1971 Camaro Restoration Information

1971 Camaro Specifications

1971 was the year the car insurance industry brought an end to the original ‘muscle car’ era. In an effort to comply with federal regulations requiring leaded fuel to be phased out, General Motors lowered compression ratios of all engines to a maximum of 9.0:1.

Not only did this actually cut horsepower (compared to an 11.0:1 compression ratio engine), but General Motors also began rating their engines in SAE NET horsepower. In 1971, engines were rated in both SAE NET & Gross HP.

While essentially a carry-over from the previous year, the 1971 Camaro had several notable changes. These changes included a new 3 piece rear spoiler, optional ABS plastic front spoiler, high back seats adapted from the Vega, and minor changes to the emblems. Little changes in the appearance of the 1971 Chevy Camaro separated it from the previous year, but under the hood, the Camaro was a much tamer vehicle.

New insurance laws and the woes of a faltering economy along with fears of oil shortages led General Motors and all U.S.-based car manufacturers to downgrade horsepower in favor of better gas mileage and mainly to comply with new federal laws. 1971 was considered by many car enthusiasts to be a very disappointing year.

1971 Camaro Brochure

1971 Camaro Model Options


1971 Camaro Production:
  • 11,178 6-cyl
  • 103,452 V8
  • 114,630 total

Dealer Introduction:
 9/29/70

Vehicle Identification Example:
 123871N500001
  • First digit is GM Division: 1 = Chevrolet
  • Digits 2&3 are model series: 23 = 6-cyl, 24 = 8-cyl Camaro
  • Digits 4&5 are body type: 87 = 2dr. coupe
  • Sixth digit is model year: 1 = 1971
  • The seventh digit is N for Norwood assembly, L for Van Nuys.
  • The last six digits increased one with each car built at each plant

Dimensions:
  • Length: 188.0″
  • Height: 50.5″
  • Width: 74.4″ 
  • Wheelbase: 108.0″

Curb Weight:
  • 12387: 3,186 lbs.
  • 12487: 3,310 lbs.

1971 VIN Ending By Month (Norwood):
  • Aug – 505384
  • Sep – 513327
  • Oct – n/a (strike)
  • Nov – n/a (strike)
  • Dec – n/a (strike)
  • Jan – 525983
  • Feb – 542888
  • Mar – 558615
  • Apr – 570194
  • May – 581213
  • Jun – 593741
  • Jul – 520889

1971 VIN Ending By Month ( Van Nuys):
  • Aug – 501727
  • Sep – 503052
  • Oct – n/a (strike)
  • Nov – n/a (strike)
  • Dec – 505416
  • Jan – 508544
  • Feb – 510841
  • Mar – 513969
  • Apr – 516618
  • May – 518440
  • Jun – 520553
  • Jul – n/a

1971 Camaro Model Option Breakouts

Z21 Style Trim

Includes bright roof drip, window, and hood panel moldings plus bright accented parking lights, taillights, and backup lights. (Included with Rally Sport option).

Z22 Rally Sport

Includes special black-painted grille with special rubber-tipped vertical center bar and resilient body-color grille frame; Independent LH and RH front bumpers replacing full-width bumper; license plate bracket mounted below RH bumper; parking lights with bright accents mounted on grille panel; Hide-a-Way windshield wipers with black-chrome finished arms and articulated left-hand blade; bright roof drip, window, and hood panel moldings; RS emblem on the steering wheel; Rally Sport front fender nameplates; bright accented taillights and back-up lights. (RS emblems deleted with SS or Z28 option).

Click here for information on how to verify a Rally Sport

Z23 Accent Group Interior

Includes additional instrument cluster lighting, wood-grained accents on the instrument cluster, and steering wheel (included in custom interior option).

Z27 Super Sport

Includes 270-hp Turbo-Fire 350 engine and bright accents; dual exhaust; power brakes, special ornamentation; special hood insulation; LH remote control sport mirror; F70-14 bias belted ply white lettered tires, 14″ x 7″ wheels; black painted grille; hide-a-way windshield wipers with black chrome finished arms and articulated left hand blade; SS emblems on steering wheel, fenders and grille (exp. when combined with RS), available with V8 only, available with 4-speed manual or automatic transmission only, the optional engine is LS3 245 hp 396). 396 engine came with black painted rear panel & required RPO F41.


Total SS Production:
  • L48/350 cid = 6,844
  • LS3/402 cid = 1,533d
Carburetor Part Number

GM Part Number

Engine

Notes

7041203

350 cid

-

7041202

350 cid

Automatic Transmission

7041201

402 cid

-

7041200

402 cid

Automatic Transmission

Distributor Part Numbers

GM Part Number

Engine

Notes

1112044

350 cid

-

1112045

350 cid

Automatic Transmission

1112057

402 cid

-

Z28 Special Performance Package

The short one-piece rear spoiler was replaced with a 3 piece spoiler (former COPO 9796 used in 1970) in the early part of the model year. Special instrumentation and driver-side adjustable sport mirror standard.


Total Z28 Production:
  • 4,862
1971 Z28 Carburetor (780 cfm Holley)

GM Part Number

Transmission

List Number

3989022

Automatic

4800

3989021

4-Speed Manual

4801

Engine:

The compression ratio was lowered from 11:1 to 9:1, resulting in 30 less horsepower and 20 fewer ft./lb. of torque. GM also began rating all engines in SAE net instead of gross horsepower. Solid-lifter cam with lift (0.458) and duration (317/I 346/E) identical to 1970. Stronger engine mounts and larger fuel filter added.

Click here to see the specific LT-1 Engine Components.


Transmission & Clutch:

Mandatory choice of Muncie 4-speeds & 11-inch clutch. Hurst Shifter. Special 2400-RPM-stall torque converter Turbo Hydra-Matic optional. (Identical to 1970.)


Rear Axle:

GM 10 bolt, 3.73:1 positraction ratio standard. 4.10 available (ZQ9)
12 bolt no longer offered, heavy-duty u-joints included with the Z28 package.


Brakes:

11-inch, vented, cast-iron front discs with vacuum assist standard. Rear 9.5-inch drums. (identical to 1970)


Front Suspension:

Z28 anti-roll bar 1.0-inch diameter instead of standard 0.6875-inch unit. (identical to 1970)


Rear Suspension:

RPO F-41 special suspension standard, including 5-leaf rear springs, 125 lb./in. spring rate, staggered heavy-duty shocks, link-type rear stabilizer bar (unchanged from 1970).


Steering:

The 22.5:1 unassisted gear became standard with variable-ratio power steering now at 15.5-11.8:1 for all Camaros. Not quite as fast as 1970.


Wheels & Tires:

15 x 7 steel wheels painted dull grey with bright lug nuts, center caps with blue bow-tie and trim rings,
Wheel Code: AU, Part #: 3983045, Center cap part #: 3989479, Trim Ring part #: 3984524.
F60-15 fiberglass-belted white letter tires standard. (unchanged from & identical to 1970)

Z87 Custom Interior

Includes deluxe seat (with cloth or vinyl seats) and sidewall trim; cloth seats; glove compartment light and additional instrument cluster lighting; wood grained accents on the instrument cluster, steering wheel, and door trim panels; luggage compartment mat plus special engine compartment, hood, and interior insulation.

1971 Camaro Engine Codes & Specs

Available Engine Specifications

Type

Size

Carb

RPO

Horsepower (Gross)

Horsepower (Net)

Torque (Gross)

Torque (Net)

Bore & Stroke (in.)

Compression Ratio

L6

250 cid

1x1bbl

Base

145 hp @ 4200 RPM

110 hp @ 3800 RPM

230 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM

185 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM

3.875 x 3.53

8.5:1

V8

307 cid

1x2bbl

Base

200 hp @ 4600 RPM

140 hp @ 4400 RPM

300 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

235 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

3.875 x 3.25

8.5:1

V8

350 cid

1x2bbl

L65

245 hp @ 4800 RPM

165 hp @ 4000 RPM

350 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM

280 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

4.00 x 3.48

8.5:1

V8

350 cid

1x4bbl

L48

270 hp @ 4800 RPM

210 hp @ 4400 RPM

360 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

300 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM

4.00 x 3.48

8.5:1

V8

350 cid

1x4bbl

Z28

330 hp @ 5600 RPM

275 hp @ 5600 RPM

360 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM

300 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM

4.00 x 3.48

9.0:1

V8

396 cid

1x4bbl

LS3

300 hp @ 4800 RPM

260 hp @ 4400 RPM

400 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

345 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

4.126 x 3.76

8.5:1

6-Cylinder Engine Codes

Code

Size / Carb

HP / RPO

Transmission

Notes

CAA

250 cid 1x1bbl

145 hp gross / 110 hp net

Manual

-

CAB

250 cid 1x1bbl

145 hp gross / 110 hp net

Powerglide

-

8-Cylinder Engine Codes

Code

Size / Carb

HP / RPO

Transmission

Notes

307

CCA

307 cid 1x2bbl

200 hp gross / 140 hp net

Manual

-

CCC

307 cid 1x2bbl

200 hp gross / 140 hp net

Automatic

TH350/PG

350

CGB

350 cid 1x2bbl

245 hp gross / 165 hp net L65

Powerglide

-

CGK

350 cid 1x4bbl

270 hp gross / 210 hp net L48

Manual

SS

CGL

350 cid 1x4bbl

270 hp gross / 210 hp net L48

Turbo Hydramatic

SS

CGP

350 cid 1x4bbl

330 hp gross / 275 hp net Z28

Manual

Z28

CGR

350 cid 1x4bbl

330 hp gross / 275 hp net Z28

Turbo Hydramatic

Z28

CJD

350 cid 1x4bbl

270 hp gross / 210 hp net L48

Turbo Hydramatic

SS

CJG

350 cid 1x4bbl

270 hp gross / 210 hp net L48

Manual

SS

396

CLA/CLC

396 cid 1x4bbl

300 hp gross / 260 hp net LS3

Manual

SS, High Performance

CLB/CLD

396 cid 1x4bbl

300 hp gross / 260 hp net LS3

Turbo Hydramatic

SS, High Performance

Engine Code Example: V0328CGP
(350 330hp Assembled in Flint assembly plant on March 28)

Click here for further engine decoding information

1971 Camaro Transmission Codes

Code

Type

Plant

S

3-Speed

Muncie L.D.

R

4-Speed (Cast Iron Case)

Muncie L.D.

P

4-Speed (Aluminum Case)

Muncie H.D.

C

Powerglide

Cleveland

E

Powerglide

McKinnon

B

Turbo Hydramatic 350

Cleveland

Y

Turbo Hydramatic 350

Toledo

J

Turbo Hydramatic 350

Oshawa / GM Canada

1971 Camaro 3 & 4 Speed Manual Transmission Ratios


BaseBase

L65

L48

Z28

LS3

C.I250307350350350396
1st Gear2.85:12.85:12.54:12.52:12,52:12.20:1
2nd Gear1.68:11.68:11.80:11.88:11.88:11.64:1
3rd Gear1.00:11.00:11.44:11.46:11.46:11.27:1
4th Gear----1.00.11.00:11.00:11.00:1
Reverse2.95:12.95:12.54:12.59:12.59:12.26:1
Clutch Diameter9.1210.3410.34111111

Axle Ratio S

------------

Axle Ratio E

3.08:13.08:13.08:13.42:13.73:13.42:1

Axle Ratio P

--------4.10:1--

1971 Camaro Powerglide & Turbo Hydramatic Ratios


BaseBase

L65

L48

Z28

LS3

C.I250307350350350396
1st Gear1,82:11.82:1a2.52:12.52:12.48:12.48:1
2nd Gear1.00:11.00:11.52:11.52:11.48:11.48:1
3rd Gear----1.00:11.00:11.00:11.00:1
Reverse1.82:11.82:11.93:11.93:12.08:12.08:1
Clutch Diameter------------

Axle Ratio S

3.08:13.08:12.73:13.08:13.73:13.42:1

Axle Ratio E

------------

Axle Ratio P

----3.42:1--4.10:1--

1971 Camaro Rear Axle Codes

CodeGear Ratio

Notes

CA

2.73:1

Locking

CB4.10:1

-

CG3.73:1

-

CJ

3.42:1

Locking

CK3.42:1

-

GX3.08:1

-

GY

3.08:1

Locking

GZ2.73:1

-

1971+ Rear Axle Code example: CB G 112 1 E
(CB = Ratio, G = Plant, 112 = 112th day of year, 1 = shift, E = Positraction Source)

Click here for further rear axle decoding information

1971 Camaro Factory Options

Regular Production Option (RPO)

RPODescription

Quantity

1971 Price

Est. Current Price

12387Camaro Sport Coupe, 6-cylinder11,178$2,758.00

$17,721.27

12487Camaro Sport Coupe, 8-cylinder103,452

$2,848.00

$18,299.56

AK1Belts, custom deluxe16,922

-

-

AN6Adjustable Seat Back, driver side-

$19.00

$122.08

AS4Belts, custom deluxe rear shoulder99

$26.35

$169.31

A01Soft Ray Tinted Glass, all windows67,250

$40.05

$257.34

A02Tinted Glass, windshield--

-

A31Power Windows--

-

B37Floor Mats, color-keyed front and rear22,576

$12.65

$81.28

B93Guards, door edge33,124

$6.35

$40.80

C08Vinyl Roof Cover38,329

$89.55

$575.40

C24Windshield Wipers, hide-a-way30,488

$21.10

$135.58

C50Defroster, rear window8,794

$31.60

$203.04

C60Air Conditioning42,537

$402.35

$2,585.26

D34Mirror, visor vanity5,522

$3.20

$20.56

D35Mirror, left-hand remote control40,684

$15.80

$101.52

D55Console72,656

$59.00

$379.10

D80Spoilers, front and rear6,489

$79.00

$507.61

F41Suspension, special purpose front and rear10,975

$30.55

$196.30

G80Positraction, rear axle11,753

$44.25

$284.32

J50Power Brakes41,630

$47.30

$303.92

J52Front disc brakes--

-

L48V8 Engine, 350 CID--

-

L65Engine, 245hp, 350ci Turbo-Fire V834,017

$26.35

$169.31

LS3Engine, 300hp, 396ci Turbo-jet V8 (SS)1,533

$99.05

$636.44

M20Transmission, 4-speed wide range7,603

$205.95

$1,323.31

M21Transmission, 4-speed close ratio1,721

$205.95

$1,323.31

M22Transmission, 4-speed close ratio heavy-duty1,290

$237.60

$1,526.68

M35Transmission, Powerglide automatic13,466

$179.55

$1,153.68

M383-speed automatic transmission, 300 deluxe--

-

M40Transmission, Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic77,541

$216.5

$1,391.10

NK2Steering Wheel, custom black621

$15.80

$101.52

NK4Steering Wheel, sport four spoke black6,216

$15.80

$101.52

N33Tilt Steering Column8,374

$45.30

$291.07

N40Power Steering93,163

$110.60

$710.65

PL3Tires, E78x14 belted white stripe55,834

$26.05

$167.38

PL4Tires, F70x14 belted white letter20,457

$81.50

$523.67

PM7F60-15-B tires - GB white lettering--

-

PU4Tires, F70x14 belted white stripe24,579

$68.05

$437.25

PY4F70-14-B tires, white stripe--

-

P01Wheel Covers, bright metal55,363

$26.35

$169.31

P02Wheel Covers, special1,809

$84.30

$541.66

P06Deluxe wheel trim cover--

-

T60Battery, heavy-duty5,168

$15.80

$101.52

U14Special Instrumentation12,174

$84.30

$541.66

U35Clock10,338

$16.90

$108.59

U63Radio, AM pushbutton95,776

$66.40

$426.65

U69

Radio, AM/FM pushbutton

13,310

$139.05

$893.45

U76Windshield antenna--

-

U80Speaker, rear seat20,018

$15.80

$101.52

VF3Bumpers, deluxe front and rear1,309

$36.90

$237.10

V01Radiator, heavy duty1,594

$14.75

$94.77

YD1Axle, trailering ratio130

$12.65

$81.28

ZJ7Wheels, rally34,604

$45.30

$291.07

ZJ9Auxiliary Lighting Group6,323

$18.45

$118.55

ZP5Appearance Guard Group (Includes B93, B37, D34)--

-

ZQ9Axle, performance ratio1,294

$12.65

$81.28

Z21Style Trim Group38,161

$57.95

$372.35

Z22Rally Sport Package18,404

$179.05

$1,150.47

Z23Interior Accent Group32,411

$21.10

$135.58

Z27Super Sport Package8,377

$313.90

$2,016.94

Z28Special Performance Package4,862

$786.75

$5,055.19

Z87Custom Interior11,643

$115.90

$744.70

1971 Camaro Cowl Tag Info

1971 Camaro Example Cowl Tag & Breakdown
1971 Camaro

The Cowl Trim Tag, located on the cowl area identifies significant information about your car. 

Click here for further cowl tag decoding information

Line 1: Year, GM Division, Model & Body, Assembly Plant, Sequence Number

Year

GM Division

Model Series

Body Code

Assembly Plant

Sequence Number

71 = 1971

1 = Chevrolet

23 = Camaro, L6

87 = 2-Door Coupe

LOS = Van Nuys, CA

Starts at 100001

24 = Camaro, V8

NOR = Norwood, OH

Line 2: Trim & Paint

Interior Trim

Exterior Paint (Lower/Upper)

775 = Black (Standard)

11 = Antique White

776 = Blue (Standard)

13 = Nevada Silver

777 = Sandalwood (Standard)

19 = Tuxedo Black

778 = Green (Standard)

24 = Ascot Blue

779 = Saddle (Standard)

26 = Mulsanne Blue

785 = Black (Custom Cloth)

42 = Cottonwood Green

786 = Black w/ Blue Accents (Custom Cloth)

43 = Lime Green

787 = Black w/ Green Accents (Custom Cloth)

49 = Antique Green

789 = Black & White w/ Black Accents (Custom Cloth)

52 = Sunflower Yellow

792 = Black w/ Saddle Accents (Custom Cloth)

53 = Placer Gold

61 = Sandalwood

62 = Burnt Orange

67 = Classic Copper

75 = Cranberry Red

78 = Rosewood

A = White Vinyl Top

B = Black Vinyl Top

C = Blue Vinyl Top

F = Brown Vinyl Top

G = Green Vinyl Top

Line 3: Build Month and Week | Norwood Only = Option Code, Stripe Code

Month

Week

Option Code

Stripe Code

01 = January

A = First Week

Blank = Base Model

Blank = No Stripes

02 = February

B = Second Week

Z27 = Super Sport

10/11 = White

03 = March

C = Third Week

Z28 = Z28

19 = Black

04 = April

D = Fourth Week

05 = May

E = Fifth Week

06 = June

07 = July

08 = August

09 = September

10 = October

11 = November

12 = December

1971 Camaro Paint Codes

Exterior Color Codes

Paint CodeColorVinyl TopInterior Availability

11 Antique WhiteB-Bk-Br-G-W* ALL *

13 Nevada SilverB-Bk-W775, 776, 777, 785, 786, 789

19 Tuxedo BlackB-Bk-G-W* ALL *

24 Ascot BlueB-Bk-W775, 776, 777, 785, 786, 789

26 Mulsanne BlueB-Bk-W775, 776, 777, 785, 786, 789

42 Cottonwood GreenBk-G-W775, 777, 778, 785, 787, 789

43 Lime GreenBk-G-W775, 777, 778, 779, 785, 787, 789, 792

49 Antique GreenBk-G-W775, 777, 778, 779, 785, 787, 789, 792

52 Sunflower YellowBk-W775, 777, 778, 779, 785, 787, 789, 792

53 Placer GoldBk-W775, 777, 779, 789, 792

61 SandalwoodBk-Br-W775, 777, 778, 779, 787, 789, 792

62 Burnt OrangeBk-Br-W775, 777, 789

67 Classic CopperBk-W775, 777, 789

75 Cranberry RedBk-W775, 777, 789

78 RosewoodBk-Br-W775, 777, 789

Interior Trim Color Codes

Standard

Color Code

Interior Style

775

775

Black Standard

776

Blue Standard

777

Sandalwood Standard

778

Green Standard

779

Saddle Standard

Custom

Color Code

Interior Style

785

Black Custom Cloth

786

Black w/ Blue Accent Custom Cloth

787

Black w/ Green Accent Custom Cloth

789

Black & White w/ Black Accent Custom Cloth

792

Black w/ Saddle Accent Custom Cloth

Additional 1971 Camaro Links

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