The Good
The 1986 Camaro offers emotional appeal with its iconic '80s aggressive styling, the thrill of available V8 power, and a strong sense of American muscle heritage. Practically, it boasts readily available and affordable parts, simple mechanics for many repairs, and a strong value proposition as an attainable classic. Performance-oriented trims provide engaging handling and respectable acceleration for their era.
The Bad
Potential buyers should watch out for rust, especially around the T-top seals, wheel wells, and floorboards. Electrical gremlins, such as issues with power windows, dash lights, and relays, are common. The interior plastics are prone to cracking, and base engines can feel underpowered. Some carburetor issues on LG4 V8s and aging suspension components are also frequently reported concerns.
1986 Chevrolet Camaro: Quick Overview
The 1986 Chevrolet Camaro offered a range of engine options to cater to different performance desires:
- 2.5L "Iron Duke" L4: This standard engine produced around 88-92 horsepower and 122-132 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy was its primary advantage, typically in the 22-28 MPG range highway. 0-60 MPH times were a leisurely 12-14 seconds.
- 2.8L V6 (LB8): Offering a step up, this V6 delivered approximately 135 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for the V6 was generally around 18-24 MPG highway. 0-60 MPH times improved to the 9-10 second range.
- 5.0L LG4 V8 (4-barrel carburetor): This carbureted V8 was a popular choice, producing about 155-165 horsepower and 245-255 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy typically ranged from 15-20 MPG highway. 0-60 MPH times were in the 8-9 second range.
- 5.0L L69 V8 (H.O. 4-barrel carburetor, "High Output"): Available in previous years, but phased out or extremely limited for 1986, if found, it offered around 190 horsepower and stronger torque, achieving 0-60 MPH in under 8 seconds.
- 5.0L LB9 V8 (TPI - Tuned Port Injection): This advanced fuel-injected V8, primarily found in the IROC-Z and Z28, was the performance king for 1986, generating 190 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque. It offered improved drivability and better throttle response. 0-60 MPH times could be as quick as 7 seconds. Fuel economy was similar to the LG4.
Trim-level features varied significantly:
- Sport Coupe: The base model, featuring steel wheels, cloth bucket seats, and minimal power accessories.
- Berlinetta: Positioned as the luxury-sport model, it included unique digital instrumentation, a premium sound system with a graphic equalizer, power accessories, and softer suspension tuning.
- Z28: The performance trim, adding ground effects, specific alloy wheels, stiffer suspension, and standard V8 engines (LG4 or LB9).
- IROC-Z: The top-tier performance model, building on the Z28 with even stiffer suspension, larger wheels and tires, unique exterior badging, and often equipped with the potent TPI V8. Optional features across trims included T-tops, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, and power door locks.
1986 Chevrolet Camaro Specifications
Vehicle Information
Year | 1986 |
Make | Chevrolet |
Model | Camaro |
Trim | - |
Style | - |
Type | Coupe |
Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
Made In | United States |
Manufacturing City | VAN NUYS |
Dimensions
Doors | 2-Door |
Curb Weight | - |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
Overall Height | - |
Overall Length | - |
Overall Width | - |
Wheelbase Length | - |
Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
Engine | 2BBL |
Engine Size | 2.8L |
Engine Cylinders | 6 |
Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic |
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Transmission Speeds | 4-Speed |
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System | - |
Steering Type | - |
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
Invoice Price | - |
Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro Have?
Mechanically, models equipped with the 5.0L LG4 carbureted V8 can experience issues with the computer-controlled carburetor system, leading to rough idling, poor performance, or difficulty starting. Vacuum lines throughout the engine bay are prone to cracking due to age, causing vacuum leaks that affect engine performance and emissions. The TPI (Tuned Port Injection) systems on the LB9 V8 are generally robust but can suffer from aging fuel injectors, sensors (like the Mass Air Flow sensor), or a failing fuel pump. Suspension components, such as bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends, will undoubtedly be worn after decades of service, leading to sloppy handling.
Interior degradation is another frequent complaint. Headliners commonly sag, dashboards crack from sun exposure, and plastic trim pieces can become brittle and break. Door hinges often wear out, causing doors to sag. While specific widespread recalls for the 1986 model year are less frequent decades later, general safety bulletins from the era might have addressed issues like brake light switch functionality or seat belt retractors. Long-term reliability depends heavily on prior maintenance; neglected examples will certainly present a myriad of these problems. Addressing rust, electrical issues, and worn suspension is key to ensuring a reliable third-gen Camaro.
How long will the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features as we know them today (e.g., ABS, traction control, stability control) simply did not exist. Cruise control was an optional convenience feature for highway driving. Other optional amenities included power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, a rear window defogger, and intermittent windshield wipers. T-tops were a popular optional feature, offering an open-air driving experience.
Safety features were rudimentary by modern standards. The 1986 Camaro was equipped with standard lap and shoulder seatbelts for all occupants, an energy-absorbing steering column, and safety glass. There were no airbags offered in the 1986 model year. Antilock braking systems (ABS) and traction control were not available. Specific crash-test ratings from independent organizations like NHTSA or IIHS in the way they are conducted today are not available for vehicles of this vintage. Safety largely relied on the vehicle's structure and the use of seatbelts. Owners should understand that its passive safety features are far less comprehensive than those found in any modern vehicle.
What Colors Options are Available?
1986 Chevrolet Camaro Prices and Market Value
1986 Chevrolet Camaro Cost of Ownership
1986 Chevrolet Camaro Fuel Efficiency
1986 Chevrolet Camaro Recalls & Defects
Parking Brake:conventional
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
Fuel System, Gasoline
Exterior Lighting
Equipment
1986 Chevrolet Camaro Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1986 Chevrolet Camaro Compare to Other Coupe?
Performance: The Camaro (especially IROC-Z with TPI V8) stacked up well against the Fox Body Mustang GT (5.0L) in terms of raw straight-line acceleration and V8 rumble. Both offered strong performance for their price point. The Firebird Trans Am/GTA often shared the same performance powertrains, making it an equally potent alternative. Japanese rivals like the Supra (Mk3 introduced in '86) and 300ZX offered more refined, often turbocharged six-cylinder power, delivering excellent handling and a more grand touring feel, but arguably lacked the raw, visceral punch of the American V8s.
Features: The Camaro, particularly in base trims, was simpler. The Berlinetta offered more luxury features, but the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and especially the GTA often boasted more upscale interiors and unique tech like steering wheel-mounted radio controls. Japanese competitors, like the Supra and 300ZX, generally had more advanced standard features, better fit and finish, and often more sophisticated suspensions and optional electronics for their time.
Reliability: This is a common point of contention. While American V8s are often praised for their simplicity and robustness, the overall build quality and electrical systems of 1980s F-bodies (Camaro/Firebird) could be problematic. Japanese rivals from Toyota and Nissan generally held a reputation for superior long-term reliability and fewer electrical gremlins, though parts for them might be harder to source today. Fox Body Mustangs shared similar domestic reliability characteristics to the Camaro.
Price: New, all these vehicles were competitively priced within the sporty coupe segment. On the used market today, values vary by condition, rarity, and trim. Top-tier performance models from all brands, like the Camaro IROC-Z, Mustang GT, and Supra Turbo, command higher prices.
Alternatives: For a similar American muscle car experience, the 1986 Ford Mustang GT is the most direct and excellent alternative. For a slightly different aesthetic and often more luxury-oriented features on the same F-body platform, consider the 1986 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am or GTA. If a more refined, technologically advanced, and potentially more reliable sports coupe is desired, the Toyota Supra (Mk3) or Nissan 300ZX (Z31) are strong Japanese alternatives, though they offer a different driving character.