With an all-new fifth-generation Corvette on the horizon, the time couldn’t be better to introduce the third generation of the legendary General Motors small block V8 engine. The design, which was based on a timeless design by former Chevrolet Chief Engineer and General Manager Ed Cole, the “Gen III” 5.7 Liter V8 LS1 marks a bright new chapter in the highly respected lineage that GM small blocks have established for more than 40 years with an infusion of cutting-edge technology. Originally introduced in 1955, the small block V8 changed the way people viewed Chevrolet.
Chevrolet Camaro 'Reviews' - Page 2
Tom Kempf is a 35-year-old engineering manager of an automotive OEM supplier, he tests and tweaks things to produce results. It is also in his nature to find the limits of things: destroy stuff, and rebuild it from a clean sheet. Kempf special ordered a 2000 Camaro Z28 from Rinke Chevrolet, with plans from day one to build it into a race car.
He ordered the no-option “B4C” package, known for its light curb weight, hardtop roof, and bare-bones musclecar attitude. Tom didn’t check off on any fancy options that could slow the car down. It took him six long years to arrive at the desired result he was looking for.
1969 was the final year for the first generation Camaro and for many collectors, the Z/28 is the ultimate must have. It was fast and it drove like a real sports car, with a high-revving small block, and also came only with a four-speed and decent brakes.
A few camaro enthusiasts noticed option code JL8, which put a set of Corvette disc brakes on all four corners of the Z/28. Chevy said 206 people ponied up the $500.50 they charged for the JL8 option, but real numbers indicate only about 56 JL8 Camaros were actually delivered from the factory. The few that survive are the most desirable Z/28s built.