1971 Camaro Specifications
1971 was the year the car insurance industry brought an end to the original ‘muscle car’ era. In an effort to comply with federal regulations requiring leaded fuel to be phased out, General Motors lowered compression ratios of all engines to a maximum of 9.0:1.
Not only did this actually cut horsepower (compared to an 11.0:1 compression ratio engine), but General Motors also began rating their engines in SAE NET horsepower. In 1971, engines were rated in both SAE NET & Gross HP.
While essentially a carry-over from the previous year, the 1971 Camaro had several notable changes. These changes included a new 3 piece rear spoiler, optional ABS plastic front spoiler, high back seats adapted from the Vega, and minor changes to the emblems. Little changes in the appearance of the 1971 Chevy Camaro separated it from the previous year, but under the hood, the Camaro was a much tamer vehicle.
New insurance laws and the woes of a faltering economy along with fears of oil shortages led General Motors and all U.S.-based car manufacturers to downgrade horsepower in favor of better gas mileage and mainly to comply with new federal laws. 1971 was considered by many car enthusiasts to be a very disappointing year.
1971 Camaro Brochure
1971 Camaro Model Options
1971 Camaro Production:
- 11,178 6-cyl
- 103,452 V8
- 114,630 total
Dealer Introduction: 9/29/70
Vehicle Identification Example: 123871N500001
- First digit is GM Division: 1 = Chevrolet
- Digits 2&3 are model series: 23 = 6-cyl, 24 = 8-cyl Camaro
- Digits 4&5 are body type: 87 = 2dr. coupe
- Sixth digit is model year: 1 = 1971
- The seventh digit is N for Norwood assembly, L for Van Nuys.
- The last six digits increased one with each car built at each plant
Dimensions:
- Length: 188.0″
- Height: 50.5″
- Width: 74.4″
- Wheelbase: 108.0″
Curb Weight:
- 12387: 3,186 lbs.
- 12487: 3,310 lbs.
1971 VIN Ending By Month (Norwood):
- Aug – 505384
- Sep – 513327
- Oct – n/a (strike)
- Nov – n/a (strike)
- Dec – n/a (strike)
- Jan – 525983
- Feb – 542888
- Mar – 558615
- Apr – 570194
- May – 581213
- Jun – 593741
- Jul – 520889
1971 VIN Ending By Month ( Van Nuys):
- Aug – 501727
- Sep – 503052
- Oct – n/a (strike)
- Nov – n/a (strike)
- Dec – 505416
- Jan – 508544
- Feb – 510841
- Mar – 513969
- Apr – 516618
- May – 518440
- Jun – 520553
- Jul – n/a
1971 Camaro Model Option Breakouts
Z21 Style Trim
Includes bright roof drip, window, and hood panel moldings plus bright accented parking lights, taillights, and backup lights. (Included with Rally Sport option).
Z22 Rally Sport
Includes special black-painted grille with special rubber-tipped vertical center bar and resilient body-color grille frame; Independent LH and RH front bumpers replacing full-width bumper; license plate bracket mounted below RH bumper; parking lights with bright accents mounted on grille panel; Hide-a-Way windshield wipers with black-chrome finished arms and articulated left-hand blade; bright roof drip, window, and hood panel moldings; RS emblem on the steering wheel; Rally Sport front fender nameplates; bright accented taillights and back-up lights. (RS emblems deleted with SS or Z28 option).
Click here for information on how to verify a Rally Sport
Z23 Accent Group Interior
Includes additional instrument cluster lighting, wood-grained accents on the instrument cluster, and steering wheel (included in custom interior option).
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 (exp. when combined with RS), available with V8 only, available with 4-speed manual or automatic transmission only, the optional engine is LS3 245 hp 396). 396 engine came with black painted rear panel & required RPO F41.
Total SS Production:
- L48/350 cid = 6,844
- LS3/402 cid = 1,533d
Carburetor Part Number
GM Part Number | Engine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
7041203 | 350 cid | - |
7041202 | 350 cid | Automatic Transmission |
7041201 | 402 cid | - |
7041200 | 402 cid | Automatic Transmission |
Distributor Part Numbers
GM Part Number | Engine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
1112044 | 350 cid | - |
1112045 | 350 cid | Automatic Transmission |
1112057 | 402 cid | - |
Z28 Special Performance Package
The short one-piece rear spoiler was replaced with a 3 piece spoiler (former COPO 9796 used in 1970) in the early part of the model year. Special instrumentation and driver-side adjustable sport mirror standard.
Total Z28 Production:
- 4,862
1971 Z28 Carburetor (780 cfm Holley)
GM Part Number | Transmission | List Number |
|---|---|---|
3989022 | Automatic | 4800 |
3989021 | 4-Speed Manual | 4801 |
Engine:
The compression ratio was lowered from 11:1 to 9:1, resulting in 30 less horsepower and 20 fewer ft./lb. of torque. GM also began rating all engines in SAE net instead of gross horsepower. Solid-lifter cam with lift (0.458) and duration (317/I 346/E) identical to 1970. Stronger engine mounts and larger fuel filter added.
Click here to see the specific LT-1 Engine Components.
Transmission & Clutch:
Mandatory choice of Muncie 4-speeds & 11-inch clutch. Hurst Shifter. Special 2400-RPM-stall torque converter Turbo Hydra-Matic optional. (Identical to 1970.)
Rear Axle:
GM 10 bolt, 3.73:1 positraction ratio standard. 4.10 available (ZQ9)
12 bolt no longer offered, heavy-duty u-joints included with the Z28 package.
Brakes:
11-inch, vented, cast-iron front discs with vacuum assist standard. Rear 9.5-inch drums. (identical to 1970)
Front Suspension:
Z28 anti-roll bar 1.0-inch diameter instead of standard 0.6875-inch unit. (identical to 1970)
Rear Suspension:
RPO F-41 special suspension standard, including 5-leaf rear springs, 125 lb./in. spring rate, staggered heavy-duty shocks, link-type rear stabilizer bar (unchanged from 1970).
Steering:
The 22.5:1 unassisted gear became standard with variable-ratio power steering now at 15.5-11.8:1 for all Camaros. Not quite as fast as 1970.
Wheels & Tires:
15 x 7 steel wheels painted dull grey with bright lug nuts, center caps with blue bow-tie and trim rings,
Wheel Code: AU, Part #: 3983045, Center cap part #: 3989479, Trim Ring part #: 3984524.
F60-15 fiberglass-belted white letter tires standard. (unchanged from & identical to 1970)
Z87 Custom Interior
Includes deluxe seat (with cloth or vinyl seats) and sidewall trim; cloth seats; glove compartment light and additional instrument cluster lighting; wood grained accents on the instrument cluster, steering wheel, and door trim panels; luggage compartment mat plus special engine compartment, hood, and interior insulation.
1971 Camaro Engine Codes & Specs
Available Engine Specifications
Type | Size | Carb | RPO | Horsepower (Gross) | Horsepower (Net) | Torque (Gross) | Torque (Net) | Bore & Stroke (in.) | Compression Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L6 | 250 cid | 1x1bbl | Base | 145 hp @ 4200 RPM | 110 hp @ 3800 RPM | 230 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM | 185 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM | 3.875 x 3.53 | 8.5:1 |
V8 | 307 cid | 1x2bbl | Base | 200 hp @ 4600 RPM | 140 hp @ 4400 RPM | 300 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM | 235 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM | 3.875 x 3.25 | 8.5:1 |
V8 | 350 cid | 1x2bbl | L65 | 245 hp @ 4800 RPM | 165 hp @ 4000 RPM | 350 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM | 280 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM | 4.00 x 3.48 | 8.5:1 |
V8 | 350 cid | 1x4bbl | L48 | 270 hp @ 4800 RPM | 210 hp @ 4400 RPM | 360 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM | 300 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM | 4.00 x 3.48 | 8.5:1 |
V8 | 350 cid | 1x4bbl | Z28 | 330 hp @ 5600 RPM | 275 hp @ 5600 RPM | 360 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM | 300 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM | 4.00 x 3.48 | 9.0:1 |
V8 | 396 cid | 1x4bbl | LS3 | 300 hp @ 4800 RPM | 260 hp @ 4400 RPM | 400 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM | 345 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM | 4.126 x 3.76 | 8.5:1 |
6-Cylinder Engine Codes
Code | Size / Carb | HP / RPO | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CAA | 250 cid 1x1bbl | 145 hp gross / 110 hp net | Manual | - |
CAB | 250 cid 1x1bbl | 145 hp gross / 110 hp net | Powerglide | - |
8-Cylinder Engine Codes
Code | Size / Carb | HP / RPO | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
307 | ||||
CCA | 307 cid 1x2bbl | 200 hp gross / 140 hp net | Manual | - |
CCC | 307 cid 1x2bbl | 200 hp gross / 140 hp net | Automatic | TH350/PG |
350 | ||||
CGB | 350 cid 1x2bbl | 245 hp gross / 165 hp net L65 | Powerglide | - |
CGK | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 270 hp gross / 210 hp net L48 | Manual | SS |
CGL | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 270 hp gross / 210 hp net L48 | Turbo Hydramatic | SS |
CGP | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 330 hp gross / 275 hp net Z28 | Manual | Z28 |
CGR | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 330 hp gross / 275 hp net Z28 | Turbo Hydramatic | Z28 |
CJD | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 270 hp gross / 210 hp net L48 | Turbo Hydramatic | SS |
CJG | 350 cid 1x4bbl | 270 hp gross / 210 hp net L48 | Manual | SS |
396 | ||||
CLA/CLC | 396 cid 1x4bbl | 300 hp gross / 260 hp net LS3 | Manual | SS, High Performance |
CLB/CLD | 396 cid 1x4bbl | 300 hp gross / 260 hp net LS3 | Turbo Hydramatic | SS, High Performance |
Engine Code Example: V0328CGP
(350 330hp Assembled in Flint assembly plant on March 28)
1971 Camaro Transmission Codes
Code | Type | Plant |
|---|---|---|
S | 3-Speed | Muncie L.D. |
R | 4-Speed (Cast Iron Case) | Muncie L.D. |
P | 4-Speed (Aluminum Case) | Muncie H.D. |
C | Powerglide | Cleveland |
E | Powerglide | McKinnon |
B | Turbo Hydramatic 350 | Cleveland |
Y | Turbo Hydramatic 350 | Toledo |
J | Turbo Hydramatic 350 | Oshawa / GM Canada |
1971 Camaro 3 & 4 Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
| Base | Base | L65 | L48 | Z28 | LS3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C.I | 250 | 307 | 350 | 350 | 350 | 396 |
| 1st Gear | 2.85:1 | 2.85:1 | 2.54:1 | 2.52:1 | 2,52:1 | 2.20:1 |
| 2nd Gear | 1.68:1 | 1.68:1 | 1.80:1 | 1.88:1 | 1.88:1 | 1.64:1 |
| 3rd Gear | 1.00:1 | 1.00:1 | 1.44:1 | 1.46:1 | 1.46:1 | 1.27:1 |
| 4th Gear | -- | -- | 1.00.1 | 1.00:1 | 1.00:1 | 1.00:1 |
| Reverse | 2.95:1 | 2.95:1 | 2.54:1 | 2.59:1 | 2.59:1 | 2.26:1 |
| Clutch Diameter | 9.12 | 10.34 | 10.34 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
Axle Ratio S | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Axle Ratio E | 3.08:1 | 3.08:1 | 3.08:1 | 3.42:1 | 3.73:1 | 3.42:1 |
Axle Ratio P | -- | -- | -- | -- | 4.10:1 | -- |
1971 Camaro Powerglide & Turbo Hydramatic Ratios
| Base | Base | L65 | L48 | Z28 | LS3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C.I | 250 | 307 | 350 | 350 | 350 | 396 |
| 1st Gear | 1,82:1 | 1.82:1a | 2.52:1 | 2.52:1 | 2.48:1 | 2.48:1 |
| 2nd Gear | 1.00:1 | 1.00:1 | 1.52:1 | 1.52:1 | 1.48:1 | 1.48:1 |
| 3rd Gear | -- | -- | 1.00:1 | 1.00:1 | 1.00:1 | 1.00:1 |
| Reverse | 1.82:1 | 1.82:1 | 1.93:1 | 1.93:1 | 2.08:1 | 2.08:1 |
| Clutch Diameter | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Axle Ratio S | 3.08:1 | 3.08:1 | 2.73:1 | 3.08:1 | 3.73:1 | 3.42:1 |
Axle Ratio E | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Axle Ratio P | -- | -- | 3.42:1 | -- | 4.10:1 | -- |
1971 Camaro Rear Axle Codes
| Code | Gear Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 2.73:1 | Locking |
| CB | 4.10:1 | - |
| CG | 3.73:1 | - |
| CJ | 3.42:1 | Locking |
| CK | 3.42:1 | - |
| GX | 3.08:1 | - |
| GY | 3.08:1 | Locking |
| GZ | 2.73:1 | - |
1971+ Rear Axle Code example: CB G 112 1 E
(CB = Ratio, G = Plant, 112 = 112th day of year, 1 = shift, E = Positraction Source)
Click here for further rear axle decoding information
1971 Camaro Factory Options
Regular Production Option (RPO)
| RPO | Description | Quantity | 1971 Price | Est. Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12387 | Camaro Sport Coupe, 6-cylinder | 11,178 | $2,758.00 | $17,721.27 |
| 12487 | Camaro Sport Coupe, 8-cylinder | 103,452 | $2,848.00 | $18,299.56 |
| AK1 | Belts, custom deluxe | 16,922 | - | - |
| AN6 | Adjustable Seat Back, driver side | - | $19.00 | $122.08 |
| AS4 | Belts, custom deluxe rear shoulder | 99 | $26.35 | $169.31 |
| A01 | Soft Ray Tinted Glass, all windows | 67,250 | $40.05 | $257.34 |
| A02 | Tinted Glass, windshield | - | - | - |
| A31 | Power Windows | - | - | - |
| B37 | Floor Mats, color-keyed front and rear | 22,576 | $12.65 | $81.28 |
| B93 | Guards, door edge | 33,124 | $6.35 | $40.80 |
| C08 | Vinyl Roof Cover | 38,329 | $89.55 | $575.40 |
| C24 | Windshield Wipers, hide-a-way | 30,488 | $21.10 | $135.58 |
| C50 | Defroster, rear window | 8,794 | $31.60 | $203.04 |
| C60 | Air Conditioning | 42,537 | $402.35 | $2,585.26 |
| D34 | Mirror, visor vanity | 5,522 | $3.20 | $20.56 |
| D35 | Mirror, left-hand remote control | 40,684 | $15.80 | $101.52 |
| D55 | Console | 72,656 | $59.00 | $379.10 |
| D80 | Spoilers, front and rear | 6,489 | $79.00 | $507.61 |
| F41 | Suspension, special purpose front and rear | 10,975 | $30.55 | $196.30 |
| G80 | Positraction, rear axle | 11,753 | $44.25 | $284.32 |
| J50 | Power Brakes | 41,630 | $47.30 | $303.92 |
| J52 | Front disc brakes | - | - | - |
| L48 | V8 Engine, 350 CID | - | - | - |
| L65 | Engine, 245hp, 350ci Turbo-Fire V8 | 34,017 | $26.35 | $169.31 |
| LS3 | Engine, 300hp, 396ci Turbo-jet V8 (SS) | 1,533 | $99.05 | $636.44 |
| M20 | Transmission, 4-speed wide range | 7,603 | $205.95 | $1,323.31 |
| M21 | Transmission, 4-speed close ratio | 1,721 | $205.95 | $1,323.31 |
| M22 | Transmission, 4-speed close ratio heavy-duty | 1,290 | $237.60 | $1,526.68 |
| M35 | Transmission, Powerglide automatic | 13,466 | $179.55 | $1,153.68 |
| M38 | 3-speed automatic transmission, 300 deluxe | - | - | - |
| M40 | Transmission, Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic | 77,541 | $216.5 | $1,391.10 |
| NK2 | Steering Wheel, custom black | 621 | $15.80 | $101.52 |
| NK4 | Steering Wheel, sport four spoke black | 6,216 | $15.80 | $101.52 |
| N33 | Tilt Steering Column | 8,374 | $45.30 | $291.07 |
| N40 | Power Steering | 93,163 | $110.60 | $710.65 |
| PL3 | Tires, E78x14 belted white stripe | 55,834 | $26.05 | $167.38 |
| PL4 | Tires, F70x14 belted white letter | 20,457 | $81.50 | $523.67 |
| PM7 | F60-15-B tires - GB white lettering | - | - | - |
| PU4 | Tires, F70x14 belted white stripe | 24,579 | $68.05 | $437.25 |
| PY4 | F70-14-B tires, white stripe | - | - | - |
| P01 | Wheel Covers, bright metal | 55,363 | $26.35 | $169.31 |
| P02 | Wheel Covers, special | 1,809 | $84.30 | $541.66 |
| P06 | Deluxe wheel trim cover | - | - | - |
| T60 | Battery, heavy-duty | 5,168 | $15.80 | $101.52 |
| U14 | Special Instrumentation | 12,174 | $84.30 | $541.66 |
| U35 | Clock | 10,338 | $16.90 | $108.59 |
| U63 | Radio, AM pushbutton | 95,776 | $66.40 | $426.65 |
| U69 | Radio, AM/FM pushbutton | 13,310 | $139.05 | $893.45 |
| U76 | Windshield antenna | - | - | - |
| U80 | Speaker, rear seat | 20,018 | $15.80 | $101.52 |
| VF3 | Bumpers, deluxe front and rear | 1,309 | $36.90 | $237.10 |
| V01 | Radiator, heavy duty | 1,594 | $14.75 | $94.77 |
| YD1 | Axle, trailering ratio | 130 | $12.65 | $81.28 |
| ZJ7 | Wheels, rally | 34,604 | $45.30 | $291.07 |
| ZJ9 | Auxiliary Lighting Group | 6,323 | $18.45 | $118.55 |
| ZP5 | Appearance Guard Group (Includes B93, B37, D34) | - | - | - |
| ZQ9 | Axle, performance ratio | 1,294 | $12.65 | $81.28 |
| Z21 | Style Trim Group | 38,161 | $57.95 | $372.35 |
| Z22 | Rally Sport Package | 18,404 | $179.05 | $1,150.47 |
| Z23 | Interior Accent Group | 32,411 | $21.10 | $135.58 |
| Z27 | Super Sport Package | 8,377 | $313.90 | $2,016.94 |
| Z28 | Special Performance Package | 4,862 | $786.75 | $5,055.19 |
| Z87 | Custom Interior | 11,643 | $115.90 | $744.70 |
1971 Camaro Cowl Tag Info
1971 Camaro Example Cowl Tag & Breakdown
The Cowl Trim Tag, located on the cowl area identifies significant information about your car.
Click here for further cowl tag decoding information
Line 1: Year, GM Division, Model & Body, Assembly Plant, Sequence Number
Year | GM Division | Model Series | Body Code | Assembly Plant | Sequence Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
71 = 1971 | 1 = Chevrolet | 23 = Camaro, L6 | 87 = 2-Door Coupe | LOS = Van Nuys, CA | Starts at 100001 |
24 = Camaro, V8 | NOR = Norwood, OH |
Line 2: Trim & Paint
Interior Trim | Exterior Paint (Lower/Upper) |
|---|---|
775 = Black (Standard) | 11 = Antique White |
776 = Blue (Standard) | 13 = Nevada Silver |
777 = Sandalwood (Standard) | 19 = Tuxedo Black |
778 = Green (Standard) | 24 = Ascot Blue |
779 = Saddle (Standard) | 26 = Mulsanne Blue |
785 = Black (Custom Cloth) | 42 = Cottonwood Green |
786 = Black w/ Blue Accents (Custom Cloth) | 43 = Lime Green |
787 = Black w/ Green Accents (Custom Cloth) | 49 = Antique Green |
789 = Black & White w/ Black Accents (Custom Cloth) | 52 = Sunflower Yellow |
792 = Black w/ Saddle Accents (Custom Cloth) | 53 = Placer Gold |
61 = Sandalwood | |
62 = Burnt Orange | |
67 = Classic Copper | |
75 = Cranberry Red | |
78 = Rosewood | |
A = White Vinyl Top | |
B = Black Vinyl Top | |
C = Blue Vinyl Top | |
F = Brown Vinyl Top | |
G = Green Vinyl Top |
Line 3: Build Month and Week | Norwood Only = Option Code, Stripe Code
Month | Week | Option Code | Stripe Code |
|---|---|---|---|
01 = January | A = First Week | Blank = Base Model | Blank = No Stripes |
02 = February | B = Second Week | Z27 = Super Sport | 10/11 = White |
03 = March | C = Third Week | Z28 = Z28 | 19 = Black |
04 = April | D = Fourth Week | ||
05 = May | E = Fifth Week | ||
06 = June | |||
07 = July | |||
08 = August | |||
09 = September | |||
10 = October | |||
11 = November | |||
12 = December |
1971 Camaro Paint Codes
Exterior Color Codes
| Paint Code | Color | Vinyl Top | Interior Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Antique White | B-Bk-Br-G-W | * ALL * |
| 13 | Nevada Silver | B-Bk-W | 775, 776, 777, 785, 786, 789 |
| 19 | Tuxedo Black | B-Bk-G-W | * ALL * |
| 24 | Ascot Blue | B-Bk-W | 775, 776, 777, 785, 786, 789 |
| 26 | Mulsanne Blue | B-Bk-W | 775, 776, 777, 785, 786, 789 |
| 42 | Cottonwood Green | Bk-G-W | 775, 777, 778, 785, 787, 789 |
| 43 | Lime Green | Bk-G-W | 775, 777, 778, 779, 785, 787, 789, 792 |
| 49 | Antique Green | Bk-G-W | 775, 777, 778, 779, 785, 787, 789, 792 |
| 52 | Sunflower Yellow | Bk-W | 775, 777, 778, 779, 785, 787, 789, 792 |
| 53 | Placer Gold | Bk-W | 775, 777, 779, 789, 792 |
| 61 | Sandalwood | Bk-Br-W | 775, 777, 778, 779, 787, 789, 792 |
| 62 | Burnt Orange | Bk-Br-W | 775, 777, 789 |
| 67 | Classic Copper | Bk-W | 775, 777, 789 |
| 75 | Cranberry Red | Bk-W | 775, 777, 789 |
| 78 | Rosewood | Bk-Br-W | 775, 777, 789 |
Interior Trim Color Codes
Standard | Color Code | Interior Style |
|---|---|---|
| 775 | Black Standard |
| 776 | Blue Standard |
| 777 | Sandalwood Standard |
| 778 | Green Standard |
| 779 | Saddle Standard |
Custom | Color Code | Interior Style |
|---|---|---|
| 785 | Black Custom Cloth |
| 786 | Black w/ Blue Accent Custom Cloth |
| 787 | Black w/ Green Accent Custom Cloth |
| 789 | Black & White w/ Black Accent Custom Cloth |
| 792 | Black w/ Saddle Accent Custom Cloth |
