Chevrolet Camaro One of the Most Popular Cars for Modification in the Automotive History

Chevrolet Camaro - One of the Most Popular Cars for Modification in the Automotive History
By Harry Rockwell

The Chevrolet Camaro was a compact car introduced in North America by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors at the start of the 1967 model year as competition for the Ford Mustang.

Although it was technically a compact (by the standards of the time), the Camaro, like the entire class of Mustang competitiors, was soon known as a pony car.

Though the car's name was contrived with no meaning, General Motors researchers found the word in a French dictionary as a slang term for friend or companion. Ford Motor Company researchers discovered other definitions, including a shrimp-like creature and an arcane term for loose bowels! In some automotive periodicals before official release, it was code-named Panther.

Four distinct generations of the car were produced.

Generation 1

1967

Sharing mechanicals with the upcoming 1968 Chevrolet Nova, the Camaro featured unibody structure. Chevrolet offered the car in only two body styles, a coupe and convertible. Almost 80 factory and 40 dealer options including three main packages were avaible.

* RS Package included many cosmetic changes such as RS badging, hidden headlights, blacked out grill, revised taillights and interior trims.

* SS Package included modified 5.7 L (350 in) V8 engine (first 350 in engine ever offered by Chevrolet), also L35 396 in ig block was avaible. SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping and blacked out grill. It was possible to order both - RS and SS packages to receive RS/SS Camaro. In 1967 Camaro RS/SS Convertible Camaro with 396 in engine paced the Indianapolis 500 race.

* Z28 option code was introduced in 1966. This option package wasn't mentioned in any sales literature so was unknown by most of the buyers. The only way to order Z28 package was to order base Camaro with Z28 option, front disc brakes, power steering and Muncie 4-speed transmission.

Z28 package featured unique 302 in small block engine, designed specifically to compete in the Club of America Trans Am racing series (which required engines smaller than 305 in and public availablity of the car).

Advertised power of this engine was listed at 290 hp (216 kW) while actual dyno readings rated it at 360 to 400 hp (269 to 298 kW). Z28 also came with upgraded suspension and racing stripes on the hood. It was possible to combine Z28 package with RS package. Only 602 Z28's were sold.

Generation 2

The larger second-generation Camaro featured an all-new sleek body and improved suspension. The 1970-1/2 Camaro debuted as a 2+2 coupe; no convertible was offered and would not appear again until well into the third generation.

Most of the engine and drivetrain components were carried over from 1969 with the exception of the 230 in (3.8 L) six cylinder -- the base engine was now the 250 in (4.1 L) six rated at 155 hp (116 kW).

The top performing motor was a L-78 396 in (6.5 L) V8 rated at 375 hp (280 kW). (Starting in 1970, the 396 in big block V8's actually displaced 402 in (6.6 L), yet Chevrolet chose to retain the 396 badging.) Two 454 in (7.4 L) engines - the LS-6 and LS-7 - were listed on early specification sheets but never made it into production.

Besides the base model, buyers could select the Rally Sport option with a distinctive front nose and bumper, a Super Sport package, and the -28 Special Performance Package featuring a new high-performance 360 hp (268 kW) 350 in (5.7 L) cid V8.
1972

The 1972 Camaro suffered two major setbacks. A UAW strike at a GM assembly plant in Ohio disrupted production for 174 days, and 1100 Camaros had to be scrapped because they did not meet 1973 Federal bumper safety standards.

Some at GM seriously considered dropping the Camaro and Firebird altogether, while others were convinced the models remained marketable. The latter group eventually convinced those in favor of dropping the F Cars to reconsider, and Chevrolet would go on to produce 68,656 Camaros in 1972, the lowest production numbers for any model year.

Generation 3

1982

The 1982 model introduced the first Camaros with factory fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmissions (three-speed on the earlier models), five-speed manual transmissions (four-speed manual transmissions in 1982, and some 83-84 models), 15 or 16-inch rims, hatchback body style, and even a four-cylinder engine for a brief period (due to concerns over fuel economy).

The Camaro Z28 was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1982.

1985

In 1985 Chevrolet introduced a new Camaro model - the famous IROC-Z, called after popular racing series. IROC-Z Camaro featured upgraded suspension, special decal package and Tuned Port Injection system taken from the ChevroletCorvette Third generation Camaros also had a suspension system that was more capable in corners than the previous generation.

The Camaro IROC-Z was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1985.

Engines

* 1978-1981 5.7 L (350 in) Small-Block V8

* 1982-1985 2.5 L (151 in) Iron Duke L4

* 1982-1984 2.8 L (173 in) LC1 V6

* 1985-1989 2.8 L (173 in) LB8 V6

* 1990-1992 3.1 L (191 in) 60 Gen II V6

* 1982-1992 5.0 L (305 in) Small-Block V8

* 1985-1992 5.7 L (350 in) Small-Block V8

Generation 4

1993

1993 began the fourth and last generation of Camaros, lasting through the 2002 model year. Production of the fourth and final generation was moved from GM's Van Nuys, California assembly plant to one in Ste. Therese, Quebec in 1993.

Though the car would no longer be produced in the US, the new design which incorporated lightweight plastic body panels over a steel space frame, and a better suspension, further improved upon the Camaro line.

From 1993 to 1997 the Camaro was available with the LT-1 engine, the same Generation II small block V8 used in the Corvette, although in slightly de-tuned form.

In 1996, the long-discontinued SS option was resurrected and in 1998, the all-new LS-1 engine Generation III small block was offered on the SS and Z28 Camaros, marking the end of the Generation I small block V8 that had its roots in Chevrolet's 265 in engine of 1955. Unfortunately, sales were below expectations, and production of the Camaro ceased in 2002.
1998

1998 saw a new head light design for the Camaro. The new design removed the previous recessed-light design present in the 1982-1997 Camaros. The faux air intakes on the hood were also eliminated. In addition the LT1 engine was removed and instead an LS1 in its place.
Engines

* 1993-1995 3.4 L (208 in) 60 Gen III V6

* 1995-2002 3.8 L (231 in) 3800 Series II V6

* 1993-1997 5.7 L (350 in) LT1 V8

* 1998-2002 5.7 L (350 in) LS1 V8

2002

2002 marked the last year of the Chevrolet Camaro and was also the 35th anniversary for the Camaro. This milestone was celebrated with a special anniversary car modified from the factory by SLP. The anniversary package was only available on the SS (Super Sport).

Engine modifications were available in addition to the 325 hp (242 kW) engine which all Super Sports produce. Silver racing stripes down the hood and trunk lid made the car more noticeable than everespecially against the Bright Rally Red paint (the only color available with the anniversary package).

The car also had the slogan attached to it Leave a Lasting ImpreSSion and had the logo embroidered in the seats. The car was only available as a convertible or with T-Tops. 3,000 Camaros with the anniversary package were produced for the United States and 152 for Canada.

Though production Camaros were never as fast as the flagship Corvette, the car cost less than half as much and was easily modified. If its frequent inclusion in automotive enthusiast magazines is any indication, the Chevy Camaro is one of the most popular cars for modification in the automotive history.

Throughout its history, the Camaro shared its internal body and major components with a sister car - the Pontiac Firebird.

chevy camaro - Take advantage of information on this prestigious car brand. Learn
about its rich heritage, about chevrolet & the importance of this brand for
GMC. Details on its technicalities have been dealt with in detail.

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Best Replacement Lights for BMW Chevrolet and Toyota Tips to Prolong Life of Auto Lights

Best Replacement Lights for BMW, Chevrolet, and Toyota; Tips to Prolong Life of Auto Lights
By Joe Thompson

Both front and rear lights play significant roles in keeping you safe as you drive so keeping them in tiptop shape and condition is necessary. You can do this by keeping them clean and by regularly checking its connections to other parts of the vehicle.

Although they usually last longer than other auto parts, the headlamps, fog lights, tail lights, corner lights, side marker lights, sealed beam, projector headlights, parking lights, turn signals and other lights in your car need to be replaced as well since they dim as they get older.

Meanwhile, here are some tips for you on how to prolong the use of your auto lights and how to make them look like new as much as possible.

Tips on How to Take Care of Your Lights

1.Dirt increases the heat in the lamps so clean them more often. Remember that heat is the number one cause of lighting failure.

2.Protect your lamps against corrosion with lubricants and sealants.

3.DO NOT pierce or cut the wire insulation when troubleshooting the lighting system; if it is inevitable, make sure you properly and carefully seal it afterwards.

4.Check connections to the electrical system to prevent low voltage and lighting problems.

5.Make sure the lights are properly grounded.

6.To avoid too many expenses, properly check your lamps before discarding them; be sure not to dispose of lamps that are still in good operating condition. Examine the bulbs carefully to see the cause of the lighting problem. If you see dark and metallic finish, you may consider now replacing them since this means that the lights are already old and may soon wear down.

7.Especially if you are driving an old truck, make sure not to start or park the truck with the lights on. Too much use of power can extremely damage the lights.

Auto Parts Wholesale makes auto light replacement a lot easier and affordable by giving you wide array of choices from stylish auto lights for passenger and luxury cars to high output lights truck and SUV lights fit for off-road use.

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Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 48 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.

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Chevrolet Corvette 2006: Get Superior Chevrolet Auto Parts From Partstrain

Chevrolet Corvette 2006: Get Superior Chevrolet Auto Parts From Partstrain
By Jenny McLane

With 500 horsepower, GM says the 2006 Corvette Z06 is the fastest, most powerful car ever offered by the automaker. The car can zip from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds and fly through the quarter-mile in less than 12 seconds with a top speed of more than 190 mph on a racetrack.

We buy watches that cost thousands of dollars and don't tell time better than a $20 Swatch, said Bob Lutz, vice chair of General Motors Corporation. Its the same thing with high-horsepower cars. You don't move any faster in traffic than you do with a Chevy Aveo, but it's all about knowing that you have all this power and potential at your disposal. The car's body is made of aluminum, and the front fenders and front wheelhouses are made of carbon fiber. The Z06 also has a unique front fascia with a larger grille, cold-air scoop and lower air splitter. The interior is different, too, with a special gauge cluster featuring the Z06 logo on the tachometer and lightweight two-tone seats.

Derived from Chevy's successful Corvette racing program, the ZO6 has an all-new chassis that replaces the conventional car's steel parts with lightweight aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber. The new LS7 7.0-liter OHV (overhead valve) V-8 engine for the 2006 ZO6 Corvette will not only achieve 500 horsepower, it will be capable of running up to 7100 rpm. The previous limit was 6600 rpm in the 6.0-liter LS2.

The new LS7 7.0-liter OHV (overhead valve) V-8 engine for the 2006 ZO6 Corvette will not only achieve 500 horsepower, it will be capable of running up to 7100 rpm. The previous limit was 6600 rpm in the 6.0-liter LS2. With this new engine, GM is showing multi-valve overhead cam performance is achievable with a two-valve cam-in-block engine. For the new ZO6, higher rpm allows the driver to remain in first gear to just over 60 mph, contributes to higher top speed and improves overall vehicle performance. The LS7 is one of the first automotive OHV production engines in the industry capable of more than 7000 rpm.

Amidst all the technological advances in the automotive world, Parts Train remains committed to delivering superior Chevrolet Auto Parts to its customers worldwide. It has proven reliability for genuine and quality Chevrolet auto parts keep customer loyalty for years. Consumer interest in performance vehicles is also reflected in the growing number of enthusiasts around the world, maintain the value of your Chevy browse on their online shop http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/CHEVROLET and find dependable, long lasting Mercedes replacement parts, performance parts, body parts and a whole lot more.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

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