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1993-1998 Camaro Information

 

Q: What's the difference between the '93s and '94s?

A: The Main mechanical differences included a change from Multi-port to Sequential Fuel Injection (including an upgrade from 22 lb. fuel injectors up to 24 lb. injectors), a change from Speed Density to Mass Air Flow (MAF) Control, the EPROM computer chip became soldered to the main computer board making it no longer removable, the 4 speed automatic (4L60) was upgraded hydraulic controls to electronic controls (4L60E), 6 speeds got a 3.42 rear (up from 3.23 in '93), the first gear ratio of the 6 speed was changed so that the overall ratio in first gear was almost identical for both years, a change from single wire O2 sensors to 3 wire heated ones, the air openings on the exhaust manifolds are in a different place, and a dampner was added to the yoke assembly on the prop shaft (this actually went into production in the later '93 LT1 cars). Leather seats became a option on the Camaro’s late in the model year. Additionally, the '94 Pontiac Formulas and Trans Ams with automatic trannys had a switch added to the center console allowing the selection of "normal" or "performance" mode.

 

Q: What's the difference between the '94s and '95s?

A: No major changes were made to the '95 cars. Goodyear 245/50 16" RS-A All- Season tires became an available option on the LT1 cars. On the Formulas and Trans Ams, 5-spoke 16" polished aluminum wheels became standard (chrome option is set for next year). On Z28s. the black roof and side mirror treatments can be deleted such that they will be the same color as the body of the car. In mid-year '95, a version of the Buick 3800 3.8L V6 is being offered as an option in the base Camaro and Firebird (estimated at 200 hp). A power antenna was added to the hi-end stereo package and the Pontiac steering wheel was redesigned (which was actually taken from the Grand Prix). The Trans Am GT (name) was dropped and the wild wing and upgraded stereo/performance options which made up the 94 GTs became an option to add to the base Trans Am. The Formula badges on driver headlamp and rear bumper only said "FORMULA" (whereas they had "FORMULA V8" in the past).

The camshaft, distributor, and drive mechanisms for the distributor and water pump are different. The changes were basically made to improve the distributor by adding a ventilation system that is connected to the air intake. This draws air through the distributor to eliminate moisture buildup in the optical mechanism. With the low distributor mounting, plus the water pump being directly overhead, there was a tendency for moisture and coolant to seep into the distributor leading to the infamous "optispark" problems. The drive mechanism between the cam, distributor, and water pump was also improved.

California, New York, and Mass. emission options add an extra catalytic converter connected at the end of the driver's side header pipe. This gives an estimated 10 HP extra. But such an increase was not advertised.

 

Q: What's the difference between the '95s and '96s?

A: Dual catalytic converters became standard on all Z28s, Formulas, and Trans Ams. This raised the advertised HP up to 285 from 275 for all such cars. The oil cooler (KC4) was dropped altogether. Recyclable cooper/lead bearings replace cadmium/lead bearings. Low-resistance ignition wires were designed to improve idle quality and cold-start performance. A redesigned ignition coil has half of the primary inductance as the previous coil allowing the primary current to "pour in" much quicker for much improved output at higher RPMs. Revised pistons used a new positive-twist top ring that improved the piston-to-cylinder seal and reduced blow-by emissions at high speeds. The pushrods were no longer hardened as they were in previous years. The exhaust manifolds got tri-layered stainless steel gaskets for improved durability and reduced leaks. The biggest change was that of the on-board computer. 1996 was the first year of OBD-II ECM technology to better diagnoses engine problems. This was good for reliability, but bad for some modifications in that some heavy modifications to the engine could result in a Service Engine Soon light. OBD-II also required oxygen sensors just before and after the catalytic converter for before and after measurements. Although the ones after the converter really only measure the performance of those before it.

Physically there's not much different. The exhaust tips on the Pontiacs changed from the dual-circles to single oval outlets on each side. The year brought a number of new packages. The Buick 3800 3.8L V6 was the only engine in the base Camaro and Firebird. There was also the return of the Ram-Air Pontiac (originally debuted on the late '60s GTOs). This was part of the WS6 performance package. It's just like the Firehawk except the openings on the hood are a little more forward. The package had a freer-flowing exhaust, tighter suspension (32mm front sway bar, 62 Nm front springs, 23-30 Nm variable-rate rear springs, and new valved shocks), and 17" 5-spoke wheels. HP was rated 305. SLP made the WS6 modifications at their plant after the cars left GM's factory.

Other new options included a remote, factory installed, 12-disc compact disc changer (U1S), content theft alarm requiring keyless entry (UA6), 5-spoke chrome wheels (P05). The base Firebird and Camaro models could get a sport package (Y87) with a posi rear, rear discs, 3.42 gearing in the A4, exhaust pipes/tips on both sides, and sport steering ratio. It required the 235/55 16 inch tires (QBC) though. Interior colors available on all cars were graphite, taupe (tan), and red (leather only). A new exterior color of red-orange metallic replaced medium red. As for the 1LE option, it came with A/C for the first time which was standard on all Z28s and Formulas.

 

Q: What's the difference between the '96s and '97s?

A: No major mechanical changes. The Chevy's got a moderate facelift in the interior with a new instrument panel and dash more like that of the Pontiac. The Chevy's rear taillights were sectioned differently with the outer half as the brake light (red, of course) and the inner half being split (top and bottom) as the turn signal (amber) and reverse light (white). Additional cup holders were integrated with the redesigned console on Chevys and Pontiacs. An auxiliary power outlet was added. The vent and climate controls were all backlit and the instrument cluster was redesigned with new 3-D graphics. The high-end stereo systems were also upgraded. The Pontiacs could get the new 500-watt, 10-speaker Monsoon system and the Chevys could get the new 200- watt, 6-speaker system (plus a 12-disc CD changer was available for each. Daytime running lamps arrived (using the parking/turn signal lights on the Pontiacs due to the pop-up headlamps).

As for colors, bright green metallic replaced teal/aqua and bright purple replaced dark purple. A new dark pewter interior replaced the graphite interior, and the medium gray interior color was revised. Also the wipers were redesigned having a lower profile than previously.

Engines remain the same, but the 3800 in the base Firebird and Camaro get a vibration damper. The automatic became the standard transmission in all cars. A manual had to be specifically ordered (like the automatic used to be). This also meant the price of the automatic was built into the base price of the car and thus owner's opting for the manual tranny didn't get any type of price break.

 

Q: What's the difference between the 97's and 98's?

A: 1998 was the biggest change since the 4'th gen f-Body was introduced in 1993. 1998 brought the new LS1 V-8 power plant. The LS1 in the Z28 and T/A was rated at 305 HP @ 5,200 RPM, while torque is 335 ft-lbs @ 4,000 RPM.  The front and rear brakes on the 98 F-Body’s were also improved using larger rotors. The front brakes now use a 2-piston configuration instead of the previous single piston. Cosmetically the Pontiacs received a new front-fascia and a new 'honey comb' rear-brake light configuration. The Chevy's retained the 97 brake light configuration, while the front-fascia was totally redone. Camaro's received composite headlamps and a new grill. Fog lights on the Camaro’s were moved further out. As for color availability, both the Camaro and Firebird received 2 new colors : Gold Sport Metallic and Navy Blue Metallic.

* This information was taken from the CamaroZ28.com FAQ board.

Third Generation Information

3rd Generation Camaros introduced: Sport Coupe, Berlinetta, and Z28. Z28 selected as Indy 500 pace car. Five engines were available with the Camaro. The LQ8 2bbl 4 cylinder, the LQ9 TBI 4 cylinder, the LC1 2bbl V-6, the LG4 4bblbl V-8, and the twin TBI LU5 V-8. Transmissions were a 4 speed manual and a 3 speed automatic. All Camaros came with front disc brakes.

Sport Coupe came standard with the LQ9 (LQ8 in Canada and overseas) four cylinder. The LC1 V-6 and LG4 V-8 were optional. Dog dish hub caps were standard; wheel covers were optional as were 14x7 steel 5 spoke body-colored rally wheels.

Berlinetta came standard with the LC1 V-6. The LG4 V-8 was optional. Berlinetta came standard with exterior gold `Berlinetta' badging on the rear bumper and C pillars. The headlamp pockets were painted in an accent color and tail lights got a gold and black horizontal divider bar. Berlinetta also got its own lower body pinstriping. The Berlinetta came standard with its own unique 14x7 finned aluminum wheel with gold accenting and `Berlinetta' center cap. Also standard was the custom cloth interior, rear storage well cover and additional carpeting on rear wheelhouses (`deluxe luggage compartment trim'). Berlinetta also came standard with additional body insulation, softer suspension and full instrumentation. The Berlinetta also had its own unique steering wheel with `Berlinetta' badge.

Z28 came with the LG4 4bblbl V-8 as standard motor and LU5 twin TBI `Cross Fire Injection' 5.0 liter/305 motor was optional. All Z28's came with lightweight SMC (Sheet Molded Compound) hoods. The LU5 optioned Z28's also came with functional hood air induction flaps. The Z28 had a different nose that did not have the three horizontal slits above the grille as on the Sport Coupe and Berlinetta. Z28 came standard with a 3 piece rear spoiler and black horizontal bar in tail lights. The Z28 also came with front, side, and rear lower body valances in silver or gold. Just above the valance was a two-color lower body stripe that en- circled the car. Headlamp pockets on the Z28 were black. The Z28 came standard with a new 15x7 cast aluminum 5 spoke wheel accented with either silver or gold. Z28 badges appeared on the right rear bumper, and on the side valance just behind the front wheels. A 1982 Z28 can be distin- guished from a 1983 and 1984 Z28 by its lack of the bowtie emblem by the Z28 emblem on the rear bumper.

6360 Z28 Indy Pace Car replicas were produced and came with special silver and blue paint scheme, special 4-coloer lower body striping, Indy 500 door decals, special blue cloth/silver vinyl interior, and red pinstripes on the standard Z28 aluminum wheel.

1983

5.0 liter H.O. motor introduced mid-year (March 1, 1983). H.O. motor came with a higher lift and longer duration cam, dual snorkel intake system with `5.0 Liter H.O.' decal on air cleaner, specially calibrated Quadrajet carburetor, lightweight flywheel, electric cooling fan, bigger 2.75 inch exhaust and Corvette style wide mouth monolithic catalytic converter, `5.0 Liter H.O.' exterior badging, and came standard with 3.73 rear axle gear. In 1983, L69 was only available with 5 speed manual transmission.

New L69 cam:      L69 305 H.O.         
                190 hp / 240 lbft      
                Tach: yellow 5000      
                      red    5500      

Lift:     intake      .410                
          exhaust     .423           

Duration: intake       320  
(crank)   exhaust      320        

4 speed automatic 700R4 introduced and was only automatic available on V-8 cars. 5 speed manual was introduced and was only manual transmission available on V-8 cars.

All Z28 hoods were switched from SMC to steel except the LU5 air induction hood. Charcoal was added as a wheel accent/valance color.

1984

Berlinetta gets `Star Wars' electronic instrumentation. Included bar-graph tach, digital speedometer, and stalk-mounted cassette/radio, fingertip steering wheel side pod mounted controls, cruise control in steering wheel, and overhead console.

305 Cross Fire V-8 dropped; all Z28 hoods steel. Clutches switched to hydraulic operation on manual transmission cars.

L69 H.O. Z28 motor now available with automatic transmission. All automatics now 4 speed 700R4 units.

1985

New noses for all Camaros and new, deeper valances and front spoiler for the Z28 and newly introduced IROC-Z. The NACA style hood ducts were replaced by simulated hood louvers on the Z28. Z28 got new `grid' pattern taillights. The number of lower body stripes grew from 2 to 4 on Z28 with a body colored gap between the top 3 stripes. Double pointer speedometer was dropped and replaced with single pointer unit.

Berlinetta aluminum wheels became an extra cost option and Berlinetta now came standard with its own unique wheel covers that were styled to look like the optional aluminum wheel. The Berlinetta aluminum wheel also became an option on the Sport Coupe but with argent accenting rather than gold and a `Camaro' center cap rather than `Berlinetta'. Lower body pinstiping on the Berlinetta was revised by an additional stripe.

The new IROC-Z option was available on the Z28 and came with new 16x8 aluminum wheels, P245/50VR-16 Goodyear Gatorback tires, fog lamps, CAMARO on front license plate panel, .5 inch lowered ride height, body colored valances, Delco-Bilstein rear gas shocks, special front struts, increased spring rates, special jounce bumpers, 5 degrees of caster (up from 3.5 on Z28) in front wheel alignment, `wonderbar' front frame rail stiffener, special valving in steering for increased steering effort, larger rear stabilizer bar with stiffer bushings, IROC-Z ex- terior decals and interior dash badge, and a thinner two-color lower body stripe.

`Tuned Port Injection' (TPI) motors introduced. Corvette got 350 version (L98) and Camaro got 305 version (LB9); available in Z-28 or IROC-Z. LB9 was available with automatic only. L69 H.O. 305 was only available in IROC and only with 5 speed manual. L69 production was restricted half-way (April 26, 1985) through the model year.

MFI V-6 LB8 motor introduced to replace carbureted LC1 V-6. Had similar port injection as LB9 TPI V-8.

All manual transmissions now 5 speeds.

7.5 inch rear end dropped and replaced with a new 7.625 (7 5/8) inch rear end for all Camaros.

G92 (performance axle ratio) only available on IROC-Z for 1985.

1986

Sport Coupe restyled and upgraded. New lower body striping, black headlamp pockets, black mirrors, and F41 suspension calibration standard. New silver 15x7 (up from the 14x7 rally wheel) steel 5 spoke rally wheels became standard equipment on the Sport Coupe. Sport Coupe also got the previous year's Z28 taillights with the horizontal black separator bar. The Berlinetta model was discontinued early in the year.

Late in the 1986 model year, the 85mph speedometer in the Z28 and IROC-Z were replaced with a new 145 mph unit. All 1986 Camaros had the newly required CHMSL (center high mounted stop light) mounted externally on the leading edge of the hatchback glass. This was the only year Z28's and IROC-Z's had the CHMSL mounted here. Fog lamps were now available on the Sport Coupe and Berlinetta, and the fog lamp/`CAMARO' front grille assembly of the IROC was now available on the regular Z28. New clear coat/base coat paint was adopted this year.

The original 215hp 305 TPI motor came out in 1985 available both in the Z28 and IROC-Z. The motor was detuned for 1986 losing 25hp due to a cam change. Torque was increased though, from 275 to 285. Automatic transmissions were required on all 1985/1986 TPI powered cars.

1985 vs. 1986 305 TPI cams:

                     1985 305 TPI            1986 305 TPI
                   215 hp / 275 lbft       190 hp / 285 lbft
                   Tach: yellow 5000       Tach: yellow 4500
                         red    5500             red    5000

Lift:     intake       .404                     .350
          exhaust      .415                     .385

Duration: intake        320                      307
(crank)   exhaust       320                      311      

All 305 TPI (LB9) motors (1985-1992) came with one of two basic cam grinds. An easy way to identify the type of cam on an LB9 car is to look at the tach: the lesser cams have a yellow line at 4500 and red line at 5000; the hotter cams have a yellow line at 5000 and red line at 5500. See chart at end of chronology for more cam info.

LG4 305 V-8 cars got electric cooling fan.

G92 performance axle ratio available only on Z28 and IROC-Z.

Records show that 74 L69 (5.0 liter H.O.) Camaros were built. The L69 is shown as being available in the 1986 Camaro brochure, but it was put on strict restriction.

Records also show that 50 1986 350 (5.7) IROC's were built. These cars were built primarily for testing and were the ones we saw tested by the automotive press late in 1986. These 350 IROC's (being 1986's) had the externally mounted third brake light on the hatch glass and the pre-1987 head/edge mounted valve cover design. The 350 in the IROC-Z differed from the Corvette 350 TPI in that the IROC-Z 350 TPI had the regular Camaro valve covers, iron heads, and the IROC-Z exhaust manifolds At the last minute it was decided that the 1986 350 IROC would not be available. Fortunately they finally did decide to produce the 350 IROC in 1987.

1987

The Sport Coupe got restyled rally wheels (unique to this year), new lower body stripes, and argent headlamp pockets.

The dropped Berlinetta model was replaced with the new 'LT' option for the Sport Coupe. The LT option incorporated most of the Berlinetta's equipment except the electronic instrumentation.

Late in the model year, RS Camaro was introduced for California and with V-6 power only. RS had Z28 style valances that were painted body color (like IROC) and had no lower body stripes. The RS got the 15 inch 5 spoke aluminum Z28 wheel which were painted to match body color. 1987 RS Camaro came only in red, white, or black.

Delco-Bose sound systems and leather interior were available for the first time and were available on all Camaro models

The CHMSL moved to the spoiler (which was slightly increased in size) on all cars equipped with a spoiler (all Z28's, IROC-Z's; spoiler optional on LT and Sport Coupe). Lower body stripes on Z28 still numbered 4, but gap between the top three stripes was removed.

Camaro convertible was introduced for the first time since 1969 as a regular production option. The convertible was available on the Sport Coupe, Sport Coupe LT, Z28, and IROC-Z. The new 350 TPI motor was not available in the convertible however. The convertible conversion was performed on t-top equipped (t-top models have extra bracing) Camaros by ASC. Only 1,007 convertibles were produced this first year of production. 1987 was the 20th anniversary of the Camaro and the convertibles were considered the anniversary editions and were signified by a special dash badge that read `20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition'. G92 performance axle ratio and J65 four wheel disc brakes were available this year on the IROC-Z convertible.

1987 was the last year for Camaros produced at the Norwood Ohio plant; the original Camaro Plant.

The 350 TPI and 5 speed 305 TPI combinations were finally available on the IROC-Z. The 350 was only available in the IROC-Z and only with an automatic transmission. The exterior differed in appearance only by `5.7 Tuned Port Injection' badges rather than `Tuned Port Injection' badges. The TPI 350 motor was not visually distinguishable from the TPI 305. A few things can be used to disinguish a 350 TPI from a 305 TPI (other than the badges, which are often changed to sell a 305 TPI as a 350 TPI). All TPI 350 IROC-Z's (1987-1990) and all TPI 350 Z28's (1991-1992) had automatic transmissions and rear disc brakes. The eighth digit of the VIN is and `8' for 350 TPI's and an `F' for 305 TPI's. The service parts identification list in the center console glovebox will list the code B2L for a 350 TPI, LB9 for a 305 TPI. The under hood sticker should list the motor as a 5.7 liter rather than a 5.0 liter. All TPI 350 (1987-1992) Camaros had a tach with yellow at 5000 and red at 5500.

In 1987, the 215hp 305 TPI motor returned on the newly available 5 spd / 305 TPI combination only. Torque was rated now at 295, up from 275 in 1985. Automatic 305 TPI's still got the weaker cam and 190hp rating.

All 5 spd 305 TPI Camaros came with the better cam (25hp advantage) until 1990 when G92 HAD to be specified to get the better cam in the 5 spd 305 TPI.Roller lifters and new valve cover/head design on V-8 Camaros. Valve covers featured new sealing and mounting through center of cover. Heads featured new raised lip for improved valve cover sealing.

G92 and L98(B2L) cars finally got the Borg-Warner HD 7.75 inch four pinion rear end, produced by GM Holden's Limited of Australia (Firebird WS6 cars went to this unit in 1986). These units can be identified by their 9 bolt (rather than 10) differential cover that has a rubber plug. The Borg-Warner logo is also cast into the bottom of the differential case. This rear axle came with tapered rather than straight roller bearings and a cone-clutch rather than disc-clutch limited slip unit. These units came painted black from the factory while most others were bare metal.

G92 for 1987 required the following options:

5.0 TPI (LB9)
Limited slip differential (G80)
Rear disc brakes (J65)
Engine oil cooler (KC4)

G92 (performance axle ratio) available only on IROC-Z with 5.0 TPI (LB9). G92 was available on IROC-Z convertible in 1987. All 1987 350 TPI (B2L) IROC-Z's came standard with 3.27 BW rear end and thus did not have G92 code; this changed in 1988 however when a 2.77 BW rear was standard and G92 had to be specified to get the 3.27. All 1987 350 TPI (B2L) IROC-Z's required J65 rear disc brakes, G80 limited slip differential, and KC4 engine oil cooler.

1988

LT option dropped. Z28 model dropped and replaced by IROC-Z (although interior dash badge still read `Z28 IROC-Z', rather than just `IROC-Z' as on exterior badges). The 16 inch wheels that had been standard equipment on the IROC were restyled and now became an extra cost option for the IROC. The standard IROC wheel was the old 15x7 inch aluminum 5 spoke Z28 wheel and this wheel was also now standard on the Sport Coupe. In 1988 only, this wheel rather than having only the recessed areas painted gold or silver, was completely painted gold or silver (for that `double-dunked' in paint look - ugh). The IROC-Z door decals were moved from the front of the doors to the rear. Z28 exterior badges were replaced with IROC-Z badges. The lower-body stripe was reversed changing from black on bottom with trim color above, to black on top with trim color below, now with a gap (of body color) between the two stripes. Newly available DX3 stripe delete option eliminated IROC-Z decals and stripes altogether.

Sport Coupe took on appearance of defunct Z28 except: `CAMARO' rather than `Z28' exterior badges; body colored headlight pockets rather than black; and gold or silver wheel center caps rather than black; the regular hood rather than the louverd hood; and the 1985-1987 IROC two tone lower body stripe rather than the four-color Z28 body stripe. This was the last year for the Sport Coupe and was the only year for this particular appearance. Early in the year, Sport Coupes came with a `shorty' rear wing rather than a spoiler. This ungainly addition was discontinued and replaced with the standard spoiler midyear.

Serpentine belt now on Camaro V-8's. Long-lived LG4 carbureted 305 replaced by the new LO3 throttle body injection 305. All Camaro TPI motors bumped up 5 hp due to slightly higher lift/longer duration cam profiles, additional valve seat angle, exhaust port/exhaust manifold changes.

G92 (performance axle ratio) still available on IROC-Z convertible in 1988. G92 code was now available on the 350 (B2L) IROC-Z and now had to be specified to get 3.27 rear end (was standard in 1987) as a 2.77 rear was now standard on the 5.7 TPI. J65 rear disc brakes, G80 limited slip differential, and KC4 engine oil cooler were still required on all 5.7 and G92 cars.

Secret showroom stock racing 1LE option (option level 0 IROC-Z) first available. Only 4 produced.

1989

Sport Coupe dropped, replaced by returning RS model. RS now available with LO3 V-8. Headlight pockets on RS no longer painted black. Camaros now came with rear shoulder belts. The Corvette PASS-KEY ignition lock system was adopted for all Camaros.

The base 15 inch IROC wheel was restyled to have the appearance of the optional 16 inch wheel. P245/50ZR-16 tires replaced the P245/50VR-16 tires on the IROC-Z when equipped with the 16 inch wheels. TPI motors got better performing `Multec' fuel injectors. The exterior of the TPI plennum changed slightly: the ridges on top of the plennum did not extend as far forward. Calibration refinements eliminated the cold start injector.

Four wheel disc optioned (J65) IROC-Z's rear brakes were increased in size from 10.5 inch rotors to 11.65 inch rotors with PBR Australian built aluminum calipers and more reliable parking brake actuators. Front discs still had 10.5 inch rotors with Delco-Moraine single piston calipers.

G92 option included N10 performance exhaust system (dual catalytic converters) which upped hp by 10 on cars so equipped. For 1989, G92 also required the following options:

5.7 TPI motor (B2L) or 5.0 TPI motor (LB9) with 5 speed (MM5) manual.
16 inch wheels (N96)
P245/50ZR-16 Goodyear Gatorback tires (QLC)
Limited slip differential (G80)
Rear disc brakes (J65)
Engine oil cooler (KC4)

G92 and J65 (rear disc brakes) no longer available on IROC-Z convertible.

G92 and J65 (rear disc brakes) no longer available on LB9 automatic IROC-Z.

1LE performance package option (option level 0 IROC-Z) became more well-known.

1LE package was obtained by ordering the following:

Level 1 IROC-Z with 5.0 TPI engine with 5 speed or 5.7 TPI engine
Optional axle ratio (G92) (305/3.45, 350/3.27) and its required options.
Air conditioning delete (C41) (standard heater)

Then the 1LE performance package was installed consisting of:

Fog lamp delete
Aluminum driveshaft (JG1)
Performance exhaust system (N10) (dual catalytic converters)
Special deflected disc shocks
Aluminum spare wheel with smaller spare tire (N64)
Larger (11.86 inch) front rotors with Girlock or PBR Australian built HD front dual piston aluminum calipers
Special swinging fuel pickup in gas tank and special 18 gallon baffled fuel tank for fuel pickup down to .5 gallon reserve to prevent fuel starvation in hard cornering.
Some came with special 16x8 light alloy mesh wheels. (XWL)

111 1989 1LE IROC-Z's were produced.

1990

The 1990 model year was only a half year of production. Due to the termination of the Chevrolet IROC contract, no IROC-Z's were produced after 12/31/1989. Instead, the 1991 Camaros were introduced early during last half of the normal 1990 model year.

1990 IROC's and RS's are easily identifiable: 1990 was the first year for the updated interior which included drivers side airbag, redesigned instrument panel, yellow lettering on dash, rounded controls, etc. So 1990 IROC's are the only IROC's with the new interior. 1990 RS's are the only RS's with the new interior and the older valances (before the new `scooped' side valances).

The LB8 2.8 liter V-6 was replaced by an increased displacement 3.1 liter LH0 V-6.

In 1990, the base engine for the IROC was finally the LB9 TPI 305 rather than the base LO3 V-8. However, G92 had to be specified now to get the better cam/230hp LB9 motor in the 5 speed LB9 IROC-Z. Previously, all 5 speed LB9 IROC-Z's got the higher output LB9. One other difference between a 1989 5.7 IROC and a 1990 5.7 IROC are the pistons. The 350 (only) received lighter weight pistons thus a slight horsepower increase of 240 (1989) to 245 (1990). In 1990, TPI Camaros switched from MAF air metering systems to MAP systems. This eliminated the mass airflow (MAF) sensor.

IROC-Z convertible now came standard with 16 inch wheels and P245/50ZR-16 tires.

G80 limited slip differential became standard equipment on IROC-Z.

The Borg-Warner HD rear end was dropped and replaced with the old 7.625 (7 5/8) inch rear end. Because the Borg-Warner axles were no longer being used for the G92 option, optional axle ratios changed slightly: LB9 305 TPI 5 speed went from 3.45 (1989) to 3.42 (1990) and the B2L 350 TPI went from 3.27 (1989) to 3.23 (1990).

Content of G92 was expanded and purchased as a `performance package' rather than requiring other options. G92 could be ordered two ways: with or without air conditioning. Ordering G92 `without air conditioning' (C41 standard heater) added the 1LE performance package. G92 performance packages were only available with B2L or LB9/5 speed. All 350 IROC-Z's were required to have one of the G92 packages in 1990.

G92 with air conditioning (C60):

Optional axle ratio (305/3.42, 350/3.23)
Rear disc brakes (J65)
Performance exhaust system (N10) (dual catalytic converters)
Engine oil cooler (KC4)
5.0 liter TPI (LB9) with 5 speed gets revised cam for 230hp rating.

G92 with out air conditioning (C41) in addition to above adds 1LE performance package consisting of:

Fog lamp delete
Aluminum driveshaft (JG1)
Aluminum spare wheel with smaller spare tire (N64)
Larger (11.86 inch) front rotors and PBR Australian built HD front dual piston aluminum calipers
Special swinging fuel pickup in gas tank and special 18 gallon baffled fuel tank for fuel pickup down to .5 gallon reserve to prevent fuel starvation in hard cornering

The 1989 1LE special deflected disc shocks were dropped for the 1990 1LE IROC-Z and standard IROC-Z gas shocks were used.

34 1990 1LE LB9 (305 TPI) IROC-Z's were built. 28 1990 1LE B2L (350 TPI) IROC-Z's were built.

1991

Z28 name returns, IROC-Z dropped. All lower valances redesigned. Side valances had scoops in front of each wheel (like Mustang GT). Z28 got big Ferrari F40 style rear wing. On the Z28, `CAMARO' on the front license plate panel was replaced with the bow-tie emblem. The hood louvers on the previous year's IROC were replaced by hood `power blisters' on the Z28. Engine designations were removed from side valance badging and only appeared on rear bumper.

The standard wheel for the Z28 was a newly styled 16 inch wheel. Standard tires for the Z28 were P235/55R-16 tires; P245/50ZR-16 tires were optional on the Z28, and standard on 350 Z28 and Z28 convertible.

RS was available for the first time with 16 inch wheels. Tires for the 16 inch wheels on the RS were P235/55R-16. RS also got grid taillights to match Z28. The CHMSL was moved from the spoiler to the inside leading edge of the hatchback glass. The slightly smaller non-CHMSL spoiler from 1982-1986 replaced the CHMSL spoiler on the RS.

G92 packages with air conditioning (C60) and without air conditioning (C41/1LE) still available on Z28. All 350 Z28's were required to have one of the G92 packages in 1991. G92 was not available on the Z28 convertible (as was the case with the previous year's IROC-Z convertible).

289 1991 1LE LB9 (305 TPI) Z28's were built. 175 1991 1LE B2L (350 TPI) Z28's were built.

B4C `special service' police package became available to law enforcement agencies only. Cars were RS coupes with Z28 5.0 TPI or 5.7 TPI drivetrains and Z28 suspensions. These cars came equipped with the 16 inch wheels and P245/50-ZR16 tires, engine oil cooler, rear disc brakes, and limited slip axle. Midyear, the 1LE 11.86 inch front brakes and HD calipers became optional for the B4C. This package was the only way to get air conditioning and the HD front brakes. There were 592 1991 B4C Camaros built.

1992

25th anniversary of Camaro and last year for the 3rd generation Camaro. 1992 also marked the end of Camaros produced at the Van Nuys plant (the only Camaro producing plant since the Norwood plant closed at the end of the 1987 model year). All Camaros had 25th anniversary badge on dash.

`Heritage Edition' package available on all Camaros. Package included first generation Camaro style hood and rear deck stripes, body colored grille, black headlamp pockets, and a 25th anniversary badge on rear spoiler (RS) or hatchback rear edge (Z28). Initially Heritage package only available as white car with red stripes; black car with red stripes; or red car with black stripes. Mid-year, additional Heritage Edition colors available: polo green car with gold stripes (this combination also got gold badges and gold accent wheels); and purple haze car with silver stripes.

Special 25th anniversary `Collector's Edition' Camaro was planned, but then dropped. There were to be 602 (same as the number of '67 Z28's) produced. Only two prototypes were completed however. The Collector's Edition Camaro started as a white Heritage Edition RS Camaro (with black stripes). Then the B4C police package was added, and then it was equipped with the Corvette L98 5.7 aluminum head motor, fitted with siamesed intake runners and tubular headers. This brought the horsepower rating up to 270. The car was also equipped with a ZF 6-speed and GTA black `lace' 16x8 wheels.

Dash badge on the RS now read `RS' rather than `CAMARO'.

`Tuned Port Injection' disappeared from the TPI throttle body cover. Mid-year, valve covers on TPI motors changed from silver to black (like LO3 V8). Also, at some point near the end of the production year, the traditional smooth-appearance Camaro TPI runners were replaced with rough, cast-appearance TPI runners (like on the Corvette L98). These runners were possibly old Corvette stock being used up on the Z28s since the Corvette's L98 was replaced by the LT1 in 1992.

Z28 convertible came only with P235/55R-16 tires for 1992.

There were 705 1992 1LE Camaros built.

HD calipers and 11.86 front brakes became standard on the B4C special service package. There were 589 1992 B4C Camaros built.

* This information was taken from the F-Body.com technical data base.