History / RestorationGot a question about Third Gen (1982-1992) Camaro or Firebird history? Where can I find these original parts? What is this option or RPO code? Those questions, answers, and more!
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so did they have all of the 1le equipement or just some of it?
They got the suspention and brakes. The didnt get the aluminum drive shaft or the a/c delete. Im not sure about the fuel tank. Some say that the 1LEs have an 18 gallon baffled fuel tank and others say they were the same tank as the Z28 with just a swinging pickup. I dont know which is true or which the B4C has.
Both cars are almost identical, color, interior pattern, options..... everything. I lucked into the Z28 pretty cheap. But I HATE to think of another B4C going to the crusher. I think we have the best grouping of B4C fans on the net viewing this post. What do you guys think? The B4C is in VERY bad shape. But I put the car on a frame rack last weak and the floors and frame rails are straight. Im thinking about cutting the Z28 off the floor and firewall and rebuilding (rebodying: in Mopar muscle car speak) the B4C. Everyones imput would be greatly appriciated. Thanks everyone.
I just thought I'd check out what was up with the B4C. I bought one in Columbus Oh brand new in '92. Bob McDorman Chevrolet. They had two in stock. The black one, which looked cooler, had some aftermarket stripes added to it, I wanted mine to be as original as possible so I took the red one, incognito. The intake manifold gasket started leaking so I have to change it. It has 25,000 fun as hell miles on it. The car has been garaged since I bought it. I have a 5 speed 305, a friend of mine had a '92 B4C with a 350 automatic. Apparently these cars were made in the Vaneyes CA plant before it was shut down. I have a letter from GM saying exactly how many 92's bwere made and where. It's good to know there are other B4C owners out there who know what they have. I'm sure the majority of them have been used and abused, what a shame!
Hi GM92B4C. I bought my B4C at McDorman too in July '92. I lived near Lancaster then but moved near Delaware about 8 years ago. I went to look at used IROCs but strolled over to the new car section and only found RSs. Then the salesman came up and mentioned the specail nature of them. I remembered the December 1991 Car Craft article "Cop Cars From Hell" that described the B4Cs I was looking at. When I bought mine (for the sticker of 18,530) I think there were 7, two red, two black (1 350/auto, 1 305/man ea.), one white with red stripes and red leather interior (stickered around 21,500 I think), and I don't remember the other two's color. I bought the red with 350/auto. Still have it, now with 58,000 miles on it but all original except for the tires and the rear hatch struts. Funny you mentioned the manifold leaking, mines been leaking at the left front water crossover for some time. Bought gaskets a long time ago, but never got around to installing them. Heater core developed a leak too, and I need to put in the replacement I bought awhile ago. I'll tryto get a picture of it when I charge the battery and get it out of the garage.
SleeperZ, if the Z28 was a mint L98 car I would say no. But that is a hell of alot of work you will be undertaking. Choice is yours, but if its a 305 car and you are looking for a challenge, go for it.
Back in 1994 I came upon a lump sum of cash and I needed a new car. I wanted to get something that had collection value to it as I intended to just keep on driving my daily piece of crap until it stopped running. I started looking in Auto Trader and found a few Camaros for sale. My boyfriend at the time had a 1989 305 and I really liked it. Thus, I thought I'd get me a Camaro--but a better one, he he. Yes, I am THAT competitive.
I found a 1992 for sale and the ad claimed that it was a "police edition." I first thought, "YEAH RIGHT." and moved on in my search. When the car was still for sale in the following issue, I figured I should do some research and see if there was something to the claim. Sure enough, the owner said it had the 155 speedo and all the other goodies that the B4C came with ( I didn't know to check the VIN at the time).
We arranged to meet at his work to do the test drive. Turns out he was selling the car for his brother WHO GOT IT FOR HIS 16TH BIRTHDAY! The family was very wealthy and had 10 cars amongst them all. Little bro wanted something better for the snow so he got a Cherokee for college in Colorado. Whatever dude. You made the WRONG choice...
I fell in love with the car instantly and hustled over to the bank to get a cashier's check. There was another guy trying to get more financing at the same time so I beat him to the sale.
I took delivery a few months later as my situation wouldn't allow for another car to be stored at my residence. I will remember that drive home forever!
The car was originally sold from Central Chevrolet in Fremont, CA. Greetings to the other guy on here who got his car from there. The story I heard was that after the Fremont PD ordered a B4C, the sales guy figured out how to order them from Chevy. He ordered 8 or 9 and then got in trouble with Chevy for selling them to civilians. Once again, that's just the story I heard.
I am the second owner of this car as far as I know. I just made it to 70K so I feel lucky that I've had another car to drive for most of its existence. Despite it's crappy gas mileage ( not why I bought it), it still feels awesome to be able to show those little imports who's boss on the freeway.
The two biggest repairs on the cars so far have been replacing the differential. The teenager must have done some shade tree mechanic work on it according to my shop. Just being off a small tolerance added up and a decade later it needed to be replaced. The heater core went about 18 months ago.
I've religiously maintained it and have all the records. I intend to keep this car for as long as I'm alive.
That's my story. Oh, and it has all the options including the back hood shade and the locking cabinet in back.
Awesome to hear from the female side and their love for the B4C and it was your first post. I swear, you must be my dream girl!!!!! Seriously though, glad you found us and for that good story. I believe that is the correct story on that dealership where your car came from. That is the same story I have heard through the years. Got to love the B4C's w/ the D27 locking rear compartment though. That sales guy sure ordered them nice.
Send us more details or a pic will do. If you cant host it, send a pic to me at adtke1@cox.net and I will put it up here.
Thanks again. Every vin certainly helps. My next recount should be over the holidays(more time to do it).
__________________ 1992 X-CHP B4C, Black and White, Unit 892922.(Restoration underway and yes, its the one in the picture)
I wound up with the B4C test vehicle which was shipped from the factory to the proving grounds in Desert Mesa, AZ for testing. It was featured in POLICE magazine in 1991. It was never "in service". Here is the VIN for your database: 1G1FP2386ML179418.
Thanks for the vin. I believe I talked to you before. What emergency outfitting company do you own/belong too? PM me your phone number, I might call you on that car.
I believe the B2L 5.7 liter engine described in CSP B4C's attachment was the 245 hp engine from the Z28. All the official documentation that I have seen rate the L98 5.7 liter at exactly the same horsepower and torque ratings at exactly the same RPM for each - the precise numbers described above.
It seems odd to me that GM would make two different versions of the 5.7 liter engine that have identical specs - L98 and B2L. One would think that going to the trouble of having a different engine code was done for some reason, and that the resulting ratings for the other engine would be different in some way...any way at all. It is my belief that the horsepower and torque ratings of the B2L have been copied to the L98.
I recall that prior to 1992 the L98 was the aluminum head Corvette engine. For the 1992 model year, the Corvette no longer used the L98, switching to the all new LT1. It is perhaps speculation on my part, but I seem to recall from my hazy memory that the L98 engines that were used in the 1992 B4C's were leftover Corvette engines. Aluminum heads were switched in favor of the more durable iron heads for police duty.
What other changes in addition to the heads might have been made? Cam? Pistons? Chip program? I also seem to recall that top speed on the Z28 was electronically governed at 155 mph, but the B4C had no electronic limitation. What other program changes might have been made?
ecetim stated that he has seen sources that claim 270 horsepower. I believe this is probably closer to actual than 245. I also believe that actual torque is closer to 380-400 lb-ft than the 345 rating. Again, just an edu-ma-cated guess on my part.
I have seen some claims that the L98 was not even a real engine code, but was some sort of reference to 5.7 liters as a group. My build sheet says otherwise. There are a lot of inaccuracies and speculation out there. In fact, I have spewed a lot of speculation here.
I could easily be wrong on this. I simply observed that the specs seem suspicious. GM has a history, as do other carmakers, of playing games with official horsepower numbers - remember the Corvette L88, just to name one? And our friends over at Ford in more recent years who overrated the Mustang Cobra's horsepower before being outed by dyno ratings. It happens a lot, or at least has in the past.
I have owned my B4C for nearly 15 years, having purchased it new from the dealer. This has been a question in my mind ever since I first tried to find the actual ratings on the L98. I simply do not believe that the official ratings on the L98 are valid. I hate to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but it just does not add up to me.
If anyone has any solid info I would appreciate knowing more. Thanks...
Several answers here.
1: Factory ratings are probably right on. 270hp is a stretch. Back in the day of the B2L/L98, engines would tend to have been overrated instead of underrated. Today, the LS1 was an underrated engine. The GM police Camaro brochures rate the engine at 245/345 just like the Z. 230/330 for the 305 5spd.
2: If I remember correctly, the B2L referred to a package code(performance package V8). When you ordered a 350 powered Camaro or Firebird/Trans Am, the B2L would also trigger the L98 code. Now looking in my dealer order guides from 1991, it only mentions the B2L code for the 350. I believe the L98 was triggered since it was a 350 and L98 was certainly a more popular name due to the Vette. Yea, the Vette had aluminum heads and the Camaro's were cast iron. Big deal, same horsepower. Just like the LT1 in the Vette and Camaro's had aluminum heads but the 9C1 Caprice and Impala had cast iron heads. It wasnt left over Vette engines used in the Camaro's. Actually, they went to the rougher/blasted looking runners in mid 1992 like the Vette's had but that was about it. 1991 and early 1992's had the smooth runners. No difference in performance though. BTW, all 1991 and 1992 cars with the 350 had the B2L/L98 codes.
3: The B4C is the exact same as a G92 optioned Z28 w/ a 350 or the LB9 305 5spd. No changes in computers or anything. Only changes were the B4C in 1992 also got the Corvette disc brakes up front which triggered the 1LE code. Now, we could speculate the same here saying they had the special suspension etc etc etc as the SCCA 1LE Z28. But, the 1LE code on a B4C only triggered the front dual piston brakes. Wierd how GM combines codes and sometimes it doesnt make sense but I have had enough of them to tell. Hell, when I first messed with them back in 1993, I thought since it had the 1LE code that the B4C would also have the JG1 aluminum drive shaft. No such luck.
Hope this helps somewhat to the conspiracy theories. Oh yea, welcome to the board. Glad you found us. PM me some details on your car if you dont mind. Would like to add them to my database.
__________________ 1992 X-CHP B4C, Black and White, Unit 892922.(Restoration underway and yes, its the one in the picture)
I recently purchased 1992 B4C Car it has Doraville Police across the trunk I know it is a B4C car it has roll bar disc brakes etc., and the rpo codes, it is green with grey interior any information on how these cars were painted when new I would greatly appreciate it, trying to restore it back to original.
Thanks
Doraville cars were painted Dark Green Grey Metallic from the factory. They had very few units and all were the same. They also used DGGM Impala SS's in the later years too. David on this board has some pics of Doraville cars while they were in service. Please supply you vin number to the car so it can be added to the database.
1g1fp2385nl157153
is for sale on ebay right now. It's a b4c and 1le and has AC. Any idea how many b4cs had 1le options?
Hey all,
This my car. If anyone has any questions about it, please ask. It's bright teal with grey cloth and I can't say I remember seeing another teal B4C. Anyone have any idea on color breakdown?
No color break downs yet. If everyone keeps supplying vins, one day we will.
Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. If anyone knows of another teal B4C, please let me know as I'd love to hear about it. Most of my friends hate the color and would rather have me respray it in a different shade since it needs paint. I'd like to show them it's best to keep it the color it is.
I took this car to a show not too long ago and heard something similar to the story above from a person that works at our local dealership. Once the dealer figured out the ordering process, they ordered some civilian versions and were promptly shut down by Chevrolet. The guy I talked to said most of these cars were loaded but do not have the rear window defogger option. I don't know whether that's true, but my car does have the defogger.
I was going to sell this car, but the more I think about it, it looks like I might end up keeping it. I just enjoy it too much.
Is the registry near complete, will it be available for viewing?
What if someone were to mistake a Camaro for a B4C and supply you with that VIN? Won't that screw everything up?
I have several VINS for you to add to the registry. PM me with your email and I will forward them.
1st, Troy, yes other Teal B4C's were made but how many is unknown.
2nd, the question, will an invalid vin screw things up? No, we check the vin through a dealer to verify that it is a B4C.
As far as being complete, no, not yet. We probably have 380+ vins of the 589 needed. Will it be available for viewing? Dont know. The majority of the database comes from an associate who spends a ton of time retrieving them. This list has provided some for sure, just not the majority. Just takes quite awhile to accomplish this. Sure would be nice to go to GM and say hey, I need the vins to all 589 B4C police package camaro's made, but sadly, its not that easy.
Saddly, the 350 car was totalled by it's previous owner. I'm using it as a parts car for my 305 that had an engine bay fire back in '03. I drove to AZ in Nov. of last year to get it after buying it on eBay for a whopping $107.50.
One almost useless Camaro - $107.50
Gas to AZ to pick it up - $300.00
One night stay at Motel 6 - $39.99
Having two non-running B4Cs taking up the garage forcing your wife to park on the street - Priceless
Saddly, the 350 car was totalled by it's previous owner. I'm using it as a parts car for my 305 that had an engine bay fire back in '03. I drove to AZ in Nov. of last year to get it after buying it on eBay for a whopping $107.50.
One almost useless Camaro - $107.50
Gas to AZ to pick it up - $300.00
One night stay at Motel 6 - $39.99
Having two non-running B4Cs taking up the garage forcing your wife to park on the street - Priceless
HAHAHHA!! Thats awsome man. Post pics of them if you can. My B4C is also totalled. Its being used for parts on my other cars. Im always on the hunt for a solid one though.
Does your texas b4c have white paint and black interior?
Mine started with the Black and White scheme of the Texas DPS. At some point, the exterior was changed to white. Engine bay was left the original black. Interior is gray. Not sure how or when the Z28 hi-rise spoiler got there. Details have been tough to come by.
Mine had black sides with a white hood, roof, and deck lid with a black interior. Somebody did a worthless job of spraying it all white, so I sanded it all off and sprayed it silver. The engine bay is still blace, though.
Mine had black sides with a white hood, roof, and deck lid with a black interior. Somebody did a worthless job of spraying it all white, so I sanded it all off and sprayed it silver. The engine bay is still blace, though.
Typical Texas DPS paint scheme. Certificate of Origin on mine is dated 4/24/91. DPS registered it on 6/6/91 with 15 miles on the clock. It was assigned Eqt # C1-329 and license plate 600 229. Lone Star Auctioneers sold it on 6/25/94 for $5750. I suspect it was already white at that point.
Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. If anyone knows of another teal B4C, please let me know as I'd love to hear about it. Most of my friends hate the color and would rather have me respray it in a different shade since it needs paint. I'd like to show them it's best to keep it the color it is.
I took this car to a show not too long ago and heard something similar to the story above from a person that works at our local dealership. Once the dealer figured out the ordering process, they ordered some civilian versions and were promptly shut down by Chevrolet. The guy I talked to said most of these cars were loaded but do not have the rear window defogger option. I don't know whether that's true, but my car does have the defogger.
I was going to sell this car, but the more I think about it, it looks like I might end up keeping it. I just enjoy it too much.
Thanks!
Tony
New guy here, first post. I have a 1991 Teal Green B4C, gray cloth interior. I am the original owner, bought the car new in Houston, Texas....in fact I ordered the car. It has all available options. GM called the dealer when he ordered it concerning the color, he was able to work his way around it but GM was suspecious. It has never been in police service. L98, 4 spd auto. I have the original window sticker and all fax documents between me and the dealer when I ordered the car. I also have the majority of the paperwork of work done to the car over the years. It is original and stock and has 106,000 miles.
I don't have the VIN with me right now but will get it and post it in a day or 2.
Hey Mark, thanks for contributing. Cool to here all of these stories on whether or not they made it into service. Let me know if you ever want to sell that Teal car. Seriously,
New guy here, first post. I have a 1991 Teal Green B4C, gray cloth interior. I am the original owner, bought the car new in Houston, Texas....in fact I ordered the car. It has all available options. GM called the dealer when he ordered it concerning the color, he was able to work his way around it but GM was suspecious. It has never been in police service. L98, 4 spd auto. I have the original window sticker and all fax documents between me and the dealer when I ordered the car. I also have the majority of the paperwork of work done to the car over the years. It is original and stock and has 106,000 miles.
I don't have the VIN with me right now but will get it and post it in a day or 2.
Mark
Mark,
Great story and I'm glad to hear of someone else that has a teal B4C! Your car sounds identical to my car except for the difference in years! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at any time!
Sorry for the delay getting this to you......been busy. If you have any questins let me know, Mark
The VIN for my 91 B4C as follows:
1G1FP2385ML181466
B2L 5.7Liter TPI V8 (L98)
MXO Automatic Trans w/Overdrive
37U Dark Teal Metallic
Gray Custom Cloth Bucket Seats
1FP87 Base Price $12,180.00
Options:
B4C Special Service Package $3,460.00
AR9 Gray Custom Cloth Bucket Seats $327.00
A31 Power Windows $265.00
K34 Electronic speed control w resume $225.00
AU3 Power Door Lock System $210.00
C49 Electric Rear Window Defogger $170.00
UN6 Electronically Tuned AM/FM $160.00
Stereo Radio with Seek-Scan,
Stereo Cassette Tape with
Search-Repeat & Digital Clock
w/ Extended Range Sound System
DG7 Elec Twin Remote Sport Mirrors $91.00
B84 Body Side Moldings $60.00
A90 Power Hatch Release $60.00
QLC P245/50 ZR-16 S/B Radial B/W
Tires No Charge
Total Options $5,028.00
Total Vechicle & Options $17,208.00
Destination Charge $ 490.00
Total Vechicle Price $17,698.00
----------
Sorry for the delay getting this to you......been busy. If you have any questins let me know, Mark
The VIN for my 91 B4C as follows:
1G1FP2385ML181466
B2L 5.7Liter TPI V8 (L98)
MXO Automatic Trans w/Overdrive
37U Dark Teal Metallic
Gray Custom Cloth Bucket Seats
1FP87 Base Price $12,180.00
Options:
B4C Special Service Package $3,460.00
AR9 Gray Custom Cloth Bucket Seats $327.00
A31 Power Windows $265.00
K34 Electronic speed control w resume $225.00
AU3 Power Door Lock System $210.00
C49 Electric Rear Window Defogger $170.00
UN6 Electronically Tuned AM/FM $160.00
Stereo Radio with Seek-Scan,
Stereo Cassette Tape with
Search-Repeat & Digital Clock
w/ Extended Range Sound System
DG7 Elec Twin Remote Sport Mirrors $91.00
B84 Body Side Moldings $60.00
A90 Power Hatch Release $60.00
QLC P245/50 ZR-16 S/B Radial B/W
Tires No Charge
Total Options $5,028.00
Total Vechicle & Options $17,208.00
Destination Charge $ 490.00
Total Vechicle Price $17,698.00
Last edited by 91TGB4C; 04-12-2007 at 08:49 AM.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Sorry for the delay getting this to you......been busy. If you have any questins let me know, Mark
The VIN for my 91 B4C as follows:
1G1FP2385ML181466
B2L 5.7Liter TPI V8 (L98)
MXO Automatic Trans w/Overdrive
37U Dark Teal Metallic
Gray Custom Cloth Bucket Seats
1FP87 Base Price $12,180.00
Options:
B4C Special Service Package $3,460.00
AR9 Gray Custom Cloth Bucket Seats $327.00
A31 Power Windows $265.00
K34 Electronic speed control w resume $225.00
AU3 Power Door Lock System $210.00
C49 Electric Rear Window Defogger $170.00
UN6 Electronically Tuned AM/FM $160.00
Stereo Radio with Seek-Scan,
Stereo Cassette Tape with
Search-Repeat & Digital Clock
w/ Extended Range Sound System
DG7 Elec Twin Remote Sport Mirrors $91.00
B84 Body Side Moldings $60.00
A90 Power Hatch Release $60.00
QLC P245/50 ZR-16 S/B Radial B/W
Tires No Charge
Total Options $5,028.00
Total Vechicle & Options $17,208.00
Destination Charge $ 490.00
Total Vechicle Price $17,698.00
Sounds identical to my car.......have any pics you can post?
__________________ Thanks!
Tony Z
1970 SS396 Chevelle with a 580 BBC
1974 Corvette Convertible
1992 Camaro B4C (SOLD)
1993 Firehawk
1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R
1997 Mazda Millenia
1988 S10 Truck....10.31 @129 Best R/T .002
Do I really own all this junk?
Last edited by Rumblin70SS; 04-15-2007 at 01:44 PM.
Quick question...should my 92 B4C have a Vehicle Speed Sensor with a speedometer cable attached? The end of the cable is taped off and zip tied underneath the brake fluid reservoir - not attached to anything.
__________________ 1992 Camaro RS B4C, 5.7L 350 TPI, 700R4, formerly w/Colorado State Patrol, stock.
1991 Crown Victoria S, 5.8L 351W, formerly w/Brentwood, CA PD and Cinema Vehicle Services.
Quick question...should my 92 B4C have a Vehicle Speed Sensor with a speedometer cable attached? The end of the cable is taped off and zip tied underneath the brake fluid reservoir - not attached to anything.
My ex-Colorado HP car has that but its under the radio. It was used for the calibration box that allows officers to be moving while radaring (something that people mistakenly believe officers cannot do) to legally remove their own calibrated vehicle speed from the radar's equation.
It also gives the officer a second radar calibrated speedometer which he can use, or use check and confirm his own vehicle speedometer.
My ex-Colorado HP car has that but its under the radio. It was used for the calibration box that allows officers to be moving while radaring (something that people mistakenly believe officers cannot do) to legally remove their own calibrated vehicle speed from the radar's equation.
It also gives the officer a second radar calibrated speedometer which he can use, or use check and confirm his own vehicle speedometer.
So this should be connected to the MPH K55 radar? Does yours go up through the floorboard right above the tranny?
Many thanks!
__________________ 1992 Camaro RS B4C, 5.7L 350 TPI, 700R4, formerly w/Colorado State Patrol, stock.
1991 Crown Victoria S, 5.8L 351W, formerly w/Brentwood, CA PD and Cinema Vehicle Services.
I have a 1992 B4C that is white with a red interior. It's in good condition and only has 89,000 miles. I want to sell it since it is just sitting outside and I don't have a garage. I bought it last October but, I don't really get a chance to drive it as much as I thought I would. How much should I sell it for? I have no idea how much it is worth. E-mail me and I'll send you a picture.
dont know if this will help or just make me sound very ignorant. but a couple of years ago my brother found a b4c car in lufkin texas and it had a factory five speed and was claimed to have a factory 350. I told my brother that they didnt make those cars with that combo, he asked me to look it up in a camaro history book i had and when i did it said that the cars came with the L98 and could be ordered with an auto or manual. Anybody know if this is correct. Could there be a mysterios factory 350 5 speed out there?
P.S. im new here, love it so for. i have owned four third gens and hope to buy another soon.
Seriously though, glad you found us and for that good story. I believe that is the correct story on that dealership where your car came from. That is the same story I have heard through the years. Got to love the B4C's w/ the D27 locking rear compartment though. That sales guy sure ordered them nice. 
