Is there any visual givaway to the 3rd generation RS?

[DtRockstar1]

I know that in the first and second generations, the Rally Sport option was mainly a visual option, more so than performance (Like the 1st gen having hidden headlamps and 2nd having the split bumper). But in the third generation, was the RS package still a visual option, or did that change?

If this is the case, could you combine the Rally sport visuals with the Super Sport or Z28 performance in the 3rd generation, like you could in the 1st and 2nd? Or was the RS always the less powerful model with a V6 engine? Thanks!

Chris

[BP_Z28]

RS were optioned with 2.8's & 305's

[MP81]

The 3rd Gen RS was introduced in 1987, but only in California. It sported Z28 ground effects, but lacked the lower body stripes the Z28/IROCs had. In '87, you could only get it with the LB8 2.8L V6. It also had the same steering wheel as the Z28 and IROC-Z, and was only available in red, white or black.

In '88, it was only sold in California, Texas and Florida (I'm not sure about the color selection) - specs are the same as above though.

In '89, the RS was now available with the LO3 TBI 5.0L V8, and the headlight buckets were painted body color.

Nothing changed for 1990 except the gauge cluster (switching to the "half moon" design) and the LB8 was changed to the 3.1L LHO V6.

1991, the RS was available with 16" rims, and Z28-style grid taillights, and the '82-'86 style non-CHMSL spoiler, as well as the new ground effects that the Z28s also had.

1992, the final year for the 3rd gen, the RS has the 25th Anniversary badge on the rear spoiler.

So, basically it was just visual, and after the sport coupe was eliminated in 1989, it became the base model.

Generally speaking, it has the Z28 ground effects and basic "look", just without the Z28/IROC grille with the foglights. And except the first two years where it wasn't really a mass production option, it was available with the base V6 or the lowest output V8.

[WMCCjames]

RS was mostly an appearance package, but I do believe you could not get the better sway bars with an RS or the Bilstein shocks/struts. Every RS I have seen has little pansy bars on it. Not sure if the spring rates were different to...obviously with a V6 they would be though.

Hopefully Doug will chime in and enlighten us on things too.

[The Project]

The RS came with...

-optional 305 TBI V8 (some base IROC'S also got the TBI. TPI was IROC ONLY)
-Flat hood (no blisters)
-smaller sway bars (30/19)
-2.5 (instead of 2.25) steering box ratio
-softer spring rates 350 lbs. (the IROC was stiffer 548 lbs.)
-regular shocks
-"Camaro" dash emblem...not the Z28 one
-RS emblems on the outside
-and some years the RS had single (not grid) taillights. Later on the RS (91,92) got the grid lights.
-Drum only rear brakes (no disc option)

Probably missing a few things......getting old.

[4SFEDSS]

In 91 and 92 they also made "B4C" special service camaros that basically were a 305 or 350 tpi with the z28 suspension and heavy duty drivetrain that were dressed up to look like an RS model.

[steddy]

I found that the 6s had color coded wheels and the 8s had polished.