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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As far as I know, Z28 was the RPO code they designated to describe the performance option for the Camaro...
I think it was just chosen like all the other 3 digit RPO codes and doesn't mean anything special.. For instance, Z57 is the RPO for Vinyl coated trim and Z23 is an interior decor package. I guess Z28 wasn't used so they picked that one... They wound up naming the model after the RPO code...
WS4 is the RPO for the Trans Am Firebird.. Had they used the RPO code instead of the name 'Trans Am', we would have had the Z28 Camaro and the WS4 Firebird.....
In 1967, the Z27 RPO code was already in use by the Camaro SS. The next available Z code was Z28. Z26 was the performance package available on the Nova. Z25 was the performance package on the Chevelle and Z24 was used on the Impala. Chevrolet uses the RPO letters to designate certain things like engine codes have traditionally been "L" codes, the performance options are "Z" coded. Put that into recent history with the ZR1, ZL1, Beretta Z26, Cavalier Z24, Silverado Z71, Corvette Z06, etc. While not fast in all areas, they were the performance model of that car line.
In 1967, the Z27 RPO code was already in use by the Camaro SS. The next available Z code was Z28. Z26 was the performance package available on the Nova. Z25 was the performance package on the Chevelle and Z24 was used on the Impala. Chevrolet uses the RPO letters to designate certain things like engine codes have traditionally been "L" codes, the performance options are "Z" coded. Put that into recent history with the ZR1, ZL1, Beretta Z26, Cavalier Z24, Silverado Z71, Corvette Z06, etc. While not fast in all areas, they were the performance model of that car line.
What Scott said -- plus, someone in Chevy's advertising department just thought "Z/28" had a nice ring to it. It started a trend of naming models or performance packages after RPO codes that continues to this day at Chevrolet.
__________________ Tom
1992 Z28 1LE, 305 TPI 5-speed
Radio delete, Red/Red leather
9,XXX original miles
