History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
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Did 350 TPI (L98) cars ever come with a Manual? Were there 350s before 87?
The answer is no to both. There was never a factory production 350 TPI Third Gen with a manual. Not a 1LE, not a Special Edition, nothing. It was only available with the 700-R4 Auto because of concerns about the T-5 not being able to handle the L98's Torque, especially if driven aggressively. Cost, certification, and possibly the Corvette (having to be faster) were also reasons that this never happened.
So, if you think you have one, you don't! If you think you've seen one, you haven't! (stock of course ) There were test cars, but test cars never make it to the public. Anything that says different is incorrect misinformation. You can check if you like.
8th digit of VIN:
350: 8
305: F
Transmission RPO:
Auto 700-R4: MXO
Manual T-5: MM5
There was also never a 350 TPI F-Body before 87. There were test cars but they too never made it to the public. 87 was the first year for the 350 in the Third Gen F-Body and was the official model year release.
Thanks for reading.
__________________ 1987 CHEVROLET CAMARO IROC-Z28
-Red with Grey Custom Cloth, 1SC Interior Option Level 3, and T-Tops.
-350ci TPI 5.7 Liter L98, (225HP/330TQ) 700R4, Discs, BorgWarner 9-Bolt Posi with 3.27s, all G92 options included with B2L in 87. Shipping weight: 3,461lbs.
-Mods/Maintenance: TPiS airfoil, K&Ns, custom PROM chip, 160* stat, cut airbox, ACDelco RF spark plugs, MSD 8.5mm wires, MSD coil, TB coolant reroute, 3" CarSound/MagnaFlow high-flow converter, 3" I-pipe, Flowmaster 80 Series, 3" stainless tips, L35 2,200RPM TC, Spohn SFC's, BFG g-Force KDWs & Nitto DRs, 460 watt sound system with bass tube, otherwise, factory.
-The exact car I searched 4 1/2 years for! It still has original Van Nuys paint, all documentation, and 77,000 miles.
-G-Tech 0-60: 6.06sec with wheelspin. (KDW)
1989 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS
-Red with Grey Deluxe Leather Interior and T-Tops.
-173ci MPFI 2.8 Liter LB8, 700R4, 10-Bolt with 3.42s.
-Mods: K&N's and AR rims.
-First car and former daily driver with 140,000 miles.
) There were test cars, but test cars never make it to the public. Anything that says different is incorrect misinformation. You can check if you like.
