I was looking at the Camaro Technical Database, and I had a question. For the LB9 engine, for each year it lists more than one LB9 with different horsepower numbers with one having up to 35 more horsepower than the other in the same year. How accurate is that site's information? Did they put more than one version of the same engine in the same year? If that is the case, they still have the same engine code and vin code right? How would you tell a 195hp LB9 from a 220hp LB9 from the same year?

 

It all depends on the transmission. The automatics got fewer ponies than the 5 speeds. I believe that from 1986 to 1989 the 305 autos were saddled with the peanut cam, the 5 speed cars got the same cam as the 350. In 1990 all TPI mototrs started to use the same cam. Another difference has been the exhaust system used on the cars, some of the cars had dual cats which added 20 hp.SO from 86- 89 if you ordered a 5 speed wit hdual cats you had alot more hp than someone who ordered an auto. I believe this is how it was, if I'm wrong on some of my facts I'm sure someone will correct any erroneous info that I've given.

 

yeah also changes in mass air flow sensors to speed density.. gained a few hp also.

 

Agree
that's the frustrating thing about the LB9 option. The potential is there...but if you have to settle with 190hp just because you have auto..it is the dumps. Yet the autos (peanut cam) got more torque...so it's out of the whole quicker than the 1985 auto with is the only year the LB9 came with the "corvette cam"...good for 215 hp...but 275lbs of torque as opposed to 295-300 lbs.

My understaning is that the 92 Z-28 with TPI 305 (MAP) had 2 options for that year. The 205 hp and the 230hp. The 230 hp could only be had in auto form if you ordered the "performance" axle---3:42 ratio...I might be wrong on the ratio.