| Chevrolet Camaro (first generation) | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 1968 Camaro RS 327 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chevrolet (General Motors) |
| Production | September 29, 1966 – November 1969[1] |
| Model years | 1967–1969 |
| Assembly |
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| Designer | Henry Haga |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | |
| Body style |
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| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | F-body |
| Related | Pontiac Firebird (first generation) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108 in (2,743 mm) |
| Length | 184.7 in (4,691 mm) (MY1967)[3] 184.7 in (4,691 mm) (MY1968)[4] 186.0 in (4,724 mm) (MY1969)[5] |
| Width |
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| Height |
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| Chronology | |
| Successor | Chevrolet Camaro (second generation) |
Thefirst-generationChevrolet Camaro is an Americanpony car introduced byChevrolet in the fall of 1966 for the 1967model year. It used a brand-newrear-wheel-driveGM F-body platform and was available as a 2-door,2+2 seat,hardtop, andconvertible. The F-body was shared with thePontiac Firebird for all generations. A 230 cu inChevrolet straight-6 was standard, with several ChevyV8s available as options.[6][7] The first-generation Camaro was built through the 1969 model year.
Almost all of 1967–1969 Camaros were built in the twoU.S. assembly plants:Norwood, Ohio, andVan Nuys, California. There were also five non-U.S. Camaroassembly plants in countries that required local assembly and content. These plants were located in the Philippines, Belgium, Switzerland, Venezuela, and Peru.[8]
The debut Camaro's standarddrivetrain was a Chevrolet Turbo-Thrift230 cu in (3.8 L) straight-6 engine rated at 140 hp (104 kW) at 4400 rpm and 220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m) of torque at 1600 rpm,[9] coupled to a 3-speed manual transmission.
To keep up with other manufacturers in the ever more crowdedpony car niche, a selection of optional base-model and high-performance V8s was offered, as well as a variety of optional manual and automatic transmissions.[7]
Eight different engines were available in the 1967 Camaro, 10 in 1968, and 12 in 1969. Optional transmissions during the first-generation model run included the two-speed "Powerglide"automatic transmission, and a four-speed manual, available with any engine.[10] A three-speed "Turbo Hydra-Matic 350" automatic became available on most V8s starting in 1968.[11] The optional automatic for SS 396 cars was the three-speedTurbo 400. In 1969, a semi-automatic "Torque-Drive" two-speed transmission was available on six-cylinder models.[12]
The Camaro was offered in three main optional packages:
The 1967 styling was done by the same team that had designed the 1965 second-generationCorvair. The Camaro shared thesubframe / semi-unibody design with the 1968Chevy II Nova. Almost 80 factory-and 40dealer-installed options were offered, including the RS, SS, and Z/28main trim packages.
The SS included a 350 cu in (5.7 L) producing 295 bhp (299 PS; 220 kW) at 4800 rpm and 380 lb⋅ft (515 N⋅m) at 3200 rpm oftorque;[13] and theL35 andL78 396 cu in (6.5 L) big-blockV8 engines producing 325 bhp (330 PS; 242 kW) or 375 bhp (380 PS; 280 kW) at 5600 rpm and 415 lb⋅ft (563 N⋅m) at 3600 rpm of torque were available.[14] The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping, and SS badging on the grille, front fenders, gas cap, and horn button. In 1967, a Camaro RS/SS convertible with a 396 enginepaced the Indianapolis 500; 100 replicas were sold to the public.[15]
The Z/28 option code was introduced in December 1966 for the 1967 model year. It was the brainchild of Vince Piggins,[who?] who conceived offering "virtually race-ready" Camaros for sale from any Chevrolet dealer.[16] This option package was not mentioned in any sales literature, so it was unknown to most buyers.[17]
The Z/28 featured a high-output small-block302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 that had been designed for competing in the 5 litre (305 cu in) class of the then-popularTrans-Am racing series. It had a stronglyover-square, high-revving 4 in (101.6 mm)bore and 3 in (76.2 mm)stroke, with an aluminumintake manifold, and a 4-barrelvacuum secondary high-volume 780cfmHolleycarburetor. It took Ford until 1969 to mount a head-to-head competitor: theBoss 302 Mustang.
Advertised power of the 302 V8 was 290 hp (216 kW) at 5300 rpm — intentionally under-rated (a common practice at the time) so Chevrolet could keep claimedhorsepower under 1 per cubic inch for insurance premium calculations and racing classification.[17]
The Z/28 also came with upgraded suspension,power frontdisc brakes, a 4-speedMuncieclose-ratio manual transmission and a 12-bolt rear axle.Posi-traction was optional. Wide racing stripes on the hood and trunk lid could be deleted at no charge, '302' front fender emblems came on the 1967 and early 1968 cars,[18] 'Z/28' emblems in the late 1968s and 1969s.
The 1967 Z/28 received air from an open-elementair cleaner or from an optionalcowl plenum duct attached to the side of the air cleaner that ran to the firewall and got air from the cowl vents. An optionalcowl induction hood became available in 1969. 15-inch rally wheels were included with Z/28s, while all other 1967-9 Camaros had 14-inch wheels.
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The origin of the Z/28 nameplate came from theRPO codes – RPO Z28 was the code for the Special Performance Package. RPO Z27 was for the Super Sport package.[citation needed] A total of 602 Z/28s equipped Camaros were sold in 1967.[15]
The Z/28 option would return in 1968, continue into thesecond generation in 1970, drop the / from its name in 1972, and remain available as the Z28 through 1987. It would return for 1991 and continue to the end of thefourth generation in 2002. It would then reappear in 2014 in thefifth generation rebadged back to the Z/28 (though 2015). There was nosixth generation Z/28.
Cars assembled in Switzerland, at GM's local facility inBiel, were all coupes with a Chevrolet283 cu in (4.6 L) V8 that produced 198 PS (146 kW; 195 hp) at 4800 rpm and 285 lb⋅ft (386 N⋅m) at 2400 rpm.[19] This engine was not available in contemporary Camaros built in the United States. The Swiss-built Camaros had alimited-slip differential and front disc brakes as standard. Some additional safety equipment was also standard.
| Base: | 121,051[citation needed] | |
| RS: | 64,842[citation needed] | |
| SS: | 34,411[citation needed] | |
| Z/28: | 602[citation needed] | |
| Total: | 220,906 | [18] |
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The styling of the 1968 Camaro was very similar to the 1967 design. With the introduction of Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system, the side vent windows were deleted. Side marker lights were added on the front and rear fenders as part of safety requirements for all 1968 vehicles. Side mirrors changed from round to square. It also had a more pointed front grille and divided rear taillights. The front running lights (on non-RS models) were also changed from circular to oval. The SS models received chrome hood inserts that imitatedvelocity stacks and big block models had a low-gloss black rear tail light panel.
The rear shock absorber mounting was staggered to resolve wheel hop issues, and higher-performance SS models received multi-leaf rear springs instead of single-leaf units. A 396 cu in (6.5 L) producing 350 hp (261 kW) at 5200 rpm and 415 lb⋅ft (563 N⋅m) of torque at 3400 rpm big block engine was added as an option for the SS,[20] and the Z/28 appeared in Camaro brochures, and nearly 7,200 were sold. The 427 cu in (7.0 L) was not available as a Regular Production Option (RPO).
Chevrolet's Special Production Division had to convince Chevrolet's General Manager Pete Estes, but the General Manager only drove convertible vehicles, and the Z/28 was never produced as a convertible. A Central Office Production Order (COPO) was placed for the only Z/28 convertible Camaro built.[21] The car was parked in the executive garage which Pete Estes had access to. Upon driving the vehicle, he promptly approved promoting the Z/28. A 1968 Z/28 competed in the 1971 British Saloon Car Championship at Crystal Palace in a three-way battle for the lead, a race which was later featured in the "Sporting Moments" episode of BBC's100 Greatest series.[22]
| Base: | 159,087[citation needed] |
| RS: | 40,977[citation needed] |
| SS: | 27,884[citation needed] |
| Z/28: | 7,199[citation needed] |
| Total: | 235,147 |
The 1969 Camaro carried over the previous year'sdrivetrain and major mechanical components, but all-newsheet metal, except the hood, trunk lid, and roof, gave the car a new look. Thegrille was redesigned with sharper V and deeply inset headlights. New door skins, rearquarter panels, and rear valance panel made the car look lower and wider. This styling would only serve for the 1969model year.
To increase competitiveness in the SCCA Trans-Am racing series, optional four-wheel disc brakes with four-piston calipers were made available during the year, under RPO JL8, for US$500.30.[23] This system used components from the Corvette and made for a significant improvement in the braking capability and was a key to winning the Trans-Am championship.[citation needed] The option was expensive and only 206 units were produced.
The Rally Sport (RS) option, RPO Z22, included a unique black-painted grille with concealed headlights and headlight washers, fender striping (except when sport striping or Z/28 Special Performance Package is specified), simulated rear fenderlouvers, front and rear wheel opening moldings, black body sill, RS emblems on grille,steering wheel and rear panel, Rally Sport front fendernameplates, bright accented taillights, back-up lights below rear bumper; hardtops got bright roof drip moldings. The RS option cost $131.65, with 37,773 orders filled.
Z/28 sales soared from 7,200 to over 20,000, available with the same 302 cu in (4.9 L) small block producing 290 hp (294 PS; 216 kW) at 5800 rpm and 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m) of torque at 4200 rpm.[24] It was backed by Muncie manual four-speed transission with a new-for-69 standardHurstshifter and connected to a 12-boltrear axle with standard 3.73 gears. The 302 featured 11:1 compression, forged pistons, forged steelcrankshaft andconnecting rods,solid lifters, and Holley carburetor on a dual-plane intake manifold. A dual four-barrel crossram intake manifold was available as a dealer-installed option.[23]
The 1969 model year was extended into November 1969, due to manufacturing problems that delayed the introduction of thesecond generation model planned for 1970.
| Base: | 150,078[citation needed] |
| RS: | 37,773[citation needed] |
| SS: | 34,932[citation needed] |
| Z/28: | 20,302[citation needed] |
| Total: | 243,085 |
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A GM corporate edict forbade its Divisions from installing engines larger than 400 cu in (6.6 L) in mid-size and smaller models. Requests from dealers (notablyDon Yenko in PA, Baldwin-Motion in NY, Nickey in IL and Dana in CA) who had been dealer-installing427 cu in (7.0 L) engines in the Camaro prompted Chevrolet to use an ordering process usually used on fleet and special orders (taxis, trucks, etc.) to offer 427 engines in the Camaro. Two Central Office Production Orders (COPO), numbers 9560 and 9561, were offered in the 1969 model year.[25]
The COPO 9561 used the cast iron block/cast iron heads, solid-lifterL72 big-block engine, rated at 425 hp (317 kW)SAE gross at 5600 rpm and 460 lb⋅ft (624 N⋅m) of torque at 4000 rpm.[26] Yenko ordered 201 of these cars to convert them intoYenko Camaros.[27] Other dealers also became aware of the L72 engine package. Around 1,000 Camaros were fitted with the L72 engine option.[28][29]
The COPO 9560 used an all-aluminumZL1 designed specifically fordrag racing, where weight savings were at an absolute premium. The package was conceived by drag racer Dick Harrell, and ordered through Fred Gibb Chevrolet in La Harpe, IL, to enter NHRASuper Stock racing. A total of 69 ZL1 Camaros were produced. The engine alone cost over US$4,000—or more than an entire base V8 Camaro. Rated at 430 hp (321 kW)SAE gross at 5200 rpm and 450 lb⋅ft (610 N⋅m) of torque at 4400 rpm/[30]376 hp (280 kW)SAE net "as installed", it could produce over 500 gross with exhaust changes andtuning.[25]
The ZL1 engines were manufactured at the Tonawanda Assembly Plant before being installed in Corvettes and Camaros or sold over the counter to racers.[31] Each took 16 hours to be hand-assembled in a room that Corvette Chief EngineerZora Arkus-Duntov described as "surgically clean."[32]
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| Chevrolet Camaro | 230 | 250 | 302 | 307 | 327 | 350 | 396 | 427 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 1967–69 | 1967–69 | 1967–69 | from 01/1969 | until 12/1968 | until 12/1968 | from 01/1969 | until 12/1968 | from 01/1969 | 1967–69 | from 1968 | 1967–69 | from 1968 | only 1969 | ||
| Order code | L26 | L22 | Z28 | L14 | LF7[12] | L30 | LM1 | L65 | L48[13] | L35 | L34 | L78[14] | L78/L89 | COPO 9561 | COPO 9560 ZL1[30] | |
| Engine name | Turbo-Thrift | Turbo-Fire (Small Block Chevrolet) | Turbo-Jet (Big Block Chevrolet) | |||||||||||||
| Type | straight-six engine | V8 engine | ||||||||||||||
| Engine block | cast Iron | aluminium | ||||||||||||||
| Cylinder head | cast iron cylinder head, 2 valves per cylinder | aluminium cylinder head, 2 valves per cylinder | ||||||||||||||
| Valvetrain | OHV, gear drive | OHV, timing chain | ||||||||||||||
| Displacement | 230 in3 (3769 cm3) | 250 in3 (4093 cm3) | 302 in3 (4942 cm3) | 307 in3 (5031 cm3) | 327 in3 (5354 cm3) | 350 in3 (5733 cm3) | 396 in3 (6489 cm3) | 427 in3 (6997 cm3) | ||||||||
| Bore × stroke | 3.875 in × 3.25 in (98.4 mm × 82.6 mm) | 3.875 in × 3.531 in (98.4 mm × 89.7 mm) | 4 in × 3 in (101.6 mm × 76.2 mm) | 3.875 in × 3.25 in (98.4 mm × 82.6 mm) | 4 in × 3.25 in (101.6 mm × 82.6 mm) | 4 in × 3.48 in (101.6 mm × 88.4 mm) | 4.094 in × 3.76 in (104 mm × 95.5 mm) | 4.25 in × 3.76 in (108 mm × 95.5 mm) | ||||||||
| Power @ rpm | 140 bhp @ 4400 | 155 bhp @ 4200 | 290 bhp @ 5800 | 200 bhp @ 4600 | 210 bhp @ 4600 | 275 bhp @ 4800 | 255 bhp @ 4800 | 250 bhp @ 4800 | 295 bhp @ 4800 | 300 bhp @ 4800 | 325 bhp @ 4800 | 350 bhp @ 5200 | 375 bhp @ 5600 | 425 bhp @ 5600 | 430 bhp @ 5200 | |
| max.torque @ rpm | 220 lb (298 Nmf·ft)@ 1600 | 235 lb (319 Nmf·ft)@ 1600 | 290 lb (393 Nmf·ft)@ 4200 | 300 lb (407 Nmf·ft)@ 2400 | 320 lb (434 Nmf·ft)@ 2400 | 355 lb (481 Nmf·ft)@ 3200 | 365 lb (495 Nmf·ft)@ 3200 | 345 lb (468 Nmf·ft)@ 2800 | 380 lb (515 Nmf·ft)@ 3200 | 410 lb (556 Nmf·ft)@ 3200 | 415 lb (563 Nmf·ft)@ 3400 | 415 lb (563 Nmf·ft)@ 3600 | 460 lb (624 Nmf·ft)@ 4000 | 450 lb (610 Nmf·ft)@ 4400 | ||
| Compression | 8.5 : 1 | 11.0 : 1 | 9.0 : 1 | 8.75 : 1 | 10.0 : 1 | 9.0 : 1 | 10.25 : 1 | 9.0 : 1 | 10.25 : 1 | 11.0 : 1 | 12.0 : 1 | 12.5 : 1 | ||||
| Fuel system | carburetor 1bbl | carburetor 4bbl | carburetor 2bbl | carburetor 4bbl | carburetor 2bbl | carburetor 4bbl | ||||||||||
1969 Camaro's extended production run from August 1968 through November 1969 (a union strike delayed the all-new 1970 models),
| Generations |  | |
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| Other Camaro articles | ||
| Related articles | ||
| Rivals | ||
