1989-1992 RS question

[Zabo]

There's a fairly good condition 3rd Gen RS for sale at a local lot in Battle Creek. From what I've seen of it, it's been equipped with T-Tops but I can't identify the engine.

Is there a way to differentiate the V8 from the V6 RS other than popping the hood? Note that I haven't been able to check the tail out for any identifying features either.

[Dave McFly]

easy way is to check the VIN number on the VIN plate on the left side of the dash near the base of the windshield. the 8th digit is always a letter and the letter shows what engine is in it so here are some of the letters used for the engines in 89-92 camaros

W 2.8 V6 used in up to the 89 model year
J 3.1 V6 used in 90 up to 92
P 5.7 TPI V8
E 5.0 TBI V8
F 5.0 TPI V8
H 5.0 SFI V8
H 5.0 4BL V8

those were the most common engines in the 89 to 92 F cars, the TPI was mostly in the Z28 or IROC cars. most base or RS cars had the 2.8/3.1 V6 or a the 5.0 TBI (throttle body injection) engines

If the letter is the same as those or not, here are a list of ALL the GM engine letter codes:

VIN numbers for GM cars/trucks just scroll near the bottom .

[Zabo]

Thanks for the information. I also have another question about the T-Tops as to whether or not they were an 8cyl only option. I may stop in during the summer months or something because that car has probably sat on that lot for 4 months now..

If it isn't selling now, it probably won't sell later..and could make a cheap project car.

[Dave McFly]

T Tops were optional on EVERY camaro model from the base 4/6 (depending on year) to the RS or IROC Z or Z28. my family has owned among us 4 3rd gen F cars.

1982 camaro base coupe inline four/5 speed manual hard top
1985 firebird coupe with V8/5 speed t top
1983 trans am coupe V8/auto t top
1988 camaro sport coupe V8/auto t top (mine)

[99b4c]

I just picked up a $200 1989 RS with a 2.8 5 speed, if your looking at an 89 an "S" in the VIN makes it a 6 cyl.

[Super83Z]

Originally Posted by Dave McFly

easy way is to check the VIN number on the VIN plate on the left side of the dash near the base of the windshield. the 8th digit is always a letter and the letter shows what engine is in it so here are some of the letters used for the engines in 89-92 camaros

W 2.8 V6 used in up to the 89 model year
J 3.1 V6 used in 90 up to 92
P 5.7 TPI V8
E 5.0 TBI V8
F 5.0 TPI V8
H 5.0 SFI V8
H 5.0 4BL V8

those were the most common engines in the 89 to 92 F cars, the TPI was mostly in the Z28 or IROC cars. most base or RS cars had the 2.8/3.1 V6 or a the 5.0 TBI (throttle body injection) engines

If the letter is the same as those or not, here are a list of ALL the GM engine letter codes:

VIN numbers for GM cars/trucks just scroll near the bottom .

Thats wrong the code for the 5.7 TPI is 8