I owned a 1991 RS with a 305 TBI and automatic for many years until it finally conked out. It was bright red with t-tops and gray/black interior and eventually got upgrades to the exhaust, brakes and suspension plus subframe connectors welded in for local SCCA autocross events. The Crutchfield catalog provided aftermarket audio (CD and new speakers.) I miss it sometimes but by the time it was sold there was significant rust in the front fenders with some starting in the rear quarters and around the tops. It was as run-of-the-mill as a Camaro could be but to me it was special. One silly but fond memory is that I made sure when the odometer rolled over 100,000 miles the car was going 100 mph. I did it late one night on an open and low-traffic road. Later I owned 2001 Z28 Convertible with Hurst short-throw six speed, white with black leather interior. I ordered it through a dealership built just like I wanted. Much more powerful but not as reliable and I'll always swear the third generation cars handled better. It's gone now too. Enjoyed the video, lot of good information!
I currently have a 1985 no t top z28 with a numbers matching carbed 305 and a 700r4 that I daily every other week... it Is still the factory dull sunshine(??) yellow with original grey ground effects around it... and when I was 18 years old I had an 89 firebird formula that had the 305 tbi and 700r4 that did have non leaking t tops... was the maroonish red with GREY "ground effect" paint.. man I miss that car... tis why I ended up with the Golden turd... LOL.
Great video by the way, I feel exactly the same way about the 1990 IROC dash. I was never a big fan of the yellow either or IROC wheels/taillights on 82-84 models, I remember seeing it all the time back when these were newer.
Great Video! Great research and great presentation! 1985 in Canada does have a 3rd brake light - 1 year only as well as it's the only year it's inside at top of hatch glass... in '86 USA should've adopted the '85 Canadian version... looks way better than 'the brick' at the top of the glass. You're right on the '85-'87 IROC wheels and then '88-'90 IROC wheels. As well when they moved the IROC decal to back of door in '88 they flipped the black and accent colour of the striping in terms of which is top and which is bottom. Also in '88 all the interior switches changed to yellow from white images on them.
I've had 3rd gens in my family/life since 83'. I've had a 91' Z28 1LE since 93'. It's also rpo R7U. 1 of 97. Drove it today in fact. Everyone sez says: "Oh I saw you driving your Firebird (or Trans Am) today." This summer i had some young kids ask me if it was a Ferrari. lol (it's red)
I have an 84 z28 being put back together with my dad and I. did they ever have racing strips or no? Debating on whether to keep it looks wise original to what was possible in 84 or costume, or lastly original with modern flair. Kinda like red with black racing stripes or green or lime green with black racing stripes.
@@vitiate5093 the only stripes they had were above the ground effects like you can find in Google images and they had a semi flat black on the hood scoops and headlight buckets, that being said, that's how they look from the factory, if that's the look you like, do it that way but I'm not against making it more of a personal, custom look ether. I'd do what makes you happy man, whatever you do, make sure you enjoy the car and the time you're spending with your dad putting it together 👍
@@UsefulEntertainment thanks man! I am got a r700r4 tranny with manual vale body covers on it, a roll cage,383 stroker with 500 horses, and we’re going to weld 2 extra supports to the roll cage. Thanks man! Kinda like the black with gold ground effects
You can tell an 88 IROC from an 89 by looking at the rear seat area. 1989 was the first year for rear shoulder belts, 1988’s did not have them. Also 1982 Z28 rear bumper emblem didn’t have a bowtie attached to the Z28. 1983 and after did have a bowtie attached to it. I owned an 82 back in the 80’s and own two IROCS today.
you said twice in the first 2 minutes that iroc was from 85-89 but that is wrong, iroc went from 85-90. i did see you talked about the 90 model later. you are correct on the wheels, they changed in 88, i think the wheels on the 89 were only 16x7 and not 16x8. i could be wrong on the wheel size tho. also the gold and black pin stripping flipped in 88. if i remeber correctly the badge on the 86 ground effects was a z28 badge and on the 88 it was an iroc badge. my brother had an 86 and i had an 88 and a 90
I had an 83. It had an 87 bumper/nose cover and ground effects. Had the 84 zebra seats...in brown (still cant find photos of them) Also had the 15 inch slot rims from a Trans Am. Painted in body color (burgundy), and the ground effects and spoiler were black. Also had an unoptanium rear spoiler with third brake light...but is had a raise where the light was. It had a GM part number, but I have never seen any other car with that spoiler. Also had Cragar louvers. It was a hot car. Who cares it had a salvage title or that it was a carbed 305. It was cool. One day, I will rebuild one just like it. Today though, like literally, just bought an 85 Trans Am. 350 with a cam, headers, t tops and a stick. For 500 bucks.
Good video. You didn't mention the custom embroidered Camaro interior the fact that 1985 was the last year for the square shift knob, it went to a round knob on the automatic transmissions after 85, there's actually 70 changes between 85 and 86 And then there's the automatic deck lid closer. In nineteen eighty nine
Awesome video my dad had an 89 iroc new fully loaded optioned with the 5.7 liter tuned port injection and I remember it had power seat automatic trunk pull down cruise control and you had to use the door key to unlock the T tops plus it had a coded resister on the key for the ignition he eventually traded it for a new 93 T bird
Only thing I noticed you left out was when they dropped the Z28 name on the IROC-Z in 89. Instead of the ground effects saying Z-28 they said IROC-Z. Might have been 88 though sorry for not knowing for sure on the year. And the Z28 package continued from 85-87 with that two tone but the lower color matched the interior color . 85-86 Z28’s for sure had some stripes above the ground effect (I have an 85 and 86) maybe the 87 Z28’s did too? But you did a pretty good job on the break downs year by year man. 👏
The '87 Z28 did have striping above the rocker panels but it was a much thicker taller stripe unique to 1987. Also fewer colors on the '87 striping, unlike '85 & '86 there were two shades of silver/grey, two different shades of red, three different shades of blue, and two different shades of gold. Like you said all dependent upon interior color.
I have a mint condition 1982 red Z28 with the silver trim on the bottom I love it but I had to replace the motor but it’s built with a cam and headers and dual exhaust with flow master 10’s put on just behind the rear axle it’s a roaring beast and fast and loud
I could be wrong, but i thought 89 was first year for body color headlight buckets too. I've had my 89 RS for 27yrs now and was my first car. And yup all show and no go until now, I've just put an LS in :)
I dont know if it's different or it maybe was an option, but it seems like the trim piece that goes from behind the door to the front fender and across the door on 88s and 89s seems like it was maybe on one of the years but not the other. But I've seen pictures of both years with the trim piece and without.
I have an 88 iroc, t5, swapped to a 350 bore .30 over, mild cam, 3" exhaust from headers, factory 4 wheel disc brakes, no t tops, g92 npo I get compliments on the car from all ages and ranges of people. Even with a worn out paint and interior is ok, compliments all the time.ill never leave it
Sweet education man, u know alot about 3rd generation, me old ass like them 60s and 70s, some 80s, kinda in my Era,had me a 78 and a 79 back in the mid 90s, Lotta fun, really enjoyed the vid man🤘
My uncle had 82 to 84 ish and it was brown with dark brown ground effects. I've only seen one other same color. Was a stick shift. We did doughnuts the posi worked great.
My 85 Z28 had the Iroc taillights stock. The 82-84 had the speedo with the dual pointer. 85 and up had the single pointer. The 84 and 84 Z28 had the gradient stripes on top of the ground effects. My 1985 also had carpet all over the trunk area and had the upper console with the flashlight, map light, and manual trip/counter. Man I screwed up getting rid of that car. Oh, and I had a GTA notchback hatch on it.
FYI my 84' came with the Charcoal bottom Aero skirts, unlike all of the others that were silver. I thought the code was 15 for the body color, but not sure if is the 15E or 15W for the Platinum Silver If I get to storage, I'll get the trim codes
Nice video, my 84 z28 ho is the Matrix3 convertible conversion (4 seater with power top). I saw the zebra seat cover replacements on one of the Camaro resto sites, can’t remember which one and it was awhile ago. I had no idea they were 84 only. I think some of the later z28s that weren’t IROCs got the silver ground effects.
Awsome video dude definitely learned a couple things n agree with most of what u said,1 thing u coulda included though was the rocker panel n bumper emblem pkg,Iroc-Z 88-90,Z28 85-87 91-92,TPI,B4Z etc.
8:50... I have a black 86 autoform z28 roadster. About 600 or so were converted. Great video in identifying the 3rd gen years. I expected you to skip over the autoform camaros🤙
Lol nope, i like those. Glad to hear from somebody that has one. Your car would have the 86 specific seats and door panels like the interior shot in this video.
Its when the cars first came out and they were seen as futuristic. They were kind of marketed that way too. If you google the term starship camaro, you'll see what i mean.
@@wildreg did you find it? The song was made in 84 but it was never released but it was featured in a shltty B film in 87 called summer camp nightmare. The movie is on RUclips, thats how i found it. I just had to do some google reading to find out what it was.
I have the exact '84 Z28 as in the video clip at the end; zebra seats and all (didn't know they were one year only!). Was originally looking for an 87-'89 Iroc but this Z28 came up for the right price with a 5 speed and t-tops. Grew to like the more angular nose and silver ground effects better in the long run. Only thing I don't like is the dummy hood scoops.
Same here, all through the 80s I drove a Z28 or T/A unit the 4th gen came out so I moved on to those. 11 years ago I decided I would look for an Iroc and came across a 1984 Z28 H.O. with custom cloth interior and bought it, I'm glad I did. I had an 83 awhile ago so I was already familiar with it.
I watched the whole video but I’m still confused about the side molding. Which cars had the side molding on the door front fender and a little bit of the rear clip ? Please explain .
Not the ground effects. The molding in the middle of the door it is in three pieces. The door, the front fender and the rest clip. Some cars have it and some cars don’t . Look at the berlinetta doors.
After 1987, they dropped the _"entry level"_ Z28 and only went with the IROC as the Z28 choice until the contract between the International Race of Champions and GM was not renewed after 1990... Then just the regular Z28 returned, more or less sporting the IROC solid color scheme (minus the decal), and the large rear spoiler, as opposed to the old spoiler and the dual toned colors featured in the early 80s... The 305 HO was an option in the RS in 1989, although I'm not sure the 305 TPI was...
The differences in the 1988-89 involve options available and engines available…externally they are exact. 1990 was the last year for the IROC but the best engines had corvette HP….1991-92 was back to the Z28 and RS body styling
I can add a multitude of facts but will start with only a few off the top of my head. The CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop Light) as GM called it, on the leading edge of the rear hatch glass was used in 1986 AND 1987 but only on Sport Coupes without the optional rear spoiler. So very few made this way. Maybe you should have mentioned for 1985 - 87, the IROC-Z was an optional handling and appearance package on the Z28 and both were available for these three years. The angled stitching interior seats on the 87 was an option on all Camaros, not just the IROC-Z as you mentioned. It was called the Custom Interior and was also available in leather in all colors (gray, red & camel) but not black. ASC became the official convertible conversion company for Camaros and Firebirds beginning in 1987. There were a number of these built in 1986 also, but not an official offering from GM. The 1987 Camaro convertible was given the "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" designation and came with a passenger side mounted map pocket (similar to Firdbirds) with the 20th logo. GM planned on making around 5,000 units but mass production difficulties resulted in a late model year release and only 263 Sport Coupe (including the one year only LT) and 744 Z28 convertibles (including IROC-Z) were produced considering a total 1987 Camaro production of 137,760 makes the convertible super rare. It also has a one-year only CHMSL design, not the fluss 13" wide, 5-halogen bulb seen on all other Camaros. Instead, it uses only two 916 incandescent bulbs and is NOT directly attached to the spoiler itself. Instead, it bolts to a bracket that bolts to the deck lid, in essence making it "float" on the spoiler. Yep, very strange. Beginning on the 1987 Z28, you could mate the 5-speed manual trans to the 305 TPI. So there were four available drivetrain combos: 305 carb / Auto, 305 carb / 5-speed, 305 TPI / Auto & 305 TPI / 5-speed. The 350 TPI / Auto was also an option but only on the IROC-Z option. Now here's where all this gets weird >> The Z28 convertible did not have four drivetrain options, only the 305 carb / Auto and the 305 TPI / 5-speed. I never found out the reason. I have a ton of info specifically for the 87 as I have owned 12 of them over the years, including one I still own today (2025). It is a Z28 convertible, TPI / 5-speed, 1SC option package (all options) with the original window sticker. It is all original including the cloth top and the engine has never been out of the car.
89's got updated aluminum rear disc brakes, instead of the old weird opposite sided iron rear disc calipers. The 82-88 rear brakes, on the driver's side the caliper is towards the rear of the car, and the passenger side it's towards the front of the car... so they could use the same casting for both sides. I just know because I thought it was friggin weird. But it's the only way I know of to tell an 88 from an 89.
I owned a 87 z28. It had the iroc taillights in it from factory. The only thing that differed it from the iroc was the 15inch wheels, the two tone paint, and the rear drum breaks. But it was a z28 with block taillights. The old z28 light stayed the camero but the z28 got the block taillights.
@@UsefulEntertainment yeah now that you mention it, they do have that look. I always liked them I guess bc it was made to resemble the sticker taillights on the race cars. Of all the cars I've had I miss that car the most for sure. It was Banana yellow with silver bottom. Had the black interior with the single camero stitched in the front seats. I still remember the first time I floored it on the interstate after I bought it. The lady that had it b4 me took the 305 out and put a 30 over bore 350 in. Was doing bout 65, it squat down in the ass when it down shifted and took off. I felt it shit and thought it went into overdrive, that is until it shift Into overdrive at 120. Had 145 on the speedometer and would bury it. Miss that car.
@@charlesgreer7245 lol fun cars for sure, i like that color combo. the one i have has a newer 350 in it but its basically a truck motor. its not fast but it is fun. in fact, check out the video i just put up 20 minutes ago.
Also I have a 1984 camaro I think but my vin number says it’s a 1985 and the transmission is a 5 speed . I thought you said that it only came in a 3 speed.
Cool video !! I got a 92 Z28 and yeah i guess I'm that old man now. I remember when the 91 to 92 Z28 came out we weren't crazy about the high spoiler but now that i own one now it's kinda grown on me.I still wish i could find a 85 to 89 iroc but there hard to find around here unless you got money so thats why i grabbed the 92 Z28 when i found it and i do love the car .
I'm happy I have the 25th Anniversary Z too. Only thing I miss about the earlier ones is the steering wheels. These have the same steering wheel that my 95 Z-28 had. Not a fan of it in this 3rd Gen. But didn't even realize there a different cluster, it's been a long long time since my first car out an 86 Camaro to recall that difference. And I'm not big on the flat wheels either too... but with some other wheels, can look amassing to go with the unique ground effects, spoiler, and blisters. End of the day, I damn happy to have the very unique and rare 92 Z.
Cool video man! I know a lot about cars but you taught me quite a few things. I had seven different second generation Camaros in my youth from about 1990-2000 or so. Could buy them complete and in decent shape except for mechanical issues for $200-$500 including three or four Z28's and even a 1971 Ram Air Formula Firebird. Anyway I can tell every year of the second generation and the first gen is super easy but I don't know that much about the third. The 1987 Convertible was a very low production run from what I can remember and a local doctor had one where I live but I didn't know about the one's like your aunt had. Anyway I enjoy learning stuff like this, very cool.
Another difference between 86 and 87....the automatic shifter knob went from a round stitched baseball looking thing, to a square knob with a square button inset in it. Chevy used this same shifter knob all the way up until 2005 in the C5 Corvette.
Greeting from Germany… super Video … … I have an 86 IROC …. , with the ugly Breaklight in back .., hehehe … for me not ugly … is ok … The 5.0 TPI is in the junkyard … is still a 383 inside ., better for highspeed on German highway .. yeahhhhh…
I'm glad youtube suggested this Video, informative & entertaining. Thanks for the effort man. 👍🏻 I 100% agree on the RS era ground effects!! It looked ok, but I couldn't quite put it into words why it looked... odd. PS. You're wrong about the 1990 Dash on the Iroc. It's not perfect, but it was refreshing in a sea of round instrument gauges with bouncing needles. 😅 Steering wheel is Shit tho.. I'll give ya that.
I have an 83 with the zebra stripe seats you said you liked. They don’t match my interior, the rest is tan and the seats are blue/purple. I don’t like them and want different seats. Wanna trade??
Late to the party, but not all 84 hoods with non operational louver flaps were steel. Many were still fiberglass. I loved this hood style over all. Louvered Z or IROCs nah.. Power blister 91-2 Zs? Nah. I chose the fiberglass '84. For my 91 RS.. it fits best with the inset "vents" of the ground effects better.. Also your opinion on the dash of the 90-92 is flat wrong. As an Xer that dash cluster was the first to look like something other than what my boomer Mom and dad drove.. it was very modern in its day. Another of your opinions that are wrong is on the high rise spoiler of the 91-92 Zs.. Literally. Seeing a a black 91 Z28 roll up at our cruise spot with it's driving lights on and tinted windows marked the moment from me not giving an F about cars or getting my license, to dying to get my license, and building many many cars and restoring many famous race cars.. So your opinions are objectively wrong.. Lol Cheers..
listen, I hear what you are saying, and i see what you are saying from your point of view, after analyzing the information from my point of view... Since i have a bigger platform and voice,,, my opinions are objectively correct... on a side note, ill bet that early Z hood looks good on your 91, BUT, ill bet thats probably your cars best quality. Cheers mate. 😘😘😘
@@UsefulEntertainment lmao! Fair enough! The best quality actually is the Vortec headed cammed and warmed over 350 with modded factory TBI to 830cfm and home burnt EPROM doing a bit over 370hp rwhp with ALL factory components and emissions in place..the hoods cool too though cheers! 😘
Personally nothing can beat my red iroc but that’s because it’s mine and your z28 is yours and your rs is yours we all have different tastes and things we like about our Camaros but they are Camaros so let’s bond over the things that are similar
I have a 83 berlinetta came with a 6 cyl too😂 I’ve v8 swapped it and now I’m throwing on 91 i roc ground effects and bumpers. Put in full black leather sporty interior it’s still a berlinetta! I’m not saying it’s an I roc I just wanted the body kit since I’ve built the car from the ground up
Gimme an 86 or 87 IROC, T-Tops, 350 TPI, T-56 swap, earlier IROC wheels, pale yellow, grey interior. The yellow grew on me. That's the way I'd have it now. I had an 83 Z28 carbureted, and a 92 RS 25th, red with black stripes, body matching wheels (hated those wheels because there was no dish and front and rear could not swap due to offset.
Imo i like the 84s the best. Its the year they really worked the bugs out of the new generation and its the last year before they updated the look of the car.
There were 15" IROC wheels in 1990. The CHMSL was in the spoiler from '87 to '90. Then back inside the hatch glass for '91 & '92. If I had a choice, it'd be the spoiler mounted ones. The inside glass ones restricted rear viewing. Only issue with the '87 to '90 spoiler CHMSL was the "arm & a leg" price of the bulbs. Damn ridiculous $
i bought my 89 camaro in 99 as my first car, when we got it home we noticed 3-4 of the third brake lights were out. My father sent me in town with a $20 to get them while he started going over some other stuff in the car. i had to come back to get more money for the lights and he didnt believe me. He about hit the roof when the parts guy told him the price hahaha.
85-90 had the revised front bumper differences between the 82-84 Z28 front bumper. Most of this I’ve known since I grew up with these cars and father had two of them and some friends had them… (cost there parents co- signed) lucky bastards.and this (RS era ) you told about began in the 91- 92 model years after the IROC was discontinued after the 90 model year. They brought back the Z28 model. Since dodge was using the IROC name.
Professor Marty presenting, college shop course knowledge! '86 third break light: "...This ugly bl-bl thing...very disturbing. You can tell it was an afterthought..." Yes! Big like!
This was more about the fourth generation Camaro. I was told that was a really supposed to debut in 1992 to celebrate the Camaros 25th anniversary but what happened was the economy was really really bad. Early 90s so got pushed to the 1993 year because I was told that happened with the Corvette when they style at 97 was supposed to come out 93 to celebrate the Corvette 40th anniversary but I got pushed back to 1997.
NOTE: Do not be fooled if the hoods vents do not open. The base engine for a Z28 was the 4 barrel carbureted V8 while the CFI was the optional engine. The hoods were fiberglass on both for reference just as you said. Talk about engines or not the HP for the base was only 145 and the CFI respectably 165, and this was MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR 1982. For handling of course. :) I owned fromg new off the show room floor a 1982 z28 red with silver velour int. I was 18 yrs old with my first full time job after graduating HS in May of '82. It was sitting in my garage November 2nd, 1982 in a rain storm for a week after I got it. I have a full story I wrote out but I dont think anyone cares. LOL The readable UP/DN buttons for the windows would wear and or wipe off. It could literally wipe off and smear with a wet damp cloth esp if it had windex or any armor all on it. Same for the dash board writing. wiper stalk and door locks were all fine, held up to my 9 years of ownership. I am a particular guy thos with OCD. I replaced my window buttons after a couple of years then was very careful how I handled them. Good video, hard work went into it I can tell.
Nah man I really dig old stories from when these cars were in their prime. I didn't know some steel hoods came on 82-83 zs, that's interesting. Appreciate the feedback tho, most people just cry in the comments...
@@UsefulEntertainment haha, awe man, lotta whiners in comments. I did not mean to confuse you, ALL the hoods are fiberglass for 1982 and 83 just as you said. I was just saying that not all z28s came with cross fire with the moving vents. The base engine was the 4barrel V8 and the vents ofc do not move. As a part of my story I will write soon, mine did not have the cross fire. The way it was bought and my age ...well hell, I will shoot a rundown of my life living in the 80s and getting a new 1982 z28 at age 18.
@@bobcook8576 I love that and yes, that is what I had except an Automatic. I wish I had a manual about a year after owning it. I loved the car tho, even with the sad 145hp. It felt fast, sounded fast and I was young. lol I left my car in gear once picking up a date. I got out to open her door and my car moved forward a tad and bumped the rear of her brothers car. I got me a small gash in the fiberglass hood. Was not too bad. Upset me tho. :)
@6.2ltrv85 yep, same here. I broke several ring and pinions hammering that 4 speed with a gutless 305. Replaced the engine with a summit racing 350 325 hp set up. I had a th350 built with a 2800 stall converter and punished her even more. I proceeded to crack the passenger side roof weld at the windshield pillar. Good times.
Bottom trim on my 1982 Z28 was gold not silver, the car was black and it had t-bar roof 305 4 barrel 4 speed standard transmission 3:23 rear end gears you need to do better research and I did buy new from GM. I LOVED THE CAR I charged the engine to a 350 it had 350 hp 400 torque and put a t-10 4 speed transmission.
most z28s came with silver ground effects , yes some come with gold but it was a minority. excuse me if i forgot to add that into the mix. also, the video is already 30 minutes long, there is going to be stuff left out. i have a disclaimer in the beginning of the video stating that i will not be talking about engines, performance packages or rpo codes. your telling me i need to do better research, as to what, the video is titled How To Tell The Difference Between All 3rd Gen Camaros and the video only serves 1 purpose, how to identify any year 3rd gen by looking at key details that changed every year and the video does just that. the fact that your car had gold ground effects does not tell a person what year the car is, it could be an 82, it could be an 83, or an 84. just an fyi, the only reason i did research before making this video was to confirm what i already knew on these cars, i just wanted to make sure so i didnt spread false information. So once again, what better research am I supposed to do? genuinely curious.
So for 91-92 the RS was the base model. They were wither Z-28 or RS. Externally they looked the same except for the hood and the spoiler. Interior was identical excpet the badge on the dash. I have a 92 RS with a 305 and 700r4 F40 suspension ( Z-28 suspension). If i changed the hood, badges, and spolier it would be a Z-28. You would be suprised alot of the RS are actaully V8's.
I would be willing to do "bad things" to obtain a Black on Black 1994 25th Anniversary 5-speed manual transmission Z-28 Camero with the T-Top option. As long as I can get the GPS "AEROLENSE" (Aerodynamic Headlight and Taillight Lenses) in Black!
I don't know if anybody had already said it or not I haven't went through all the comments but I was just going to mention don't forget about the LT trim.
Never liked the taillights on any interaction of this gen. Best thing to do was to go for an aftermarket smoked set. They make black light covers for them but never liked those. Light Smoked set is best
The reason why the 1991 and 92 Camaro changed because the license on the iRock ran out with Chevrolet. That’s why the 91 and 92 look like that they reached out at 93.
Now the RUclips algorithm has proven it's worth. They need to show this video to kids at school.
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Y E S
I loved the commentary, "Don't do dat to a z28" lol
Lol, my accent has evolved into a mix of Brooklyn, Ebonics and hillbilly.
I had a 1984 Z28. Black with silver ground effects and the red,two toned stripes above the ground effects. Absolutely gorgeous car. 305 ho 4 barrel
@@keithcranford-n6g one of my dream cars!
the "old person trying to fit in with the young crowd's style" bit had me laughing. Awesome video and the humor
Glad you like the show, i keep it a little less professional than the rest.
Should see me doing the running man last week at the club.
Very good - I have a 85 white IROC w/ t-tops still original
That's like a unicorn these days
I owned a 1991 RS with a 305 TBI and automatic for many years until it finally conked out. It was bright red with t-tops and gray/black interior and eventually got upgrades to the exhaust, brakes and suspension plus subframe connectors welded in for local SCCA autocross events. The Crutchfield catalog provided aftermarket audio (CD and new speakers.) I miss it sometimes but by the time it was sold there was significant rust in the front fenders with some starting in the rear quarters and around the tops. It was as run-of-the-mill as a Camaro could be but to me it was special. One silly but fond memory is that I made sure when the odometer rolled over 100,000 miles the car was going 100 mph. I did it late one night on an open and low-traffic road. Later I owned 2001 Z28 Convertible with Hurst short-throw six speed, white with black leather interior. I ordered it through a dealership built just like I wanted. Much more powerful but not as reliable and I'll always swear the third generation cars handled better. It's gone now too. Enjoyed the video, lot of good information!
I currently have a 1985 no t top z28 with a numbers matching carbed 305 and a 700r4 that I daily every other week... it Is still the factory dull sunshine(??) yellow with original grey ground effects around it... and when I was 18 years old I had an 89 firebird formula that had the 305 tbi and 700r4 that did have non leaking t tops... was the maroonish red with GREY "ground effect" paint.. man I miss that car... tis why I ended up with the Golden turd... LOL.
I 100% agree EXACTLY with your comments on the car needing that rear spoiler. LOL.!!!
Got an 82 z28 with a 4 speed manual and an 88 rs with 5 speed manual v6
hellyea
Great video by the way, I feel exactly the same way about the 1990 IROC dash. I was never a big fan of the yellow either or IROC wheels/taillights on 82-84 models, I remember seeing it all the time back when these were newer.
The yellow dash was way better.
mine didn't come with functional hood flaps(1983 z28 305)
92 Z28 Plum/Purple Haze with racing silvery white stripes and peanut butter 🥜leather interior w/ T tops is my favorite 🤌
Interesting color combination. I have seen one like that but it wasn't an anniversary car.
Great Video! Great research and great presentation! 1985 in Canada does have a 3rd brake light - 1 year only as well as it's the only year it's inside at top of hatch glass... in '86 USA should've adopted the '85 Canadian version... looks way better than 'the brick' at the top of the glass. You're right on the '85-'87 IROC wheels and then '88-'90 IROC wheels. As well when they moved the IROC decal to back of door in '88 they flipped the black and accent colour of the striping in terms of which is top and which is bottom. Also in '88 all the interior switches changed to yellow from white images on them.
I've had 3rd gens in my family/life since 83'. I've had a 91' Z28 1LE since 93'. It's also rpo R7U. 1 of 97. Drove it today in fact.
Everyone sez says: "Oh I saw you driving your Firebird (or Trans Am) today." This summer i had some young kids ask me if it was a Ferrari. lol (it's red)
Those rear spoilers on the 91-92s remind me of a shopping cart.
Really nice in depth explanation! Watched because I know alot about these different year changes on the firebird, but not for the camaro.
The different color ground effects are a MUST HAVE.!!! When the entire car is the same color it doesn't look as good.
I have an 84 z28 being put back together with my dad and I. did they ever have racing strips or no?
Debating on whether to keep it looks wise original to what was possible in 84 or costume, or lastly original with modern flair. Kinda like red with black racing stripes or green or lime green with black racing stripes.
@@vitiate5093 the only stripes they had were above the ground effects like you can find in Google images and they had a semi flat black on the hood scoops and headlight buckets, that being said, that's how they look from the factory, if that's the look you like, do it that way but I'm not against making it more of a personal, custom look ether.
I'd do what makes you happy man, whatever you do, make sure you enjoy the car and the time you're spending with your dad putting it together 👍
@@UsefulEntertainment thanks man! I am got a r700r4 tranny with manual vale body covers on it, a roll cage,383 stroker with 500 horses, and we’re going to weld 2 extra supports to the roll cage. Thanks man!
Kinda like the black with gold ground effects
I am kinda thinking the sharper angular 82-84 front ends were the best looking.
You can tell an 88 IROC from an 89 by looking at the rear seat area. 1989 was the first year for rear shoulder belts, 1988’s did not have them. Also 1982 Z28 rear bumper emblem didn’t have a bowtie attached to the Z28. 1983 and after did have a bowtie attached to it. I owned an 82 back in the 80’s and own two IROCS today.
Good info, i didn't know that.
88 - 90 had different IROC wheels also
You can look at the keys too. 89 was the first year of the chipped VATS key for the F-body.
Remember being a kid riding to grade school in moms berlinetta. Wasnt the berlinetta the inly.model that had the swivel stereo unit?
I think all 84-86 berlinettas got the swivel unit
you said twice in the first 2 minutes that iroc was from 85-89 but that is wrong, iroc went from 85-90. i did see you talked about the 90 model later. you are correct on the wheels, they changed in 88, i think the wheels on the 89 were only 16x7 and not 16x8. i could be wrong on the wheel size tho. also the gold and black pin stripping flipped in 88. if i remeber correctly the badge on the 86 ground effects was a z28 badge and on the 88 it was an iroc badge. my brother had an 86 and i had an 88 and a 90
I had an 83. It had an 87 bumper/nose cover and ground effects. Had the 84 zebra seats...in brown (still cant find photos of them)
Also had the 15 inch slot rims from a Trans Am. Painted in body color (burgundy), and the ground effects and spoiler were black.
Also had an unoptanium rear spoiler with third brake light...but is had a raise where the light was. It had a GM part number, but I have never seen any other car with that spoiler.
Also had Cragar louvers.
It was a hot car. Who cares it had a salvage title or that it was a carbed 305. It was cool. One day, I will rebuild one just like it. Today though, like literally, just bought an 85 Trans Am. 350 with a cam, headers, t tops and a stick. For 500 bucks.
Good video.
You didn't mention the custom embroidered Camaro interior the fact that 1985 was the last year for the square shift knob, it went to a round knob on the automatic transmissions after 85, there's actually 70 changes between 85 and 86 And then there's the automatic deck lid closer. In nineteen eighty nine
One quick bit of trivia. 1982 was the only year the Z28 nameplate on the rear bumper didn't have the bowtie emblem.
i did not know that, but now i do. thanks for that.
Awesome video my dad had an 89 iroc new fully loaded optioned with the 5.7 liter tuned port injection and I remember it had power seat automatic trunk pull down cruise control and you had to use the door key to unlock the T tops plus it had a coded resister on the key for the ignition he eventually traded it for a new 93 T bird
Nice, sounds like a pretty loaded car.
Wasn’t gold also a ground effect color for the 82-84 z28s?
Yes it was, I forgot to add that to the video.
Only thing I noticed you left out was when they dropped the Z28 name on the IROC-Z in 89. Instead of the ground effects saying Z-28 they said IROC-Z. Might have been 88 though sorry for not knowing for sure on the year. And the Z28 package continued from 85-87 with that two tone but the lower color matched the interior color . 85-86 Z28’s for sure had some stripes above the ground effect (I have an 85 and 86) maybe the 87 Z28’s did too? But you did a pretty good job on the break downs year by year man. 👏
The '87 Z28 did have striping above the rocker panels but it was a much thicker taller stripe unique to 1987. Also fewer colors on the '87 striping, unlike '85 & '86 there were two shades of silver/grey, two different shades of red, three different shades of blue, and two different shades of gold. Like you said all dependent upon interior color.
I have a mint condition 1982 red Z28 with the silver trim on the bottom I love it but I had to replace the motor but it’s built with a cam and headers and dual exhaust with flow master 10’s put on just behind the rear axle it’s a roaring beast and fast and loud
Great walk through Bro! Hey those custom convertibles are pretty cool though, new one on me, didn't even know that existed! Cool stuff!
Yup, they are pretty expensive too because of how little they made. Very interesting car for sure.
I could be wrong, but i thought 89 was first year for body color headlight buckets too. I've had my 89 RS for 27yrs now and was my first car. And yup all show and no go until now, I've just put an LS in :)
@@WinginItBuildinIt congrats on the LS swap.
Nahh, body color buckets has always been a thing other than iroc, Z28 and berlinetta.
I dont know if it's different or it maybe was an option, but it seems like the trim piece that goes from behind the door to the front fender and across the door on 88s and 89s seems like it was maybe on one of the years but not the other. But I've seen pictures of both years with the trim piece and without.
great video! 82-84 Z28 the side ground effect is an inch shorter. just a little tad bit of info some may not know.
Yes, i didnt think of that but your correct.
I have an 88 iroc, t5, swapped to a 350 bore .30 over, mild cam, 3" exhaust from headers, factory 4 wheel disc brakes, no t tops, g92 npo I get compliments on the car from all ages and ranges of people. Even with a worn out paint and interior is ok, compliments all the time.ill never leave it
Sweet education man, u know alot about 3rd generation, me old ass like them 60s and 70s, some 80s, kinda in my Era,had me a 78 and a 79 back in the mid 90s, Lotta fun, really enjoyed the vid man🤘
Not all Z-28's were silver on the bottom.. You could also get a black one with gold on the bottom.
Yep, i didnt think to add that to the video. Theres a lot i left out, just too much stuff to remember lol
Was just gonna say this my z28 was a white car with black wheels and black drop-down kit from factory
My uncle had 82 to 84 ish and it was brown with dark brown ground effects. I've only seen one other same color. Was a stick shift. We did doughnuts the posi worked great.
Homeboy knows what he's talking about 🎉
My 85 is black with gold trim
Only the 91-92 Z28 had the hi rise spoiler. The RS cars spolier was different. Also a 88 model Z28 spoiler is a one year only spoiler as well.
My 85 Z28 had the Iroc taillights stock. The 82-84 had the speedo with the dual pointer. 85 and up had the single pointer. The 84 and 84 Z28 had the gradient stripes on top of the ground effects.
My 1985 also had carpet all over the trunk area and had the upper console with the flashlight, map light, and manual trip/counter. Man I screwed up getting rid of that car. Oh, and I had a GTA notchback hatch on it.
FYI my 84' came with the Charcoal bottom Aero skirts, unlike all of the others that were silver.
I thought the code was 15 for the body color, but not sure if is the 15E or 15W for the Platinum Silver
If I get to storage, I'll get the trim codes
Yes ALL silver '84 Z28's got the charcoal rockers and wheels.
Nice video, my 84 z28 ho is the Matrix3 convertible conversion (4 seater with power top). I saw the zebra seat cover replacements on one of the Camaro resto sites, can’t remember which one and it was awhile ago. I had no idea they were 84 only.
I think some of the later z28s that weren’t IROCs got the silver ground effects.
Cool man, yeah the later z28s also had silver on the bottom too. I've noticed that each year gets its own seat fabric.
Awsome video dude definitely learned a couple things n agree with most of what u said,1 thing u coulda included though was the rocker panel n bumper emblem pkg,Iroc-Z 88-90,Z28 85-87 91-92,TPI,B4Z etc.
Thanks, the emblems are one thing that im not sure of what years got for specific changes.
My sister bought a Hunter Green 92 RS with a V-8 -5 speed -
It had T-Tops and this car had some get up and go !!!
like the info but you never covered the LT models. i have a 87 LT
Yea I guess I kinda forgot about them.
8:50... I have a black 86 autoform z28 roadster. About 600 or so were converted. Great video in identifying the 3rd gen years. I expected you to skip over the autoform camaros🤙
Lol nope, i like those. Glad to hear from somebody that has one. Your car would have the 86 specific seats and door panels like the interior shot in this video.
Curious, I have never heard the name "Star-ship" before for early 3rd gens, what is that referencing? Thanks.
Its when the cars first came out and they were seen as futuristic. They were kind of marketed that way too. If you google the term starship camaro, you'll see what i mean.
@useful entertainment what’s the name of the 1980’s song when your video ends I forgot the name of the artist?
Hi useful entertainment did you get my message about the song I forgot the name of the song and artist could you send me the link for it.
@@UsefulEntertainment thanks I really appreciate it
@@wildreg did you find it?
The song was made in 84 but it was never released but it was featured in a shltty B film in 87 called summer camp nightmare. The movie is on RUclips, thats how i found it. I just had to do some google reading to find out what it was.
@@UsefulEntertainment yes I did and thanks again for the name and title of the song
I have the exact '84 Z28 as in the video clip at the end; zebra seats and all (didn't know they were one year only!). Was originally looking for an 87-'89 Iroc but this Z28 came up for the right price with a 5 speed and t-tops. Grew to like the more angular nose and silver ground effects better in the long run. Only thing I don't like is the dummy hood scoops.
Same here, all through the 80s I drove a Z28 or T/A unit the 4th gen came out so I moved on to those. 11 years ago I decided I would look for an Iroc and came across a 1984 Z28 H.O. with custom cloth interior and bought it, I'm glad I did. I had an 83 awhile ago so I was already familiar with it.
I watched the whole video but I’m still confused about the side molding. Which cars had the side molding on the door front fender and a little bit of the rear clip ? Please explain .
If you are talking about ground effects, rhe z28s irocs and RS gets them.
Not the ground effects. The molding in the middle of the door it is in three pieces. The door, the front fender and the rest clip. Some cars have it and some cars don’t . Look at the berlinetta doors.
@@thecitriusinklinggames7532 ohh those are door guard strips, they were optional on all cars from 82-92
@@UsefulEntertainment Cool. Do I don’t need them. My Camaro is a z28 but I wanted an iroc . Now he is just a mutt
@@thecitriusinklinggames7532 LOL nah, a sport coupe is just a mutt. Z28s are pretty much at the top. Irocs aren't much better.
After 1987, they dropped the _"entry level"_ Z28 and only went with the IROC as the Z28 choice until the contract between the International Race of Champions and GM was not renewed after 1990... Then just the regular Z28 returned, more or less sporting the IROC solid color scheme (minus the decal), and the large rear spoiler, as opposed to the old spoiler and the dual toned colors featured in the early 80s... The 305 HO was an option in the RS in 1989, although I'm not sure the 305 TPI was...
"Your typical IROC" *looks identical to the IROC sitting in my driveway without an engine*
i come back to this video when looking at camaros on marketplace
The differences in the 1988-89 involve options available and engines available…externally they are exact.
1990 was the last year for the IROC but the best engines had corvette HP….1991-92 was back to the Z28 and RS body styling
I can add a multitude of facts but will start with only a few off the top of my head.
The CHMSL (Center High Mounted Stop Light) as GM called it, on the leading edge of the rear hatch glass was used in 1986 AND 1987 but only on Sport Coupes without the optional rear spoiler. So very few made this way.
Maybe you should have mentioned for 1985 - 87, the IROC-Z was an optional handling and appearance package on the Z28 and both were available for these three years.
The angled stitching interior seats on the 87 was an option on all Camaros, not just the IROC-Z as you mentioned. It was called the Custom Interior and was also available in leather in all colors (gray, red & camel) but not black.
ASC became the official convertible conversion company for Camaros and Firebirds beginning in 1987. There were a number of these built in 1986 also, but not an official offering from GM.
The 1987 Camaro convertible was given the "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" designation and came with a passenger side mounted map pocket (similar to Firdbirds) with the 20th logo. GM planned on making around 5,000 units but mass production difficulties resulted in a late model year release and only 263 Sport Coupe (including the one year only LT) and 744 Z28 convertibles (including IROC-Z) were produced considering a total 1987 Camaro production of 137,760 makes the convertible super rare. It also has a one-year only CHMSL design, not the fluss 13" wide, 5-halogen bulb seen on all other Camaros. Instead, it uses only two 916 incandescent bulbs and is NOT directly attached to the spoiler itself. Instead, it bolts to a bracket that bolts to the deck lid, in essence making it "float" on the spoiler. Yep, very strange.
Beginning on the 1987 Z28, you could mate the 5-speed manual trans to the 305 TPI. So there were four available drivetrain combos: 305 carb / Auto, 305 carb / 5-speed, 305 TPI / Auto & 305 TPI / 5-speed. The 350 TPI / Auto was also an option but only on the IROC-Z option. Now here's where all this gets weird >> The Z28 convertible did not have four drivetrain options, only the 305 carb / Auto and the 305 TPI / 5-speed. I never found out the reason.
I have a ton of info specifically for the 87 as I have owned 12 of them over the years, including one I still own today (2025). It is a Z28 convertible, TPI / 5-speed, 1SC option package (all options) with the original window sticker. It is all original including the cloth top and the engine has never been out of the car.
Thank you very much for such a nice overview of the 3RD Gen Camaro, very useful !
No problem, glad yo help.
89's got updated aluminum rear disc brakes, instead of the old weird opposite sided iron rear disc calipers. The 82-88 rear brakes, on the driver's side the caliper is towards the rear of the car, and the passenger side it's towards the front of the car... so they could use the same casting for both sides. I just know because I thought it was friggin weird. But it's the only way I know of to tell an 88 from an 89.
I owned a 87 z28. It had the iroc taillights in it from factory. The only thing that differed it from the iroc was the 15inch wheels, the two tone paint, and the rear drum breaks. But it was a z28 with block taillights. The old z28 light stayed the camero but the z28 got the block taillights.
Delorean taillights LOL
@@UsefulEntertainment yeah now that you mention it, they do have that look. I always liked them I guess bc it was made to resemble the sticker taillights on the race cars. Of all the cars I've had I miss that car the most for sure. It was Banana yellow with silver bottom. Had the black interior with the single camero stitched in the front seats. I still remember the first time I floored it on the interstate after I bought it. The lady that had it b4 me took the 305 out and put a 30 over bore 350 in. Was doing bout 65, it squat down in the ass when it down shifted and took off. I felt it shit and thought it went into overdrive, that is until it shift Into overdrive at 120. Had 145 on the speedometer and would bury it. Miss that car.
@@charlesgreer7245 lol fun cars for sure, i like that color combo. the one i have has a newer 350 in it but its basically a truck motor. its not fast but it is fun. in fact, check out the video i just put up 20 minutes ago.
Also I have a 1984 camaro I think but my vin number says it’s a 1985 and the transmission is a 5 speed . I thought you said that it only came in a 3 speed.
3 speed auto and 4 speed stick were 82 only
Cool video !! I got a 92 Z28 and yeah i guess I'm that old man now. I remember when the 91 to 92 Z28 came out we weren't crazy about the high spoiler but now that i own one now it's kinda grown on me.I still wish i could find a 85 to 89 iroc but there hard to find around here unless you got money so thats why i grabbed the 92 Z28 when i found it and i do love the car .
I'm happy I have the 25th Anniversary Z too. Only thing I miss about the earlier ones is the steering wheels. These have the same steering wheel that my 95 Z-28 had. Not a fan of it in this 3rd Gen. But didn't even realize there a different cluster, it's been a long long time since my first car out an 86 Camaro to recall that difference. And I'm not big on the flat wheels either too... but with some other wheels, can look amassing to go with the unique ground effects, spoiler, and blisters. End of the day, I damn happy to have the very unique and rare 92 Z.
@@jackoff1826 I agree I also was not crazy about the wheels they put on the 91 to 92 Z28 so I found a set of 86 IROC wheels to put on my 92 Z28.
Cool video man! I know a lot about cars but you taught me quite a few things. I had seven different second generation Camaros in my youth from about 1990-2000 or so. Could buy them complete and in decent shape except for mechanical issues for $200-$500 including three or four Z28's and even a 1971 Ram Air Formula Firebird. Anyway I can tell every year of the second generation and the first gen is super easy but I don't know that much about the third. The 1987 Convertible was a very low production run from what I can remember and a local doctor had one where I live but I didn't know about the one's like your aunt had. Anyway I enjoy learning stuff like this, very cool.
Another difference between 86 and 87....the automatic shifter knob went from a round stitched baseball looking thing, to a square knob with a square button inset in it. Chevy used this same shifter knob all the way up until 2005 in the C5 Corvette.
Yup you are correct
RS had optional 5.0 v8 from standard IROC-Z28
Greeting from Germany… super Video … …
I have an 86 IROC …. , with the ugly Breaklight in back .., hehehe … for me not ugly … is ok …
The 5.0 TPI is in the junkyard … is still a 383 inside ., better for highspeed on German highway .. yeahhhhh…
I'm glad youtube suggested this Video, informative & entertaining. Thanks for the effort man. 👍🏻
I 100% agree on the RS era ground effects!! It looked ok, but I couldn't quite put it into words why it looked... odd.
PS. You're wrong about the 1990 Dash on the Iroc. It's not perfect, but it was refreshing in a sea of round instrument gauges with bouncing needles. 😅
Steering wheel is Shit tho.. I'll give ya that.
glad you enjoyed the show.
I have an 83 with the zebra stripe seats you said you liked. They don’t match my interior, the rest is tan and the seats are blue/purple. I don’t like them and want different seats. Wanna trade??
‘82-84 had dual resonator exhaust, except for the HO motors. 5speed for 83-84
If I'm not mistaken. I believe 1990s Iroc emblem was on the bottom fender well behind the the front wheel. But great vid thx
Late to the party, but not all 84 hoods with non operational louver flaps were steel. Many were still fiberglass.
I loved this hood style over all. Louvered Z or IROCs nah..
Power blister 91-2 Zs? Nah.
I chose the fiberglass '84. For my 91 RS.. it fits best with the inset "vents" of the ground effects better..
Also your opinion on the dash of the 90-92 is flat wrong.
As an Xer that dash cluster was the first to look like something other than what my boomer Mom and dad drove.. it was very modern in its day.
Another of your opinions that are wrong is on the high rise spoiler of the 91-92 Zs..
Literally.
Seeing a a black 91 Z28 roll up at our cruise spot with it's driving lights on and tinted windows marked the moment from me not giving an F about cars or getting my license, to dying to get my license, and building many many cars and restoring many famous race cars..
So your opinions are objectively wrong.. Lol
Cheers..
listen, I hear what you are saying, and i see what you are saying from your point of view, after analyzing the information from my point of view...
Since i have a bigger platform and voice,,, my opinions are objectively correct...
on a side note, ill bet that early Z hood looks good on your 91, BUT, ill bet thats probably your cars best quality.
Cheers mate. 😘😘😘
@@UsefulEntertainment lmao! Fair enough!
The best quality actually is the Vortec headed cammed and warmed over 350 with modded factory TBI to 830cfm and home burnt EPROM doing a bit over 370hp rwhp with ALL factory components and emissions in place..the hoods cool too though cheers! 😘
sounds perfect for the street!!!@@matthuber1333
Personally nothing can beat my red iroc but that’s because it’s mine and your z28 is yours and your rs is yours we all have different tastes and things we like about our Camaros but they are Camaros so let’s bond over the things that are similar
Idk about the older Camaros but the 91s nose is so long it scrapes the pavement on even the slightest grade. Great vid!
I could see that, the older ones dont have that issue
I have a 83 berlinetta came with a 6 cyl too😂 I’ve v8 swapped it and now I’m throwing on 91 i roc ground effects and bumpers. Put in full black leather sporty interior it’s still a berlinetta! I’m not saying it’s an I roc I just wanted the body kit since I’ve built the car from the ground up
A guy where I live is selling one of the pre factory convertible Camaros
Gimme an 86 or 87 IROC, T-Tops, 350 TPI, T-56 swap, earlier IROC wheels, pale yellow, grey interior. The yellow grew on me. That's the way I'd have it now. I had an 83 Z28 carbureted, and a 92 RS 25th, red with black stripes, body matching wheels (hated those wheels because there was no dish and front and rear could not swap due to offset.
You are correct on the wheels. 85-87 wheels are the same. 88 to 90 are the same.
also my 83 dash pad isnt in bad shape and it sat in the sun for 20 years. there three minor cracks through thee whole thing
Best year/model in your opinion/your favorite?
Imo i like the 84s the best. Its the year they really worked the bugs out of the new generation and its the last year before they updated the look of the car.
There were 15" IROC wheels in 1990.
The CHMSL was in the spoiler from '87 to '90. Then back inside the hatch glass for '91 & '92. If I had a choice, it'd be the spoiler mounted ones. The inside glass ones restricted rear viewing.
Only issue with the '87 to '90 spoiler CHMSL was the "arm & a leg" price of the bulbs. Damn ridiculous $
i bought my 89 camaro in 99 as my first car, when we got it home we noticed 3-4 of the third brake lights were out. My father sent me in town with a $20 to get them while he started going over some other stuff in the car. i had to come back to get more money for the lights and he didnt believe me. He about hit the roof when the parts guy told him the price hahaha.
No mention of the 1987 LT Given it wasnt its own model but neither was the Iroc after 86
Ehh, the video was long enough.
But it gets the job done on how to identify what year you're looking at.
85-90 had the revised front bumper differences between the 82-84 Z28 front bumper. Most of this I’ve known since I grew up with these cars and father had two of them and some friends had them… (cost there parents co- signed) lucky bastards.and this (RS era ) you told about began in the 91- 92 model years after the IROC was discontinued after the 90 model year. They brought back the Z28 model. Since dodge was using the IROC name.
Professor Marty presenting, college shop course knowledge! '86 third break light: "...This ugly bl-bl thing...very disturbing. You can tell it was an afterthought..." Yes! Big like!
23:36 it's a 4 gen Camaro steering wheel not a cavalier, look similar but different sizes
I got a 84 convertible. Idk if it came like that tho
Nope lol not till 87, unless it's one of those 2 seaters.
@@UsefulEntertainment that sucks
@@bigspeaker781 I mean if it came out nice, 🤷♂️
I have a 94 too with the lt1 vert with 24s my 84 got 6s 🤘🏾
@@bigspeaker781 enjoy them man 🤘
This was more about the fourth generation Camaro. I was told that was a really supposed to debut in 1992 to celebrate the Camaros 25th anniversary but what happened was the economy was really really bad. Early 90s so got pushed to the 1993 year because I was told that happened with the Corvette when they style at 97 was supposed to come out 93 to celebrate the Corvette 40th anniversary but I got pushed back to 1997.
@@DavidMillberry never heard that but I could totally see it 👍
82 z28 also had a difrent driver seat then the later models they had a wanna be race seat with adjustable lumbar support
NOTE:
Do not be fooled if the hoods vents do not open. The base engine for a Z28 was the 4 barrel carbureted V8 while the CFI was the optional engine. The hoods were fiberglass on both for reference just as you said. Talk about engines or not the HP for the base was only 145 and the CFI respectably 165, and this was MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR 1982. For handling of course. :)
I owned fromg new off the show room floor a 1982 z28 red with silver velour int. I was 18 yrs old with my first full time job after graduating HS in May of '82. It was sitting in my garage November 2nd, 1982 in a rain storm for a week after I got it.
I have a full story I wrote out but I dont think anyone cares. LOL
The readable UP/DN buttons for the windows would wear and or wipe off. It could literally wipe off and smear with a wet damp cloth esp if it had windex or any armor all on it. Same for the dash board writing. wiper stalk and door locks were all fine, held up to my 9 years of ownership. I am a particular guy thos with OCD. I replaced my window buttons after a couple of years then was very careful how I handled them.
Good video, hard work went into it I can tell.
Nah man I really dig old stories from when these cars were in their prime.
I didn't know some steel hoods came on 82-83 zs, that's interesting.
Appreciate the feedback tho, most people just cry in the comments...
@@UsefulEntertainment haha, awe man, lotta whiners in comments. I did not mean to confuse you, ALL the hoods are fiberglass for 1982 and 83 just as you said. I was just saying that not all z28s came with cross fire with the moving vents. The base engine was the 4barrel V8 and the vents ofc do not move.
As a part of my story I will write soon, mine did not have the cross fire. The way it was bought and my age ...well hell, I will shoot a rundown of my life living in the 80s and getting a new 1982 z28 at age 18.
Had an 82 z28. 305 electric Q jet 4 barrel 145 hp with a manual 4 speed. Had a solid fiberglass hood. It didn't have functional hood vents.
@@bobcook8576 I love that and yes, that is what I had except an Automatic. I wish I had a manual about a year after owning it. I loved the car tho, even with the sad 145hp. It felt fast, sounded fast and I was young. lol I left my car in gear once picking up a date. I got out to open her door and my car moved forward a tad and bumped the rear of her brothers car. I got me a small gash in the fiberglass hood. Was not too bad. Upset me tho. :)
@6.2ltrv85 yep, same here. I broke several ring and pinions hammering that 4 speed with a gutless 305. Replaced the engine with a summit racing 350 325 hp set up. I had a th350 built with a 2800 stall converter and punished her even more. I proceeded to crack the passenger side roof weld at the windshield pillar. Good times.
Bottom trim on my 1982 Z28 was gold not silver, the car was black and it had t-bar roof 305 4 barrel 4 speed standard transmission 3:23 rear end gears you need to do better research and I did buy new from GM. I LOVED THE CAR I charged the engine to a 350 it had 350 hp 400 torque and put a t-10 4 speed transmission.
most z28s came with silver ground effects , yes some come with gold but it was a minority. excuse me if i forgot to add that into the mix. also, the video is already 30 minutes long, there is going to be stuff left out. i have a disclaimer in the beginning of the video stating that i will not be talking about engines, performance packages or rpo codes.
your telling me i need to do better research, as to what, the video is titled How To Tell The Difference Between All 3rd Gen Camaros and the video only serves 1 purpose, how to identify any year 3rd gen by looking at key details that changed every year and the video does just that.
the fact that your car had gold ground effects does not tell a person what year the car is, it could be an 82, it could be an 83, or an 84.
just an fyi, the only reason i did research before making this video was to confirm what i already knew on these cars, i just wanted to make sure so i didnt spread false information. So once again, what better research am I supposed to do?
genuinely curious.
Will 15 inch rims fit on a 91 or 92 rs camaro
Factory ones will
The 91 wing got you so worked up, you had to light a cigarette lmao
I didn't even notice that but your right 😂😂😂
So for 91-92 the RS was the base model. They were wither Z-28 or RS. Externally they looked the same except for the hood and the spoiler. Interior was identical excpet the badge on the dash. I have a 92 RS with a 305 and 700r4 F40 suspension ( Z-28 suspension). If i changed the hood, badges, and spolier it would be a Z-28. You would be suprised alot of the RS are actaully V8's.
Nice video, watched through the whole thing. I prefer the look of the 82-84 front instead of the jay leno chin
Great video. You can tell an 89 from an 88 if you can see the rear seatbelts. If you can see a shoulder belt, it's an 89, and if not, it's an 88.
All ik is the 87’ was the sweet spot.
84!!!!!
i hated that gigantic spoiler
I love it! 😂
Silver ‘84 Z28 was my “first car” (as a passenger)
89 had yellow z28 on the dash
I painted an iroc all red and put rs ground effects on it .
Nice video
I have a sport coupe (figure it out by the vin number ) I thought I had Berlinetta for a bet haha
🤣🤣🤣 glad you like the show.
I would be willing to do "bad things" to obtain a Black on Black 1994 25th Anniversary 5-speed manual transmission Z-28 Camero with the T-Top option.
As long as I can get the GPS "AEROLENSE" (Aerodynamic Headlight and Taillight Lenses) in Black!
I don't know if anybody had already said it or not I haven't went through all the comments but I was just going to mention don't forget about the LT trim.
I'm not even sure how to identify them because I've never seen one in person that I'm aware of
I either don't understand a thing about design when I LOVE the Camaro without ANY kind of spoiler.
Never liked the taillights on any interaction of this gen. Best thing to do was to go for an aftermarket smoked set. They make black light covers for them but never liked those. Light Smoked set is best
The reason why the 1991 and 92 Camaro changed because the license on the iRock ran out with Chevrolet. That’s why the 91 and 92 look like that they reached out at 93.