebird	M5,A4	LB8 V6	8.9:1	2.8 (173)	135@5100	165@3900	MFI	3.42	----	3.42	----
85	Sport Coupe Firebird	A4	LG4 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	155@4200	245@2000	4bbl	----	----	3.08	----
85	Berlinetta Firebird S/E	A4	LG4 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	155@4200	245@2000	4bbl	----	----	3.08	----
85	Z28 Trans Am	M5,A4	LG4 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	155@4200	245@2000	4bbl	3.23	----	3.08	----
85	Z28 Trans Am	A4	LB9 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	215@4400	275@3200	TPI	----	----	3.23	----
85	IROC-Z Trans Am	M5,A4	LG4 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	155@4200	245@2000	4bbl	3.23	----	3.23	----
85	IROC-Z Trans Am	M5	L69 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	190@4800	240@3200	4bbl HO	3.73	----	----	----
85	IROC-Z Trans Am	A4	LB9 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	215@4400	275@3200	TPI	----	----	3.23	3.42
Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
86	Sport Coupe Berlinetta	M5,A4	LB8 V6	8.9:1	2.8 (173)	135@5100	160@3900	MFI	3.42	----	3.42	----
86	Sport Coupe Firebird	M5,A4	LG4 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	155@4200	245@2000	4bbl	2.73	----	2.73	----
86	Berlinetta Firebird S/E	A4	LG4 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	155@4200	245@2000	4bbl	----	----	2.73	----
86	Z28 Trans Am	M5,A4	LG4 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	165@4400	250@2000	4bbl	3.23	3.73	2.73	----
86	Z28 Trans Am	M5	*L69 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	190@4800	240@3200	4bbl HO	3.23	3.73	----	----
86	Z28 Trans Am	A4	LB9 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	190@4000	285@2800	TPI	----	----	2.73	3.23
86	IROC-Z Trans Am	M5,A4	LG4 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	165@4400	250@2000	4bbl	3.23	3.73	2.73	----
86	IROC-Z Trans Am	M5	L69 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	190@4800	240@3200	4bbl HO	3.23	3.73	----	----
86	IROC-Z Trans Am	A4	LB9 V8	9.5:1	5.0 (305)	190@4000	285@2800	TPI	----	----	2.73	3.42
86	IROC-Z	A4	+L98 V8	9.5:1	5.7 (350)	220@4200	320@3200	TPI	----	----	3.27*	----
*only 74 produced +only 50 produced *Borg-Warner rear axle
Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
87	Sport Coupe LT RS* Firebird	M5,A4	LB8 V6	8.9:1	2.8 (173)	135@4900	160@3900	MFI	3.42	----	3.42	----
87	LT Firebird	A4	LG4 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	165@4400	245@2800	4bbl	----	----	2.73	----
87	IROC-Z Z28 Formula Firebird Trans Am	M5,A4	LG4 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	170@4400	250@2800	4bbl	3.23	----	2.73	----
87	Z28 Formula Trans Am	A4	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	190@4000	295@3200	TPI	----	----	2.73	----
87	Z28 Formula Trans Am	M5	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	215@4400	295@3200	TPI	3.08	----	----	----
87	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am GTA	A4	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	190@4000	295@3200	TPI	----	----	2.73	3.23
87	IROC-Z Formula Firebird Trans Am	M5,A4	LG4 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	170@4400	250@2800	4bbl	3.23	----	2.73	----
87	Z28 Formula Trans Am	A4	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	190@4000	295@3200	TPI	----	----	2.73	----
87	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am GTA	M5	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	215@4400	295@3200	TPI	3.08	3.45*	----	----
87	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am GTA	A4	L98 V8	9.3:1	5.7 (350)	225@4400	330@2800	TPI	----	----	3.27*	----
*Borg-Warner rear axle *RS available in only California
Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
88	Sport Coupe RS* Firebird	M5,A4	LB8 V6	8.9:1	2.8 (173)	135@4900	160@3900	MFI	3.42	----	3.42	----
88	Sport Coupe Firebird	M5,A4	LO3 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	170@4000	255@2400	TBI	3.08	----	2.73	----
88	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am	M5,A4	LO3 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	170@4000	255@2400	TBI	3.08	----	2.73	----
88	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am	A4	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	195@4000	295@2800	TPI	----	----	2.73	3.23
88	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am GTA	M5	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	220@4400	290@3200	TPI	3.08	3.45*	----	----
88	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am GTA	A4	L98 V8	9.3:1	5.7 (350)	230@4400	330@3200	TPI	----	----	2.77*	3.27*
*Borg-Warner rear axle *RS available in California, Texas, and Florida only
Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
89	RS Firebird	M5,A4	LB8 V6	8.9:1	2.8 (173)	135@4900	160@3900	MFI	3.42	----	3.42	----
89	RS Firebird	M5,A4	LO3 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	170@4400	255@2400	TBI	3.08	----	2.73	----
89	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am	M5,A4	LO3 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	170@4400	255@2400	TBI	3.08	----	2.73	----
89	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am	A4	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	195@4000	295@2800	TPI	----	----	2.73	----
89	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am	M5	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	220@4400	290@3200	TPI	3.08	----	----	----
89	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am GTA	M5	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	230@4600	300@3200	TPI	----	3.45*	----	----
89	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am	A4	L98 V8	9.3:1	5.7 (350)	230@4400	330@3200	TPI	----	----	2.77*	----
89	IROC-Z Formula Trans AM GTA	A4	L98 V8	9.3:1	5.7 (350)	240@4400	345@3200	TPI	----	----	----	3.27*
89	Turbo Trans Am (TTA)	A4	LC2 V6	8.0:1	3.8 (231)	250@4400	340@2800	SFI	----	----	3.27*	----
*Borg-Warner rear axle
Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
90	RS Firebird	M5,A4	LH0 V6	8.5:1	3.1 (191)	140@4400	180@3600	MFI	3.42	----	3.23	----
90	RS Firebird	M5,A4	LO3 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	170@4000	255@2400	TBI	3.08	----	2.73	----
90	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am GTA	M5,A4	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	210@4400	285@3200	TPI	3.08	----	2.73	----
90	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am	M5	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	230@4400	300@3200	TPI	----	3.42	----	----
90	IROC-Z Formula Trans Am GTA	A4	L98 V8	9.3:1	5.7 (350)	245@4400	345@3200	TPI	----	----	----	3.23
Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
91	RS Firebird	M5,A4	LH0 V6	8.5:1	3.1 (191)	140@4400	185@3600	MFI	3.42	----	3.23	----
91	RS Firebird	M5,A4	LO3 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	170@4000	255@2400	TBI	3.08	----	2.73	----
91	Z28 Formula Trans Am GTA	M5,A4	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	205@4200	285@3200	TPI	3.08	----	2.73	----
91	Z28 Formula Trans Am GTA	M5	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	230@4200	300@3200	TPI	----	3.42	----	----
91	Z28 Formula Trans Am GTA	A4	L98 V8	9.3:1	5.7 (350)	245@4400	345@3200	TPI	----	----	----	3.23
Yr	Model	Trans	Engine code/type	CR	Displ.	HP	Torque	Induc- tion	Manual std.	Manual opt. (G92)	Auto std.	Auto opt. (G92)
92	RS Firebird	M5,A4	LH0 V6	8.5:1	3.1 (191)	140@4400	180@3600	MFI	3.42	----	3.23	----
92	RS Firebird	M5,A4	LO3 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	170@4000	255@2400	TBI	3.08	----	2.73	----
92	Z28 Formula Trans Am GTA	M5,A4	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	205@4200	285@3200	TPI	3.08	----	2.73	----
92	Z28 Formula Trans Am GTA	M5	LB9 V8	9.3:1	5.0 (305)	230@4200	300@3200	TPI	----	3.42	----	----
92	Z28 Formula Trans Am GTA	A4	L98 V8	9.3:1	5.7 (350)	245@4400	345@3200	TPI	----	----	----	3.23
Note: These are Camaro ratings. It is said to take around 5-10 HP and TQ from TPI Firebirds because of intake design.

 Engine codes: (8th digit of VIN)

H LG4
7 LU5
E L03
G L69 
F LB9
8 L98
2 LQ9
1 LC1
S LB8 
T LH0
7 LC2

Abbreviations:

2bbl - 2 Barrel 
4bbl - 4 Barrel 
H.O. - High Output
CFI - Cross Fire Injection
TPI - Tuned Port Injection
TBI - Throttle Body Injection
MPFI - Multi Port Fuel Injection
SFI - Sequential Fuel Injection

Camaro Production Numbers

Firebird Production Numbers

Camaro History

3rd Generation Camaros introduced: Sport Coupe, Berlinetta, and Z28. Z28 selected as the Indy 500 pace car. Five engines were available with the Camaro. The LQ8 2bbl 4 cylinder, the LQ9 TBI 4 cylinder, the LC1 2bbl V-6, the LG4 4bblbl V-8, and the twin TBI LU5 V-8. Transmissions were a 4 speed manual and a 3 speed automatic. All Camaros came with front disc brakes.

Sport Coupe came standard with the LQ9 (LQ8 in Canada and overseas) four cylinder. The LC1 V-6 and LG4 V-8 were optional. Dog dish hub caps were standard; wheel covers were optional as were 14x7 steel 5 spoke body-colored rally wheels.

Berlinetta came standard with the LC1 V-6. The LG4 V-8 was optional. Berlinetta came standard with exterior gold `Berlinetta' badging on the rear bumper and C pillars. The headlamp pockets were painted in an accent color and tail lights got a gold and black horizontal divider bar. Berlinetta also got its own lower body pinstriping. The Berlinetta came standard with its own unique 14x7 finned aluminum wheel with gold accenting and `Berlinetta' center cap. Also standard was the custom cloth interior, rear storage well cover and additional carpeting on rear wheelhouses (`deluxe luggage compartment trim'). Berlinetta also came standard with additional body insulation, softer suspension and full instrumentation. The Berlinetta also had its own unique steering wheel with `Berlinetta' badge.

Z28 came with the LG4 4bbl V-8 as standard motor and LU5 twin TBI `Cross Fire Injection' 5.0 liter/305 motor was optional. All Z28's came with lightweight SMC (Sheet Molded Compound) hoods. The LU5 optioned Z28's also came with functional hood air induction flaps. The Z28 had a different nose that did not have the three horizontal slits above the grille as on the Sport Coupe and Berlinetta. Z28 came standard with a 3 piece rear spoiler and black horizontal bar in tail lights. The Z28 also came with front, side, and rear lower body valances in silver or gold. Just above the valance was a two-color lower body stripe that encircled the car. Headlamp pockets on the Z28 were black. The Z28 came standard with a new 15x7 cast aluminum 5 spoke wheel accented with either silver or gold. Z28 badges appeared on the right rear bumper, and on the side valance just behind the front wheels. A 1982 Z28 can be distinguished from a 1983 and 1984 Z28 by its lack of the bowtie emblem by the Z28 emblem on the rear bumper.

6360 Z28 Indy Pace Car replicas were produced and came with special silver and blue paint scheme, special 4-color lower body striping, Indy 500 door decals, special blue cloth/silver vinyl interior, and red pinstripes on the standard Z28 aluminum wheel.

The Camaro is Motor Trends Car of the Year for 82. It was 500 lbs. lighter, dimesions were reduced, and had a shorter wheel base. Windshield slope is 60 degrees, about 3 degrees steeper than anything GM had tried before it. It was also within 70 lbs. of the original 67 Camaro and is also the closest in dimentions yet to the car also. 1st time a 4 cylinder was available in a Camaro.

5.0 liter H.O. motor introduced mid-year (March 1, 1983). H.O. motor came with a higher lift and longer duration cam, dual snorkel intake system with `5.0 Liter H.O.' decal on air cleaner, specially calibrated Quadrajet carburetor, lightweight flywheel, electric cooling fan, bigger 2.75 inch exhaust and Corvette style wide mouth monolithic catalytic converter, 5.0 Liter H.O. exterior badging and interior emblem badging came standard with 3.73 rear axle gear. In 1983, L69 was only available with a 5 speed manual transmission.

4 speed automatic 700R4 introduced and was the only automatic available on V-8 cars. 5 speed manual was introduced and was only manual transmission available on V-8 cars.

All Z28 hoods were switched from SMC to steel except the LU5 air induction hood. Charcoal was added as a wheel accent/valance color. Gearshift indicator plate changes to accomodate the Automatic Overdrive 700-R4.

Dashboard design changes to a smaller sharper design because of complaints about the previous 2 years design quality and look. Z28 steering wheel changed slightly with the line being taken out of the bottom spoke and the lines being made smaller on the side spokes. Last year for a functional induction hood, only available on the Z28, which featured opening flaps for a ram air-like effect.

Berlinetta gets electronic instrumentation. Included bar-graph tach, digital speedometer, and stalk-mounted cassette/radio, fingertip steering wheel side pod mounted controls, cruise control in steering wheel, and an overhead console.

Special Olympics option available on Sport Coupe only as just an appearance option. All these Sport Coupes were white. The package itself was comprised of striping and decals. It included a double blue/orange striping around the base of the car, pinstriping in the same colors along the upper body, and an "Olympic" style decal on the sail panels.

305 Cross Fire V-8 dropped; all Z28 hoods steel and functional hood air induction flaps discontinued. Clutches switched to hydraulic operation on manual transmission cars.

L69 H.O. Z28 motor now available with automatic transmission. All automatics now 4 speed 700R4 units.

Road & Track selects the 84 Camaro as 1 of 12 best cars in the world along with the Firebird. It won Best Sports GT category in the $11,000 to $14,000 range. Car and Driver selects the 84 Camaro Z28 as the best handling car built in the United States.

New noses for all Camaros and new, deeper valances and front spoiler for the Z28 and the newly introduced IROC-Z28. The NACA style hood ducts were replaced by simulated hood louvers on the Z28. Z28 got new `grid' pattern taillights. The number of lower body stripes grew from 2 to 4 on Z28 with a body colored gap between the top 3 stripes. Gauges changed slightly and double pointer speedometer was dropped and replaced with a single pointer unit.

Berlinetta aluminum wheels became an extra cost option and Berlinetta now came standard with its own unique wheel covers that were styled to look like the optional aluminum wheel. The Berlinetta aluminum wheel also became an option on the Sport Coupe but with argent accenting rather than gold and a `Camaro' center cap rather than `Berlinetta'. Lower body pinstiping on the Berlinetta was revised by an additional stripe.

The new IROC-Z option was available on the Z28 and came with new 16x8 aluminum rims, P245/50VR-16 Z Rated Goodyear Gatorback tires, fog lights, CAMARO on front license plate panel, .5 inch lowered ride height, body colored valances, Delco-Bilstein rear gas shocks, special front struts, increased spring rates, special jounce bumpers, 5 degrees of caster (up from 3.5 on Z28) in front wheel alignment, `WonderBar' front frame rail stiffener, special valving in steering for increased steering effort, larger rear stabilizer bar with stiffer bushings, IROC-Z exterior decals and interior dash badge, and a thinner two-color lower body stripe.

`Tuned Port Injection' (TPI) motors introduced. Corvette got a 350 version (L98) and Camaro got 305 version (LB9); available in Z28 or IROC-Z. LB9 was available with automatic only. L69 H.O. 305 was only available in IROC and only with 5 speed manual. L69 production was restricted half-way (April 26, 1985) through the model year.

MFI V-6 LB8 motor introduced to replace carbureted LC1 V-6. Had similar port injection as LB9 TPI V-8.

All manual transmissions now 5 speeds.

7.5 inch rear end dropped and replaced with a new 7.625 (7 5/8) inch rear end for all Camaros.

G92 (performance axle ratio) only available on IROC-Z for 1985.

The IROC-Z28 is capable of .92g's on the skidpad.

Sport Coupe restyled and upgraded. New lower body striping, black headlamp pockets, black mirrors, and F41 suspension calibration standard. New silver 15x7 (up from the 14x7 rally wheel) steel 5 spoke rally wheels became standard equipment on the Sport Coupe. Sport Coupe also got the previous year's Z28 taillights with the horizontal black separator bar. The Berlinetta model was discontinued early in the year.

Late in the 1986 model year, the 85mph speedometer in the Z28 and IROC-Z were replaced with a new 145 mph unit. All 1986 Camaros had the newly required CHMSL (center high mounted stop light) mounted externally on the leading edge of the hatchback glass. This was the only year Z28's and IROC-Z's had the CHMSL mounted here. Fog lamps were now available on the Sport Coupe and Berlinetta, and the fog lamp/`CAMARO' front grille assembly of the IROC was now available on the regular Z28. New clear coat/base coat paint was adopted this year.

The original 215hp 305 TPI motor came out in 1985 available both in the Z28 and IROC-Z. The motor was detuned for 1986 losing 25hp due to a cam change. Torque was increased though, from 275 to 285. Automatic transmissions were required on all 1985/1986 TPI powered cars.

1985 vs. 1986 305 TPI cams:

                     1985 305 TPI            1986 305 TPI
                   215 HP / 275 Lb.Ft.     190 HP / 285 Lb.Ft.
                   Tach: Yellow 5000       Tach: Yellow 4500
                         Red    5500             Red    5000

Lift:     Intake       .404                     .350
          Exhaust      .415                     .385

Duration: Intake        320                      307
(crank)   Exhaust       320                      311

All 305 TPI (LB9) motors (1985-1992) came with one of two basic cam grinds. An easy way to identify the type of cam on an LB9 car is to look at the tach: the lesser cams have a yellow line at 4500 and red line at 5000; the hotter cams have a yellow line at 5000 and red line at 5500. See chart at end of chronology for more cam info.

LG4 305 V-8 cars got electric cooling fan.

G92 performance axle ratio available only on Z28 and IROC-Z.

Records show that 74 L69 (5.0 liter H.O.) Camaros were built. The L69 is shown as being available in the 1986 Camaro brochure, but it was put on strict restriction.

Records also show that 50 1986 350 (5.7) IROC's were built. These cars were built primarily for testing and were the ones we saw tested by the automotive press late in 1986. These 350 IROC's (being 1986's) had the externally mounted third brake light on the hatch glass and the pre-1987 head/edge mounted valve cover design. The 350 in the IROC-Z differed from the Corvette 350 TPI in that the IROC-Z 350 TPI had the regular Camaro valve covers, iron heads, and the IROC-Z exhaust manifolds. At the last minute it was decided that the 1986 350 IROC would not be available. Fortunately they decided to start production of the 350 IROC in 1987.

Paint RPO's change for a new base-coat, clear-coat process. The 305 H.O L69 was discontinued because of fuel boiling problems.

The Sport Coupe got restyled rally wheels (unique to this year), new lower body stripes, and argent headlamp pockets.

The dropped Berlinetta model was replaced with the new 'LT' option for the Sport Coupe. The LT option incorporated most of the Berlinetta's equipment except the electronic instrumentation.

Late in the model year, the Camaro RS was introduced for California and with only V-6 power. RS had Z28 style valances that were painted body color (like IROC) and had no lower body stripes. The RS got the 15 inch 5 spoke aluminum Z28 wheel which were painted to match body color. 1987 RS Camaro came only in red, white, or black. It also had the same steering wheel used in Z28's and IROC-Z's.

Delco-Bose sound systems and leather interior were available for the first time and were available on all Camaro models.

Automatic gearshift knob is switched from round to square in all models.

The CHMSL moved to the spoiler (which was slightly increased in size) on all cars equipped with a spoiler (all Z28's, IROC-Z's, spoiler optional on LT and Sport Coupe). Lower body stripes on Z28 still numbered 4, but gap between the top three stripes was removed.

Camaro convertible was introduced for the first time since 1969 as a regular production option. The convertible was available on the Sport Coupe, Sport Coupe LT, Z28, and IROC-Z. The new 350 TPI motor was not available in the convertible however. The convertible conversion was performed on t-top equipped (t-top models have extra bracing) Camaros by ASC. Only 1,007 convertibles were produced this first year of production. 1987 was the 20th anniversary of the Camaro and the convertibles were considered the anniversary editions and were signified by a special dash badge that read `20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition'. Also specific to the 87 convertibles were the one year only third brake light and fairings extending a few inches onto the top edge of the doors. G92 performance axle ratio and J65 four wheel disc brakes were available this year on the IROC-Z convertible.

1987 was the last year for Camaros produced at the Norwood Ohio plant, the original Camaro Plant.

The 350 TPI and 5 speed 305 TPI combinations were finally available on the IROC-Z28 after alot of testing. The 350 was only available in the IROC-Z and only with an automatic transmission. The exterior differed in appearance only by `5.7 Tuned Port Injection' badges rather than `Tuned Port Injection' badges. The TPI 350 motor was not visually distinguishable from the TPI 305. A few things can be used to disinguish a 350 TPI from a 305 TPI (other than the badges, which are often changed to sell a 305 TPI as a 350 TPI). All TPI 350 IROC-Z's (1987-1990) and all TPI 350 Z28's (1991-1992) had automatic transmissions and most had rear disc brakes. The eighth digit of the VIN is and `8' for 350 TPI's and an `F' for 305 TPI's. The service parts identification list in the center console glovebox will list the code B2L and L98 for a 350 TPI, LB9 for a 305 TPI. The under hood sticker should list the motor as a 5.7 liter rather than a 5.0 liter. All TPI 350 (1987-1992) Camaros had a tach with yellow at 5000 and red at 5500. They also all came with the Borg Warner 9 Bolt and 3.27's in 87 only.

In 1987, the 215hp 305 TPI motor returned on the newly available 5 spd / 305 TPI combination only. Torque was rated now at 295, up from 275 in 1985. Automatic 305 TPI's still got the weaker cam and 190hp rating.

All 5 spd 305 TPI Camaros came with the better cam (25hp advantage) until 1990 when G92 HAD to be specified to get the better cam in the 5 spd 305 TPI. Roller lifters and new valve cover/head design on V-8 Camaros. Valve covers featured new sealing and mounting through center of cover. Heads featured new raised lip for improved valve cover sealing.

G92 and L98(B2L) cars finally got the Borg-Warner HD 7.75 inch four pinion rear end, produced by GM Holden's Limited of Australia (Firebird WS6 cars went to this unit in 1986). These units can be identified by their 9 bolt (rather than 10) differential cover that has a rubber plug. The Borg-Warner logo is also cast into the bottom of the differential case. This rear axle came with tapered rather than straight roller bearings and a cone-clutch rather than disc-clutch limited slip unit. These units came painted black from the factory while most others were bare metal.

G92 for 1987 required the following options:

G92 (performance axle ratio) available only on IROC-Z with 5.0 TPI (LB9). G92 was available on IROC-Z convertible in 1987. All 1987 350 TPI (B2L) IROC-Z's came standard with the 3.27 BW rear end and everything that was included with G92 but did not have the G92 RPO code because it was mandatory; this changed in 1988 however when a 2.77 BW rear was standard and G92 had to be specified to get the 3.27. All 1987 350 TPI (B2L) IROC-Z's required J65 rear disc brakes, G80 limited slip differential, and KC4 engine oil cooler.

LT option dropped. Z28 model dropped and replaced by the IROC-Z28. (although interior dash badge still read `Z28 IROC-Z', rather than just `IROC-Z' as on exterior badges)Automatic gearshift plate changes with smaller letters, an orange indicator, and a flat lined slide pattern instead of the all white, larger lettered, smooth and rounded slider of previous years. The 16 inch wheels that had been standard equipment on the IROC were restyled and now became an extra cost option for the IROC. The standard IROC wheel was the old 15x7 inch aluminum 5 spoke Z28 wheel and this wheel was also now standard on the Sport Coupe. In 1988 only, this wheel rather than having only the recessed areas painted gold or silver, was completely painted gold or silver (for that `double-dunked' in paint look). The IROC-Z door decals were moved from the front of the doors to the rear. Z28 exterior badges were replaced with IROC-Z badges. The lower-body stripe was reversed changing from black on bottom with trim color above, to black on top with trim color below, now with a gap (of body color) between the two stripes. Newly available DX3 stripe delete option eliminated IROC-Z decals and stripes altogether.

Sport Coupe took on the appearance of the defunct regular Z28 except for: `CAMARO' rather than `Z28' exterior badges; body colored headlight pockets rather than black; and gold or silver wheel center caps rather than black; the regular hood rather than the louvered hood; and the 1985-1987 IROC two tone lower body stripe rather than the four-color Z28 body stripe. This was the last year for the Sport Coupe and was the only year for this particular appearance. Early in the year, Sport Coupes came with a `shorty' rear wing rather than a spoiler. This ungainly addition was discontinued and replaced with the standard spoiler midyear. RS available in California, Texas, and Florida and with V-6 power only.

Serpentine belt now on Camaro V-8's. Long-lived LG4 carbureted 305 replaced by the new LO3 throttle body injection 305. All Camaro TPI motors bumped up 5 hp due to slightly higher lift/longer duration cam profiles, additional valve seat angle, exhaust port/exhaust manifold changes.

G92 (performance axle ratio) still available on IROC-Z convertible in 1988. G92 code was now available on the 350 (B2L) IROC-Z and now had to be specified to get 3.27 rear end (was standard in 1987) as a 2.77 rear was now standard on the 5.7 TPI. J65 rear disc brakes, G80 limited slip differential, and KC4 engine oil cooler were still required on all 5.7 and G92 cars.

Secret showroom stock racing 1LE option (option level 0 IROC-Z) first available. Only 4 produced.

Sport Coupe dropped, replaced by returning RS model. RS now available with LO3 V-8. Headlight pockets on RS no longer painted black. Camaros now came with rear shoulder belts. The Corvette PASS-KEY ignition lock system was adopted for all Camaros.

The base 15 inch IROC wheel was restyled to have the appearance of the optional 16 inch wheel. P245/50ZR-16 tires replaced the P245/50VR-16 tires on the IROC-Z when equipped with the 16 inch wheels. TPI motors got better performing `Multec' fuel injectors. The exterior of the TPI plenum changed slightly: the ridges on top of the plenum did not extend as far forward. Calibration refinements eliminated the cold start injector.

Four wheel disc optioned (J65) IROC-Z's rear brakes were increased in size from 10.5 inch rotors to 11.65 inch rotors with PBR Australian built aluminum calipers and more reliable parking brake actuators. Front discs still had 10.5 inch rotors with Delco-Moraine single piston calipers.

G92 option included N10 performance exhaust system (dual catalytic converters) which increased power output by 13% on cars so equipped. For 1989, G92 also required the following options:

G92 and J65 (rear disc brakes) no longer available on IROC-Z convertible.

G92 and J65 (rear disc brakes) no longer available on LB9 automatic IROC-Z.

1LE performance package option (option level 0 IROC-Z) became more well-known.

1LE package was obtained by ordering the following:

Then the 1LE performance package was installed consisting of:

111 1989 1LE IROC-Z's were produced.

A new progressive throttle linkage was added to give smoother initial acceleration. The throttle had a smaller rate of advance at beginning of travel, and a larger ratio as the throttle was depressed.

The 1990 model year was only a half year of production due to Chevrolet not renewing the IROC contract, no IROC-Z's were produced after 12/31/1989. Instead, the 1991 Camaros were introduced early during last half of the 1990 model year.

1990 IROC's and RS's are easily identifiable: 1990 was the first year for the updated interior which included drivers side airbag, redesigned instrument panel, yellow lettering on dash, rounded controls, etc. So 1990 IROC's are the only IROC's with the new interior. 1990 RS's are the only RS's with the new interior and the older valances (before the new `scooped' side valances).

The LB8 2.8 liter V-6 was replaced by an increased displacement 3.1 liter LH0 V-6.

In 1990, the base engine for the IROC was finally the LB9 TPI 305 rather than the base LO3 V-8. However, G92 had to be specified now to get the better cam/230hp LB9 motor in the 5 speed LB9 IROC-Z. Previously, all 5 speed LB9 IROC-Z's got the higher output LB9. One other difference between a 1989 5.7 IROC and a 1990 5.7 IROC are the pistons. The 350 (only) received lighter weight pistons thus a slight horsepower increase of 240 (1989) to 245 (1990). In 1990, TPI Camaros switched from MAF air metering systems to MAP systems. This eliminated the mass airflow (MAF) sensor.

IROC-Z convertible now came standard with 16 inch wheels and P245/50ZR-16 tires.

G80 limited slip differential became standard equipment on IROC-Z.

The Borg-Warner HD rear end was dropped and replaced with the old 7.625 (7 5/8) inch rear end. Because the Borg-Warner axles were no longer being used for the G92 option, optional axle ratios changed slightly: LB9 305 TPI 5 speed went from 3.45 (1989) to 3.42 (1990) and the B2L 350 TPI went from 3.27 (1989) to 3.23 (1990).

Content of G92 was expanded and purchased as a `performance package' rather than requiring other options. G92 could be ordered two ways: with or without air conditioning. Ordering G92 `without air conditioning' (C41 standard heater) added the 1LE performance package. G92 performance packages were only available with B2L or LB9/5 speed. All 350 IROC-Z's were required to have one of the G92 packages in 1990.

Firebird History