PAGE 2: CAMARO HISTORY & 1987 CAMARO INFO.

Camaro History

Chevrolet introduced the 1967 Camaro as its entry into what would later be called the "pony car" segment, the actual release date was September 29, 1966. Offered in coupe and convertible models, with 69 available factory-installed options and 12 dealer-installed options, the Camaro was designed to be many things to many people. First and foremost, the Camaro is to be a driver's car, which is reflected in its handling, ride, high-performance engine availability and styling. It was intentionally designed to do what the Corvette can do for less money. And judging by its popularity, it accomplished this goal exceedingly well. Although it has always been available with options to suit a wide range of sports-coupe buyers, performance has been what the name Camaro brings to mind for most people.

Camaro's long-hood, short-deck styling is intended to give a dynamic feeling of motion, even while the car is standing still. The chassis is also a first in that it used a separate front subframe attached to a unit-body via bolts and computer-tuned double-biscuit rubber mounts. This design helps minimize road noise and vibration into the passenger compartment from the drivetrain and front suspension. The subframe is bolted to the body and front sheet metal at six points. Four bolts and rubber mounts are used to attach the rear of the subframe to the body. Two bolts and rubber mounts attach the front of the subframe to the radiator support, to which the front sheet metal is attached. The engine, transmission, front suspension, brakes, steering gear and linkage are secured to the subframe. With minor revisions for steering linkage and front suspension geometry for the second generation Camaros which began production in 1970, this basic design was used through the 1981 model year.

The rear portion of Camaro was initially designed to be very similar to the compact Chevy II sedan, using a solid Salisbury axle and splayed monoplate leaf springs. Computer analysis indicated that placing the rear shock absorbers on the outboard side of the rear leaf springs and mounting near vertical would allow the wheels to more closely follow irregular road surfaces and improved cornering. To combat wheel hop with the monoleaf springs, a rear-axle traction bar was installed on the passenger-side rear spring of all 1967 Camaros with high-performance engines.

Engine choices are what makes a Camaro a Camaro. At its introduction, Camaro was offered with a choice of either 230 or 250 cu-in. 6-cylinder engines. For those who wanted a Camaro with more authority, two 327s and a 295-hp 350 cu-in. small-block V8 were offered. In May of 1967, a 396 cu-in. big-block V8 with 325 hp became available in the SS model. And this was only the beginning of a series of big-blocks that could be installed in Camaros over the next several years. Camaros with these engines required a driver with a very disciplined right foot or a good lawyer to keep there record clear of speeding tickets. Braking action on the first Camaros was provided by 9 1/2-in. drums, front and rear. Later models offer ventilated front disc brakes as optional or standard equipment depending on the model and year. Rear disc brakes adapted from the Corvette were offered as a factory-installed option on 1969 Camaros on a very limited basis. This system was offered in order to meet the homologation requirements of the Sports Car Club of America, who sanctioned the Trans-Am races Camaro competed in.

The Camaro continues the muscle-car tradition as a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe or convertible with available V8 power. The fourth-generation Camaro was introduced as a 1994 model and in 1998 received a major refreshening with body upgrades including a new front fascia, a new hood, composite reflector headlamps, and new fenders. The 1998 model also received chassis upgrades, a new 4-wheel disc brake system and a new anti-lock brake system (ABS). The LS1 made it debut in Camaros. It was an all aluminum 350 block that would put the Z28 in the low 13 second quarter mile times with 335 pound feet of torque and 305 HP. It also came with a brand new plastic intake manifold to keep air temps down and it dramatically decreased the weight. New brakes with larger disks were standard on the Z28 as well as a refined Acceleration Slip Regulation system. An aluminum driveshaft and Torsen heavy-duty limited-slip differential also were put into the Z's.

The SS's were no longer done by SLP either, the LS1 was given minor mods in-house to bring it up to 320HP but a free-flow exhaust, a Bilstein suspension and a Hurst shifter were all part of the package added on by SLP

All 2000 - 2002 Camaro's were built at the Ste. Therese plant.

1987 Chevy Camaro Z28

1987 - Finally back was the tried and true GM 350 small block. Unfortunately it could only be had with the four speed automatic, but it was rated 225hp so that helped make up for it. But for those true enthusiasts out there you could get the new TPI 305 that could be mated to the five speed manual transmission.The 1987 production year praised the return of the convertible and to the praise of enthusiasts everywhere the 2.5 four cylinder was killed off never to return.