1984 Chevrolet El Camino

Chevrolet produced the El Camino in 1959, 1960, and 1964 through 1987. Its platform was adapted from the two-door station wagon platform and although it was based on car lines, it was classified in the United States as a pickup. 1984 was part of the fifth generation of styling and shared chassis components with the Chevrolet Malibu. Both Chevrolet and Buick V6 engines were used, along with an optional 305 CID small-block V8 from 1982 through 1984. The Oldsmobile-sourced diesel engine was also available.

A styling update occurred in 1982 with a cross-hatch grille with quad rectangular headlights on either side. A 5.7-liter Diesel V8 with 105 horsepower was standard offering exceptional fuel economy, but its reputation was soon tarnished due to mechanical issues. The 4.4-liter V8 was dropped in 1983, leaving the 5.0-liter version as the sole gasoline V8 option. The 3.8-liter V6 with 110 horsepower was the standard engine.

A conversion by Choo-Choo Customs Inc., of Chattanooga, Tennessee was offered on the 1984 through 1987 Chevy El Camino SS, adding an aerodynamic front end similar to the Monte Carlo SS, but did not receive the L69 engine package. For 1985, GM shifted El Camino production to Mexico, and the new 4.3 L was standard through 1987.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012