First-generation Chevrolet Camaro

From Camaro Wiki

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The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro debuted for the 1967 model year on an all brand new rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and would be available as a 2-doors, 2+2 seating, coupé or convertible with a choice of V6 and V8 powerplants. The first-gen Camaro would last up through the 1969 model year.

1 1967
2 1968
3 External links
4 1969
5 First-generation engines
6 References
7 Headline text
8 External links

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1967

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The debut Camaro shared some mechanicals with the 1968 Chevy II Nova at a base price of $2,466. Almost 80 factory and 40 dealer options, including three main packages, were available.

The RS was an appearance package that included hidden headlights, revised taillights, RS badging, and exterior rocker trim. It was available on all models.

The SS included a 350 (5.7L) V8 engine (the 350 was only available in the Camaro in 1967, it became available in other carlines in 1968), and the L35 and L78 396(6.5L) big-block V8's were also available. The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping and SS badging on the grille, gas cap, and horn button. It was possible to order both the SS and RS to receive a Camaro SS/RS. In 1967, a Camaro SS/RS convertible with a 396(6.5L) engine paced the Indianapolis 500 race.

The Z/28 option code was introduced in December 1966 for the 1967 model year. This option package wasn't mentioned in any sales literature, so it was unknown to most buyers. The Z/28 option required power front disc brakes and a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission. The Z/28 featured a 302(4.9L) small-block V-8 engine, 3" crankshaft with 4" bore, an aluminum intake manifold, and a 4-barrel vacuum secondary Holly carburetor of 780CFM. The engine was designed specifically to race in the Trans Am series (which required engines smaller than 305(5.0L) and public availability of the car. Advertised power of this engine was listed at 290hp (216kW). This is an under-rated figure. Chevrolet wanted to keep the horsepower rating at less than 1hp per cubic inch, for various reasons (e.g. insurance and racing classes). The factory rating of 290hp occurred at 5300 rpm, while actual peak for the high-revving 302 was closer to 360hp (with the single four barrel carb) to 400hp (with optional dual-four barrel carbs) (269 to 298kW) at 6800-7000 rpm. The Z/28 also came with upgraded suspension, racing stripes on the hood, and 'Z/28' emblems for the fenders (in 68 & 69). It was also possible to combine the Z/28 package with the RS package.

Only 602 Z/28s were sold in 1967. The 1967 and 1968 Z/28s did not have raised cowl induction hoods as was optional on the 1969 Z/28s. The 1967 Z28 received air from an open element air cleaner or from an optional cowl plenum duct attached to the side of the air cleaner that ran to the firewall and got air from the cowl vents. 15-inch rally wheels, were included with Z/28s had while all other 1967-9 Camaros had 14-inch wheels.

The Camaro's standard drivetrain was a 230 (3.8L) straight-6 engine rated at 140hp (104kW) and backed by a Saginaw three-speed manual transmission. A four-speed manual was also available. The two-speed "Powerglide" automatic transmission was a popular option in 1967 and 1968 until the three-speed "Turbo Hydra-Matic 350" replaced it starting in 1969. The larger Turbo 400 three-speed was an option on L35 SS396 cars.

Production numbers:

Base Hard Top:	160,648
Base Convertible:	25,141
RS:	64,842
SS:	34,411
Z28:	602
Pace cars:	81
Total:	220,906

Engines:[1]

230:	I6 140bhp
250:	I6 235lb-ft @ 1600rpm
(Z-28) 302:	V8 290bhp @ 5800rpm, 290lb-ft @ 4200rpm
327:	V8 210bhp
327:	V8 275bhp
350:	V8 255bhp
SS350:	V8 295bhp @ 4800rpm, 380lb-ft@3200rpm
SS396:	V8 325bhp @ 4800rpm, 410lb-ft@3200rpm
SS396:	V8 375bhp @ 5600rpm, 415lb-ft@3600rpm

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1968

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Image:1967 Sunoco Camaro Z28.jpg

1968 Penske-Godsall Racing Sunoco Camaro at the 2004 Watkins Glen SVRA

1968 saw the deletion of the side vent windows and the introduction of Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate was located on the dash board under the driver side windsheild (it has been in location since). Also added were side marker lights, 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 imitated velocity stacks. The shock absorber mounting was staggered to resolve wheel hop issues and higher performance models received multi-leaf rear springs instead of single-leaf units. A 396 cid (6.5 L) 350 hp (261 kW) big block engine was added as an option for the SS, and the Z28 appeared in Camaro brochures. 7,199 Z28s were sold in 1968.

The 1968 Camaro's suspension was much improved, thanks to the new five-leaf rear springs that worked with repositioned rear shocks. The new rear suspension not only delivered improved handling, but virtually eliminated wheelhop.

Inside, the 1968 Camaro was similar but incorporated a new center console, newly styled door panels, and circular Astro Ventilation vents on the outer edges of the dash. Although the 1968 had new seat covers, the big news was the availability of trendy-looking houndstooth seat fabric.

1968 was the first Camaro model year to display external Z/28 badges. (on Z/28 models).

The grill of non-Rally Sport optioned 1968 Camaros was restyled with a more pronounced center split. Non-Rally Sports had backup lights incorporated within the standard taillight bezels. The backup lights for Rally Sport models were separate units mounted below the bumper. The taillights of all 1968 Camaros had center dividers to create a 4-lamp (2 per side) appearance.

Interior colors were dropped from 8 colors to 6 color choices and could be in standard or custom trim.

Taillights were changed to two-piece red lenses, with the backup lights mounted under the rear bumper in the 1968 Camaro model year.

Headlight covers on 1968 RS models were now vacuum operated rather than electronically as in the 1967 model year.

1968 was the first Camaro model year to make cloth upholstery available. This included a first time (now-famous) "houndstooth" cloth pattern in a black and white checker pattern.

The Torque Drive transmission was now available in 1968 Camaro's. This was essentially a modified Powerglide automatic unit that was shifted manually without a clutch.

Joined to the "bumblebee" nose stripes found of the 1967 Camaro model year, there was now two other stripe themes joined to it for 1968. One wrapped across the top of the nose, down the leading edge of the front fender to a point about four inches above the bumper, then horizontally back to almost the end of the door. The other nose stripe was multicolored and came as part of a special Customized Camaro sales promotion. The sales promotion required selection of Rallye Green, Brite Green, Corvette Bronze, or LeMans Blue exterior.

A passenger-side assist handle, mounted above the glovebox, was included with the Custom Interior or Special Interior options in 1968

Camaro Super Sport (SS) models had unique hoods in 1968, and the hoods were different for SS 396 and SS 350 models. The SS 350 hood was the same as all 1967 SS models, featuring two thin-ribbed, decorative inserts. The hood for 1968 SS 396 models had two inserts which each had four simulated carburetion stacks.

Engine size emblems were moved to the front of the fenders.

The tail lights and the non-Rally Sport grille were restyled.

The door mirrors (right side optional) were changed from circular to rectangular in shape.

Additional padding was added to the dash, A-pillars, and the armrests.

Much of the bright interior trim was toned down to a brushed finish to reduce driver glare.

The console, when present, was a new totally restyled model.

The standard, short, rear-bumper guards that were used in both '67 and '69 were not used in 1968.They were canceled immediately prior to start of 1968 production. (And though they can be installed on the bumper of a '68, they are not correct.)

A woodgrain (simulated walnut) dash center panel molding was new for Z23 special interior, Z87 custom interior, and D55 console.

The convertible sunshade holder changed from neutral to the interior color.

1968 VIN tag was SMALLER than 1967's. Tag was now painted BLACK to minimize glare when viewing from outside the vehicle

The words "CHEVROLET" was no longer featured in the VIN TAG as it was coded into the VIN itself.

Rally Wheel center cap now was updated with a "turbine" style appearance.

Inside, the 1968 model featured a restyled center console, and a restyled secondary gauge package with a "sawtooth" design. Unlike the previous year, the 1968's secondary gauge grouping didn't include a clock, so when the secondary gauge package was ordered, the clock was combined with the tachometer in the right pod of the main instrument display. This dual-function instrument became known as the "tick-tock-tach."

1968's ignition switch was on the dash as in 1967. These were the only Camaro model years with this location. (This switched to being on the steering column and where it would stay for the rest of the Camaro history)

4-wheel disc brakes were not factory-installed options for the 1968 model year. Those that were installed were done so by dealers, or by customers who purchased them over-the-counter.

Although a rear spoiler (Chevrolet called it an auxiliary panel and valance) was often associated with the 1968 Camaro Z28, the spoiler was actually a separate option, available with any Camaro as RPO D80. The spoilers were made of fiberglass.

To replace that airflow, below-dash air vents (Astro-Ventilation) were added to the interior.

Production numbers:

RS:	40,977
SS:	27,884
Z28:	7,199
Total:	235,147

Engines:[1]

230:	I6 140bhp
250:	I6 155bhp
327:	V8 210bhp
327:	V8 275bhp
350:	V8 255bhp
SS350:	V8 295bhp @ 4800rpm, 380lb-ft @ 3200rpm
SS396:	V8 325bhp @ 4800rpm, 410lb-ft @ 3200rpm.
SS396:	V8 350bhp @ 5200rpm, 415lb-ft @ 3200rpm.
SS396:	V8 375bhp @ 5600rpm, 415lb-ft @ 3600rpm.

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External links

http://www.camarosource.ca/php/camaro_info_db/index.php?year=1968

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1969

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Image:1969 Chevrolet Camaro Pace Car.jpg

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

The 1969 Camaro carried over the previous year's drivetrain and major mechanical components, but all-new sheetmetal, except the hood and trunklid, gave a car a substantially sportier look. The grille was redesigned with a heavy "V" cant and deeply inset headlights. New door skins, rear quarter panels, and rear valence panel also gave the car a much lower, wider, more aggressive look. This styling would serve for the 1969 model year only. Collectors often debate the merits of smooth, rounded lines of 1967 and 1968 model versus the heavily creased and sportier looks of the 1969.

Several new performance options were available for the 1969 model year.

To increase competitiveness in the SCCA Trans Am racing series, a four wheel disc brake option, RPO JL8, was made available during the year. This system used the 4 piston brake components from the Corvette and made for a major improvement in the braking capability and was a key to winning the Trans Am championship.

A GM corporate edict forbade Chevrolet from installing engines larger than 400 cid (6.6 L) in the Camaro. But requests from dealers (notably Yenko) who were dealer installing 427's in the Camaro, caused 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. The COPO 9561 option brought the solid lifter L72 big-block engine, making an underrated 425 hp (317 kW) gross. Dealer Don Yenko ordered 201 of these cars to create the now-legendary Yenko Camaro. Other dealers also became aware of the L72 engine package and ordered it.

Even rarer was the COPO 9560. This option installed an all-aluminum 427 cid (7.0 L) big-block called the ZL-1 and was designed specifically for drag racing. Just 69 ZL-1 Camaros were produced, probably because the engine alone cost over US$4,000 — nearly twice that of a base coupe with a V8. Though rated at 430 hp (321 kW) gross, the ZL-1 made closer to 550 hp (410 kW), making it both the fastest and rarest of all Camaros. Chevrolet also planned a high content version of the ZL-1 Camaro for 1969 that would have been ordered under COPO 9567. Two prototypes were made both in Black with gold Z/28 style stripes.

The 1969 model year was exceptionally long, extending into November 1969, due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the second generation model planned for 1970. It is a popular myth that late-'69 Camaros were sold as 1970 models (due to GM publicity pictures of the 69 Camaro labeled as a 1970), but they were all assigned 1969 VIN codes.

Production numbers:

RS:	37,773
SS:	34,932
Z28:	20,302
Total:	243,085

Engines:[1]

250:	I6 155bhp
307:	V8 200bhp
327:	V8 210bhp
327:	V8 275bhp
350:	V8 255bhp
SS350:	V8 300bhp @ 4800rpm, 380lb-ft @ 3200rpm
SS396:	V8 325bhp @ 4800rpm, 410lb-ft @ 3200rpm
SS396:	V8 350bhp @ 5200rpm, 415lb-ft @ 3200rpm
SS396:	V8 375bhp @ 5600rpm, 415lb-ft @ 3600rpm
427COPO(9561):	V8 425bhp @ 5600rpm, 460lb-ft @ 4000rpm
427COPO(9560):	V8 430bhp @ 5200rpm, 450lb-ft @ 4400rpm

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First-generation engines

1967-1969: L26 230 cid (3.8 L) 230 I6 140 hp (104 kW)
1967-1969: L22 250 cid (4.0 L) 250 I6 155 hp (116 kW) @ 4200 rpm, 235 ft•lbf (319 N•m) @ 1600 rpm
1967-1969 Z28: 302 cid (4.9 L) Small-Block V8 290 hp (rated) 340-350 hp actual
1967-1969: LF7 327 cid (5.4 L) Small-Block V8 210 hp (157 kW)
1967-1968: L30 327 cid (5.4 L) Small-Block V8 275 hp (205 kW)
1969: LM1 & L65 350 cid (5.7 L) Small-Block V8 255 hp (190 kW) and 250 hp (185 kW)
1967-1969 L48 SS350: 350 cid (5.7 L) Small-Block V8 295 hp (1969-300hp)(220 kW) @ 4800 rpm, 380 ft•lbf (515 N•m) @ 3200 rpm
1967-1969 L35 SS396: 396 cid (6.5 L) Big-Block V8 325 hp (242 kW) @ 4800 rpm, 410 ft•lbf (556 N•m) @ 3200 rpm
1967-1969 L78 SS396: 396 cid (6.5 L) Big-Block V8 375 hp (280 kW) @ 5600 rpm, 415 ft•lbf (563 N•m) @ 3600 rpm
1968-1969 L34 SS396: 396 cid (6.5 L) Big-Block V8 350 hp (261 kW) @ 5200 rpm, 415 ft•lbf (563 N•m) @ 3200 rpm
1968-1969 - L89 aluminum cylinder head option for the SS396/375 engine - lightened the engine by ~100 lbs.
1969 COPO 9561/L72: 427 cid (7.0 L) Big-Block V8 425 hp (317 kW) @ 5600 rpm, 460 ft•lbf (624 N•m) @ 4000 rpm
1969 COPO 9560/ZL1: 427 cid (7.0 L) Big-Block V8 430 hp (321 kW) @ 5200 rpm, 450 ft•lbf (610 N•m) @ 4400 rpm