1987 Chevrolet Camaro

The 1987 Chevrolet Camaro was visually similar to the prior year, with several mechanical revisions and, mid-way through production, a convertible model not seen since 1969. While the 1969 Camaro Convertible had been built on the same assembly lines as Coupes, the 1987 versions were built as RPO CC1 'T-Top' Coupes, then converted by ASC International of Detroit, Michigan. The convertible option was available on both standard (base) and Z28 models, the latter being fitted with the 305 CID small-block V-8 delivering 190 horsepower.

For 1987, the Chevrolet Camaro could come from the factory equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine on the IROC-Z. No longer were the four-cylinder engine and high-output carbureted 5-liter V8 engine available. Transmission options included a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic with overdrive. The IROC-Z, however, came with only an automatic.

There were few visual changes to the Camaro for 1987. The base V6 engine produced 160 horsepower. The High-Output V8 engine found in the Z28 delivered 215 horsepower. The IROC-Z engine produced 225 horsepower.

The Camaro IROC-Z, an acronym for International Race of Champions Z28, was introduced for the 1985 model year. The IROC was a Z28 upgrade package and offered buyers a tuned suspension, staggered wheels, a unique sway bar, and many other features, several of which were similar to or borrowed directly from Corvette.

Pricing for the Camaro began at just under $10,000 and rose to $17,900 for the IROC-Z Convertible Coupe. Additional engine options and equipment rose that figure even further. Bodystyles on the Camaro included either a 2 door coupe or convertible.

Third generation Camaro (1982–1992)

The third generation of the Chevrolet Camaro was the first to be offered with a five-speed manual transmission, a Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission, a standard overhead-valve four-cylinder engine, fuel injection, and wheels that measured 14 through 16-inches. To cope with the loss of performance with the four-cylinder engine, weight was reduced by nearly 500 pounds compared to the second generation model. The four-cylinder unit was dropped in 1986 and replaced by a 2.8-liter, overhead-valve V6. In 1985, the 305 cubic-inch small-block V8 was available with an indirect injection system called 'tuned port injection' (TPI) and in 1987 the L98 350 CID V8 engine became a popular option on the IROC-Z, albeit with an automatic transmission only.

The Fourth Generation of the Camaro arrived in 1993 resting on an updated F-body platform and offered with a pushrod 6-cylinder and V8 engines. Body styles included a coupe with 2+2 season - a T-top roof was optional. A convertible body style was re-introduced in 1994. The 4th Gen Camaro continued through 2002.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012