1976 Camaro Restoration Information

1976 Camaro Specifications

Even though 1976 was not considered a ‘highlight’ year, the Camaro had one of it’s best selling production years.

Only minor appearance changes highlighted the 1976 Camaro, most notably a brushed metal insert in the rear tail section on the LT model. The 250 cubic-inch six-cylinder remained the standard engine in the sport coupe and a new 140-horsepower 305 cubic-inch V8 became the standard engine in the LT and base V8 option in the sport coupe. The larger 350 cubic-inch V8 was now only available with a four-barrel carburetor and 165 horsepower (123kW). Power brakes became standard on V8 models this year. The Camaro’s popularity was soaring. Sales totals jumped significantly for 1976, the best year yet for the second generation, and were to improve even more dramatically as the decade progressed. Standing alone in its class, the 1976 Camaro was capturing the spotlight and was slowly becoming more popular with US car buyers.


1976 Camaro OEM Brochure & Advertisements


1976 Camaro Model Options


Engine Options:

  • 250ci L6 105hp
  • 305ci V8 140hp
  • 350ci V8 165hp


1976 Camaro Production:

  • 38,047 6-cyl
  • 144,912 V8
  • 182,959 total


Dealer Introduction:
 10/2/75


Vehicle Identification Example:
 1Q87L6N500001

  • First digit is GM Division: 1 = Chevrolet
  • Second digit is model: Q = Sport Coupe, S = Type LT Coupe
  • Digits 3 & 4 are body type: 87 = 2dr. Coupe
  • Fifth digit is engine code:
    • D = 250ci 105hp
    • L = 350ci 165hp
    • Q = 305ci 140hp
  • Sixth digit is model year: 6 = 1976
  • Seventh digit is N for Norwood assembly, L for Van Nuys.
  • Last six digits increased one with each car built at each plant


Dimensions:

  • Length: 195.4 inches
  • Height: 49.1 inches
  • Width: 74.4 inches
  • Wheelbase: 108.0 inches


Curb Weight:
 (in pounds)

  • 1FQ87 – 3531
  • 1FS87 – 3686


1976 Ending VIN by Month:

  • Norwood
    • Aug I – 505460
    • Sep – 519535
    • Oct – 534796
    • Nov – 547176
    • Dec – 558401
    • Jan – 572183
    • Feb – 525208
    • Mar – 599432
    • Apr – 611225
    • May – 622045
    • Jun – 632052
    • Jul – 636407
    • Aug II – 640880
  • Van Nuys

* Records unavailable for Van Nuys


1976 Camaro Spotters Guide and New Features

Note: The Z28 was not available in 1976. There is no such thing as a 1976 Camaro Z28, even if you’ve seen or bought one on eBay.

Camaro saw the following additional changes:

  • 305ci V8 debuts
  • Power brakes standard, bigger brake wheel cylinders and better lining materials.
  • LT received brushed aluminum panel trunk panel.
  • voltmeter replaced amp meter or idiot light.
  • Revised interior treatments & appointments.
  • New seat design for Type LT debuts
  • Simulated tan leather instrument cluster (Type LT)
  • Landau roof debut

 

1976 Camaro Model Option Breakouts

Z21 Style Trim

Includes body colored insert on door handles; bright roof drip, lock pillar, upper fender, hood panel and belt mouldings plus bright accented parking lights.

Z54 Interior Decor / Quiet Sound

Includes glove compartment light and additional instrument cluster lighting; simulated leather accents on instrument cluster; special engine compartment, hood, and interior insulation (Standard with Type LT)

Z85 Rally Sport Package

Includes low-gloss black treatment of hood, header panel, grill, headlamp bezels, top of fenders, front part of roof, upper portion of doors, rear end panel and license plate opening. Tri-color decal separates black paint from body color. Tri-color rally sport decals on fenders and deck lid. Not available w/ vinyl roof.

Type LT

LT interior type depended upon whether seats were vinyl or cloth. The seats were a new design with different sew lines and squared off headrests. Door panels came in two styles with tack on arm rests combined with pull handles, plain panel faces for interiors with cloth seats, and pleated faces for interiors with vinyl seats. Tan simulated leather applique on instrument panel. Urethane/steel wheel replaced poly-cast turbine type wheel. Amber-lite insulation blankets included in doors, rear quarters, roof/sail panels, behind rear seat, under package tray, and under carpeting.

1976 Camaro Engine Codes & Specs

Available Engine Specifications

Type

Size

Carb

RPO

Horsepower

Torque

Bore & Stroke (in.)

Compression Ratio

L6

250

1x1bbl

L22

105 hp @ 3800 RPM

185 lb-ft @ 1200 RPM

3.875 x 3.53

8.25:1

V8

305

1x2bbl

LG3

140 hp @ 3800 RPM

245 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM

3.736 x 3.48

8.5:1

V8

350

1x4bbl

LM1

165 hp @ 3800 RPM

260 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM

4.00 x 3.48

8.5:1

6-Cylinder Engine Codes

Code

Size

HP / RPO

Transmission

Notes

CCC

250 cid 1x1bbl

105 hp L22

Turbo Hydramatic

California Emissions

CCD

250 cid 1x1bbl

105 hp L22

California Emissions

CCF

250 cid 1x1bbl

105 hp L22

Turbo Hydramatic

CCL

250 cid 1x1bbl

105 hp L22

Late Production

CCJ

250 cid 1x1bbl

105 hp L22

Late Production

8-Cylinder Engine Codes

Code

Size

HP / RPO

Transmission

Notes

305

       

CPA

305 cid 1x2bbl

140 hp LG3

Manual Transmission

CPB

305 cid 1x2bbl

140 hp LG3

Turbo Hydramatic

CPC

305 cid 1x2bbl

140 hp LG3

CPJ

305 cid 1x2bbl

140 hp LG3

Turbo Hydramatic

California Emissions

9M

305 cid 1x2bbl

140 hp LG3

9W

305 cid 1x2bbl

140 hp LG3

350

       

CHU

350 cid 1x4bbl

165 hp LM1

Turbo Hydramatic

CHW

350 cid 1x4bbl

165 hp LM1

CHT

350 cid 1x4bbl

165 hp LM1

Manual Transmission

CKZ

350 cid 1x4bbl

165 hp LM1

Late Production

CMB

350 cid 1x4bbl

165 hp LM1

CML

350 cid 1x4bbl

165 hp LM1

Turbo Hydramatic

California Emissions

7X

350 cid 1x4bbl

165 hp LM1

Engine Code Example: V0427CPC 
(305ci – Assembled in Flint assembly plant on April 27)

Click here for further engine decoding information

1976 Camaro Transmission Codes

Code

Type

Plant

S

3-Speed Manual

Muncie

H

3-Speed Manual (H.D.)

Muncie

R

4-Speed Manual (Saginaw)

Muncie

B

Turbo Hydramatic 350

Parma

D

Turbo Hydramatic 250

Parma

Y

Turbo Hydramatic 350

Toledo

J

Turbo Hydramatic 350

GM of Canada

Transmission Code Example: Y6D27 
(1976 TH350, 3 speed A/T, assembled April 27)

Click here for further transmission decoding information

Manual transmissions were not available in California for 1976

1976 Camaro 3-Speed & 4-Speed Manual Transmission Ratios

 

Base

LG3

LM1

C.I.

250

305

350

First Gear

3.11:1

3.11:1

2.85:1

Second Gear

1.84:1

1.84:1

2.02:1

Third Gear

1.00:1

1.00:1

1.35:1

Fourth Gear

1.00:1

Reverse

3.22:1

3.22:1

2.85:1

Clutch Diameter

9.12

10.34

10.34

Axle Ratio S

2.73:1

2.73:1

3.08:1

Axle Ratio P

3.08:1

3.08:1

1976 Camaro Turbo Hydramatic Transmission Ratios

 

Base

LG3

LM1

C.I.

250

305

350

First Gear

2.52:1

2.52:1

2.52:1

Second Gear

1.52:1

1.52:1

1.52:1

Third Gear

1.00:1

1.00:1

1.00:1

Reverse

1.94:1

1.94:1

1.94:1

Axle Ratio S

2.73:1

2.73:1

2.73:1

Axle Ratio P

3.08:1

3.08:1

3.08:1

Axle Ratio Key

  • S = Standard Ratio
  • P = Performance Ratio

1976 Camaro Rear Axle Codes

Code

Axle Ratio

Notes

PA

2.73:1

PC

3.08:1

PU

2.73:1

Locking

PW

3.08:1

Locking

Rear Axle Code Example: PAG100D
(Chevy sourced 2.73 open, Assembled on day shift of 100th day of the year)

Click here for further axle decoding information

1976 Camaro Factory Options

Regular Production Option (RPO)

RPO

Description

Quantity

1976 Price

Est. Current Price

1FQ87

Camaro Sport Coupe, 6-Cylinder

38,047

$3,762.35

$17,113.14

1FQ87

Camaro Sport Coupe, 8-Cylinder

92,491

$3,927.35

$17,863.64

1FS87

Camaro Type LT Coupe, 8-Cylinder

52,421

$4,320.35

$19,651.21

AK1

Belts, Color-Keyed Seat and Shoulder

35,517

$17.00

$77.32

AN6

Adjustable Seat Back, Driver Side

10,015

$19.00

$86.42

AU3

Power Door Locks

13,876

$62.00

$282.01

A01

Soft Ray Tinted Glass, All Windows

143,676

$46.00

$209.23

A02

Tinted Windshield

3,235

A31

Power Windows

18,949

$99.00

$450.30

B37

Floor Mats, Color-Keyed Front and Rear

58,564

$15.00

$68.23

B49

Carpet, Deluxe Front and Rear

2,304

$32.00

$145.55

B80

Moldings, Roof Drip

37,954

$16.00

$72.78

B84

Moldings, Body Side

101,018

$38.00

$172.84

B93

Guards, Door Edge

45,706

$7.00

$31.84

Vinyl Roof Cover

24,802

$96.00

$436.66

C24

Windshield Wipers, Hide-A-Way

42,243

$22.00

$100.07

C50

Defroster, Rear Window

56,247

$43.00

$195.59

C60

Air Conditioning

101,901

$479.00

$2,178.74

D35

Mirrors, Sport Right and Left Remote Exterior

101,515

$27.00

$122.81

D55

Console

170,095

$71.00

$322.95

D80

Spoilers, Front and Rear

37,605

$81.00

$368.43

F41

Suspension, Sport

20,211

$32.00

$145.55

G80

Positraction, Rear Axle

12,824

$51.00

$231.97

G92

Rear Axle, High Altitude

1,851

$13.00

$59.13

J50

Power Brakes

22,837

$58.00

$263.81

K05

Engine Block Heater

3,494

K30

Speed Control, Cruise Master

990

$73.00

$332.04

LM1

Engine, 350 cid, 165 hp Turbo-Fire V8

56,710

$85.00

$386.62

M20

Transmission, 4-Speed Wide Range

11,396

$242.00

$1,100.74

M40

Transmission, Turbo Hydramatic Automatic

160,145

$260.00

$1,182.62

N33

Tilt Steering Column

46,705

$52.00

$236.52

N65

Spare Tire, Space Saver

8,026

$15.11

$68.73

PE1

Wheels, Turbine-Style

14,090

$116.00

$527.63

P01

Wheel Covers, Bright Metal

26,692

$30.00

$136.46

QBT

Tires, FR78x14 Belted Radial White Letter

14,655

$49.00

$222.88

QDW

Tires, FR78x14 Belted Radial White Stripe

119,751

$35.00

$159.20

QEG

Tires, E78x14 Belted Blackwall

3,044

-$105.75

-$481.01

QEH

Tires, E78x14 Belted White Stripe

13,352

-$72.75

-$330.91

UA1

Battery, Heavy Duty

10,667

$16.00

$72.78

UM1

Radio, AM w/ Stereo Tape

12,860

$209.00

$950.64

UM2

Radio, AM/FM w/ Stereo Tape

12,351

$324.00

$1,473.72

U05

Horns, Dual

15,921

$6.00

$27.29

U14

Special Instrumentation

13,268

$92.00

$418.46

U35

Clock

22,088

$18.00

$81.87

U58

Radio, AM/FM Stereo

13,868

$226.00

$1,027.97

U63

Radio, AM

69,587

$75.00

$341.14

U69

Radio, AM/FM

32,008

$137.00

$623.15

U76

Antenna, Windshield Type

34,111

$16.00

$72.78

U80

Speaker, Rear Seat

25,824

$21.00

$95.52

V01

Radiator, Heavy Duty

12,974

$27.00

$122.81

V30

Bumper Guards, Front and Rear

29,087

$36.00

$163.75

YF5

Emissions Equipment, Required for California

14,038

$50.00

$227.43

ZJ7

Rally Wheels

78,311

$30.00

$136.46

ZJ9

Auxiliary Lighting

31,427

$30.00

$136.46

Z21

Style Trim Group

73,010

$58.00

$263.81

Z54

Interior Decor and Quiet Sound Package

18,218

$53.00

$241.07

Z85

Rally Sport Package

15,855

$260.00

$1,182.62

Note
Option prices are retail for base model. Prices could be reduced or option could be had at no charge if it was included as standard equipment on the Z28 or Type LT model.

1976 Camaro Cowl Tag Info

1976 Camaro Example Cowl Tag & Breakdown

76 cam vin

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

76 = 1976

1 = Chevrolet

FQ = Camaro Base Level

87 = 2-Door Coupe

L = Van Nuys, CA

Starts at 100001

   

FS = Type LT

 

N = Norwood, OH

 

Line 2: Trim, Seat Type, Paint

Interior Trim

Seat Type

Exterior Paint (Lower/Upper)

02M = White Interior w/ Blue Big Four, Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster (Standard)

A51 = Front Bucket Seats

11 = Antique White

03M = White Interior w/ Green Big Four, Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster (Standard)

AN6 = Adjustable Driver Side Seat

13 = Silver

07M = White Interior w/ Firethorn Big Four, Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster (Standard)

 

19 = Black

11M = White Interior w/ Black Big Four, Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster (Standard)

 

28 = Light Blue

19M = Black, Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster (Standard)

 

35 = Dark Blue

64M = Buckskin, Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster (Standard)

 

36 = Firethorn

71M = Firethorn, Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster (Standard)

 

37 = Mahogany

19B = Black Radcliffe Cloth (Standard)

 

40 = Lime Green

71B = Firethorn Radcliffe Cloth (Standard)

 

49 = Dark Green

02N = White Interior w/ Blue Big Four, Plisse Vinyl / Wallaby Bolster (Custom Knit Vinyl)

 

50 = Cream

03N = White Interior w/ Green Big Four, Plisse Vinyl / Wallaby Bolster (Custom Knit Vinyl)

 

51 = Bright Yellow

07N = White Interior w/ Firethorn Big Four, Plisse Vinyl / Wallaby Bolster (Custom Knit Vinyl)

 

65 = Buckskin

11N = White Interior w/ Black Big Four, Plisse Vinyl / Wallaby Bolster (Custom Knit Vinyl)

 

67 = Medium Saddle

19N = Black Plisse Vinyl / Wallaby Bolster (Custom Knit Vinyl)

 

78 = Medium Orange

64N = Buckskin Plisse Vinyl / Wallaby Bolster (Custom Knit Vinyl)

 

11T = White Vinyl Top

19C = Black Regis Cloth (Custom Knit Cloth)

 

13T = Silver Vinyl Top

26C = Blue Regis Cloth (Custom Knit Cloth)

 

19T = Black Vinyl Top

71C = Firethorn Regis Cloth (Custom Knit Cloth)

 

35T = Dark Blue Vinyl Top

   

36T = Firethorn Vinyl Top

   

37T = Mahogany Vinyl Top

   

65T = Light Buckskin Vinyl Top

“Big Four” = Instrument Panel, Carpet, Cowl Kick Panel & Rear Package Shelf.

Line 3: Build Month and Week, Option Code, Dash & Steering Column Color

Month

Week

Option Code

Dash & Steering Column

Power Windows (Van Nuys)

01 = January

A = First Week

Norwood:

Norwood = 3 Letter Code Examples

Blank or – = No Power Windows

02 = February

B = Second Week

Blank = Base

BLK = Black

A31 = Power Windows

03 = March

C = Third Week

Z85 = Rally Sport

BLU = Blue

 

04 = April

D = Fourth Week

Van Nuys:

SKN = Buckskin

 

05 = May

E = Fifth Week

Blank or – = Sport Coupe

CAR = Carmine

 

06 = June

 

S = Berlinetta or Type LT

SAD = Saddle

 

07 = July

 

Z = Rally Sport

TAU = Taupe

 

08 = August

 

8 = Z28

Van Nuys = 1 Letter Code Examples

 

09 = September

   

B = Black

 

10 = October

   

U = Blue

 

11 = November

   

T = Tan

 

12 = December

   

C = Carmine

 
     

A = Light Gray

 
     

S = Silver

 

1976 Camaro Paint Codes

Exterior Color Codes

 

Paint Code

Color

Quantity

Interior Availability

11

11

Antique White

17,558

B-Bk-Bu-F-Wb-Wbk-Wf-Wg

13

13

Silver

26,418

B-Bk-Bu-F-Wb-Wbk-Wf-Wg

19

19

Black

9,676

B-Bk-Bu-F-Wb-Wbk-Wf-Wg

28

28

Light Blue

19,868

B-Bk-Wb-Wbk

35

35

Dark Blue

16,898

B-Bk-Bu-Wb-Wbk

36

36

Firethorn

28,002

Bk-Bu-F-Wbk-Wf

37

37

Mahogany

11,321

Bk-Bu-F-Wbk-Wf

40

40

Lime Green

6,568

Bk-Bu-Wbk-Wg

49

49

Dark Green

3,984

Bk-Bu-Wbk-Wg

50

50

Cream

6,669

B-Bk-Bu-F-Wb-Wbk-Wf

51

51

Bright Yellow

12,892

Bk-Bu-Wbk

65

65

Buckskin

3,620

Bk-Bu-F-Wbk-Wf

67

67

Medium Saddle

7,936

Bk-Bu-Wbk

78

78

Medium Orange

10,925

Bk-Bu-Wbk

Abbreviations: B = Blue, Bk = Black, Bu = Buckskin, F = Firethorn, Wb = White seats with blue dash and carpet, Wbk = White seats with black dash and carpet, Wf = White seats with firethorn dash and carpet, Wg = White seats with green dash and carpet.

Interior Trim Color Codes

Standard Vinyl

Paint Code

Interior Style

w

02M / 03M / 07M / 11M

White Seats w/ Blue/Green/Firethorn/Black Big Four – Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster

bk

19M

Black – Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster

bu

64M

Buckskin – Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster

f

71M

Firethorn – Oxen Vinyl / Oxen Bolster

Standard Cloth

Paint Code

Interior Style

19b

19B

Black Radcliffe Woven Sport Cloth, Radcliffe Bolster

71b

71B

Firethorn Radcliffe Woven Sport Cloth, Radcliffe Bolster

Custom Knit Vinyl

Paint Code

Interior Style

11n

02N / 03N / 07N / 11N

White Seats w/ Blue/Green/Firethorn/Black Big Four – Plisse Vinyl / Wallaby Bolster

19n

19N

Black – Plisse Vinyl / Wallaby Bolster

64n

64N

Buckskin – Plisse Vinyl / Wallaby Bolster

Custom Knit Cloth

Paint Code

Interior Style

19c

19C

Black Regis Knit Cloth, Dover Bolster

26c

26C

Blue Regis Knit Cloth, Dover Bolster

71c

71C

Firethorn Regis Knit Cloth, Dover Bolster

Disclaimer
The numbers have been compiled from many sources to make these pages as correct as possible. There is no guarantee that the numbers are complete or accurate, therefore, we cannot accept any liability or responsibility for damages incurred from the use of this information.

Additional 1976 Camaro Links


Shop For 1976 Camaro Parts


Request Camaro Catalog


1976 Camaro Resources

 

Now Hiring in Florida!

Looking to get into the Automotive Industry? Here's your chance, click below to see what positions are opening soon!

Operation Status

See what we're doing at Ground Up SS396.com

Parts Catalog

Chevelle & El Camino, Camaro, & Nova
Free

We Want To See Your Car!

Submit your car to be featured today!

Follow Us On Social

MORE ARTICLES FROM SS396.COM!