"put, put, spit, put, put, sputter, die" then it means 
ZZZZZZ's
Chevy Z models
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,466
Likes: 2,798
As I recall, the original "Z-28" was an option code for the 302 car in '67. Early cars didn't have badges saying "Z-28".
Realizing they had a catchy name, they went with "Z-28" for subsequent models.
Most of the newer "z" stuff is just marketing nonsense trying to associated today's plastic 4 cylinder with the rip snorting Camaro.
Some, such as "Z-71" are probably still option codes, as I think that is an optional suspension for the trucks.
Option codes as car names.....some good (Z-28, W-30) some not so good (Z-24)
Realizing they had a catchy name, they went with "Z-28" for subsequent models.
Most of the newer "z" stuff is just marketing nonsense trying to associated today's plastic 4 cylinder with the rip snorting Camaro.
Some, such as "Z-71" are probably still option codes, as I think that is an optional suspension for the trucks.
Option codes as car names.....some good (Z-28, W-30) some not so good (Z-24)
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
In the beretta and cavelier the number following the Z usually meant the what size the engine was (in the early models). It was an option package, and a sporty one.. The Z-series cars were all "race insplired".
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Saratoga USA
Z-28 (and for those of you that remember the Z-16, the 1965 SS396 Chevelle, 201 produced) was an RPO (Regular Production Order) number. GM also used COPOs (Central Office Production Orders) for special cars like the 427 powered Camaros and 1969 Chevelles.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Ogden UT
Originally Posted by pfogle
In the beretta and cavelier the number following the Z usually meant the what size the engine was (in the early models). It was an option package, and a sporty one.. The Z-series cars were all "race insplired".
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
I hate to admit it, but GM's option codes actually make sense, compared to Ford's. Glass options start with "A," Comfort and Convenience options start with "C," Suspension options start with "F," etc... The letter Z at GM indicates a performance "package," as opposed to individual performance options. I would imagine as the development began on the high-performance Camaro model (intended for Trans-Am racing, right?), the engineers started referring to "that Z-28 out on the test track," and someone in marketing heard it and thought it sounded cool. And the name stuck.
