[89IROC&RS]

the RS, or Rally Sport, for almost all years has been the "pretty" camaro, also known as the appearance package, while the Z28 has been the fast one. the Z85 and Z28 designation is the build code for thes options, found on the build sheet. all options for the vehicle are three digit codes. it just so happens that the Z28 is named after its option code, while the RS is not. but the Z28 is a much better option for performance. the actual numerical value of the build code has no impact on better or worse, just happens to be a larger number. RS camaros usually have a softer ride, more creature comforts, and more pretty outside equipment, while Z28 camaros usualy have a tuned stiff suspension and powerful engine. and less creature comforts. im not sure exatly on options for the 77 camaro, but even the Z28 was hardly a high performance machine, it was the height of the gas crunch and emmisions, and all the cars were suffering. so your best bet, especially if its going to be a drag car rather than a restoration, is to completely build your own drivetrain and suspension, therefore the options the car came with are a non issue, and dont matter. if you plan on showing the car after racing it, i would go with an RS because they are prettier, and will do better at a show, but then again, the cars are the same, and you could easily make a Z look like an RS. so again, the options the car came with are pretty non important. oh and the SS is not the new RS, the RS as i said before is the Rally Sport option, while the SS is the Super Sport, and was a performance option, for instance, in 1969, the Z28 had the hot 302 and a race tuned suspension, while the RS had everything from the Inline 6 to the 350, while the SS could get all the way up to the big block V8's of the day, with the most power. so the shorthand, was that the RS was the pretty daily driver that everyone could love, the Z28 was the high strung road course racer with a high revving small block, and the SS was the meathead big block massive power dragster built for strait line performance. dont know if thats the same as the 77, but im pretty sure thats how its been for all the years.