1990 Chevrolet Camaro

The third generation of the Chevrolet Camaro was available with the IROC-Z option package, named after the International Race of Champions event that Chevrolet had long sponsored. It was introduced in 1985 and featured a lower ride height, upgraded suspension, larger sway bars, special shocks, and a 'wonder bar' frame brace. These upgrades improved the handling of the already-nimble Camaro. For 1990, the IROC-Z came with a 5.0-liter Tuned Port Injection V-8 engine delivering 210 horsepower, along with all-new 16-inch aluminum wheels. The styling remained similar to its predecessors with clean, aerodynamic lines, but a few interior modifications, including updated controls and yellow instrument panel graphics.

Dodge took over sponsorship of the International Race of Champions for 1990, signaling the end of the IROC Camaro. Thus, just 1,294 examples of the IROC-Z convertibles were produced in 1990 along with 4,213 coupes. 62 were 1LE models and 34 of those had a five-speed manual transmission. The 1LE was designed for the SCCA Racing with special upgrades, including 11.86-inch PBR caliper front disc brakes. With the help of an aluminum driveshaft, aluminum spare wheel, and air conditioning delete, the overall weight was reduced. With the fog lamp delete, the airflow was increased. Items added included an engine oil cooler and an upgraded exhaust system with high-flow dual converters. The suspension improved with special front and rear shocks and unique durometer jounce bumpers.

Originally, the '1LE' option could only be ordered by someone who held an SCCA road racing license and that was aware of how to order it. To order a 1LE optioned car in 1990, the dealer needed to order the G-94 performance package and the C41 air conditioning delete package which would trigger the 1LE package. This option package had been created by the GM management to allow the Camaro to run competitively against the Ford Mustang, which was outperforming the Camaro in every aspect.

Standard equipment on the Camaro RS included halogen headlights, tinted glass, intermittent wipers, auxiliary lighting, driver's side supplemental inflatable restraining system, and manual lap/shoulder front seat belts with a visual and audible warning system. Other standard items included safety glass side and rear windows, laminated safety windshield glass, energy-absorbing steering column, an energy-absorbing instrument panel, front head restraints, safety armrests, inertia locking folding front seatbacks, safety inter-locking door latches, passenger-guard inside door lock handles, back-up lights, four-way hazard warning flashers, low-glare windshield moldings, low-glare wiper arms and blades, low-glare metallic steering wheel surfaces, an audible reminder for ignition key removal, and a theft-deterrent steering column lock. There was an AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan, a digital clock, and an extended-range sound system. The 15x7 inch cast-aluminum wheels were wrapped with P215/65R-16 steel-belted radial-ply touring tires. In the back were a rear decklid spoiler and a rear hatch with automatic pull-down.

Approximately 28,750 Camaro RS Coupes and 729 Camaro RS Convertibles were built in 1990.

The base V-8 engine was an overhead valve unit with a 305 cubic-inch displacement and delivered 170 horsepower and 255 lbs-feet of torque. The Camaro IROC-Z engine was a 305 CID V8 that had 220 horsepower and 290 lbs-feet of torque. The Optional 350 CID V8 produced 230 horsepower and 330 foot-pounds of torque.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020