Muscle Car Specifications
While there weren’t drastic changes in the lineup this year, sales numbers were proving Camaro-buyers once again were interested in performance. It seemed that by 1986 the bad economy and the energy crises of the late 1970s were nearly forgotten. Both the IROC and the Z28 had great sales years, and the IROC production numbers far more than doubled the numbers of its original year in 1985, while the Z28 was quietly making a run at the numbers produced by the perennially best-selling Camaro model, the coupe. Total production climbed over 12,000 units this year to 192,219.
The new styling on the base-model echoed the move toward performances, or at least the appearance thereof, and mostly provided the car with a few sportier touches. Though the standard four-cylinder still came with 14-inch wheels, any V6 or V8 model was automatically upgraded to 15-inch wheels. And most buyers opted for the engine upgrade. Other changes on the coupe were new lower body striping, black mirrors and a recalibrated suspension.
The base engine was still the 2. 5 litre four-cylinder motor producing 88 horsepower, though this was easily the least popular option. While it was still being produced, the Berlinetta came standard with the 2.8 litre V6 that had been introduced the year before and produced 135 horsepower. The base V8 was a 5.0 litre engine producing 155 horsepower, and was available as an option for the coupe. Both the Z28 and the IROC came standard with a V8 that had been tweaked to produce 165 horsepower. Both could also be upgraded to the Tuned Port Injection 5.0 litre V8 that had been introduced the year before, though a cam change brought horsepower down from 215 to 190. These engines were only available with a four-speed automatic transmission.
In 1987, a new 5.7 litre V8 would be made available, and it has been reported that Chevy’s plan was to introduced them for the 1986 model but decided to wait. It is rumored that there were around 50 1986 IROC Camaros produced with this motor as test cars.
Coupe
The aforementioned changes giving the coupe a sportier look was likely a factor in the continued high sales numbers of the coupe. Total production for the year was 99,608, and the cars had a base price of $8,935.
Berlinetta
Discontinued during the middle of the production year, the Berlinetta had a total production of only 4,479 during 1986. Sales of the luxury model had been declining for years, and proved the aforementioned point that the public was more interested in a sporty Camaro than a luxury model.
Z28
The Z28 changed little from the previous year, though it and the IROC did receive a new speedometer that appropriately went to 145 MPH instead of the previous 85 MPH. Total production continued to be very high, and 88,132 Z28s were produced this year.
IROC-Z
Sales of the IROC also soared, and total production was 49,585, compared to 21,177 in its inaugural year in 1985. The car would be further distinguished the following year when that 5.7 litre engine was made available.
Pony Car Competition
Though no longer considered a pony car, former rival the Ford Mustang was continuing to produce more and more powerful cars throughout the 1980s. Throughout the late 70s and 80s, Camaro and Mustang would continue to fight to see who would come out on top concerning sales numbers. Though the Camaro had won the previous year, the Mustang prevailed in 1986, with nearly 225,000 cars produced.
But as far as actual pony cars are concerned, only the Camaro and its cousin the Firebird could still be placed into that category. At least until the Mustang was redesigned as a pony car once again four its fourth-generation, though that wouldn’t occur for another eight years.
For Sale
Image Gallery
Engine Specifications
| Type | Size | Carb | Horse Power | Tourqe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LQ9 I4 | 151ci | TFI | 88 hp @ 4400 rpm | 130 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
| LB8 V6 | 173ci | MFI | 135 hp @ 5100 rpm | 160 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm |
| L69 HO | 305ci | 1x4bbl | 190 hp @ 4800 rpm | 240 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm |
| LB9 TPI | 305ci | Tuned Port Injection | 190 hp @ 4000 rpm | 285 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
| LG4 | 305ci | 1x4bbl | 165 hp @ 4400 rpm | 250 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Performance Statistics
| Model | 0 to 60 mph | Quarter Mile | Engine | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z28 | 6.8 sec | 15.3 sec | 350ci/230hp | STD Catalog of Muscle Cars |