CPX Foilers for the Camaro and Challenger
Whether your new old-school ride needs a bit of a facelift or you intend on tracking the beast and want some improved aerodynamics for a better handling ride and more efficiently designed car; the guys over at CPX have just the thing. They're called "Foilers" and attach at the base of the Camaro or Challenger front air dam and add not only a subtle amount of aggressiveness, but an added degree of aerodynamics. CPX also produces rear Camaro and Challenger Foilers that mount just in front of the rear wheels for more of an added throwback to the old-school look to aerodynamics, adding yet again to the cars appearance while reducing the drag coefficient. Yet, far from the old school mounting methods, CPX has opted for the space age technology of 3M using their automotive mounting tape. I know some of you are thinking, "Tape? Really? Somebody's just saving a few bucks…" But I can personally attest to the strength of 3M's automotive tape on the use of race and street applications. I used the same tape to mount numerous things to a car or motorcycle (spoilers to rear seat deletes on the motorcycle) and it has withstood full force 140 MPH winds. If it's not separating at those speeds, I'm pretty sure the strength of this tape is plenty enough for any street or race application for our cars. They offer the foilers in color matched urethane, or an even sexier carbon fiber. Tom Henry Racing, or THR as they have become known, has used these on their 2011 THR SS Camaro's. These guys are a group that spares no expense in building top notch show-and-go cars. Cars that look as good as they go, and with an attention to detail second to none, if it's good enough for them I think that says a lot. So, keep these little wings of war in mind as you look at that stock front end and realize that just a little bit more would go a long way.
Camaro Christmas List Round-Up
Let's say you have a Camaro owner in your family and you're looking for a great Christmas present for them. What great thing could you maybe get them that wont break the bank? I'll try and help you out by running down a list of 5 great items for the fifth Generation Camaro that any owner would certainly love to have that will not break the bank. I'll be using SouthernCarParts as my source for linking to them, also, as I've dealt with those guys a lot and they tend to offer the best prices and the best customer service I'll find much anywhere.
(Also, if you're my wife reading this, I already have all of these items, but I would love a new set of Forgeline Wheels for Christmas!)
5. A Set of Lloyd's Mats
If the Camaro suffers in any category at all, it's the interior styling--while functional and streamlined--sometimes lacks a little luster. A great way to give the car a little more visual pop, and to also provide it with a nice new means of keeping it clean and in mint shape, is with a set of new car mats. You could buy the GM produced mats, but when they tend to cost in the $200+ for a set of the front 2, that seems a little ridiculous. Couple that with the fact that the Ultimats by Lloyd's are made with a thicker, higher quality carpet and match the Camaro interior 100% perfectly at a more affordable price, I can't see any reason why anybody would want to order GM standard mats. With SCP's Free Shipping and great prices, you can score a set of embroidered custom floor mats for your Camaro lover's car at right around $100! That is an awesome present that will not break the bank, for certain!
4. Camaro Color Anodized Billet Aluminum Racing Pedal Set
Again, this Camaro present focuses on the interior styling of the Camaro, and this is a damn good looking modification piece. This pedal sets are made from high quality billet aluminum, anodized in a highly durable coloring process, and provide an awesome, race-car look and grippy shifting feel for the Camaro Manual Driver in your home. Once again, these pedals come with SCP's free shipping and cost just $129, making them another perfect Christmas gift for a Camaro owner that they'll be certain to love, and so will your wallet. These Camaro Pedal Sets are available in Orange, Blue, Red, and also in various Black and Silver arrangements for a little bit more, elsewhere on the website.
3. Camaro Billet Aluminum Seat Adjuster
Once more in to the breach for interior styling cues! These seat adjusters are subtle for showy, and provide a great little interior touch for the Camaro owner who doesn't like to draw too much attention away from the sound and performance of the car. These adjusters are also more comfortable to use and make shifting the seat's position much easier, so you're thinking of yourself as a passenger a little bit when buying them also. And, when they cost just $40 (!!!) you've got to be certain that they're as affordable and appreciable a Camaro present as there is out there.
2. Camaro Skip Shift Eliminator
Now, this product doesn't look like much, and the cost is as affordable as they come, but if you have a Camaro driver in your family who loves getting every bit of excitement out of their Camaro, this is an absolute must own. In fact, if you're reading this and DON'T already have one of these, BUY IT FOR YOURSELF NOW! This thing is one of the favorite things I have on Camaro, and it only cost me about $25. Why do I love it so much, do you ask? Do you know the ridiculous 1-4 skip shift you get when you're running your Camaro with some force? Say you're at 5000 RPMs in 1st gear, yeah? The only place you can go from there is 4th gear! That's just ridiculous! This tiny, little, non-descript piece is brilliant in that it easily installs and eliminates that Camaro driving annoyance, quickly. So, at such an affordable price, this is a must have for any and all Camaro owners!
1. Camaro Sequential Turn Signals
Ok, this product comes as result of a tiny bit of Ford envy, I'll admit it, but it just looks so cool that I couldn't deny it! This Sequential Turn Signal Harness changes the blinkers on the Camaro to function in sequence instead of simultaneous. It's a small modification in theory, I know, but the number of compliments and comments I get as result of having these installed on my Camaro are absolutely amazing! They're also functional, as they increase vehicle visibility while turning, and, in doing so keep your Camaro extra safe against potential rear-endings. And at just $89, this Wiring Harness for the Camaro Lights is a great great great gift that any Camaro owner is certain to love.
Camaro Sequential Turn Signals
2011 Camaro Convertible Unveiled at the LA Auto Show
The new 2011 Camaro Convertible goes On sale in February 2011
LOS ANGELES – The segment-leading Chevrolet Camaro opens a new chapter as the 2011 Camaro convertible premieres at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new convertible begins production in January and goes on sale in February. It includes an enhanced body structure and well-tailored top mechanism – a combination designed to deliver sports coupe-like driving fun and precise quality.
"The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of potential customers," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "The 21st century revival of Camaro is tremendously popular, so it's a natural to now expand and elevate the product range in new directions."
The convertible will be offered in similar model configurations as the Camaro coupe. The standard model will have a 312-horsepower direct injection V-6 engine delivering 29 mpg highway. The SS model will feature the 6.2L V-8 engine producing 426 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.
Camaro seized leadership in U.S. sales in its segment with the original coupe model that launched in spring 2009 as a 2010 model. The right to purchase one of the first convertibles was recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $205,000, with all proceeds donated to charity. The 2011 Neiman Marcus Edition Camaro convertibles, a group of 100 exclusive cars with custom-designed elements and priced at $75,000 each, sold out in only three minutes.
The Camaro convertible delivers great refinement, along with uncompromising, coupe-like driving dynamics. Its enhanced body structure helps prevent cowl or steering wheel shake, for a strong, confident feel in all driving conditions. The top has a smooth, tailored fit, with acoustical foam in the headliner that helps deliver a quiet ride with the top up.
Camaro convertible is offered in 1LT/2LT (V-6) and 1SS/2SS (V-8) trim packages and priced from $30,000 MSRP (including $850 destination). Nine production exterior colors are available, with tops offered in black or tan. Rear parking assist is standard on all convertible models.
Strong structure
The Camaro's architecture was designed to accommodate a convertible model, which means customers enjoy the fun of top-down cruising with coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to eliminate common convertible maladies of cowl and steering wheel shake. They include:
A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
A transmission support reinforcement brace
Underbody tunnel brace
Front and rear underbody "V" braces.
"Our goal in development was to make the convertible match the coupe as closely as possible in ride quality, handling and overall performance," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.
A telling example of the Camaro convertible's strength is evidenced in its suspension tuning – specifically, the lack of changes between the convertible and coupe models.
"To compensate for the reduced structure of an open car, engineers often will make the suspension softer, making the convertible a boulevard cruiser," said Oppenheiser. "Instead, we took the more difficult, but better path of bolstering structure rather than softening the suspension. We didn't change a strut, bushing or spring rate from the Camaro coupe."
The result is a convertible that preserves nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Camaro coupe.
Additional safety structural reinforcements are designed to improve noise and vibration characteristics, while also contributing to the elimination of cowl/steering wheel shake. They include a hydrofromed tube in the A-pillars, an inner reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a reinforced front hinge pillar and reinforcements inside the rockers. The structural changes to the Camaro convertible body give it superior bending and torsional stiffness than its closest competitor, and better torsional stiffness than the BMW 3-Series convertible.
Exceptional top refinement
At the outset, designers and engineers sought to eliminate the common appearance of convertible top support ribs and they succeeded, using composite knuckles rather than aluminum ones, as well as extending the top material below the belt line and revising the top's stitch lines. The result is a top that has a smooth, taut and carefully tailored appearance that also retains the sleek roofline of the coupe.
The power-folding top retracts in about 20 seconds. It is built in partnership with the same manufacturer as the Corvette convertible top, and operates in a similar manner. That means it folds in a simple "Z" pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of the windshield header. Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.
Once the latch is turned to the open position, the push of a single button lowers the windows and activates the top. The car doesn't have to be parked for the top to be activated, allowing for spur-of-the-moment lowering while stopped at a stoplight.
The top is made of thick, durable canvas and it features acoustical headliner material that provides a quiet, coupe-like ride when the top is up. It also incorporates a glass rear window and rear window defogger.
A folding, one-piece tonneau cover is standard on 2LT and 2SS models and optional on 1LT/1SS. It covers the folded top for a finished appearance. An accessory windscreen is available from Chevrolet dealers. It installs behind the front seats to limit wind buffeting when driving with the top down.
Additional details
A myriad of fine details distinguish Camaro convertible models, including:
The OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna moves to the deck lid on LT models without the RS package
The radio antenna is embedded in the rear spoiler on RS-equipped LT and SS models
The trunk lock cylinder is moved to the rear seat area for a cleaner exterior appearance
A new subwoofer design is located in the trunk between the rear seats.
Because the combined OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna is mounted on the roof of coupe models, it had to be relocated on the convertible. On RS-equipped LT models and SS models, which include a rear spoiler, a small "shark fin" OnStar/XM antenna is mounted on the deck lid, while the AM/FM radio antenna is hidden inside the rear spoiler. This patent-pending design creates a sleeker appearance. For LT models without a rear spoiler (without the RS package), the combined antenna is located in the center of the deck lid.
The relocation of the trunk lock cylinder also cleans up the Camaro convertible's appearance, moving from the panel between the taillamps to a discreet area between the rear seat back cushion and driver's side interior panel. The change retains full, lockable access to the trunk, with the keyless remote fob also offering easy trunk access.
Finally, the subwoofer – either an eight-inch unit with the base sound system or a 10-inch subwoofer with the available Boston Acoustics system – is relocated from the trunk to an area between the rear seat cushions.
Performance
Camaro LT convertible models are offered with a 3.6L direct injection (DI) V-6 that delivers more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It is rated at 312 horsepower (232 kW) and 278 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). Peak fuel economy with the direct injection V-6 is 29 miles per gallon on the highway.
Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in Camaro SS models, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Both engines are derived from the LS3 that debuted on the 2008 Corvette, with an aluminum block (with cast iron cylinder liners) and aluminum cylinder heads. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm). The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm).
The L99 features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management System, which saves fuel by shutting down half of the engine's cylinders during certain light-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising.
All Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Aisin AY6 six-speed manual is standard with the 3.6L engine, and a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic is optional. A Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is standard on the SS, and the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic is optional.
-Well-tailored fabric top
-Acoustical headliner for quietness and easy-to-use single latch
-Robust, reinforced structure supports a sports coupe-like driving experience
-Better torsional stiffness than BMW 3-Series convertible
Camaro Part Reference Guide
So, a forum member over at Camaro5 got this fantastic part reference guide posted online in a .PDF, and it is one of the most handy tools for a Camaro DIY'er that I've seen yet. If you're looking for Camaro parts or specific information on them for your work, use this tool. In fact, bookmark this page immediately, b/c this will undoubtedly be useful to you as a Camaro owner at some point:
2010 Camaro Oil Change
The boys at Southern Car Parts put together a pretty good little video on how to change your oil on the 2010 Camaro SS...See below
Camaro Heritage Grill Available Now
News is coming out that GM has officially released their Camaro Heritage Grill. With a list price of $305, but some people saying they've found discounts on it, I wanted to skip right past the whole "Oh hey! This is new! Lets buy it!" and actually consider if its a good, viable front grille replacement option, or if better exist out there.
Let's start with looking at the Heritage Grill:
Alright, yeah, that does look good. The solid, strong lines, look really nice. Still though, it's over $300, and not THAT aggressive looking. In fact, there may be an argument that the OEM Camaro grill, with its wide openings and boxier style, is an actually more aggressive looking front grill piece.
Well, with that all in mind, what other options exist out there as front grill pieces for a Camaro?
There are a lot of them out there, but I picked the two I like the most. After some shopping around too, it appears that southerncarparts.com offers them both at pretty good prices. I also got in touch with the SCP guys and they said they're planning on adding the Heritage Grill to their line-up soon, so that would be a good place to start your shopping.
Anyways, here are the two options I looked at that I wanted to compare the Heritage Grill to:
The first one, on the left, is the Mesh Wire grill, and the second on the right is the Phantom Billet grill. The mesh grill is over $400, so right there its a little behind the Heritage Grill in that category. Of course, that money is not money poorly spent as that is a great looking grill. The cross-bar there looks great, and really seems to accentuate aggressive lines of the Camaro. Of course, the mesh itself looks a little light on the Camaro, and for that reason, I say this is a comparable bang for the buck comparison to the Heritage Grill, and the choice should come down to cost/personal preference if picking between the two.
Of course, that is, if you're just picking between the two. The third option here, the Phantom Billet grill, is absolutely sweet. Maybe you'd disagree with me, but I feel like the solid lines (which are close to the Heritage Grill look) are strong and bold. Add to that the fact that the grill itself is made with high-quality, TIG Welded, aircraft grade aluminum, and the price is well below the Heritage Grill for the half grill, and almost equal to the Heritage Grill for the full, light-covering phantom look, should make this the undeniable premiere choice.
Maybe you disagree, and I understand a lot of people love the Heritage Grill look, but I personally am all for the Phantom Billet Grill! It gets an A+ from this humble blogger.
Great Z28 Commercial!
Loved this commercial for the Z28! Thought it was humorous and poetic, and I know all too well the torture of being torn between an old love and a new one. In the end I like his choice, and what a beautiful driveway he has for making it!
It’s Baaaaack: Supercharged Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Is Back on Track
2010 Camaro Z28
DETROIT — What's that Mark Twain said about his death and exaggeration? Oh, who cares. Inside Line just got confirmation that the supercharged 500-plus-horsepower Camaro Z28 is back in the product plan and is set for production.
It appeared that the extra-high-performance Camaro — which should give the 540-hp Ford Shelby GT500 a good run for its money — had fallen victim to the cost-cutter's knife and the importance of appearing sensible in GM's new role as partial ward of the state.
According to Ed Welburn, GM's vice president for global design, the on-again, off-again Z28 is back in the plan. The modified body is done, according to Welburn. There is still calibration work to be completed on the powertrain, though. We're still looking at about a year's wait before the Z28 would appear.
The basic engine is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, which sees duty in the Cadillac CTS-V. In that application, the engine makes 556 horsepower and is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. There's no reason to assume that the Z28 wouldn't be offered with both transmissions, and only a fool would dial back the power.
The Z28 will come with a specific body kit with a slightly raised hood to accommodate the top-mounted intercooler/supercharger unit and a tall rear spoiler. Specific wheel design and suspension tune will surely be part of the package. Wider rear rubber might prove necessary, too, we'd think.
Just goes to show that for all its sensible talk of late, enthusiasm for performance vehicles still runs deep at GM. We're also hearing that GM is considering doing a higher-performance version of the V6 Camaro, in hopes of piquing the interest of less traditional Camaro enthusiasts.
Inside Line says: Oh, hell yes! — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
From Edmunds.com : Inside Line