What does z28 stand for? We were sitting around have a few drinks last night and this question came up.

 

It doesn't really stand for anything. It is an option code like Z51 or ZO6 ar justa bout anything else. Nothing to special about the name.

 

It was the next option code on the option list for the 67 Camaro....after Z27, which was for the Super Sport. It was a handling/engine package specificly designed for competition in the SCCA (I think that's the one) racing series.

 

And just to claifiy on whats being said here the whole 3 digit code is a GM Production Codes. They are used to identiy every option in the car. GM assigns codes to things like suspension, trim, gear ratio, trans type, engine type, etc.. LS1 is a code, LT1 is too. GU5 is a code for the 3.23 performance axle in A4 F-bodies. B4C, Camaro Police-Special service pkg. 1LE, special suspension option SCCA sanctioned. Z71 and ZQ8 are just suspension options on Silverado's and S10's. Even anniversary or commemerative editions are coded, Z25, is the 40th Anniversary Vette in 93, Z4C is the 30th Anniversary Camaro option in 97. SOme are used over for different models. Z16 was used in 96 for the Grand Sport option Vette. Now in 04 it will be used again for the C5's LeMans commemerative edition Z06's.

Interestingly enough Z28 used to be just a code for suspension and engine option. But since it became a Camaro model designation it then became less of a code and more of a merchandising option. Z06 is too.

Just some background data. Take a look in your driver side door jam and you'll see the RPO Code sticker with several 3 digit codes these with the VIN # will completely identify the car and its options.

 

Cool, well I learned my new thing for today!

 

actually you guys are all wrong...z28 may be a code but it did stand for something, i cant remember correctly (ill have to ask my friend again) but it had something to do with the name of one of the guys developing the camaro the z part did and 28 represented something on the motor, i want to say 28 was used because they used the 28th prototype motor or something like that, but ill find out again and post exactly what it was.

 

You mean Zora Arkus Duntov? Tell your friend that's a myth. Z28 simply came after Z27...and it described the "Special Performance" package which homologated Camaro for the SCCA Trans Am racing series.

Somehow the the option code number caught on....and the rest is history.

 

Sorry.... none of that is true in the slightest bit.

 

http://www.67z28.com/history.htm

Some people believed that the Z in Z-28 stood for Zora, as in Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Corvette engineer. Not so. (Vince) Piggins had put a name on the original 283 prototype before he presented it at the October show-and-tell. The name Piggins had chosen was Cheetah. But Vince took that handmade decal off the car at the last moment, muttering, "Well, a name is a name is a name," and the coupe (Pete) Estes drove carried no designation at all.

"There wasn't any suggestion of what we were going to call this car," notes Piggins. "When it came down to having to decide, somebody just said, `Hey, it's option RPO Z-28; let's call it Z-28!' So the name just grew from there. The graphics people did things with the Z, and that's how the designation stuck. The car got its name from the actual option number."

Are you going to believe your friend, or the guy that actually created the car?

 

Well if your friend says so it must be true!

Actually there is a reason my Z is chosen. But 28 just comes after 27. In GM's Production Options code book Z's usually (not always) stand for a upgrade in suspension or engine, a anniversary or commerative model, appearance pkg or sport decoration. Something over and above the regular model. Since Z28 was a appearance, suspension and at the time of designation an engine difference it was given the Z option code.

 

Assuming your friend wasn't BS'ing, he most probally confused Z28 with Oldsmobile's Cutlass' 442. It comes from 4 barrel carburetor, 4 speed manual transmission, and dual (2) exhaust. The only performance car named this way.

 

I've heard a person try to tell me it was called Z/28 because it had 2 doors and 8 cylinders.

He didn't have an answer for me when I asked how come all V8 Camaros weren't called Z28's?