HawaiianRS

I don't have the RPO codes so I'm just curious if there is another way to tell. Car is a fully loaded non t-top Z/28 with composite hood, disc brake rear, T-5, white with gold trim. Original engine has been replaced with 350 long block, has quadrajet though I'm not sure if that's original, the swap was not done well.
How rare are these hoods in good shape? I'm putting it on my '89 to lose some weight.

okfoz

I think G92 was later, and usually referred to the performance axel combined with other performance options. I am thinking about 1987 is when G92 came about for camaros and 1988 or 89 for Firebirds. I know G92 did not exist for firebirds in 1987.

The composite hood was used on 82 & 83 crossfire and HO cars for sure. I think 82 it was a standard hood on the Z28, the next it was only with certain engines, IE the L69 and LU5.

Could be wrong tho.

John

phess11

I have an 83 LG4 that I ordered from the factory (built May 30, 1983) that came with a composite hood. I am not sure what the logic was on which z28s got the composite hood in 83.

okfoz

I might have it backwards, only the CFI in 82, and then standard on the 83??

John

phess11

here is the code on the build sheet.

HawaiianRS

The tech data page on this site lists 3.23 rear as standard for LG4 with a T-5 and 3.73 ratio in the G92 option column. It also says that all '82 Z/28's got the SMC hood while in '83 all Z28 hoods were switched from SMC to steel except the LU5 air induction hood.
Further confusing me because the data page does not list the a manual as an available combo for LU5. The car does not have H.O. badging so I'm assuming that it was originally a LG4 car. I can't find it now but I thought I read somewhere that the SMC hood came standard on the LU5 car but was also equipped when the G92 option was ordered. I would just jack the car up and check the rear end but the car is buried in my small garage for another week or two.

Tanaman

I had a 1983 Z-28 when I was in high school and it had a composite hood as well. The car was pretty basic, the only power options on it were locks and windows, it had a LG4 305 backed with a 5 speed and a 3:73 open rear diff. I had the hood replaced with a 86 IROC hood due to a asshat that backed into the front of the car, it was amazing how much heavier the steel hood was compared to the origanal.

scottmoyer

The SMC hood was standard in 82 and 83. During the 83 production, they switched over to the steel hoods, but was still required on the cross-fire cars because of the opening hood louvers. All cross-fire cars have the SMC hood. All 82 Z28s have it and most 83 Z28s have it. It's only getting rare today because so many have been damaged or cut up.

G92 was also available long before 87. It was also used on the 2nd gens. I believe it was available for the 3rd gens starting in 82

phess11

SMC hoods are also rare because there was a recall for the SMC hood because some of them had problems with the adhesive holding the layers together. Some hoods came apart at high speeds. On the recall the dealer would inspect the hood and if it looked like it was suspect for separating they would replace it with a steel for free. Mine was inspected and determined to be ok. I have had the car over 100 three times with no problems.

HawaiianRS

Yep, I found all the same info after a little more looking. It looks like in typical GM fashion they just used up the remaining supply in 83 then went to steel hoods. Either way I feel lucky to have found one basically for free. It looks perfect and there are no cracks or signs of delamination at the front so it will find a new home on my '89. It's funny, I think they look better than the IROC hood, they are light weight, and have the ability to be functional but they seem to go unnoticed as far as collectibility and price.

okfoz

Scott, when was the G92 started on the Firebireds then? I have never seen or heard of a pre 87 G92 Camaro or a pre 89 G92 Firebird.

John

labrat

From 82-86, in Camaro's, G92 was a stand alone option that could be ordered with just about any drive train, on Z28's, Iroc-z's, Berlinetta's and Sport Coupes. It simply meant a performance axle ratio. All that changed in 87. From then on it was part of a package of options that could only be ordered as a group.

scottmoyer

From what I have found, the G92 option has meant performance axle dating back to the 69 model for the Firebirds. If it goes back to 67, I don't know, but I would assume.

The difference between the G92 of the 80s and G92 of earlier years is ordering G92 in the 80s required other options to go with it. Kinda like the B2L mixup. People seem to think that B2L meant the 350, when in actuality, it was a package of required options that came with the L98 RPO code. G92 is a performance rear axle, but other options became mandatory with the purchase of it.

okfoz

The reason I ask is My 2nd Formula has the B&W 3:45 rear axel. yet I do not have the G92 option on the RPO sheet... it has G80, J65 and GM3 options.

John