1989 saw some more refinement of the Camaro line, as well as the addition of a few models. The RS sold so well in its limited markets in '87 and '88, it became the standard model for '89. The only differences from the '88 Sport Coupe were body-colored ground effects, and "RS" logos in place of the "camaro" logos on the exterior.
GM added the "PASS-Key" anti-theft system to Camaros in '89. Utilizing a small resistor chip on the ignition key, this was supposed to keep the car from being able to be stolen. Thefts were down for '89 and later models, which was a very good thing. At one point in the late '80s, 6 different Camaro models led the top 10 most stolen car list.
A new, progressive throttle linkage for '89 gave the cars smoother initial acceleration. The throttle had a smaller ratio of advance at the beginning of the pedal travel, and a larger ratio as the pedal was pressed down farther.
Standard, RS coupe: LB8 2.8 litre MPI V6, 135hp (42,729 produced)
Optional RS coupe, Standard RS Convertible and IROC: L03 305 TBI V8, 170hp (46,715 produced)
Optional, IROC: LB9 305 TPI V8, 195hp auto, 220hp manual* (8,925 produced)
Optional, IROC: B2L 350 TPI V8, 230hp* (12,370 produced)
*Add 10hp with G92 package, featuring dual cats
1 new option for '89 was the CD player. But the really important option code for '89 was 1LE.
1LE was designed to help bolster Camaro competition in Showroom Stock racing. Ordering 1LE was a tricky affair. Here's how you got it. When you ordered RPO (Regular Production Option) G92 ("Performance Axle Ratio), you received several other forced options, including an engine oil cooler, 4 wheel disc brakes, dual converter exhaust and Z rated Eagle ZR50s. If you ordered G92 with air conditioning, this is what you got. BUT, if you ordered G92 WITHOUT A/C, you got the ultimate IROC.
When no air was ordered, these cars were built as race cars. From the factory they were equipped with an aluminum driveshaft, Corvette front disc brakes, fuel tank baffles, special front and rear shocks and struts, and different jounc bumpers. Another item that was normally deleted was the stereo, and foglights were never installed, in order to allow better airflow to the radiator. 1LE was a no-cost option.