Chevrolet Camaro (third generation)

Last updated
Chevrolet Camaro (third generation)
Camaro III (17) (cropped).jpg
Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
Overview
Manufacturer Chevrolet (General Motors)
ProductionOctober 12, 1981–August 27, 1992
Model years 1982–1992
Assembly
Designer Jerry Palmer (1978) [1] [2]
Body and chassis
Class
Body style
Layout FR layout
Platform F-body
Related Pontiac Firebird (third generation)
Powertrain
Engine
  • 151 cu in (2.5 L) LQ8/LQ9 I4
  • 173 cu in (2.8 L) LC1 V6 (1982–1984)
  • 173 cu in (2.8 L) LB8 V6 (1985–1989)
  • 191 cu in (3.1 L) LH0 V6 (1990-1992)
  • 305 cu in (5.0 L) LU5/LG4/L69/L03/LB9 V8
  • 350 cu in (5.7 L) L98 V8
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,565 mm (101.0 in) [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
Length1982–1987: 4,877 mm (192.0 in) [3] [4]
1988–1992: 4,890 mm (192.5 in) [5] [6] [7]
Width1,850 mm (72.8 in) [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
Height1982–1987: 1,275 mm (50.2 in) [3] [4]
1988–1990/1991–1992 Coupe: 1,280 mm (50.4 in) [5] [6] [7]
1991–1992 Convertible: 1,283 mm (50.5 in)
Curb weight 1,400–1,525 kg (3,086.5–3,362.0 lb) [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
Chronology
Predecessor Chevrolet Camaro (second generation)
Successor Chevrolet Camaro (fourth generation)

The third-generation Chevrolet Camaro is an American pony car which was introduced for the 1982 model year by Chevrolet. It continued to use General Motors' F-body platform and produced a "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" for 1987 and "25th Anniversary Heritage Edition" for 1992. These were also the first Camaros with factory fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmissions, five-speed manual transmissions, four-cylinder engines, 16-inch wheels, and hatchback bodies. [8] For 1987 a convertible Camaro was reintroduced, converted by ASC in relatively small numbers. The third-generation Camaro continued through the 1992 model year.

Contents

Design

The Camaro's design owed nothing to previous generations. The large and complex rear window reflected recent advances in car glass design. The front windshield reclined at 62 degrees, thus breaking an internal GM rule limiting such angles to sixty degrees. [9] The rear seat folded down to expand the luggage compartment, which was accessed through a large rear hatch.

1982

The third-generation Camaro was released for sale in December 1981, beginning production on October 12, 1981. The 1982 model introduced the first Camaros with a hatchback body style, and such options as factory fuel injection, and a four-cylinder engine. The Camaro Z28 was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1982. Three models were available: Sport Coupe, Berlinetta, and Z28. 173,000 Camaros were sold in the United States in 1982. [10] 12 percent of buyers took the four-cylinder, 37 percent the V6, while 51 percent opted for the V8. [11]

The Sport Coupe came standard with the 2.5 L (151 cu in) LQ9 four-cylinder engine. The 2.8 L (173 cu in) LC1 V6 and the 5.0 L (305 cu in) LG4 V8 were optional. Dog dish-style hubcaps were standard; full wheel covers were optional as were steel, five-spoke 14x7-inch body-colored rally wheels.

The Berlinetta came with the standard 2.8 LC1 V6 or the optional 5.0 LG4 V8. This package also sported unique 14x7-inch finned aluminum wheel with gold accenting and a 'Berlinetta' center cap. Its own lower-body pinstriping, gold 'Berlinetta' badging, and headlamp pockets were painted in an accent color. The taillights got a gold and black horizontal divider bar. The interior came standard with custom cloth interior, a rear storage well cover, and additional carpeting on rear wheelhouses. It also came standard with additional body insulation and full instrumentation.

The Z28 came standard with the 5.0 L LG4 4-bbl V8 rated at 145 hp (108 kW) and was available with either a four-speed manual or three-speed TH200 lockup automatic transmission. The optional LU5 twin TBI 'Cross Fire Injection' 5.0 L (305 cu in) with functioning hood scoops was rated at 165 hp (123 kW) and was only available with an automatic transmission. [12] The new Camaro received positive reviews for its styling and handling, but was also criticized for the low power ratings for the Camaro Z28.

1982 Indy 500 Pace Car replica 1982 Camaro Z28 Pace Car replica.jpg
1982 Indy 500 Pace Car replica

The Z28s included lightweight fiberglass SMC hoods with functional hood air induction flaps on RPO LU5 cars. The Z28 had a different nose, a three-piece rear spoiler and front, side, as well as rear lower body valances in silver or gold. Just above the valance was a three-color lower body stripe that encircled the car. Headlamp pockets on the Z28 were black. Standard were new 15x7-inch cast-aluminum five-spoke wheels accented with silver or gold. Z28 badges appeared on the right rear bumper and on the side valances. On early models, if the "Conteur" sport seats were selected as an option, the passenger seat was purposefully a mismatched high-back bucket seat design, due to production shortages of the passenger seat.

The Camaro Z28 was the pace car for the 1982 Indianapolis 500 race, and over 6,000 appearance replicas were sold through Chevrolet dealers. The edition featured special two-tone silver/blue paint and special striping, orange pin-striping on 15-inch (380 mm) Z28 wheels, and a silver/blue interior with six-way Lear-Seigler manually adjustable seating. Engine choices in the pace cars were the same as the regular production Z28. The car that actually paced the event was equipped with a highly-modified, all-aluminum 5.7 L V8 that was not available on the replica cars.

At the 1982 Geneva Motor Show, a special European specification version was shown, the Camaro Z28E. The "E" stood for "Export" and it received British National Type Approval in 1982. [13] The Z28E received the 157  PS (155  hp ; 115  kW ) DIN carburetted 5-liter V8, while the 108 PS (107 hp; 79 kW) 2.8-liter V6 was soon added to the lineup. [10]

1983 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta, front left, 07-19-2023.jpg
1983 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta

1983

1984 Chevrolet Camaro Sport Coupe (base model) 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Sport Coupe in Beige, Front Left, 06-27-2023.jpg
1984 Chevrolet Camaro Sport Coupe (base model)
1984 Camaro Z28 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 (37192436560).jpg
1984 Camaro Z28

The Z28 engines were changed for 1983: the LU5 Crossfire 305 V8 was rated at 175 hp and was supplemented in April 1983 by an all-new 5.0 L L69 4 bbl 190 hp (142 kW) High-Output (HO) V8. This engine was only available with a manual transmission in 1983. Due to its late introduction, 3,223 L69 V8s were sold for the 1983 model year.

Transmissions were upgraded for 1983. A Borg-Warner 5-speed manual transmission replaced the previous 4-speed. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive replaced the 3-speed automatic transmission in the Z28. The TH700-R4 automatic overdrive was also available on the base coupe and Berlinetta, but was not available with the L69 H.O. engine in the Z28 for 1983. [14] Aside from the new transmissions, base coupe and Berlinetta carried on as in 1982 with very little change other than newly available colors.

1984

The dashboard pad on all models received a revised shape and finish. In the Berlinetta, the standard instrument cluster was replaced by electronic readouts, including a bar-graph tachometer and digital speedometer. The new dash came with an overhead console and pod-mounted controls for turn signals, cruise-control, HVAC, windshield wiper, and headlights. The radio was mounted inside a pod on the console that could swivel toward the driver or passenger.

Drivetrain changes included the discontinuation of the LU5 305 Cross Fire V8, and the addition of a hydraulic clutch linkage on manual transmission cars. The L69 H.O. Z28 became available with an automatic transmission for the first time.

The Z28's body and features remained mostly unchanged, except the fiberglass SMC hood was replaced with a steel version.

Road & Track selected the 1984 Camaro/Firebird as one of twelve best cars in the world and in the Best Sports GT category in the $11,000 to $14,000 range. [14] Car and Driver picked the 1984 Camaro Z28 as the best handling car built in the United States. [15]

1985

Camaro IROC-Z Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z-4.jpg
Camaro IROC-Z

For 1985, Chevrolet introduced the IROC-Z version that was named after the International Race of Champions. Offered as an option package on the Z28, the Camaro IROC-Z featured an upgraded suspension, lowered ride height, specially valved Delco-Bilstein shocks, larger diameter sway bars, a steering/frame brace known as the "wonder bar", a special decal package, and an optional Tuned Port Injection system taken from the Chevrolet Corvette. It also shared the Corvette's Goodyear "Gatorback" unidirectional tires in a 245/50/VR16 size vs. the Corvette's 255/50/VR16 size, and received unique new aluminum 5-spoke 16-by-8-inch wheels. The new wheels were designed with different offsets front and rear, resulting in the words "Front" or "Rear" cast into the wheels to distinguish which wheel went where.

The Camaro IROC-Z was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1985. The 305 c.i. 5.0-liter TPI LB9 was rated at 215 hp (160 kW), with the 4-bbl 305 LG4 at 155 hp, and the 4-bbl High Output 305 L69 at 190 hp (142 kW). A total of 2,497 L69 IROC-Z models were made for 1985. The LB9 was available only on the Z28 and the IROC-Z model with the TH700-R4 automatic transmission. A total of 205 IROC-Zs equipped with the LB9 305 with the G92 (Performance Axle Ratio) option were made in 1985. The G92 option upgraded the rear axle gear ratio from 3.23 to 3.42.

Also new for 1985, all Camaros featured refreshed noses, and new deeper valances and front spoiler for the Z28 and the newly introduced IROC-Z. The speedometers no longer had the unique double-pointed needle that simultaneously read mph and km/h: they were replaced by conventional single-pointer 85 mph (137 km/h) units.

For 1985 a (1C5) RPO California IROC-Z was also made, Chevrolet's California Marketing Group came up with the idea and it was for sale in California only. A total of 250 black and 250 red examples were produced. They were all equipped with the 5.0 TPI LB9 engine and TH700-R4 automatic transmission. All came equipped with the IROC-Z fog lights, wheels and ground effects, but with the base Camaro's hood (no louvers), rear decklid (no spoiler), and no exterior decals.

1986

1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z, Black with Gold decals, front right.jpg
1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

A newly required Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) was installed on the Camaro. 1986 was the only year to see this attached to the outside hatchback glass on base model Sport Coupes, Z28s, and IROC-Zs except for 1987 base models that did not have a spoiler. This was the final year for the L69 5.0 305 HO 4-bbl option, of which 63 were built for racing in Canada's Player's series and 11 for public sale, making a total of 74. The 2.8 L V6 was now the standard engine in the base model, replacing the 2.5 L I-4 model. The 305 TPI LB9 horsepower rating dropped from 215 hp (160 kW) to 190 hp (142 kW) in the IROC-Z models. All V8 engines received a new one-piece rear main seal. Braking performance was 139 feet from 60mph. [16] 1986 would be the final year for the Berlinetta trim level.

1987

1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Z28 (26713251112) (cropped).jpg
1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

The 350 TPI engine with automatic and 305 TPI with 5-speed manual transmission were available for the first time in the IROC-Z. The new 350 (RPO code L98) was available only in the IROC-Z with an automatic transmission. The TPI 350 motor was visually distinguishable from the TPI 305 as the bumper cover decal had "5.7L" added to the "Tuned Port Injection" decal. It can also be determined by checking the VIN (8th character, F=305, 8=350). The 305 TPI equipped with automatic transmission came with 190 hp, while the Manual 305 TPI got a 215 hp (160 kW) rating. The 350 L98 gave a boost to 225 hp at 4,400 RPM and 330ftlb at 2,800 RPM. All V8 engines received hydraulic roller lifters and a new valve cover/head design. Valve covers featured new sealing and center bolts in the valve covers. Heads featured a new raised lip for improved valve cover sealing and the two center intake bolts were changed from 90-degree orientation to 72 degrees. G92 and L98 cars got the Borg-Warner HD 7.75-inch (197 mm) four-pinion rear end, produced for GM's Holden 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 drain 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. All 1987 350 TPI L98 IROC-Zs required 3.27 gears, J65 rear disc brakes, G80 limited-slip differential, and a KC4 engine oil cooler.

The largest visual change this year was the CHMSL (third brake light) was now mounted inside the rear spoiler instead of on top of the rear hatch (except the base coupe without the spoiler option - on those cars it remained on top of the hatch like the previous year). The Berlinetta was no longer available this year, replaced with a new LT model, while the base Camaro and Z28 continued as before. 145 mph (233 km/h) speedometers became standard in the IROC-Zs and Z28s with tuned port injected engines while the carbureted Camaro models and 2.8 liter V6 retained the 85 m.p.h. speedometer.

Other changes included a Camaro convertible that was introduced for the first time since 1969 as a regular production option. Available on the Sport Coupe, LT and IROC-Z, the conversion was performed on T-top equipped Camaros by American Sunroof Company (ASC). A total of 1,007 were produced in the first year of production. The 1987 model year marked the 20th anniversary of the Camaro and the convertibles were considered the anniversary editions and included a dash badge that read "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition". Some 1987 T-Top models were made into convertibles by ASC after the customer took delivery. This is why there are some convertibles with the body VIN code of 2, meaning they were coupes, not convertibles (which have a body VIN code of 3). This was also the last year of production at GM's Norwood, Ohio, facility as sales continued to decline consolidating Camaro assembly to the Van Nuys factory located in Southern California.

1988

1988 Camaro IROC-Z convertible 1988 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z convertible.jpg
1988 Camaro IROC-Z convertible

The Camaro line was greatly simplified for the 1988 model year, starting with discontinuing the slow-selling LT model, and dropping the base Z28. The IROC-Z package proved popular and the package became standard on Z28s. This resulted in two models remaining, the base coupe and the IROC-Z. Without the Z28 to bridge the gap between the base Camaro and the flagship IROC-Z, the previously standard aluminum 16-inch 5-spoke wheels were now an option - "base" IROCs now got the previous year Z28's aluminum 15-inch 5-spoke wheels (which also became standard on the base coupes) and P215/65-15 tires. Also, the old Z28's ground effects and spoilers were now standard on the base Camaro coupes. Base models received a new raised spoiler for the first half production year.

All engines were fuel-injected this year; the 2.8 (173) running 135 HP at 4,900 rpm and 160 lb.ft at 3,900 rpm, the 5.0L 305 cid V8 gained throttle body injection, bringing net horsepower to 170; the 305 cid TPI manual transmission models were rated at 220 HP at 4,400 rpm and 290 lb.ft at 3,200 rpm, Automatic at 195 HP at 4,000 rpm and 290 lb.ft at 2,800 rpm and the 350 cid TPI got a small increase to 230 HP at 4,400 rpm and 330 lb.ft at 3,200 rpm. G92 (performance axle ratio) available only on IROC-Z with 5.0 TPI (LB9). All 1987 350 TPI L98 IROC-Zs came standard with the 3.27 BW rear end and everything that was included with G92 but did not have the G92 RPO code because it was not mandatory; this changed in 1988 however when a 2.77 rear was standard and G92 had to be specified to get the 3.27 differential. The IROC-Z was also treated to some small cosmetic changes. The "Z28" logos on the ground effects below the doors and on the rear bumper changed to read "IROC-Z". The large IROC-Z call-outs on the door moved from the front of the doors to the back, to put some space between the logos. Option code DX3 offered buyers the option of deleting the IROC-Z's door decals and stripes for a $60.00 credit. Optional 16-inch aluminum wheels were redesigned with two lines instead of one large line in each spoke, and center caps backgrounds changed from black to silver. Dash badges on the IROC still read "Z28" on top and "IROC-Z" below. The VIN code 8 is the engine code for a real TPI 5.7L IROC.

1989

1989 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 IROC 1LE 1989 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 IROC 1LE.JPG
1989 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 IROC 1LE
Chevrolet Camaro RS interior Camaro RS (2).jpg
Chevrolet Camaro RS interior

The 1989 model year signified the return of the RS designation (last used in 1987 on a limited-edition California only model). The Rally Sport was now the base model featuring body ground effects mimicking the IROC and the previous Z28 but with the 2.8 V6 fuel-injected engine as standard with the 305 as an option. The raised rear spoiler that became available in 1988 on the base coupes was short-lived and done away with for this year. The engine ratings carried over from '88 with the addition of IROC-Z Coupes had a new dual catalytic converter exhaust option N10 that was standard with the G92 option only available on the 305 TPI motor with a manual transmission and the 350 TPI only available with the TH700-R4 automatic. 1989 was also the last year any third-gen with the B2L RPO 350 TPI L98 engine could be ordered in combination with the CC1 RPO removable T-Top roof panels.

Power ratings also varied in the 305 from 170 hp (standard RPO L03) to 230 hp (RPO LB9 with manual transmission and RPO N10 dual catalytic converter exhaust) and a boost to 240 hp for the 350 with RPO N10 respectively.

IROC-Zs with the TPI 350 had the 2.77 rear axle ratio as in the previous year, but the optional RPO G92 Performance Axle package modified the ratio to 3.27 for the TPI 350, and 3.45 for the TPI 305 with manual transmission. RPO G92 also included the aforementioned dual-converter exhaust; 4-wheel disc brakes (RPO J65); engine oil cooler; P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle unidirectional tires; a 145 mph (233 km/h) speedometer; and a tachometer with a 5,500 rpm redline. A total of 1,426 IROC-Z coupes were equipped with the Performance Axle package in 1989.

To take an IROC-Z coupe to the maximum performance extreme in 1989, when the G92 Performance Axle was ordered with no air conditioning (C41), RPO code 1LE was automatically triggered. This included extra equipment intended to make the IROC-Z more competitive in SCCA Showroom Stock road racing events: larger 11.65-inch (296 mm) rotors with 2-piston aluminum calipers from PBR; an aluminum driveshaft; a special baffled fuel tank; specific shock absorbers; and stiffer suspension bushings. The fog lamps were also deleted. The 1LE was simply an option combination, not a separate package or model that dealers were aware of the existence of, resulting in 111 cars built with 1LE equipment in 1989. [14]

1990

1990 Chevrolet Camaro RS Camaro1.jpg
1990 Chevrolet Camaro RS

The 1990 model year finished the lowest production to date (35,048), due to a truncated 1990 model run followed by the early introduction of the facelifted 1991 models. 1990 also marked the final year for the IROC-Z; Chevrolet had decided not to renew its contract with the International Race of Champions.

This year was the first year for an airbag to be offered in any F-body. The new airbag came along with a new "half-moon" gauge cluster, that was offered only in 1990–1992 Camaros. The sharp edges on the dash surfaces were rounded and the lettering on gauges switched to yellow from white. 1990 was a distinguishable model year as it was the only third-generation Camaro that did not feature the updated ground effects of the 1991–1992 models but did have the newer interior/dash features. The 2.8 L V6 was upgraded to the 3.1 L V6.

The RPO code 1LE was again available in 1990, triggered as in the previous year by RPO G92 Performance Axle combined with no air conditioning on the IROC-Z coupe. Only 62 Camaros were built with 1LE equipment in 1990. [14]

The Last 1990 Camaro Rolled off the line on December 31, 1989.

Camaros in IROC-Z trim that were equipped with the 5.7 TPI Motor received a slight horsepower increase to 245 at 4,400 rpm and torque numbers also rose to 345 at 3,200 rpm. [17]

1991

1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1991Z28.jpg
1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Camaro B4C of the California Highway Patrol California Highway Patrol Chevrolet Camaro.jpg
Camaro B4C of the California Highway Patrol

Production for the 1991 Camaro started in February 1990. Big changes occurred, as all Camaros received a facelift in the form of a ground effects package for not only RS but also the Z28 models, while the IROC-Z was no longer offered. The Z28 also featured a high-rise spoiler and non-functional hood "blisters". The CHMSL was relocated from the spoiler to the top of the Hatch again like the 1986 models, except the housing was now on the inside rather than the outside of the hatch. The Convertible still retained the spoiler-mounted third brake light. The 1991 Z28 also received a new wheel design to accent the new body. The B4C "Special Service" option was made available to law enforcement, the government, and military agencies. The B4C amounted to little more than a Z28 powertrain and suspension in the RS. (Car Craft Magazine refers to the B4C as a 1LE equipped with air conditioning; although this is slightly erroneous because in 1991, the large brakes with PBR calipers from the 1LE package were not included with B4C.) Just under 600 B4C Camaros were sold for 1991. Power ratings on the 350 TPI were as follows; 245 hp (183 kW) at 4,400 rpm and 345 lb⋅ft (468 N⋅m) at 3,200 rpm. Power rating on the 305 TPI motor were as follows; 230 hp (172 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) at 3,200 rpm. Power rating on the 305 TBI stayed same at 170 hp(127 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 255 lb⋅ft (346 N⋅m) at 2,400 rpm. Rumors say that these numbers were slightly underrated by GM, but this has not been investigated.

Beginning with the 1991 model year, GM pioneered some modified assembly techniques with the F-body Camaro and Firebird which were carried forward into the fourth generation. Different seam sealers, structural adhesives, and body assembly techniques were employed in key areas in an effort to reduce squeaks and rattles and improve the perception of quality.

The SCCA Showroom-Stock-ready 1LE package continued with similar equipment to previous years and was again triggered automatically by the G92 Performance Axle option combined with the C41 basic ventilation system (no air conditioning) on the Z28 coupe. Production of the 1LE increased to 478 units. [14]

1992

A 1992 Chevrolet Camaro as used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the 1990s, outfitted in a white and blue paint finish with emergency lights on the roof RCMP Chevrolet Camaro display.jpg
A 1992 Chevrolet Camaro as used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the 1990s, outfitted in a white and blue paint finish with emergency lights on the roof

1992 was the final year of the third-generation Camaro. A "25th Anniversary Heritage Edition" option had been planned with Corvette aluminum cylinder heads, tubular exhaust headers, and 6-speed manual transmission, but this was scrapped in favor of a "Heritage Package" option (RPO Z03) which was only a graphics package of badges and rally stripes. All 1992 Camaros received a "25th Anniversary" badge on the dashboard. The 1992 version of the Camaro B4C (Special Service Package) got the addition of 1LE brakes. A total of 589 B4Cs were sold. The B4C option was also deemed popular enough to be carried on to the fourth-generation model.

Some TPI 1992 Camaros received some of the "leftovers" from its Corvette cousin, which switched from Tuned Port Injection to the new LT1 engine series in 1992. They received the rough texture, cast aluminum style, intake runners from the TPI Corvette instead of the regular Camaro smooth tube ones. In some cases, they were built with black painted valve covers instead of the normal silver valve covers. Some also received a blank throttle body plate, like the LT1, instead of the normal plate with "Tuned Port Injection" script. The change was purely cosmetic, performance remained identical to the previous year.

The RPO 1LE option combination, identical to the previous year in specification and option requirements, had its highest production year of the third generation Camaro, with 705 cars so equipped. As mentioned, the 1LE brakes were included with B4C in 1992, accounting for 589 of the 705 built. This means that only 116 "true" 1LE-only cars (A/C delete, non-Special Service Package) were built for the year. [14]

The vast majority of the 1LE cars built during the 1989-1992 period were very sparsely equipped vehicles. Since they were intended for racing, where extra weight is a disadvantage and interiors are often gutted after purchase, most were very lightly optioned. The majority of 1LE Camaros had the base interior, with no power options, cruise control, or even floor mats. Some were even built without radios (201 cars were built as "radio delete" in 1992).

This was also the last year of production of the Camaro at the assembly plant in Van Nuys, California (and the United States as a whole until 2015). The last third-generation Camaro produced was a red Z28 coupe on August 27, 1992, that features signatures of the assembly line workers. [18]

Engines

Production

Production Figures:

Chevrolet Camaro Production Figures [19]
CoupeBerlinettaConvertibleYearly Total
1982142,32439,744-182,068
1983125,90627,925-153,831
1984227,70833,400-261,108
1985166,16513,649-179,814
1986187,6494,479-192,128
1987136,753-1,007137,760
198890,655-5,62096,275
1989103,554-7,185110,739
199077,810-5,27983,089
199192,306-8,532100,838
199266,191-3,81670,007
Total1,417,021119,19731,4391,567,657

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Camaro</span> Muscle car manufactured by Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid-size American automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, classified as a pony car. It first went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang. The Camaro shared its platform and major components with the Firebird, produced by General Motors' Pontiac division that was also introduced for the 1967 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Chevelle</span> Mid-sized automobile

The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized automobile that was produced by Chevrolet in three generations for the 1964 through 1977 model years. Part of the General Motors (GM) A-body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet's most successful nameplates. Body styles included coupes, sedans, convertibles, and station wagons. The "Super Sport" versions were produced through the 1973 model year and Lagunas from 1973 through to 1976.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Firebird</span> Car model

The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM's Chevrolet division's platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford's upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. The name "Firebird" was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Caprice</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 through 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965, with over a million units sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 1960s and early 1970s, which, during its production, included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Bonneville</span> Motor vehicle

The Pontiac Bonneville is a model line of full-size or mid-size front-engine rear drive cars manufactured and marketed by Pontiac from 1957 until 2005, with a hiatus for model years 1982-1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet El Camino</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet El Camino is a coupé utility vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet between 1959–1960 and 1964–1987. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the El Camino was adapted from the standard two-door Chevrolet station wagon platform and integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet small-block engine (first- and second-generation)</span> Car engine

The Chevrolet small-block engine is a series of gasoline-powered V8 automobile engines, produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors between 1954 and 2003, using the same basic engine block. Referred to as a "small-block" for its size relative to the physically much larger Chevrolet big-block engines, the small-block family spanned from 262 cu in (4.3 L) to 400 cu in (6.6 L) in displacement. Engineer Ed Cole is credited with leading the design for this engine. The engine block and cylinder heads were cast at Saginaw Metal Casting Operations in Saginaw, Michigan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Monza</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Monza is a subcompact automobile produced by Chevrolet for the 1975 through 1980 model years. The Monza is based on the Chevrolet Vega, sharing its wheelbase, width, and standard inline-four engine. The car was designed to accommodate the GM-Wankel rotary engine, but due to mediocre fuel economy and emissions-compliance issues the engine was cancelled, and a V8 engine option was substituted. The Monza name has also been used for several other cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oldsmobile 442</span> Motor vehicle

The Oldsmobile 4-4-2 is a muscle car produced by Oldsmobile between the 1964 and 1987 model years. Introduced as an option package for US-sold F-85 and Cutlass models, it became a model in its own right from 1968 to 1971, spawned the Hurst/Olds in 1968, then reverted to an option through the mid-1970s. The name was revived in the 1980s on the rear-wheel drive Cutlass Supreme and early 1990s as an option package for the new front-wheel drive Cutlass Calais.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Malibu</span> American mid-sized car

The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that was manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and from 1997 to 2024. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel drive intermediate, GM revived the Malibu nameplate as a front-wheel-drive car in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Chevy II / Nova</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova is a small automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, and produced in five generations for the 1962 through 1979, and 1985 through 1988 model years. Built on the X-body platform, the Nova was the top selling model in the Chevy II lineup through 1968. The Chevy II nameplate was dropped after 1968, with Nova becoming the nameplate for all of the 1969 through 1979 models. It was replaced by the 1980 Chevrolet Citation introduced in the spring of 1979. The Nova nameplate returned in 1985, produced through 1988 as a S-car based, NUMMI manufactured, subcompact based on the front wheel drive, Japan home-based Toyota Sprinter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Monte Carlo</span> Two-door coupe manufactured by General Motors

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a two-door coupe that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. Deriving its name from the city in Monaco, the Monte Carlo was marketed as the first personal luxury car of the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1970 model year, the model line was produced across six generations through the 2007 model year, with a hiatus from 1989 until 1994. The Monte Carlo was a variant of the Pontiac Grand Prix throughout its production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Camaro (fifth generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro is a pony car that was manufactured by American automobile manufacturer Chevrolet from 2010 to 2015 model years. It is the fifth distinct generation of the muscle/pony car to be produced since its original introduction in 1967. Production of the fifth generation model began on March 16, 2009 after several years on hiatus since the previous generation's production ended in 2002 and went on sale to the public in April 2009 for the 2010 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Camaro (fourth generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro is a pony car that was produced by American automobile manufacturer General Motors for the 1993 through 2002 model years. It was introduced on an updated F-body platform but retained the same characteristic since the first-generation's introduction back in 1967: two doors, coupe or convertible bodystyles, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of 6-cylinder and V8 engines. The Camaro was revised in 1998 with both exterior and engine changes. General Motors discontinued production of the fourth generation of the Camaro due to slow sales, a deteriorated sports coupé market, and plant overcapacity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Camaro (second generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The second-generation Chevrolet Camaro is an American pony car produced by Chevrolet from 1970 through the 1981 model years. It was introduced in the spring of 1970. Build information for model 123-12487 was released to the assembly plants in February of that same year. It was longer, lower, and wider than the first generation Camaro. A convertible was no longer available. GM engineers have said the second generation is much more of "a driver's car" than its predecessor. The high-performance Z/28 option remained available through 1975, redesignated as the Z28 in 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Camaro (first generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro is an American pony car introduced by Chevrolet in the fall of 1966 for the 1967 model year. It used a brand-new rear-wheel-drive GM F-body platform and was available as a 2-door, 2+2 seat, hardtop, and convertible. The F-body was shared with the Pontiac Firebird for all generations. A 230 cu in Chevrolet straight-6 was standard, with several Chevy V8s available as options. The first-generation Camaro was built through the 1969 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Firebird (third generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The third generation Pontiac Firebird was introduced in late 1981 by Pontiac alongside its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro for the 1982 model year. These were also the first Firebirds with factory fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmissions, five-speed manual transmissions, four-cylinder engines, 16-inch wheels, and hatchback bodies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet 90° V6 engine</span> Former American engine

The Chevrolet 90° V6 family of V6 engines began in 1978 with the Chevrolet 200 cu in (3.3 L) as the base engine for the all new 1978 Chevrolet Malibu. The original engine family was phased out in early 2014, with its final use as the 4.3 L (262 cu in) V6 engine used in Chevrolet and GMC trucks and vans. Its phaseout marks the end of an era of Chevrolet small-block engine designs dating back to the 1955 model year. A new Generation V 4.3 L (262 cu in) V6 variant entered production in late 2013, based on the LT1 small block V8 and first used in the 2014 Silverado/Sierra 1500 trucks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Firebird (second generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The second generation Pontiac Firebird was introduced in early 1970 by Pontiac for the 1970 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro is an American pony car. Produced by automobile manufacturer Chevrolet, it was first introduced to the public on May 16, 2015. Sales started in 2015 for the 2016 model year. The Camaro now utilizes the GM Alpha platform shared with the Cadillac ATS and CTS and features MacPherson struts in front, rather than the former multi-link setup. General Motors claims that 70 percent of architectural components in the new Camaro are unique to the car.

References

  1. "Jerry Palmer – GM/Chevrolet – 2000 Corvette Hall of Fame – National Corvette Museum". corvettemuseum.org. September 2000.
  2. Witzenburg, Gary (October 31, 2011). "Chevrolet Camaro: From challenger to champion". Automotive News. Crain Communications Inc. Archived from the original on 2019-03-27.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Data". Carfolio. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Data". Carfolio. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "1988 Chevrolet Camaro Data". Carfolio. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "1990 Chevrolet Camaro Data". Carfolio. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Data". Carfolio. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  8. "1982 Camaro". camaro3rdgen. Archived from the original on 2011-04-15. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
  9. Renaux, Jean-Jacques (1983-11-24). "Gedetailleerde Test: Chevrolet Camaro Z28E" [Detailed Test: Chevrolet Camaro Z28E]. De AutoGids (in Dutch). 4 (109). Brussels, Belgium: Uitgeverij Auto-Magazine: 40.
  10. 1 2 Renaux, p. 32
  11. Renaux, p. 33
  12. "GM EFI'S Guide to the 3rd-Gen Chevrolet Camaro - GM EFI Magazine". 10 March 2016.
  13. Hutton, Ray, ed. (1982-06-05). "US cars return". Autocar. Vol. 156, no. 4459. IPC Business Press. p. 3.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Antonick, Mike (2004). The Camaro White Book. Motorbooks. ISBN   978-0-7603-1879-9.
  15. Dunton, Pete (14 April 2012). "11984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 L69 - Who Says You Can't Go Home Again?". Old Car Memories. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
  16. Camaro (1986 ed.). General Motors. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
  17. "17-Motor Trend Magazine, March 1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z". Archived from the original on 2011-02-11. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
  18. "Last1992Camaro.com".
  19. Flammang, James M. (1999). Standard catalog of American cars, 1976-1999. Ron Kowalke (3rd ed.). Iola, WI: Krause Publications. ISBN   0-87341-755-0. OCLC   43301709.