I've been noticing lately that some Camaros have a different nose piece than others.
I know, duh. Well I already know about the different style of nose introduced in '85 and the three horizontal slits on early non-Z28's thanks to this site.
What I'm wondering about is the grille area itself. Several of my friends have Camaros. One guy has an '87 IROC-Z with the "traditional" grille that has the openings on either side of the license plate. Another has a '91 RS with the horizontal slats that go the full grille width. Lastly, there is a guy with an '88 V6 that has the same style grille as the '91.
It seems to me that the non-Z28s or IROCs have the horizontal slats in the grille. My question (finally) is when was this grille introduced and am I right that only non-Z28s or IROCs got it?
I know it's a long explanation but I like to be as clear as possible to hopefully get a response.
Thanks a lot.

 

The louvered grille was available on Z28 models starting in 85, I believe. The Iroc grille (two holes with the word "camaro" in the center) ran from 1985-1990, and came on Irocs only, afaik.

Another type of louvered grille came out in 1988 or 1989, which was used on RS model Camaros thru the remainder of RS production, which ended in 1992.

When the 1991 Z28 was brought back in 1990 (after Chevy's contract to use the IROC name expired), it received a grille similar to the Iroc piece, except it has a red Chevy bowtie emblem molded into it. The colors varied from black, white, or red. However, I think 92 was the only year you could get the different color grilles, but I'm not sure.

The different colors were optional with their respective paint colors. For example, for a white Z28, you could order a white grill, or a black grille. For a red Z28, you could order a red grille, or a black grille.

Note, Z28/Iroc/RS noses from 1985-1992 are identical, so grilles can be interchanged.

To find out more about the grilles, I would probably ask topduarte here on the board. Just throw him a private message, or post this in the history board.

 

Just make sure you aren't driving an 85-87 Sport Coupe. I believe it was those years that still got the three slits in them. Just remember, the sport coupes are no good when it comes to putting grilles in them. Just keep that in mind. I'd only interchange RS, Iroc, and Z28s after 85. I know the guy before me said this but if it has nothing to do with those three types, don't use it. Sorry for the long and complicated post, but I am saying stay away from Sport Coupe grilles. Hope I could help

 

Wow thanks a lot guys! It's nice to get a response and a useful one is even better!

 

To add to Pimprod's response...... stay away from 82-84 Sport coupes and Berlinettas, also. Also, the 82-84 Z28 noses are different.


The only Sport coupe nose that shares from 85-92, is the 88 model.