Camaro SS

After decades of being the No. 1 brand in Northeast Ohio, Chevrolet fell behind Ford last year. Chevy dealers don’t want that to be a trend.

So when organizers of the Cleveland Auto Show tried to see if several different brands wanted to get together to create an indoor test track at the I-X Center, Chevy dealers said no. They wanted the whole track for themselves.

“I think it’s going to be packed from open to close,” said Rob Patterson, Chevrolet zone manager for much of Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

There will be two free indoor test tracks at the show this year – the Chevy track and Camp Jeep, a smaller course at that brand’s exhibit. The Jeep exhibit was a popular feature at several auto shows in 2007 and 2008, but it was not in Cleveland last year.

Patterson said at the GM track the visitor can drive either at Chevy Malibu, a Camaro or an Equinox crossover. At the Jeep exhibit, the show visitor is a passenger in a vehicle driven by a product specialist.

Auto show chairman Gary Adams said he was surprised when the Chevrolet dealers group snapped up all of the space for the test track. Because of the large amount of space needed, he had assumed that no brand would want to take on all of the expense alone.

“It’s costly because it’s indoor space,” Adams said.

Adams and Patterson declined to share the cost of the new exhibit, but both said it was a major investment by Chevrolet dealers.

Patrick O’Brien, general manager of Pat O’Brien Chevrolet in Westlake, said he was excited about getting show visitors behind the wheel of a Camaro. He said the muscle car could attract a lot of attention to the display.

“It’s a great car, and not a lot of people have gotten a chance to drive one,” O’Brien said.

Though it’s 1,000 feet long, the indoor test track isn’t the ideal place to try out such as powerful sports car. Adams said the show is hoping speeds will stay well below 20 miles per hour.

“I’d love to get it up around 80, but that’s probably not a good idea indoors,” Adams said.

Story by Robert Schoenberger, The Plain Dealer

1969 Chevelle SS For Sale

How to spot a genuine SS Chevelle / El Camino
by: Daniel Carr (Part 2) 

From 1969 on, the SS was no longer a separate model. Instead, it was now an “SS” option package added to a 300 Deluxe model, Malibu model, or El Camino Custom model. 1969 was the only model year that the SS package could be ordered on the base model Chevelle 300 Deluxe (as a 2-door coupe or a 2-door post sedan). The only SS option in ‘69 was the “Z25″ SS-396 package. The ‘69 and up cars are harder to authenticate because the VIN can not be used to confirm if the car is an SS. 

There were two colors that were exclusive to the ‘69 SS. “Monaco Orange” (code 72) and “Daytona Yellow” (code 76). If either of these paint codes appear on the cowl tag (and the cowl tag is genuine) then that would prove the car to be a genuine SS. 

VIN tag doesn’t tell you much

If someone had a nice ‘69 Malibu, and a rusted out ‘69 SS, it would be easy for them to simply move the SS equipment over to the Malibu. As long as they did not alter or move the VIN plates or cowl tags, this would be perfectly legal, and since the VIN tag doesn’t tell you much, there would be almost no way for you to know. 

From ‘69 on, single-piston disk brakes were STANDARD equipment with the SS package. These brakes are easier to find parts for than the earlier four-piston disk brakes. 

Chevrolet literature indicates that the only way to get a 396 was with the SS package. However, there appears to be at least one late-production Chevelle that was built with a 396 and all the required SS equipment, but the “Z25″ SS-396 option was not listed on the car’s build sheet. It is believed that this car came from the factory with “SS” emblems, but that is not 100% certain. 

Again in 1969, the only available SS engine was the 396 (in the same flavors as in 1968). In 1969, however, it was possible (if you knew who to talk to) to order something called a COPO 427 Chevelle. COPO stands for “Central Office Production Order”. The COPO program allowed dealers to order equipment that was not usually available (such as special paint, special engines, etc.) Unlike the ’68s, the ‘69 Chevelles had their 427 engines installed at the FACTORY, not the dealership. This makes the ‘69 427s more legitimate in the eyes of collectors today. You didn’t necessarily have to go to Yenko or some other special dealer in ‘69 to get a 427 Chevelle. Your local dealer could usually get you one if you filled out the right paperwork. While the ‘69 COPO 427s had basically the same equipment as the SS-396s, they were not generally considered SSs because they did not have any external “SS” or “427″ identification. They were the ultimate sleepers. Any genuine ‘69 COPO 427 Chevelle is quite valuable today. There are also unconfirmed reports of a ‘69 COPO 427 El Camino. 

In addition, there was an “L89″ aluminum head option available for the ‘69 375 HP 396. Few were ordered. 

1969 SSs had “SS/396″ emblems on the front, back, fenders, door panels, on the dash above the glove box, and on the standard SS steering wheel. The ‘69 SS also had the twin-bulge hood like the ’68s, but the bolt holes where the hood hinges attached were slightly different. The ‘69 SS came with 14″ SS wheels with “SS” center caps. The ‘69 SS stripe option consisted of a black, white, or red stripe which ran along the upper body sides. There are also reports of a few ‘69 SSs with dealer-painted hood stripes, similar to the stripes used on many ‘70-’72 SSs. 

Another rare car, produced only in ‘69, was an SS Chevelle built on the 2-door post sedan, the “Chevelle 300″. This was the only year that a 2-door post sedan SS was produced. Most of the ‘69 SSs, and all the ‘70-’72 SSs, were built upon the 2-door Malibu pillarless coupe.

1969 Z-28 Camaro ralley green with comfort weave interior. This car is documented and certified by the GURU Jerry McNeish. This is a very early z 09D of 68 with a born with engine build of 9-11 cool stuff. The M-21 trans shifts smooth and the born with rear is a nice 355 perfect for cruising.The paint is bb cc on original sheet metal its crisp and laser straight. Some of the options are console with gauges, tilt wheel,with wood grain interior. Car comes with restore pics and all engine parts with detailed pictures. The flow masters exhaust is not original but with the stock manifolds this baby sounds great and scoots. What better investment than a ## match documented 1969 Z. ONLY $57,900

Erics Muscle Cars is proud to offer this 67 corvette 427/400hp fact a/c tri-power tank sticker fully documented 1 repaint correct color combo goodwood green/white stinger and interior (rare) need $77,500 obo

Erics Muscle Cars is proud to offer this real 66 Chevelle SS. The beautiful big block is just out of paint shop after being taken down to bare metal and getting a new Marina Blue paint job. No expense was spared as all chrome, trim and rubber is being replaced. If you want a show quality 4 speed Chevelle….look no further. ONLY $42,900

Chevy SS - Real or Not?

How to spot a genuine SS Chevelle / El Camino
by: Daniel Carr (Part 1)

It is easy to spot an SS Chevelle compared to a “plain-Jane” model. However, it is not so easy to tell the difference between a genuine SS and a plain Malibu which has been altered to look like an SS. There are far more SS “look-a-likes” out there than people realize. There may even be more SS clones out there than genuine SS.

In the next couple of weeks, I will post, by year (68 – 73) a “what to look for” when searching for your Chevelle / El Camino Chevy SS. This article was written by Daniel Carr and posted over at chevelles.com

68  Chevelle SS / El Camino SS

In 1968, the SS was a separate model (the “SS-396″). Therefor, it can be identified by the VIN number. For example, a 1968 El Camino with a VIN number starting with “13880″ would be a genuine SS-396 model, while a ‘68 El Camino with the VIN “13680″ would be a non-SS “Malibu” version of the El Camino. All genuine Super Sports from 1966-1968 have an “8″ as the third digit of the VIN.

1968 was also the first year you could get an El Camino SS, and it is the only year for a separate El Camino SS model.

Genuine ‘68 SS-396 Chevelles had chrome trim pieces on the lower body sides both in front of, and BEHIND the rear wheels. The non-SS versions had the same trim in front of the rear wheels, but not behind them. None of the ‘68 Chevelle or El Camino models came with wheel well trim.

Genuine ‘68 SS-396s could come with standard Chevy rally wheels, or even with plain “dog-dish” hub caps. In ‘68, disk brakes and tachs/gauges were NOT standard equipment on the SS – you would have to pay extra for those. In fact, the MAJORITY of ‘68 SS-396s have all drum brakes. In ‘68, the disk brake option utilized 4-piston front brake calipers. Parts for these brakes can be difficult to locate today.The “F41″ suspension option (rear anti-sway bar) was not available at all in ‘68.

The only available engine in the ‘68 SS was the 396. It came as either the 325 HP “L35″, the 350 HP “L34″, or the 375 HP “L78″. At least one ‘68 SS-396 Chevelle with the “L89″ aluminum head option has been reported.

The ‘68 SS models had “SS/396″ emblems on the front and back, on the door panels, above the glove box, and on the steering wheel. On early ‘68 SSs, the front side marker light bezels had a foil insert that said “SS/396″. On later ‘68 SS production, The bezels simply said “396″. The steering wheel emblem also said “SS/396″ on early production, and simply “SS” on later production vehicles. The ‘68-’69 SS hoods had twin bulges, while the non-SS hoods were “flat”. The two raised bulges each had a chrome grille on the top, near the rear edge of the hood.

The ‘68 SS stripe option was either a black, white, or red stripe which ran across the front header panel above the grille, angled downwards towards the bottom of the front fenders, and then along the lower body sides to the back.

In ‘68, there were some special Chevrolet dealers such as “Baldwin Motion” and “Yenko” who sold Chevelles with hopped-up 396 or even 427 motors. The 427 motors were installed at the DEALERSHIP, not the factory. These cars would usually have other dealer installed items such as emblems, hoods, stripes, etc. These cars are quite valuable today, but only if they have documentation proving their authenticity.

In Canada, GM sold a very unusual vehicle that was basically a Chevelle, but it was called a “Beaumont”. It had the same chassis, engine, and sheet metal as the SS-396 Chevelle, but with a Pontiac derived front grille and dashboard. It was called the “SD-396″, and even had “SD-396″ decals on the lower front fenders.

Chevy Camaro SS indy Pace Car

This year, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS enjoyed the honor of pacing both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 – two races that could arguably be considered the traditional pinnacles of American motorsports. Now, it has apparently been decided that the Camaro’s performance was good enough to bring it back for the 2010 Indianapolis 500 with a brand-new livery.

This year’s Chevy Camaro SS Indy 500 Pace Car features the stock 426-hp 6.2L V-8, but adds an RS appearance package and a leather interior with Inferno Orange interior accents. Indy 500 logos can be found on the doors and on each headrest, while Indy 500 badges garnish the front fenders. New for this year’s Indy 500 Pace Car is a unique front grille that Chevrolet will add to the options list in the future, while the obvious light bar also takes its place in the rear window.

“Chevrolet has done it again with the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS Pace Car, it is simply beautiful,” said Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. “The car’s tribute to ‘500′ history and its sports car feel will be a big hit with our fans, and it will look great leading the Indianapolis 500 field on race day.”

The 2010 Indianapolis 500 is set to kick off Sunday, May 30.  Click here for more images

Source: Motor Trend

2011 Camaro Z28

There are unconfirmed reports that the supercharged, 500 plus horsepower Chevy Camaro Z28 program is back on track. The Z28 was to be the top-of-the-line option when the new fifth-generation car graced us in 2010, but it was shelved during GM’s financial crisis.

It looks like the Camaro Z28 might be back on track now and will likely feature a distinctive body kit, new hood, spoiler, and of course different wheels. Underneath the restyled hood will reside the supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 that currently powers the Cadillac CTS-V and we expect in the neighborhood of 550 horses.

Camaro SS Transformer Edition

Great news for all you Transformers fans, today at Comic-Con, General Motors officially announced the 2010 Chevy Camaro Transformers (Bumble Bee) Special Edition. No it doesn’t transform or come with Megan Fox in the passenger seat, but it does come with the following:

• Autobot insignia fender badges and wheel caps
• An embroidered Autobot insignia on the center console
• Gloss-black rally stripes with Transformers logos
• Transformers-logo doorsill plates

The $995 appearance package can be applied to LT (V6) and SS Camaro in Rally Yellow with or without the optional RS package.

Check out the official press release or click here to see more images.

PRESS RELEASE:

Chevrolet announces the 2010 Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition

DETROIT – Fans of the new Camaro and the blockbuster TRANSFORMERS movies can now combine their love of the car and the films with the Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition announced today at Comic-Con in San Diego.

“When the first TRANSFORMERS movie was setting box office records, we had countless customers asking to purchase the ‘BUMBLEBEE’ Camaro,” said Karen Rafferty, product marketing director, Chevrolet. “Now, they can buy one with the new Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition. Streets all over North America will be buzzing in no time.”

Features such as an EPA-rated 29 highway mpg on the V6-powered Camaro, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar combined with TRANSFORMERS design cues add to the car’s status as a 21st century sports car.

“Hasbro is thrilled to team up with Chevrolet and excited to see the Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition come to market for our fans to enjoy,” said Samantha Lomow, Global Brand Leader for TRANSFORMERS at Hasbro. “The yellow Camaro with the black stripes has become so iconic and closely associated with the BUMBLEBEE character that this edition was a natural fit for both companies.”

While the aggressive styling of the Camaro is unmistakable, true TRANSFORMERS fans will notice some of the unique, but subtle features of the Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition includes the following:
* AUTOBOT® shield on the driver and passenger side panels
* AUTOBOT® shield on each of the four wheel’s center cap
* AUTOBOT® shield embroidered on interior center console
* “TRANSFORMERS” logo on driver and passenger doors’ sill plates
* “TRANSFORMERS” logo embedded into the hood rally stripes
* High-gloss black center rally stripe package
* Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of package: $995

Dealers are now taking orders for this car. Customers can order the TRANSFORMERS Special Edition as either a Rally Yellow LT or SS model. The optional RS appearance package can also be added.

The V6-powered Camaro uses a 3.6L engine with variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy. It is SAE-certified at 304 horsepower (227 kW) and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6L engine; a Hydra-Matic 6L50 electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available.

The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, SAE-certified at 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 Nm). It is paired with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.

A new, L99 V-8 engine is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models. It is based on the LS3, but also includes GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature. It is SAE-certified at 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 Nm). It is matched with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission that helps delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway.