shiftman

As I did almost six years ago when I introduced my 1982-1992 Firebird book, I would like to thank the forum members who ask honest questions and who respectfully discuss the answers to questions. The knowledge-base of this site never ceases to amaze me. I’d like to send a special thanks to the guys who took the time to answer my PMs: John Zofko, Mark Strembicke, and Scott Moyer.

Over the past few years, some of you have asked when I would publish a 3rd Gen Camaro companion book to my 3rd Gen Firebird book. I hesitated to say that I was working on it, because, as we know, there are no primary source Camaro documents to be found for 1982-1989. At least I am not aware of any. Fortunately, VIN-based 1990-1992 Camaro production totals are known (but must be specially retrieved to get full production totals).

I was not sure that I would be able to write a 3rd Gen Camaro book that would provide anything more than what was already out there. I eventually found a way to expand on the existing 1982-1989 Camaro production data: through Canadian-delivery production records (RPO Z49). If we know what was happening with Canadian production, we can learn what may have been happening with domestic production (there were some differences).

So, my 1982-1992 Camaro book is now published. Link:



Those of you who have my Firebird book (or any of my 25 auto reference books) will recognize that the format for presenting data in this new Camaro book is the same as the other books. The tables are easy to use and information can be quickly found. Like all my books, there are no color photos, but some black and white photos of identification labels. This Camaro book has more RPOs and production totals than any other available 3rd Gen Camaro book. Website data is usually copied from outdated books, errors and all, but I have tried to correct or properly explain certain production data.

I think the biggest surprise will be this: For 30 years, a very incorrect total for the 1991 RPO B4C Special Service cars was published. The real production total is over 100 cars different. What was the actual production total for 1991 B4C cars? Page 198.

Other books and websites tell you that you have an RPO MM4, MM5, MX0, or MX1 transmission. Those RPOs are not transmission RPOs! What is your actual transmission RPO and what are its internal gears?

Special Edition Camaros are discussed, including: B4C, 1LE, Player’s race cars, the 1982 Indy, the 1984 Winter Olympics Edition, the 1985 California IROC, the 1987-88 California RS, 20th Anniversary convertibles, and the 25th Anniversary Heritage Edition.

There is a complete model/body-style/engine/transmission/color breakout for the 1992 RPO Z03 25th Anniversary Heritage Edition cars. What was the special RPO that was added to some of these cars late in the year, and why was it added? How many Heritage cars were 1LE and how many had the L98 engine? Pages 202-203.

For 1991-1992 Camaros delivered to Japan, the RS coupe powertrain had a sportier rear axle than any other 3rd Gen Camaro. What was it? What important mechanical system did Japan’s 1992 Z28 convertible have that no other ’92 convertible had? How many Heritage Edition cars were delivered to Japan and what color were they? Page 183.

This book will certainly add to our 3rd Gen Camaro knowledge.

Enjoy!

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

I loved read my Firebird book. I'm sure Camaro owners who make this purchase will enjoy their book as well.

shiftman

Hey All,

In my post above, I forgot to include a special thanks to Forum member Yo Soy El Warg (Charley Grove) for helping to fine-tune some of the info in my book. Thanks Charley!

VIZ28

Got mine before they are gone!

VIZ28

Good book, but there are a few inaccuracies.

'89 1LE Camaros came with VR tires, not ZR (at least they did at the end if January '89).
I believe '86 was the only year with single side dump exhaust and series sponsor decals and roll cages were installed prior to delivery to the dealers.

Thanks for assembling all this info in one concise reference manual.