1987 Camaro Restoration Information

1987 Camaro Specifications

In 1987, Chevrolet offered both the 305ci LG4 and LB9 V8s with 5-speed manual transmissions in the IROC-Z. The new 350ci L98 engine, however, was limited to being backed only by an automatic.

With the LB9 TPI engine, both automatic and manual transmission options were available, however, those engines paired with an automatic transmission came de-tuned with 190hp vs. 215hp backed by a 5-speed manual transmission.

Those IROC-Zs that were equipped with a L98 engine came with a 7.75-inch 4-pinion rear end, 3.27 rear end gears, J65 disc brakes and an option code G80 limited slip differential.

A very rare twin-turbocharged 305ci L98 engine debuted for 1987, although only three cars were ever equipped with the engine. These cars are believed to have produced upwards of 500hp and nearly 600ft-lbs of torque to the flywheel.

Based on IROC-Z models, only the second car was a convertible. All three are held by private collectors, including the first one, which is kept by GM as a historic piece.

All the available V8 engines received hydraulic roller lifters and a new head/valve cover design. This gave the engines a better valve cover seal.

Body wise, not much changed for most models, although the high-mount brake light was moved to the rear spoiler for Z28, IROC-Z and the newly introduced LT (which replaced the Berlinetta) model. On base Camaros, it remained attached to the rear hatch glass because of the base model’s lack of a rear spoiler.

The 1987 model year also brought about the first Camaro convertible option since 1969. This option was actually a pre-delivery conversion option done to T-top cars of the Sport Coupe, LT and IROC-Z varieties by the American Sunroof Company. Only about 1,000 convertible conversions were done prior to customer delivery, while an additional few were done post-delivery by the same company.

1987 Camaro OEM Brochure

1987 Camaro Model Options:

Sub-Models: (all 2-door models, convertibles now available)

• Sport Coupe
• LT
• Z28
• IROC-Z

Engine Options:

• 173ci V6
• 305ci V8 L03 145hp
• 305ci TPI V8 215hp (190hp if backed by an automatic transmission)
• 350ci V8 225hp
• 350ci Twin-Turbo V8 500+hp (only 3 exist)

Transmission Options:

• Borg-Warner 5-speed manual
• TH700-R4 4-speed automatic with overdrive

1987 Camaro Production:

• 60,439 V6
• 77,321 V8
• 137,760 Total

Vehicle Identification Example: 1G1FP21HXHL100001

• Fifth digit is model level: P= Camaro (all models).
• Eighth digit is engine code: 8=350ci V8 (B2L) F=305ci V8 (LB9) H=305ci V8 (LG4) S=173ci V6 (LB8)
• Tenth digit is model year: H=1987
• Eleventh digit is N for Norwood assembly, L for Van Nuys.
• Last six digits increased one for each car built at each plant.

Dimensions:

• Length: 187.8″
• Height: 49.8″
• Width: 72.0″
• Wheelbase: 101.0″

1987 Camaro Model Option Breakouts

Z28 Special Performance Package

Modified McPhearson Strut, Special chassis bracing. Full Instrumentation. Special front fascia with integral airdam. Ground effects rockers.

Engine:

Base engine was the LG4 305 w/ 4 barrel Quadrajet Carburetor. Dual exhaust.

Transmission:

No Information Provided.

Clutch:

10.34 inches

Rear Axle:

Positraction (G80) mandatory when equipped with 4 wheel disc brakes.

Brakes:

J65 4 wheel disc brakes available.

Suspension:

• Stiffer bracing and bushing material than base Camaro.
• 58/32 N/mm Front/Rear Spring Rate (SC = 58/18, F41 = 58/18)
• 31/21 mm Front/Rear Sway bar diameter (SC = 27/12, F41 = 29/12)

Steering:

7 ply-joint vs 4 ply in base Camaro improves rag joint stiffness and offers better angular deflection. Recirculating-ball power steering with fast 12.7:1 ratio, plus limited boost to improve road feel.

Wheels & Tires:

5 spoke aluminum 15 x 7 inch. Goodyear P215/65R-15 white letter, steel belted radials.

1987 Camaro Engine Codes & Specs

Available Engine Specifications

Note

• MFI = multi-port fuel injection
• TPI = tuned-port injection

6-Cylinder Engine Codes

8-Cylinder Engine Codes

Note
Some suffix codes were universal (fifty state plus Canada).

1987 Camaro Transmission Codes

Warner 5-Speed Manual Codes

Turbo Hydramatic 700-R4 Codes

1987 Camaro Manual Transmission Ratios

1987 Camaro 700-R4 Automatic Transmission Ratios

Axle Ratio Key

• S = Standard Ratio
• P = Performance Ratio G92
• * Borg-Warner Rear Axle

1987 Camaro Rear Axle Codes

1987 Camaro Factory Options

Regular Production Option (RPO)

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, IROC, or LT model.

1987 Camaro Paint Codes

Exterior Paint Codes

Interior Trim Codes

Disclaimer
The numbers in this 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.