I have a 1973 Lt,RS camaro that I bought from a neighbor 6 years ago. I loved this car the day I saw it . Way back when I was 15 at 30 I would go to his house and see if he would sell it. 10 years later he did!! The past 6 years life happened and didnt have time to do much with her.
But I do now. My question is about the Vin # the 5th # is a T does that mean its a Z28 also If so why doesnt it have any thing on the cars body like the spoiler or stripes or the Z28 on the grill. It has a 350 on the side and Lt in differant locations.The sad thing is the engine was replaced with a corvette engine in the 80s. Any info would be appreciated as I am a newbe at this and yes I am a girl. so go easy.
Thanks Lydia
The First 7 vin#s are 1S87T3N will this heip determine if it is a LT/RS/Z28, and if so how many were built in 73. thank you for the info so far

If the fifth digit is a T, then it's a Z28.
The LT option overrode most of the Z28 badges.
Stripes were optional.

Welcome to Nasty.

Welcome Lydia!

You'll find other ladies active on the forum and a couple of them have 73's themselves! Mary Pozzi has a wicked 73 that she is almost finished with her rebuild on and Rani has a driver she has been working on for a while now.

What kind of ideas or plans do you have for this car?
The beauty of this hobby, is you can restore it as close as you can and still have a nice car.
The aftermarket has so much options to making a fun car to drive and enjoy, that it could sometimes be cheaper to modify the car and have fun with it, instead of going for 100% original.

Either way, it is you car and your choices so enjoy the journey!

Hope you can get this out and enjoy driving it this summer!

the 5th number is a engine code a 'T' a 350 z28 245hp 4 bbl. BUT the 1,2 digits are a 1S this would be a type LT The 5th digit is only a engine code this does not mean its a z28. the 350 z28 245 4 bbl was in more than just z28 i would say that your car was orderd with the T code 350 245 HP for a TYPE LT. The 1Q was a z28 or a camaro both were used. but the 1S IS A TYPE LT.

the 5th number is a engine code a 'T' a 350 z28 245hp 4 bbl. BUT the 1,2 digits are a 1S this would be a type LT The 5th digit is only a engine code this does not mean its a z28. the 350 z28 245 4 bbl was in more than just z28 i would say that your car was orderd with the T code 350 245 HP for a TYPE LT. The 1Q was a z28 or a camaro both were used. but the 1S IS A TYPE LT.

I'd have to say you're wrong. One had to order the Z/28 in order to receive the 245HP/350CID motor. There are three 350 CID mills in '73...L65 2bbl @ 145HP, L48 4bbl @ 175 and the Z/28 4bbl @245. Just as in years past there was no way to order a Z power plant without ordering a Z.

I'd also add, niles81z28, that Type LT is more of a trim option which is why it could be added to Z/28 or RS for that matter

Thank you for the info so far, The first 7vin# are 1S87T3N will this help to determine if this is a true LT/RS/Z28 and if so how many were built in 73. answer to Kamikaze, Im not sure where to start, that will be my next ?
thank you for the warm welcome

next move is to post pictures , there is no real hard #s on the production of camaros with different optional packages on them . you have to play the percentages game. say almost 100000 camaros built in 73 . 1/3 of them were LTs ( very popular its first year out ) so now were down to about 33,000 . rs was on about 11,000 units so thats 1/10 of total production . now were down to 3000. and about 1/10 of production on the Z28 package . so now were down to 300 . so as you can see this is a very inaccurate way of bean counting so its anyones guess , but its a pretty unusual car for sure . what are its original colors and interior . from one 73 owner to another welcome and post up some pictures .

one more thing . in 73 the spoilers were optional (on all models) and had to be added . on the Type LT with the Z28 "special performance package " the stripes were NOT available . all other Z28 the stripes were optional and had to be added . ( in 73 )

(Type LT is more of a trim option which is why it could be added to Z/28 or RS ) .The way that is stated didn't sound quite right to me. ... the LT is the trim option witch could be orderd with the the R/S package and the Z 28 motor,, still would have the lt spring rate , would it not??? don't really know ,,,welcome, there is a page of info on the lt and other 73's some where on this site,some one tell her where to find it please

next move is to post pictures , there is no real hard #s on the production of camaros with different optional packages on them . you have to play the percentages game. say almost 100000 camaros built in 73 . 1/3 of them were LTs ( very popular its first year out ) so now were down to about 33,000 . rs was on about 11,000 units so thats 1/10 of total production . now were down to 3000. and about 1/10 of production on the Z28 package . so now were down to 300 . so as you can see this is a very inaccurate way of bean counting so its anyones guess , but its a pretty unusual car for sure . what are its original colors and interior . from one 73 owner to another welcome and post up some pictures .
The color is orange it has the original interior its black and white also it is a automatic with the shift on the colum with all the gadges, tack temp, ext. also air. it has bucket seats in the front with the seat belts above the door It doesnt appear to have had a vinyl roof. Did they come with out that? I will attempt to post pics ,as I said i am new to this.

one more thing . in 73 the spoilers were optional (on all models) and had to be added . on the Type LT with the Z28 "special performance package " the stripes were NOT available . all other Z28 the stripes were optional and had to be added . ( in 73 )
So it never had the stripes and to add them would be incorrect for that model and year. I would like to keep the color and any trim as true to what it was in 1973. lydia

So it never had the stripes and to add them would be incorrect for that model and year. I would like to keep the color and any trim as true to what it was in 1973. lydia

Very cool ... Your sounding like a Camaro addict already and purist at heart.

Nice year , color and options !!!

Welcome aboard. :bowtie:

The color is orange it has the original interior its black and white also it is a automatic with the shift on the colum with all the gadges, tack temp, ext. also air. it has bucket seats in the front with the seat belts above the door It doesnt appear to have had a vinyl roof. Did they come with out that? I will attempt to post pics ,as I said i am new to this.

WOW!!! That almost sounds like Rani's car!!!

Lydia, Check out our Suspension Moderator; Mary Pozzi's build up:
http://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?70548-Mary-Pozzi-s-73-Camaro-Project-Jenny-Craig

Although this is an extreme example of a street car built for handling, you can see the possibilities of where the current state of the hobby is for a stock design coil / leaf suspension vehicle!

^ correct on the stripes . the lt wasn't a trim package it was its own model with a different alpha numeric designation , f "S" 87 not f "Q" 87 meaning a different model . one must remember the Z28 and the RS were just options and could be added to both models , the FQ camaro and the FS camaro .73 was the first year that there were 2 camaro models . all years before that there was only the camaro. when you ordered a 1fs 87 or type lt with the z28 option you got what ever the z28 package had . F41 suspension was part of the z28 package . the type LT didnt have an RPO code hence it wasn't an option . all options had RPO codes . all other packages had RPO codes ( Z28 , Z22 , Z27 ) as they were options on the base model .the Z28 droped the RPO code in 77 and became its own model . vinyl top was an option . read here...http://www.nastyz28.com/camaro/camaro73.php

Here's how your VIN breaks down:

1 = Chevrolet
S = Camaro Type LT
87 = 2 door Sport Coupe
T = 350 CI V8 with 4 barrel carb and dual exhaust
3 = 1973
N = Norwood, Ohio

Engine Code "T" was the Z28 (or L82) engine and required that RPO be ordered to get it, in a Camaro.

Without a build sheet or invoice, the RS option is more of a game to discern.

73 rs was different than the previous 3 years and 73 are hard to fake . 13 extra supports and bracing was added to the rs front end to comply with the gov. new for 73 5 mph crash rating . the T in the vin was for " special performance engine Z28 " the motor designation for the 350 ci 4bbl carb dual exhaust was K for the L48

WOW!!! That almost sounds like Rani's car!!!

Lydia, Check out our Suspension Moderator; Mary Pozzi's build up:
http://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?70548-Mary-Pozzi-s-73-Camaro-Project-Jenny-Craig

Although this is an extreme example of a street car built for handling, you can see the possibilities of where the current state of the hobby is for a stock design coil / leaf suspension vehicle!
she is beautiful

Here's how your VIN breaks down:

1 = Chevrolet
S = Camaro Type LT
87 = 2 door Sport Coupe
T = 350 CI V8 with 4 barrel carb and dual exhaust
3 = 1973
N = Norwood, Ohio

Engine Code "T" was the Z28 (or L82) engine and required that RPO be ordered to get it, in a Camaro.

Without a build sheet or invoice, the RS option is more of a game to discern.
What is a RPO and how can you get it Lydia

an RPO is short for "regular production option " all options on camaros and all gm cars in general used an RPO code to identify each and every regular option. the only variation of this was the COPO or central office production option . which was an edict to override the RPO code and do something out of the norm from headquarters

she is beautiful

Glad you like it and if you ever consider improving your handling or have questions about your steering / suspension, PM Mary as she is a wealth of information!

For the remainder of your time, look around the forums and don't be shy to ask questions! We're all here to help you from our own experiences, and mistakes! We also have an active group of people who can assist with parts and other services.

See you around!

an RPO is short for "regular production option " all options on camaros and all gm cars in general used an RPO code to identify each and every regular option. the only variation of this was the COPO or central office production option . which was an edict to override the RPO code and do something out of the norm from headquarters
Is there a way to get a copy of the COPO? If it is a Z 28 what else on the car would be differant from the others. exp like upgrades Thanks Lydia

Check this out. It's fun!

http://www.nastyz28.com/camaro/camaro73.php

Fair enough - the Type LT was its own model.

When I stated it was more of a trim option I was driving at the fact that, much like the RS, the Type LT added no performance options when ordered (unlike Z/28 or SS in the previous year). What Type LT bought you was style, luxury and badging. Hence, like RS, it could be added to a performance package (like Z/28) without conflict (which is why SS and Z/28 were mutually exclusive options :happy: in previous years - different performance parts).

Lydia ...

Welcome and what a joy to see another of us estrogen-laden Camaro enthusiasts on this site. If you haven't already, pick up a copy of Camaro Performers magazine (usually found in local grocery stores, Borders, etc.) and have a good read. There's a lot of good stuff in there.

Your car sounds a lot like mine when I purchased it back in 2002. I immediately got to work on the suspension, brakes, and then upgraded to larger diameter wheels and tires. I also changed out the steering box (AGR 12.7:1), steering pump, and replaced the OEM worn suspension with new Moog parts. The drivetrain was the last thing.

Definitely either reply to this thread or PM me if you need some advice and we can chat further.

Cheers and welcome again,
Mary Pozzi

I'd have to say you're wrong. One had to order the Z/28 in order to receive the 245HP/350CID motor. There are three 350 CID mills in '73...L65 2bbl @ 145HP, L48 4bbl @ 175 and the Z/28 4bbl @245. Just as in years past there was no way to order a Z power plant without ordering a Z.
ok i guess i am wrong thank you for seting me straight i didnt know that.

I have a 81 z28 with 75b bright red interior but the dash,console,sterring wheel are black. this car has a LM1 350 4 SPEED WITH A 11th digit 2 the 2 is a canada car. anyone have pic of bright red 75b

Fair enough - the Type LT was its own model.

When I stated it was more of a trim option I was driving at the fact that, much like the RS, the Type LT added no performance options when ordered (unlike Z/28 or SS in the previous year). What Type LT bought you was style, luxury and badging. Hence, like RS, it could be added to a performance package (like Z/28) without conflict (which is why SS and Z/28 were mutually exclusive options :happy: in previous years - different performance parts).
the type lt wasn't added to anything . it was a Type lt when it started the line and you added things to your type LT ... the Z28 option was added to the 1FS87 car ( or the Type LT ) . the only thing you could not get on your type LT was a 6 cylinder motor and the 307 motor beacause as its own model the base motor was a 350 ci in 2 bbl carb single pipe L65 in 1973

its like the impala and the caprice. the same car but in GMS eyes 2 different models

the type lt wasn't added to anything . it was a Type lt when it started the line and you added things to your type LT ... the Z28 option was added to the 1FS87 car ( or the Type LT ) . the only thing you could not get on your type LT was a 6 cylinder motor and the 307 motor beacause as its own model the base motor was a 350 ci in 2 bbl carb single pipe L65 in 1973
1FS87 IS A BERLINETTA in 81 and in 78 its a type LT GM didnt make it easy to uncode this numbers lol.

1FS87 IS A BERLINETTA

No Berlinetta in 73

Don't know squat about decoding em but welcome to the site. Always nice to see another girl own a Camaro! :cool: Enjoy!! :bowtie:

No Berlinetta in 73
check this out i have a 81 1FS87 ITS A BERLINETTA but in 78 its a tpye LT ok you meant 73 sorry no berlinetta in 73 you are right they used this number in 81 as a berlinetta and in 78 as a type LT man gm didnt make this easy lol

No Berlinetta in 73
your right no berlinetta in 73 i read the post wrong sorry

your right no berlinetta in 73 i read the post wrong sorry
I bought this book called collectors originality guide chevrolet camaro 1970- 1981 great book for decode, and finding info on all camaro's made in 70-81 some of NastyZ28.COM HAS CARS in this book. very good book.

the type lt wasn't added to anything . it was a Type lt when it started the line and you added things to your type LT ... the Z28 option was added to the 1FS87 car ( or the Type LT ) . the only thing you could not get on your type LT was a 6 cylinder motor and the 307 motor beacause as its own model the base motor was a 350 ci in 2 bbl carb single pipe L65 in 1973

Hey, you're right man...Type LT is its own model - lord knows why since all it does is bundle some already existing options and add 5 badges (front, rear, 2 sides and horn button) - it doesn't open the door to unique and exclusive options (as do Z/28 and SS - think LT-1 and BBC here for example) except for those badges;). So technically, and on the order form, it was indeed it's own model but in practical use it amounts to just another option tacked onto the SC.

It's just like GTO which went from a Tempest option to its own model (then back to an option;)) but all it did was bundle options and open doors for exclusive pieces.

So I get it...Type LT is it own model but my point remains it didn't conflict with other options which allowed it to be combined with things like Z/28 and RS

it actually did conflict with the stripes and badges on the Z28 or the badges on the RS but . .. sorry to come on a little passionate , but its a 73 , my favorite year . btw were still waiting for pictures

Hey, you're right man...Type LT is its own model - lord knows why since all it does is bundle some already existing options and add 5 badges (front, rear, 2 sides and horn button) - it doesn't open the door to unique and exclusive options (as do Z/28 and SS - think LT-1 and BBC here for example) except for those badges;). So technically, and on the order form, it was indeed it's own model but in practical use it amounts to just another option tacked onto the SC.

they also added Type LT only sound insulation, not available on any other model with a simple option check, unless you selected the Type LT model ;)

The Type LT did add 5 badges, the engine, interior, insulation, wheels, etc. So some of the Type LT content WAS available from the option list and others, like the insulation, was Type LT only ...

and before anyone asks again, you could not get Z28 stripes on any Type LT in 1973, even if you selected the Z28 option to add to the Type LT.