2014 Camaro Z/28 on the dyno

Is the new Camaro Z/28 what it's cracked up to be?  While this is just one dyno test, it gives us an idea what type of power to expect.

Redline Motorsports of Pompano Beach, Florida takes us through a visual tour and a dyno pull to give a quick baseline. This is one beautiful car with impressive numbers to match.

Checkout the video below and let us know what you think. With 455 Horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheels, did GM hit the mark?

Camaro Z/28 SOLD OUT and parts restrictions

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 was priced at $75,000 MSRP. Many 'enthusiasts' bawked and posted all over social media on what a bad idea that was.  "Who will pay that", "What is GM thinking?"

Chevrolet recently announced all 500 units are sold, spoken for, no longer available. Not bad for an expensive Camaro.  Chevrolet announced they plan to produce 2,500 2015 versions (orders opening soon, contact your Chevy dealer for details), but we all know the 2014 will be the 'year to have' for collectors.

image courtesy of GM Media

In addition to selling out for 2014, Chevrolet recently announced certain Z/28 specific parts will be on limited availability to GM dealers. Want to make your car look like a Z/28? Things just got more difficult. Obviously a move to thwart cloning and to help keep the premium priced vehicles 'exclusive', the following 35 parts will be impacted:

1. 22958646 ROTOR-FRT BRK
2. 22958647 ROTOR-RR BRK
3. 22958658 CALIPER ASM-FRT BRK
4. 22958607 CALIPER ASM-FRT BRK
5. 22958637 CALIPER ASM-RR BRK
6. 22958634 CALIPER ASM-RR BR
7. 23179350 MOLDING ASM-RKR PNL
8. 23179351 MOLDING ASM-RKR PNL
9. 23487228 SCOOP ASM-HOOD AIR
10. 22968220 ESCUTCHEON – FRT GRL EMB
11. 23468210 EMBLEM – FRT GRILL
12. 22954889 WHEEL ASM-STRG
13. 22873225 WHEEL-FRT
14. 22873227 WHEEL-RR
15. 23179322 FLARE ASM-F/FDR
16. 23179323 FLARE ASM-F/FDR
17. 23179324 FLARE ASM-RR WHL OPG
18. 23179325 FLARE ASM-RR WHL OPG
19. 23172755 DIFFERENTIAL ASM
20. 23172756 DIFFERENTIAL ASM
21. 22908036 EMBLEM ASM – E/Gate
22. 22908498 EMBLEM ASM – FRT GRL
23. 22894294 SEAT ASM-FRT
24. 22894302 SEAT ASM-FRT
25. 23473010 SHAFT ASM-RR WHL DRV
26. 23473011 SHAFT ASM-RR WHL DRV
27. 23468208 GRILLE – FRT UPR
28. 22925211 PLATE – F/FDR VEH NA
29. 22972716 COVER – D/SEAT BK
30. 22972708 COVER – P/SEAT BK
31. 12653293 SHIELD – INT MANIF SIGHT 12653294 SHIELD – INT MANIF SIGHT
32. 23104737 SPOILER – F/END 22997723 FASCIA – FRT BPR
33. 22985096 FASCIA – RR BPR LWR
34. 22968219 COVER – FRT FOG LP OPG
35. 22966600 COVER – A/CL HSG 23468209 PLATE – FRT GRL EMB BKG.

(parts list provided by hotrod.com)

Drake front grille bowtie replacement

With a sea of aftermarket parts available for the 2010-2013 Chevrolet Camaro available, one of our favorite exterior mods is still the OEM GM Heritage Grille.

We recently ran across Drake Muscle Car accessories. They offer a very unique front grille treatment, a replacement for the ugly GOLD Chevrolet Bowtie emblem. This blends in with the egg crate Camaro grille to finish it off very nicely.

Image Source: Drake Automotive Group

Drake Part Number CA-190005-BTD.
For more info on this and other Camaro goodies, visit drakeautomotivegroup.com.

2014 Camaro Spring Special Edition

Continuing a tradition of introducing special-edition production models at the 2013 SEMA Show, Chevrolet introduces the 2014 Spring Special Edition. Shown in its Camaro SS convertible version below, the limited-production package will be offered in up-level 2LT and 2SS trims in coupe and convertible configurations. 

Word on the street is these cars are arriving at dealers now. Keep an eye out and let us know when you see one.

Image courtesy GM Media

Image courtesy GM Media

• Summit White exterior with a Unique Blue Ray Stripe
• Camaro ZL1 body color spoiler
• Chevrolet Accessories ground effects package PN# 22986845
• Chevrolet Accessories grille (black) PN# 22965834
• Chevrolet Accessories grille decals PN# 20972524
• Chevrolet Accessories 21" wheels Front PN# 19302759 Rear PN# 19302758
• Hood Louver painted Blue Ray to match stripe
• RS Appearance Package Elements (HID Headlamps & LED Tail lamps)
• Blue fabric convertible top
• Blue accent leather interior w/Blue accent stitching
• Chevrolet Accessories floor mats, Black w/silver CAMARO logo PN#92221512
• SS cars - 6.2l V8 with 429 HP (Manual) or 400 HP (Auto)
• Available Dual Mode Exhaust

New Camaro ZL1 takes a swim

News affiliates in Houston,Texas report a driver and his new 2014 Camaro ZL1 through a fence and into the community pool.  Reports say it was accidental (hit gas instead of the brake), a witness says the driver lost control.

Let's hope the VIN is recorded properly so a future owner is aware.

See the video on click2houston.com

Mother of all Camaro bunouts

Steve Nogas ripped out an awesome burnout at Melbourne Autofest in his Killer Bee aka "KILLA-B - Bumblebee's evil brother" Chevrolet Camaro. This maybe the coolest burnout video we have seen yet.

Decepticon or Autobot? You decide. This 2010 Camaro is in Austraila, converted to right hand drive and all, started as a Yellow V6 car. Exterior is covered in a 3M Designer Wraps matte black.  The car was officially released at the Meguiar's MotorEx 2012 at the Sydney Olympic Park.

Steve, once banned from the event, created this Camaro to stand out from the rest. Check out the background and some great images of the car and build at FreeStyleRides.com


 

Gen 5 Camaro Performance Parts

As if GM wasn't making enough waves in the performance car market, they release a list of go-fast parts for your 2010-2014 Camaro that will NOT void your factory warranty. 

It's rumored on the interweb this week that the new 2014 Camaro Z/28 warranty DOES cover the vehicle during track use. We have yet to confirm this with the General, stay tuned!

Below is from GM Media:

Factory engineered Chevrolet accessories can preserve vehicle warranty

DETROIT – Chevrolet Performance has released a comprehensive collection of factory-engineered performance parts and accessories for fifth-generation Camaros, 2010 model year and newer. Many of the parts preserve the vehicle warranty when installed by a Chevrolet dealer – an advantage aftermarket installers cannot provide.

The portfolio of parts is designed to make "Gen 5" Camaro V-6 and SS models more capable on the street and track and includes components from the high-performance Camaro ZL1 and the road racing-oriented Camaro SS 1LE package.

For customers interested in drag racing or high-horsepower projects, Chevrolet Performance offers the new ZL1 rear driveline system. It is the strongest independent rear axle option available for the Camaro, featuring a 9.9-inch rear differential mounted in a robust cast iron center section (vs. the aluminum center section in SS and V-6 models) and additional high-strength components.

For customers interested in road-racing or improved handling, Chevrolet Performance offers suspension components from the Camaro 1LE, which is homologated for competition in SCCA’s T2 class. The same components in the Chevrolet Performance 1LE Track Pack enabled a production Camaro SS 1LE to circle Virginia International Raceway in less than three minutes.

Image courtesy of GM Media

“Chevrolet Performance is the first stop for owners building a competitive, durable Camaro for the track,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports. “These Chevrolet Performance parts are based on Chevrolet factory-validated production components that were tested on racetracks and validated to standards unmatched in the aftermarket industry. Quite simply, they’re tailored for improved performance and built to the highest standards.”

The parts are available directly from Chevrolet dealers, which can be found on the dealer locator at chevroletperformance.com or chevrolet.com.

Camaro ZL1 components:

• ZL1 front brake kit for Camaro SS (part number 22959672) – It includes racing-style front two-piece, 14.6-inch front rotors and six-piston Brembo calipers with aluminum housings and ZL1 logo. The kit includes two rotors, two calipers, brake pads and mounting hardware. It is a direct replacement for Camaro SS. It works with production chassis controls, including StabiliTrak, traction control and antilock brakes, and does not void the vehicle warranty.
• ZL1 rear brake kit for Camaro SS (part number 23104466) – It complements the ZL1 front brake kit with ZL1-logo calipers. The kit includes two calipers, brake pads and installation hardware. It works with production chassis controls, including StabiliTrak, traction control and antilock brakes, and does not void the vehicle warranty.
• ZL1 front/rear brake kit for Camaro V-6 (part number 22989384) – Upgrades the front and rear brakes for 2010-and-later Camaro V-6 models with the 14.6-inch front and 14.4-inch rear brake components from the ZL1. The kit includes two front, two-piece rotors and six-piston calipers, two rear single-piece rotors and four-piston calipers, brake pads, master cylinder and installation hardware. Twenty-inch wheels are required for caliper clearance. It works with production chassis controls, including StabiliTrak, traction control and antilock brakes, and does not void the vehicle warranty.
• ZL1 short-throw shifter (part number 19299460) – Quicker, more precise-feeling gear changes are enabled by the ZL1’s 5.1-ratio shifter. It is a direct replacement for the six-speed manual transmission shifter in the Camaro SS. Does not void vehicle warranty. ZL1 low-restriction air filter element (part number 92229651) – Direct replacement for the air filter element in 2010-13 Camaro SS models, enhancing LS3/L99 engine performance by reducing induction restrictions. It does not void the vehicle warranty.
• ZL1 fuel pump (part number 19260557) – Fits all 2010-and-later SS and V-6 models. This twin-pump design is designed meet the high-rpm fuel requirements of a supercharged engine. It delivers approximately 250 liters per hour at 65 psi (450 kPa).
• ZL1 rear driveline system (part number 22959394 for manuals and 22959395 for automatics) – This is the ZL1’s complete rear axle system, which is significantly stronger than the Camaro SS rear axle system. The kit includes a larger, stronger 9.9-inch ring gear with a heavy-duty limited-slip differential in a cast iron housing; stronger driveshaft and stronger asymmetrical half-shafts, which include a 60mm hollow shaft on the right and a 33mm solid shaft on the left. Their different torsional stiffness rates work in conjunction with the limited-slip differential to minimize the chance of wheel hop at launch. The kit is a direct bolt-in for the Camaro SS and V-6 models, although additional parts may be required for installation. Manual transmission kits feature a 3.73 axle ratio and automatic transmission kits have a 3.23 ratio.

Camaro 1LE components:

• 1LE Track Pack (part number 23123398 for V-6 and 23123397 for SS) – This suspension kit features the same suspension components used in the production 1LE performance package. Content includes a larger, 27mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body roll, retuned front struts and new monotube rear shocks for improved body and wheel control, and stiffer toe links and rear shock mounts for improved performance. It works with production chassis controls, including StabiliTrak, traction control and antilock brakes, and does not void the vehicle warranty.
• 1LE strut tower brace (part number 22756880) – This bolt-on component fits 2011-and-later Camaro SS and V-6 models, delivering greater stiffness to the front body structure to enhance the turn-in feel and supports quicker, more direct-feeling steering inputs. Does not void vehicle warranty.
• 1LE PCV valve (part number 12653073) – Ensures oil separation and drain-back during high-load cornering. Does not void vehicle warranty.

Camaro SS components:

• SS brake kit for Camaro V-6 (part number 23120542) – Upgrades the front and rear brakes for 2010-and-later Camaro V-6 models with the Brembo front and rear brake components from the SS. It is a more economical option for customers who want greater brake performance, but don’t need the performance of the ZL1 brakes. The kit includes two front rotors and calipers, two rear rotors and calipers, brake pads, master cylinder and installation hardware. It works with production chassis controls, including StabiliTrak, traction control and antilock brakes, and does not void the vehicle warranty.

LS3 heads / LS7 camshaft package (part number 19300535)

Developed by the same powertrain engineers who work on Chevrolet’s motorsports programs, this power-building kit was developed as a direct replacement for the factory-installed heads and camshaft on 2010-and-later Camaro SS models, adding up to 40 horsepower. The kit includes CNC-ported LS3 cylinder heads, which flow more than 350 cfm (intake side) with 276cc intake runners and 2.165/1.590-inch valves. The high-lift LS7 camshaft makes the most of the heads’ airflow capabilities, with 0.558/0.558-inch lift and 211 degrees/230 degrees duration at 0.050-inch and a 121-degree lobe separation angle. Contents include the camshaft and fully assembled cylinder heads. Head gaskets and cylinder head bolts must be purchased separately. Tuning is required. This kit fits other LS-family engines with at least 4.000-inch bores.

COPO components for the drag strip

Chevrolet Performance also offers many of the specialty and high-performance components used in the COPO Camaro, allowing racers to build their own Camaro race car. They include components such as the unique COPO Camaro hood (part number 22950678) and COPO-logo gauges.

For the latest news on the COPO Program and new parts, sign up for the COPO Camaro mailing list at chevroletperformance.com.

About Chevrolet Performance

Driven by more than 100 years of motorsports heritage, Chevrolet Performance fuels the passions of automotive enthusiasts through high-performance vehicles, parts and racing. Performance cars include Camaro SS, SS 1LE, ZL1, Z/28 and the COPO Camaro. Chevrolet Performance parts include crate engines, transmissions, controllers and street-level components. Chevrolet competes in NASCAR, NHRA, ALMS, GRAND-AM, IndyCar and a variety of circle track racing series.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Flowtie

It's all about the details at General Motors. The latest innovation is the Chevrolet 'Flowtie' exclusively used on the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

Images: Chevrolet Media

GM Powertrain Cooling Development engineer Richard Quinn noticed the bowtie emblem in the grille of the Z/28 was displacing air away from the radiator which impacts engine cooling. After some quick modification to remove the gold fill of the bowtie emblem, leaving a chrome outline, they found the airflow improved and added three additional cubic meters of air per minute. This allowed the coolant and engine oil temperature to drop by 2°F during extended track sessions. Thus the Flowtie was born.

We consider this a bonus as we aren't fans of the gold bowtie Chevrolet has come so happy with. We've even replaced the gold bowtie on our Trailblazer SS using a billet bowtie made right here in the USA.

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 arrives in dealerships this spring and the Flowtie is standard equipment.