Camaro 2Ss Rs Package Decoding The Mystery
The Chevrolet Camaro RS package, introduced in 1967, represented a factory effort to create a street-legal competitor for the SCCA Trans-Am series. Often confused with the higher-performance SS and Yenko Super Camaro variants, the RS designation signifies a specific, documented set of mechanical and cosmetic upgrades mandated by GM’s “homologation” rules. This article breaks down the true nature of the RS package, distinguishing factory intent from modern aftermarket interpretations and collector marketing.
The RS package was fundamentally a production requirement, designed to satisfy the rule that 100 identical units of a specific configuration must be built to meet racing eligibility. It was not originally marketed as a “performance” package in the way enthusiasts understand the term today, but rather as a visual and functional compliance kit. Understanding this distinction is critical to accurately identifying and valuing a genuine RS model.
The Genesis: Homologation Rules and GM’s Response
In the mid-1960s, the SCCA required manufacturers to produce a certain number of street-legal cars to homologate a model for its racing class. For the 1967 model year, Chevrolet needed a production car to compete in the Trans-Am series, which then featured modified production cars like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Dart. The Camaro RS was Chevrolet’s answer, a collaborative effort between Chevrolet’s competitive division and the factory design team.
Engineers had to balance the desire for track performance with the realities of a showroom car. The result was a package that emphasized handling and braking upgrades over brute horsepower, a strategy dictated by the rules. As one former GM engineer involved in the program later noted, “It was about creating a car that could win on Sunday and drive to work on Monday, within the strict letter of the homologation requirements.”
Defining the Package: What Was Included
The RS package was offered on the Camaro hardtop and convertible from 1967 to 1969, with a significant evolution in 1969. The core components were consistent, focusing on suspension, braking, and steering enhancements. Buyers could order the RS package on various trim levels, but it was most commonly associated with the base and SS models.
A genuine RS package from the factory included a specific list of parts that worked in concert. This parts list is the key to authenticating a true RS model.
- Front Suspension: Upgraded spindles and a front anti-roll bar (sway bar) were standard, improving cornering grip and reducing body roll.
- Brakes: The RS package included larger front disc brakes with special brake calipers, a significant upgrade over the standard drums or smaller discs found on base models.
- Steering:A high-ratio steering box was fitted, providing quicker steering response for nimble handling.
- Wheels and Tires: The package came with distinctive 15-inch “slot” wheels and fiberglass-belted white-wall tires, creating a unique and aggressive look.
- Exterior Styling: The most recognizable feature was the full body-length “RS” side molding, which ran from the front fender to the rear bumper. This molding was a fiberglass or vinyl insert that gave the car a distinct, formal appearance.
Debunking Common Misconceptions
Over the decades, the RS designation has been clouded by myths and marketing hype from both dealers and restorers. One of the biggest misunderstandings is the conflation of the RS package with the SS performance package.
The SS package was about power, featuring larger engines, hood pins, and “SS” badging. In contrast, a car could be an RS with a comparatively modest 230 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine. The performance came from the chassis, not the engine. However, the visual similarity in badging and the overlap in buyer demographics led to confusion that persists today.
Another major point of contention is the “Yenko Super Camaro.” When Don Yenko began converting standard Camaros into supercars in 1967, he often started with cars that had the RS package. He would then add his own performance modifications, such as big-block engines and heavy-duty drivetrain components. A Yenko car is not an RS; it is a modified car that may have originated from an RS chassis. As classic car appraiser Michael C. Picard states, “An RS is a factory statement. A Yenko is a statement of performance tuning by a legendary boutique builder.”
The 1969 Transformation: The Muncie M22 and Borg-Warner T-10
The 1969 Camaro RS package underwent a significant change. While the visual side molding remained, the mechanical package was overhauled to focus on high-performance driving. The centerpiece of the 1969 RS was the heavy-duty Muncie M22 four-speed manual transmission, known as the “Rock Crusher.”
This transmission was paired with a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed as a heavy-duty option. These gearboxes were designed to handle the torque of larger engines and the stresses of aggressive shifting. The steering and brake components were also carried over and refined. For the enthusiast, the 1969 RS represents the peak of the original package’s intent: a driver’s car built by the factory for both the street and the strip.
Modern Values and Collector Interest
Today, a genuine, numbers-matching Camaro RS commands significant respect and value in the collector car market. The combination of factory performance parts, historical significance, and distinctive styling makes it a highly sought-after model. Originality is paramount; a car with an RS badge but incorrect wheels or suspension parts is worth considerably less than one verified by a document build sheet or matching numbers engine block.
Restoration shops face the challenge of sourcing correct RS components, as many original parts have been replaced over the years. The market for period-correct RS wheels and brake kits is robust, driven by the passion of preservation-minded owners. The car’s value is a direct reflection of its factory history, a tangible link to a specific moment when Chevrolet answered the call of the race track with parts for the public highway.
