I am most likely going to be buying a 3rd generation camaro next week, as I am looking at several cars.

I want to know before I check them out if you can tell by the VIN what a car is? By that I mean does the VIN tell me if a Camaro is an RS, Z-28 or an IROC ?

I know you can bolt on certain parts and decals to any Camaro and call it an IROC or Z28.
I don't want to buy a clone.

Can you tell from the VIN or do I need to know the RPO codes?

 

The VIN will indicate it's a Z28 (T/A,Formula also)only if it came with an engine option exclusive to them (ie: VIN eighth digit LU5 -G or S,L69 -7 or G,LB9 -F or L98 - 8). The Z28 and Sport Coupe share the same VIN designator (the Belinetta used a unique designator "S").

If you look at the SPID label on the '84 up cars make sure the VIN on it matches the car. You can look for RPO codes (B4Z - IROC except '88-'90 when just Z28 appeared). Again look for the engine RPO codes.

Also check these links https://www.thirdgen.org/tech-data
https://www.thirdgen.org/faq

I hope this small bit of info helps and welcome to TGO.

 

That is very helpful.
I will look at the cars' RPO codes to determine if it is legit or not.

Thanks.