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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!
Little bit about me while I'm here.
as you all saw, user name is mustangman6579. That's because I AM a Ford guy. But, as a car guy, I respect all cars, even Camaros .
I plan to fix this car up, make her run good and look good, and sell her to someone who really wants it.
Yes, but it has been raining since I got it. So the pics are bad.
I tried reading the codes, but I don't think the pic came out good. Maybe I can retry?
In 1989, you could not purchase a Z28 that was not also an IROC. All Z28s were IROCs by default in 1989, so GM no longer used both "Z28" and "B4Z" RPO codes. Instead, they dropped "B4Z" and just used "Z28" on the SPID. In other words, for 1989, No "Z28" (RPO on the SPID)=No IROC.
--In 1989, if your VIN shows either an "F" or an "8" in the eighth position, you have an IROC, because the IROC was the only model these engines were available in.
If that is your actual (blurry) SPID than you look to be in good shape.
So, for anybody that says that Chevy got rid of the Z28 from 1988-1990 needs to look again at the SPID label. I don't see the IROC-Z RPO, I see Z28! 1975 and 1976 were the only two years that the Z28 was not available in the first four generations.
So, for anybody that says that Chevy got rid of the Z28 from 1988-1990 needs to look again at the SPID label. I don't see the IROC-Z RPO, I see Z28! 1975 and 1976 were the only two years that the Z28 was not available in the first four generations.
I got into an argument with Scott Settlemire a few years ago over the discussion of which Camaro has been the top dog over the history of the car. Many people feel that with the 4th gen cars, the SS was the top dog. With the 5th gen, there was no Z28 for many years and the SS was the only top dog. This was an argument over why there was no Z28 when the Camaro returned in 2010.
He said that the Z28 was the top dog in the first gen and second gen, but the IROC-Z and SS were during the 3rd and 4th gen years, especially in 1988-1990 when there was no Z28. I made it known that the IROC-Z is a Z28 and the RPO code is the defining factor. There is no IROC-Z RPO code from 1988-1990. I was able to convince him to agreement on that. I also said that all 4th gen SSs are Z28s. He argued and showed me the SPID label that shows the WU8 for SS. I then pointed to the Z28 RPO code on that same label. That still makes the 4th gen SS a Z28 with an SS option package, much like the IROC-Z from 1985-1987. The only years a Z28 wasn't top dog was 1975 and 1976 when there wasn't a Z28!
I got into an argument with Scott Settlemire a few years ago over the discussion of which Camaro has been the top dog over the history of the car. Many people feel that with the 4th gen cars, the SS was the top dog. With the 5th gen, there was no Z28 for many years and the SS was the only top dog. This was an argument over why there was no Z28 when the Camaro returned in 2010.
He said that the Z28 was the top dog in the first gen and second gen, but the IROC-Z and SS were during the 3rd and 4th gen years, especially in 1988-1990 when there was no Z28. I made it known that the IROC-Z is a Z28 and the RPO code is the defining factor. There is no IROC-Z RPO code from 1988-1990. I was able to convince him to agreement on that. I also said that all 4th gen SSs are Z28s. He argued and showed me the SPID label that shows the WU8 for SS. I then pointed to the Z28 RPO code on that same label. That still makes the 4th gen SS a Z28 with an SS option package, much like the IROC-Z from 1985-1987. The only years a Z28 wasn't top dog was 1975 and 1976 when there wasn't a Z28!
Oh, Chris and I have had that argument with Scott MANY times!
Here is a solid way to tell. RPO codes & VIN NEEDS to match RPO sticker. I noticed a RS girl & no fog lights. I cannot tell you how many cars I've seen with no RPO codes or non matching RPO/VIN codes. It seems everyone who parts out one not these cars keeps the ttops & consoles. NEVER rely on RPO codes UNTIL you verify the VIN matches. I won't even buy a 3rd Gen without a correct RPO sticker matching the VIN. I like stock cars or at least being able to verify what the cars is/was
. 
