[jimkramer]

Hey Guys,

I need some help I have built may 1st generation Camaros but now I want to tackle a 2nd generation. I have been looking for a good restorable canidate and came across the following about 2 hours from me. the owner says it is a 71 SS 350. I am having a hard time telling. Didn't all SS's have the 396? I have not seen the car all I have is the pic's that I have posted here. As far as I can tell the only way to be certain is in the trim tag. It should say Z27. Is that correct? It doesn't have the black grill but it does look like the back panel is blacked out. But cars like this have been modified so much over the years that it's hard to tell. He bought it from a guy who needed the money. The typical story. The car is rough and he want's $3000.00 for it. From the pictures it's looks to be a $1000.00 to $1500.00 car if that. It is an automatic car on the column. Did any SS's come with the shifter on the column? I'm not even sure of the 350. If I was to take a guess I would say it is probably a 307 car. I only have the VIN which doesn't tell me much. I have checked out MadMikes Camaro site which still doesn't give a lot regarding the identification.

Any and all info you can give me is appreciated.

I just saw that I can't post pics. Is there a way I can so you guys can do a better evaluation?

Thanks again,

Jim

[click]

While you might get some feedback here, this is mostly First Gen. info. so you should also ask at www.nastyz28.com where they deal with the 2nd generation cars more.

[jimkramer]

Hey Guys,

I need some help I have built may 1st generation Camaros but now I want to tackle a 2nd generation. I have been looking for a good restorable canidate and came across the following about 2 hours from me. the owner says it is a 71 SS 350. I am having a hard time telling. Didn't all SS's have the 396? I have not seen the car all I have is the pic's that I have posted here. As far as I can tell the only way to be certain is in the trim tag. It should say Z27. Is that correct? It doesn't have the black grill but it does look like the back panel is blacked out. But cars like this have been modified so much over the years that it's hard to tell. He bought it from a guy who needed the money. The typical story. The car is rough and he want's $3000.00 for it. From the pictures it's looks to be a $1000.00 to $1500.00 car if that. It is an automatic car on the column. Did any SS's come with the shifter on the column? I'm not even sure of the 350. If I was to take a guess I would say it is probably a 307 car. I only have the VIN which doesn't tell me much. I have checked out MadMikes Camaro site which still doesn't give a lot regarding the identification.

Any and all info you can give me is appreciated.

I just saw that I can't post pics. Is there a way I can so you guys can do a better evaluation?

Thanks again,

Jim

[Vintage 68]

Jim;
First off - WELCOME to Team CAMARO

As the 'Moderate' Mr. 'click' said - this is mostly a 1st Gen site - but, some of us have had the pleasure (and still do) of owning a 2nd Gen also - one of the best all around sporty American cars, IMHO.

I'll take a stab at your questions, as I've owned a couple of the 70's SS's and I know some others on here also have them and will more than happy to chime-in and correct me where I'm mistaken.
First - No, they didn't 'all' have a "396" (and btw... it was really a '402' - but, that was never advertised in this car.).
The RPO-Z27 SS option was equiped with an L-48 version 350 in base trim.
You could opt for a 350 H.P. RPO-L-34 or a 375 H.P. RPO-L78 BB (402) if you elected to check either of those boxes on the Dealer Form.
The SS option included Power Brakes (manual disc were standard on all 1970's), F-70X14 RWL Tires (Bias Ply), Dual Exhaust (w/chrome tips), "Blacked-out" Grill, Hidden Windshield Wipers, "Bright" Engine trim, Special Insulation and of course, All the additional "SS" emblems and trim parts.
I'm pretty sure they all had 12 Bolt Rear Ends. I always had 4-Speeds and they always did, maybe some 350 auto's had 10 Bolts - Don't know...(question for the "nasty" site...)
If you ordered either of the BB's you also got the Heavy Duty 'F-41' suspension included.
BB's also had a Blacked-out Rear Panel. This was a very popular look - lots of Dealers did this for customers, I'm sure lots of private body shops also - I did mine in the driveway...
You could still combine an "RS" option with the "SS" to get the additional trim level and the now famous "Split-Bumpers & Grill".

You have to remember that the RPO-Z28 option was also a High Peformance 350 (LT-1) starting this year. So many opted for the additional 60 H.P. it offered in the same engine size as well as the high performance suspension and tire options available on that option package.

Hope some of this helps and you will post some or any info on your 1st Gens (even if you don't still have one) so the CRG - www.crg.org - guys can record it for their database.

John

[DjD]

Hi Jim, welcome to the site... I merged your 2 posts (didn't realize they were the same exact post) as it's better to keep everything together as opposed to spreading it out in different posts. Also please only post your question/problem once, if someone can help they will. Not sure how you missed it but I found this on the 2nd gen site... http://www.nastyz28.com/camaro/camaro71.html

1971 Z27 Super Sport - Includes 270-hp Turbo-Fire 350 engine and bright accents; Dual exhaust; power brakes, special ornamentation; special hood insulation; LH remote control sport mirror; F70-14 bias belted ply white lettered tires, 14" x 7" wheels; black painted grille; hide-a-way windshield wipers with black chrome finished arms and articulated left hand blade; SS emblems on steering wheel, fenders and grille (exc. when combined with RS), available with V8 only, available with 4-speed manual or automatic transmission only, optional engine is LS3 245 hp 396). 396 engine came with black painted rear panel & required RPO F41.

Thanks,

[dkatap]

Besides the things mentioned above,check the vin. If it is a Norwood car, the trim tag will have Z27 on it if it is real. The original SS and Z28 grilles were black molded plastic not painted. The SS 350 cars didn't have to have the F41 or a posi rear, they were optional. Look for dual exhaust hangers. If it is a Van Nuys car it would be hard to verify without the original engine or build sheet. Hope this helps.

Dennis

[19HoosierDaddies67]

Also, I believe that 70 was the last year of the 12 bolt in the camaro, it will have a ten bolt.

[jcdubs]

Originally Posted by 19HoosierDaddies67

Also, I believe that 70 was the last year of the 12 bolt in the camaro, it will have a ten bolt.

Yup there were no 12 bolts in 71 camaro's, 70 was the last year.
My trim tag reads Z27 LS3.
I thought all SS cars had the F41 suspension, not sure, but if it does it should have a rear sway bar.