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SpanishSecond Generation Chevy Camaros - SS, Super Sport, Rally Sport, Z/28, Z28, and Berlinetta too. Camaro “American Metal Racing” modern muscle cars by Zorly aka Paul Malessa
Transformers Camaro pictures - wikimedia.org
The second generation Chevy Camaro began in 1970 (1970 1/2) and continued through 1981 (11 or 12 years based on how you view it). This car was larger than those of the previous generation, but still based on the F-body platform [F platform]. No convertible was built for this generation. A significant improvement in the suspension and chassis was seen with these models as GM consumed more time and money than was available for the previous generation cars.
1970 Chevrolet Camaro picture
Along with the sister Pontiac Firebird, the Camaro generally made a strong showing in its second generation which dwindled slightly towards the end, mainly because of the implementation of smog devices [emissions] and the fuel crisis. The dual exhaust was soon scrapped because of the catalytic converter. The 454 engine never quite made it into these Camaros [though the LS6 & LS7 (7.4 L) 454 where spotted on early spec sheets and sales brochures], and the monster Firebird 455 c.i. could not be justified for long.
1970 - The 70 has a base 250 CID (4.1 In-Line) six-cylinder rated at 155 hp. The most powerful option was the L-78 396 CID (6.5 L) Big Block V8 which was rated at 375 hp [actually this motor got bumped up to 402 cubic inches, but the 396 tag was retained].
There was a Rally Sport, Super Sport, and Z/28 available. The Z/28 featured the LT-1 360 hp V8 with 350 cubic inches.
1970 LT1 350 Z28 V8 Chevy Camaro motor pics
1970 L78 396 Chevrolet Camaro images - nastyz.com
1971 - The major change in 71 was a corporate mandate which specified lower-octane regular leaded, low-lead or unleaded gasoline. The 6 cylinder, 302 V8, and two-barrel 350 V8 were already optimized for the fuel change, but the LT-1 350 Z/28 engine was reduced from 360 to 330 horsepower because of a lowered compression ratio, and the 396 CID V8 went from 350 hp to 300 hp for the same reason.
1971 Chevy Camaro Z28 picture - superchevy.com
1972 was a tough year because of a UAW Norwood, Ohio strike (and the impact from the 1971 strikes), tightening emissions implementation rules, and sky high sports car insurance. It is also claimed that 1,100 partially built Camaro's were scrapped because they were not finished in time for the 1973 bumper mandates. Serious consideration was given to dumping the Camaro and Firebird line altogether.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 pictures
The horse power dropped even further because instead of gross dynamometer readings being taken right off the engine block, the ratings were now taken with the engine installed in the vehicle and all the accessories installed. For these reasons many motors were now rated at around 60 horsepower less than for the previous year. Last but not least, the SS was dropped, and the Z/28 changed to the Z28.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 350 images - wikimedia.org
1973 - Sales picked back up after recovering from the strikes. Federally mandated impact absorbing bumpers were added. The Super Sport was dropped [as the SS had gone the year before]. The car was dressed up a bit in an effort to sway towards a Grand Touring car.
Emissions lowered the power output in the "big dog" 350 c.i. (5.7 L) V8 to 245 hp in the Z28, but a switch to hydraulic lifters allowed for air conditioning as an option.
1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 pictures - wikimedia.org
1974 was a good sales year despite the Arab Oil Embargo. The car gained seven inches in length due to the beefed up energy absorbing bumpers. The Camaro also lost some competition this year as the new Mustang turned into a subcompact based on the Pinto.
1975 - The Z28 was dropped even though sales had been increasing with the model. Also, even though one must take into account the new way in which the horsepower was now measured, the two 350 c.i. V8 models were putting out between 145 and 155 hp.
The catalytic converter was now part of the vehicle replacing the air pump. The emissions benefits were partially marketed as extending the maintenance intervals for the oil/filter (from 6,000 to 7,500 miles) and spark plugs (going from 10,000 to 22,500 miles replacement recommendations).
1976 - Many people will know the 76 Camaro from the yellow Transformers movie vehicle which morphed into the 2009 Camaro Concept vehicle.
Nothing major changed on the vehicle this year other than standard power brakes on the V8s, some engine shuffling, and minor cosmetics. However, sales were excellent.
1977 - The Z28 was back mainly because the Pontiac Trans Am was souring in popularity. The revived 185 hp (175 in CA) Z28 was an instant sales boom. Most were ordered with A/C and automatic, but the Borg-Warner Super T-10 4-speed was also available. Believe it or not, a minimally equipped Z28 4 speed could do the 1/4 in times comparable to many of the 60's muscle cars. Also, a few Z28 models sold as stripped could hold their ground with the other Canyon Racers.
1977 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 photos
1978 - The major change for 78 was the availability of the T-top, and also the fact it was a new sales record year for the Camaro.
1979 - The main change for 79 was the new luxury Berlinetta model. Also, the Z28 saw more aggressive styling which included fender flares and spoilers similar to the Trans Am. Sales were again outstanding this year.
1979 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta pictures - allsportauto.com
1979 Z28 Chevy Camaro picture - wikimedia.com
1980 - There were a few engine changes this year, but nothing earth shaking. Also, some cosmetic and semi-cosmetic (like the reverse mounted Z28 hood air scoop that had a flap which lifted at full throttle) were to be had also. Most shocking to the average Joe was the new 85 MPH speedometers now standard. It is claimed these speedometers were to show the concern was with how far, rather than how fast, cars would go on a gallon of fuel.
1981 - This year remained virtually unchanged from the previous year in preparation for the new generation Camaro. Sales were slow. Only an automatic was available for the 350 CID Z28, and if you wanted a stick shift you either had to move to Canada (where they were available) or go with the 305 CID motor. If you were in California you were out of luck entirely on the manual transmission because you could only get the automatic, and also only the 305 CID motor, with no 350 CID V8 option available for the state.
1981 Chevy CAMARO pictures - southernmusclellc.com
Remember, we will be continuing the history up to the 2010 Camaro where we will stay with the current vehicle, and the performance specialists who up the ante on what is available from the factory.
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Chevy Camaro American Metal Racing muscle car Videos:
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1970 - 1973 Chevrolet Camaro videos
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Chevy Camaro Commercials (Videos):
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CAMARO TV COMMERCIAL 1980 video
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1977 Camaro Z-28 TV Ad videos
Visit the Camaro “American Metal Racing” modern muscle cars index for more information, images and videos.
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This series is dedicated to the Chevrolet Camaro 5th Generation Camaro enthusiast. We include details and news on the GM base LS, the LLT, the RS package, and new SS Muscle Car model. We cover the LLT 3.6L V6, LS3 and L99 6.2L V8, any racing engine, crate motor, or hot rod tuning subject, as all are game for discussion. Factory stock General Motors Camaros, the engines and options, performance and horsepower specialty tuners, and aftermarket parts to make a modified Camaro the fastest or quickest are what we are all about. The main years of interest are 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and beyond for the future.
Read through the American Metal site archives for more high tech info on the exotic 5th gen super Camaro. The sites index also display archive info on the new coupe and convertible Camaro sports car. The cars design, concept, and high performance aspects are all explored. See the site wallpaper galleries for both the Camaro and Corvette via this free wallpapers link.
Use any information with caution and common sense. The articles contain information from many sources, and it is impossible to verify the accuracy on each of these sources, so please do your own research before reacting to anything, and consult your local professional for guaranteed information.
Visit the Zorly Camaro American Metal Home Page, or view the entire index. Also see the Corvette American Metal site. American Metal associates itself with the Jolly Rogers or Jolly Roger Skull and Crossbones symbol. Thanks for the interest!
Camaro "American Metal Racing" by Zorly aka Paul Malessa
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