Difference between revisions of "Second-generation Chevrolet Camaro"

{{Infobox Automobile

{{Infobox Automobile

  | image = [[Image:1970ChevroletCamaroZ28.jpg|250px]]

  | image = [[Image:1970ChevroletCamaroZ28.jpg|250px]]

Most of the engine and drivetrain components were carried over from 1969 with the exception of the {{convert|230|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Straight-6|six cylinder]] — the base engine was now the {{convert|250|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} six-cylinder rated at {{convert|155|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The top performing motor was a L-78 {{convert|396|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 rated at {{convert|375|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Starting in 1970, the {{convert|396|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} nominal big block V8's actually displaced {{convert|402|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}}, yet Chevrolet chose to retain the 396 badging. Two {{convert|454|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} engines (the LS6 and LS7) were listed on early specification sheets and in some sales brochures 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 "Z-28 Special Performance Package" featuring a new high-performance LT-1 {{convert|360|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} {{convert|380|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} of torque {{convert|350|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[V8]]. The LT-1 350, an engine built from the ground up using premium parts and components, was a much better performer overall than the previous {{convert|302|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8s used in 1967-69 Z-28s and greater torque characteristics and less-radical cam permitted the Z-28 to be available with the Turbo 400 [[automatic transmission]] as an option to the four-speed manual for the first time.

Most of the engine and drivetrain components were carried over from 1969 with the exception of the {{convert|230|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Straight-6|six cylinder]] — the base engine was now the {{convert|250|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} six-cylinder rated at {{convert|155|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The top performing motor was a L-78 {{convert|396|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 rated at {{convert|375|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Starting in 1970, the {{convert|396|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} nominal big block V8's actually displaced {{convert|402|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}}, yet Chevrolet chose to retain the 396 badging. Two {{convert|454|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} engines (the LS6 and LS7) were listed on early specification sheets and in some sales brochures 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 "Z-28 Special Performance Package" featuring a new high-performance LT-1 {{convert|360|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} {{convert|380|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} of torque {{convert|350|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[V8]]. The LT-1 350, an engine built from the ground up using premium parts and components, was a much better performer overall than the previous {{convert|302|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8s used in 1967-69 Z-28s and greater torque characteristics and less-radical cam permitted the Z-28 to be available with the Turbo 400 [[automatic transmission]] as an option to the four-speed manual for the first time.

The new body style featured a fastback roofline and ventless full door glass with no rear side quarter windows. Doors were wider to permit easier access to the rear seat and new pull-up handles replaced the old handles for which the lower button had to be pushed in to lock the door. The roof was a new double-shell unit for improved rollover protection and noise reduction. The base model featured a separate bumper/grille design with parking lights under the bumper while the Rally Sport option included a distinctive grille surrounded by a flexible Endura material along with round parking lights beside the headlights and bumperettes surrounding on both sides of the grille. The rear was highlighted by four round taillights similar to the Corvette.

The new body style featured a fastback roofline and ventless full door glass with no rear side quarter windows. Doors were wider to permit easier access to the rear seat and new pull-up handles replaced the old handles for which the lower button had to be pushed in to lock the door. The roof was a new double-shell unit for improved rollover protection and noise reduction. The base model featured a separate bumper/grille design with parking lights under the bumper while the Rally Sport option included a distinctive grille surrounded by a flexible Endura material along with round parking lights beside the headlights and bumperettes surrounding on both sides of the grille. The rear was highlighted by four round taillights similar to the Corvette.

== 1972 ==

== 1972 ==

The 1972 Camaro suffered two major setbacks. The [[United Auto Workers|UAW]] strike at a GM assembly plant in Norwood, [[Ohio]] disrupted production for 174 days, and 1,100 incomplete Camaros had to be scrapped because they could not meet 1973 federal bumper safety standards. Some at GM seriously considered dropping the Camaro and Firebird altogether, particularly while the corporation was under pressure to adapt its vast number of makes and models to difficult new regulations for emissions, safety, and fuel economy.  Others pointed out the fiercely loyal followings the cars enjoyed and were convinced the models remained viable. 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. 970 SS396s were produced in 1972, and this was the last year for the SS model. This year it was changed from "Z/28" to "Z28". Horsepower ratings continued to drop not only due to lower compression and tighter emissions but beginning with the 1972 model year, a switch from gross (on dynometer) to net ratings based on an engine in an actual vehicle with all accessories installed. With that, the LT 350 cubic-inch V8 dropped from 330 gross horsepower in 1971 to 255 net for 1972 and the big-block 396/402 cubic-inch V8 was now rated at 240 net horsepower compared to 300 gross horses in 1971.

The 1972 Camaro suffered two major setbacks. The [[United Auto Workers|UAW]] strike at a GM assembly plant in Norwood, [[Ohio]] disrupted production for 174 days, and 1,100 incomplete Camaros had to be scrapped because they could not meet 1973 federal bumper safety standards. Some at GM seriously considered dropping the Camaro and Firebird altogether, particularly while the corporation was under pressure to adapt its vast number of makes and models to difficult new regulations for emissions, safety, and fuel economy.  Others pointed out the fiercely loyal followings the cars enjoyed and were convinced the models remained viable. 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. 970 SS396s were produced in 1972, and this was the last year for the SS model. This year it was changed from "Z/28" to "Z28". Horsepower ratings continued to drop not only due to lower compression and tighter emissions but beginning with the 1972 model year, a switch from gross (on dynometer) to net ratings based on an engine in an actual vehicle with all accessories installed. With that, the LT 350 cubic-inch V8 dropped from 330 gross horsepower in 1971 to 255 net for 1972 and the big-block 396/402 cubic-inch V8 was now rated at 240 net horsepower compared to 300 gross horses in 1971.

== 1975 ==

== 1975 ==

The Z28 option was discontinued for 1975 despite an increase in sales to over 13,000 units in 1974 and similar popularity of Pontiac's Firebird Trans Am. Chevy dropped the Z28 due to ever-tightening emission standards that spelled the end of the higher-output versions of the 350 cubic-inch V8, rated at 245 horsepower in 1973 and 1974. Engines that were offered in 1975 continued to reflect the impact of these regulations in their declining horsepower ratings. Two 350 cid (5.7 L) V8s produced 145 hp (108 kW) and 155 hp (116 kW) (Horsepower losses can seem a bit exaggerated compared to earlier cars, however, because power ratings were now ''net'' as opposed to the prior ''gross'' ratings. SAE net power ratings (used since 1972) were taken from the engine crankshaft as before, but now all accessories had to be attached and operating, and all emissions equipment and a full production exhaust system had to be in place. These power-robbing additions — along with stringent new emissions laws and the equipment they required — were instrumental in creating the vastly smaller power figures found in subsequent cars. The manufacturers themselves also sometimes intentionally underrated engines for a variety of motives, notably avoiding provoking the insurance companies and federal regulators into enacting undesirable policies, but also sometimes to prevent lower priced models from stacking up too well on paper against their own more profitable high-end products.). The year 1975 was also the first for the catalytic converter, which was designed as a much more efficient way of reducing emissions than the previous air pump and other smog gear, allowing for finer tuning of engines to permit improved drivability and fuel economy. However, the converter spelled the end of true dual exhausts and mandated the use of lower octane unleaded gasoline, which was not only inferior in antiknock qualities but also more expensive than leaded regular gas, a great disadvantage at a time of dramatically rising gasoline prices in the aftermath of the 1973-74 Arab Oil Embargo. The catalytic converter and GM High Energy electronic ignition (previously a Z28 option, now made standard for 1975) were advertised among the components of "Chevrolet's new Efficiency System" which was promoted to offer other benefits to 1975 Camaro owners (in comparison to '74 models) that included extended maintenance intervals from 6,000 to 7,500 miles for oil/filter changes and spark plugs that lasted up to 22,500 miles compared to 10,000 miles on '74 models.

The Z28 option was discontinued for 1975 despite an increase in sales to over 13,000 units in 1974 and similar popularity of Pontiac's Firebird Trans Am. Chevy dropped the Z28 due to ever-tightening emission standards that spelled the end of the higher-output versions of the 350 cubic-inch V8, rated at 245 horsepower in 1973 and 1974. Engines that were offered in 1975 continued to reflect the impact of these regulations in their declining horsepower ratings. Two 350 cid (5.7 L) V8s produced 145 hp (108 kW) and 155 hp (116 kW) (Horsepower losses can seem a bit exaggerated compared to earlier cars, however, because power ratings were now ''net'' as opposed to the prior ''gross'' ratings. SAE net power ratings (used since 1972) were taken from the engine crankshaft as before, but now all accessories had to be attached and operating, and all emissions equipment and a full production exhaust system had to be in place. These power-robbing additions — along with stringent new emissions laws and the equipment they required — were instrumental in creating the vastly smaller power figures found in subsequent cars. The manufacturers themselves also sometimes intentionally underrated engines for a variety of motives, notably avoiding provoking the insurance companies and federal regulators into enacting undesirable policies, but also sometimes to prevent lower priced models from stacking up too well on paper against their own more profitable high-end products.). The year 1975 was also the first for the catalytic converter, which was designed as a much more efficient way of reducing emissions than the previous air pump and other smog gear, allowing for finer tuning of engines to permit improved drivability and fuel economy. However, the converter spelled the end of true dual exhausts and mandated the use of lower octane unleaded gasoline, which was not only inferior in antiknock qualities but also more expensive than leaded regular gas, a great disadvantage at a time of dramatically rising gasoline prices in the aftermath of the 1973-74 Arab Oil Embargo. The catalytic converter and GM High Energy electronic ignition (previously a Z28 option, now made standard for 1975) were advertised among the components of "Chevrolet's new Efficiency System" which was promoted to offer other benefits to 1975 Camaro owners (in comparison to '74 models) that included extended maintenance intervals from 6,000 to 7,500 miles for oil/filter changes and spark plugs that lasted up to 22,500 miles compared to 10,000 miles on '74 models.

== 1978 ==

== 1978 ==

The 1978 model featured new soft front and rear bumpers and much larger taillights. To go along with this new bumper, Chevrolet also gave the feature of a body kit to lower the front nose. Some of these body kits even featured sideskirts as well. This was also the first year the [[T-top]] — a t-bar roof with dark tinted glass lift-out panels — became available as an option. RS models differed from the rest of the lineup with a unique standard 2-tone paint and striping scheme. With record sales of 272,633, the 1978 model outsold the 1969 model, the previous one year sales champ.{{-}}

The 1978 model featured new soft front and rear bumpers and much larger taillights. To go along with this new bumper, Chevrolet also gave the feature of a body kit to lower the front nose. Some of these body kits even featured sideskirts as well. This was also the first year the [[T-top]] — a t-bar roof with dark tinted glass lift-out panels — became available as an option. RS models differed from the rest of the lineup with a unique standard 2-tone paint and striping scheme. With record sales of 272,633, the 1978 model outsold the 1969 model, the previous one year sales champ.{{-}}

== References ==

== References ==

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