I have contacted Chevrolet trying to get some more info on options that are on my car, but haven't been able to get anywhere with a few. If someone could help with any possible info, I would really appreciate it.

The 2 issues are:
1st - How many cars were produced with the frey leather interior in 87. It was the first year for leather and I haven't tracked the quanities for RPO 822.

2nd - I have narrowed the auto dimming rear view mirror to 901 produced in 87. It was available as standard option when ordering option package 3 for the LT, Z28, and IROC. That tells me that less than 901 cars were ordered with package 3 since the mirror could be ordered separately. Each of the 3 models that could get the mirror had a different ordering code. The IROC's was FRA3. How many FRA3 cars were shipped by GM? Thanks for any info!!

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87 IROC 350 TPI with less than 10k original miles
www.users.uswest.net/~smoyer/iroc.htm

 

Scott,

As luck would have it, most "official" production figures for the 1987 Camaro are bogus. It is the first year that GM decided to group options together. Almost all of the options contained within the option packages were not available separately, yet "official" production figures are given for these. It doesn't make any sense. I'll give some examples later. Also, there are no figures available for the option packages themselves!!

Here's my speculation. At the onset of the 1987 production run, Chevy attempted to keep track of every option (as in years past). This is why every option has a production figure. But because most of these options were grouped together, Chevy realized it was fruitless to keep track of EVERY option. The counting stopped. This would explain why every option quantity recorded is extremely low (i.e. automatic dimmer mirror).

I can verify a couple of these quantities as in error, which leads to the assumption that they are all in error. Here goes:

Example #1:
The original released option quantity figures show 3,452 RPO B4Z (IROC-Z). To contest this figure, notice how the official quantity of P245/50-VR16 tires is 38,889. Knowing this tire size was only used on the IROC-Z, why the discrepancy? I brought this example to the attention of the publishers of the Camaro White Book. Later editions of this book have a revised quantity of 38,889 IROC-Z's produced.

Example #2
The official count for Sport Coupes with the LT option is 794. First, it's hard to believe that out of 84,153 Sport Coupes produced (83,890 coupes & 263 convertibles), only 794 had the LT option. Let's examine the production figures for tires that were available only on the LT.
The standard P195/70R14 = 4,522.
The P205/70R14 blackwall = 2,242.
The P205/70R14 white stripe = 1,793.
A total of 8,557. As in Example #1, how can this be if there were only 794 LT's produced?

Example #3
The official count for 1987 Camaros equipped with A/C is 14,743. There were 137,760 Camaros produced this year. That's an awfully low ratio, isn't it? Only 11 percent. Doesn't seem right. Let's look at 1986 and 1988 models for comparison. For 1986: 167,602 A/C equipped Camaros out of a total production of 192,219. That's 87 percent. For 1988: 88,431 with A/C out of a total of 96,275. That's 92 percent. I can only conclude that the A/C option count is grossly in error for 1987.

Example #4
Body side moldings = 22,309. This option was available on almost all option packages. Again, let's take a ratio: 22,309/137,760 = 16 percent. For 1986, the ratio is 145,607/192,219 = 76 percent. For 1988, the ratio is 80,990/96,275 = 84 percent. Again, I believe the 1987 figure is in error.

Check any production figures for options that were available only in option packages, such as the ones I've done, such as power windows, power driver's seat, intermittent wipers, or floor mats and you'll see the same kind of results. I believe the only accurate production figures are for options that were available separate and not as part of a package, such as t-tops, limited slip rear axle and engines.

Starting in 1988, although these option packages were still available, the individual options were also available separately, which makes 1987 a unique year in this respect. I think Chevy learned a lesson.

My conclusion is that the optional production figures for 1987 are completely in error and of absolutely no use. It's really unfortunate because it's my favorite year.

------------------
Willie

Supercharged 1987 305 IROC-Z, Daily-Driver, Emissions-Legal.
12.57 @ 111 mph.
12.04 @ 114 mph (50-hp nitrous).
http://members.optushome.com/au/downunder1/rides/willie/willie.html

1987 "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" Z28 Convertible -- Super Chevy Show Class Winner, 1998.

My custom front marker lamp assemblies:
http://members.optushome.com/au/downunder1/misc/lens.html

 

So my guess at 1 of less than 901 IROC's produced is probably wrong info. Any idea on how many cars had grey leather?

Thanks Willie for informing me that my fully loaded car might not be as rare optioned as I thought!! :>) Now I have to update my website to show accurate information.

------------------
87 IROC 350 TPI with less than 10k original miles
www.users.uswest.net/~smoyer/iroc.htm

 

Unfortunately, I believe it is wrong. I've owned two 1987 IROC-Z coupes and both had the 1SC option package. This package includes the auto dimmer mirror.

I believe I know the reason why Chevy did not keep records of the option combinations (i.e. 1SA, 1SB, etc.) Let me use 1SC as an example. RPO 1SC was offered on the Sport Coupe, Sport Coupe with the LT option, Z28, Z28 with the IROC-Z option and also convertibles for each of the above. The problem is that RPO 1SC contained different equipment for each of the different models. Can you imagine the bookkeeping nightmare to keep track of all this? I truly believe Chevy attempted to keep track (initially), then just stopped keeping track. The production figures you see as being "official" are probably the figures at last count.

Quote:

Any idea on how many cars had grey leather?

I have not seen any records on the optional interiors (i.e. custom cloth and leather). The rarest 1987 interior is the red leather.

Quote:

Thanks Willie for informing me that my fully loaded car might not be as rare optioned as I thought!! :>) Now I have to update my website to show accurate information.

Call GM Customer Service at (800) 222-1020 and ask for a Restoration Package. Be prepared to show proof of ownership by giving them your VIN. They will send you a ton of information on your model year -- for free. It's excellent stuff!!

I also have a listing of all available options (including option packages and contents) for 1987 with restrictions and original pricing. If you'd like a copy, send me an e-mail.

Willie



[This message has been edited by Willie (edited December 27, 2000).]

 

I didnt know Chevy had a restoration package kit! I thought it was just Pontiac at http://www.phs-online.com/ Thanks Willie!

------------------
1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
13.25 @ 107.18 MPH
Southern California
Member: SoCal 3rd Gen F-Bodies
Webmaster: SoCal F-Bodies
-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

Kevin,

Chevy's "resto kit" includes technical data (about 1/2-inch thick) on your year Camaro. It's well worth a phone call.

Can you tell me what's going on in Phx on Jan 20th? Some sort of Camaro event? It might be a worthwhile 90 minute drive for us in Tucson. Thanks for any info.

Willie

 

Is there a time limit on GM's package? I know PHS wants your car to be 10 years old first.

I responded to your question on camaroz28.com. Email Scott for the info at ss2049@yahoo.com or check out www.pfba.org