How in the world can I tell, once and for all if my 1991 Camaro is a RS or a Z/28? ?

Question

The car has Z/28 on the dash, rear bumper, and side skirts.....but I believe that this could have all been easily put on for looks. I bought the car from a man in town. He never said what it was, or how many people have owned my car (I didn't ask either). Help Please!!

Answer 1

(scroll down for edits)

GM offered a lot of engine and transmission combinations on the 3rd generation F-Body.  I used to own an '88 Firebird Formula 350 that is similar to your car.

If it has a 5.7-L V8, it is a Z-28.

If it has a V-6, it is an RS.

If it has a 5.0 V8, you need to keep looking.

The 5.0 V8 Z-28's had a Tuned Port Injected (TPI) engine.

The 5.0 V8 RS's had a Throttle Body Injected (TBI) engine.

The RPO codes are:

Z28 - 305 TPI - LB9

RS  - 305 TBI - LO3

EDITS -

Your car could be a Z-28, but not a '91. Z-28s and Trans-Ams were sold with the LO3 engine prior to 1991.

The wheels might be a giveaway.  For my Formula 350, one replacement factory wheel cost me almost $500. I doubt anyone would have changed all four on your car just to show off.

Answer 2

get the dealer to check out the vin number and they will be able to tell you for sure.

Answer 3

An RS has either the 3.1L v6 or the 5.0L v8.  Auto or manual trans.

The Z28 has the 5.7L v8 and only comes with an automatic trans from the factory.