The Z/28 option code was first introduced in December of 1966 for the 1967 model year. This option package wasn’t mentioned in any sales ads, so it was unknown to most buyers. The only way to order the Z/28 was to order a base Camaro with the Z28 option, front disc brakes, power steering and a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission.
The Z/28 featured a unique 302(4.9L) small-block V-8 engine, with a uniquely round flange on the crankshaft, an aluminum intake manifold, and a standard 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 has been said to be an under-rated figure because with little effort the smallblock Chevy, and this 302 particularly, were known to provide 1 horsepower/cubic inch, mostly due to the straight-through and unobstructed design of the ports in the cylinder heads and intake manifold.
Chevrolet wanted to keep the horsepower rating at less than 1hp per cubic inch, for various reasons. 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 1969, along with the modified hood, the floor console was also modified. 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 did 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 1967 Z/28s had while all other 1967 Camaros had 14-inch wheels.
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