Chevrolet Camaro (fourth generation)
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Chevrolet Camaro (fourth generation) | ||
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Curb weight 2,954–3,211 lb (1,340–1,456 kg) | | |
Chronology | ||
Predecessor | Chevrolet Camaro (third generation) | |
Successor | Chevrolet Camaro (fifth generation) |
The fourth-generation
1993–1997
1993
The fourth generation of the Camaro was introduced in January 1993, as a 1993 model. The production was moved from GM's
Z28
The high performance Z28 model came with rectangular dual exhaust tips to distinguish it from the base models. The Z28 featured the 5.7 L OHV LT1 V8 engine having a power output of 275 hp (205 kW) and 325 lb⋅ft (441 N⋅m) of torque that had been introduced on the Corvette one year earlier. The V8 engine came standard with a 4-speed (4L60) automatic transmission, although the Borg-Warner T56 6-speed manual transmission was a no cost option. In 1993, the Camaro Z28 was selected as the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500. A special "pace car edition" trim was introduced in the same year and featured "Indy 500" lettering on black and white body color scheme with multicolored pinstriping and white painted wheels. 645 units were made.[9]
1994
Several changes were made for the 1994 model year. The mechanically controlled and operated 4L60 automatic transmission was replaced with the electronically operated and controlled 4L60E, which was shared with other GM vehicles with V8s, such as the Tahoe. Accordingly, the car's on-board computer was modified from dealing only with the engine as in 1993 (ECM), to controlling both the engine and transmission on automatic models (PCM).
The computer in 1993 was run via Speed Density system, which measured engine speed (RPM) and load (MAP in kPa) to compute airflow requirements and then use that against the VE (Volumetric Efficiency) table to closely estimate the amount of fuel to be injected. An Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor was also used, as air density changes with temperature. In 1994 however, the computer logic was changed to a Mass Air Flow system. This system uses a Mass Air Flow Sensor placed in front of the throttle body to measure incoming airflow into the motor by using a heated wire sensor in the airstream path, which has heat pulled away from it via the incoming air. The reduced heat is converted into a voltage signal, read by the PCM which interprets that voltage signal as mass flow. The computer uses engine sensors to judge engine conditions and provide the proper fueling off of this mass airflow reading. Another prominent difference between 1993 and 1994 systems is how the programming (or custom tuning) of the computer takes place. In 1993, the computer used a removable Memcal chip essential to run the systems. In 1994, this was swapped to a non-removable reflashable chip, which could be reprogrammed via the Assembly Line Diagnostic Link (ALDL) located underneath the driver's side of the dashboard, next to the center console.
Dashboard gauge graphics were changed from yellow to white. There was also a spot in the gauge cluster reading ASR off. Although GM had intended to install ASR or Acceleration Slip Regulation (called "TCS" by Pontiac) in the 1994 F-body models, it did not make it into production until the following model year. The Z28 received updated front brakes and cooling fans were changed mid-year from a parallel to a series setup. At low RPM, both fans operated on 6 V, but on high RPM, both operated on 12 V. Performance figures for the Z28 include a 0–60 mph acceleration time of 5.7 seconds and quarter-mile times of 14.2 seconds.[10]
1995
In 1995, the 3800 Series II V6 engine joined the 3.4 liter V6 engine offered on the base models thus giving the buyers a choice of two V6 engines for the first time. The 3800 engine had a power output of 200 hp (149 kW) and would eventually replace the 3.4 liter V6 engine due to its more refined nature. The LT1 V8 had a power output of 275 hp (205 kW). The high performance variant of the Z28 called the Z28 SS was not introduced until 1996 in collaboration with SLP Engineering with the engine tuned to have a power output of 305 hp (227 kW). 17-inch wheels also became available as an option.[11]
1996
1996 saw minor mechanical revisions, as well as small power gains from the new
1997
For the 1997 model year, the Camaro featured a new interior and tri-colored taillights that would be standard on all models from 1997 to 2002. A "30th Anniversary Limited Edition" trim package, commemorating 30 years since the Camaro was introduced, was added to the range which included unique orange stripes on white base paint. It was only available on the Z28, SS, and RS models. A 30th Anniversary Camaro may be identified by RPO code Z4C on the trim tag. A total of 979 30th Anniversary models were made in 1997. New 5-spoke 16-inch wheels became standard on the Z28 this year (17-inch ZR-1 style on SS coupé models) available in either polished, chrome, or white (only on the 30th Anniversary models), replacing the previous 10-spoke turbine style design.
30th Anniversary LT4 SS
An additional 108 30th Anniversary models were modified by SLP Engineering equipment with the LT4 V8 engine having a power output of 330 hp (246 kW) and 340 lb⋅ft (461 N⋅m) of torque. 100 cars were allocated to the US market while 6 cars were sold to Canadian buyers. The remaining 2 were prototypes. These models have the R7T RPO code. The LT4 was the fastest factory-built Camaro available, as well as the most expensive at US$40,000.
1998–2002
1998
For the 1998 model year, the Camaro received a facelift and now had a new front clip. This replaced the quartet of square inset headlights. Replacing the LT1 engine was the all-new 5.7 L (346 cuin)
1999
The 1999 model year saw only a few minor changes made to the Camaro. These included the introduction of new colors such as "Hugger Orange". The fuel tanks were now made of plastic with a 16.8 gallon capacity instead of preceding metal units which had a capacity of 15.5 gallons. The valve covers on the LS1 powered models were switched to a center-bolt style, and traction control now became available on the V6 models. A new "oil change" light was added to the instrument cluster as General Motors introduced their early oil-life monitoring systems. A Torsen differential was added for the Z28 and SS models. 1999 was the last model year for the RPO 1LE performance option which included factory installed double adjustable
2000
Changes for 2000 were also largely cosmetic in nature. Monterey Maroon Metallic was added as an optional color, similar to the previously available Medium Patriot Red. The SS, however, was not available in this color. The black exterior color was now renamed Ebony. Previously, all V8 powered models had side mirrors painted in this color. A new four-spoke steering wheel, as found in other GM models of the time, was introduced to replace the two-spoke steering wheel dating back to the 1993 models. New 10-spoke 16-inch wheels became available, but the older 5-spoke wheels were still optional. The base models came with 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps. The 3.8 L (231 ci) V6 and the 5.7 L (346 ci) LS1 V8 engines continued with no changes.
2001
2001 proved to be the lowest production year for the Camaro with 29,009 units built. This was partially due to production ending earlier than usual to begin work on the 35th Anniversary models commemorating 35 years of the Camaro. The Z28 and SS models received the intake manifold from the
2002
The final fourth-generation Camaro was built on 27 August 2002 after which the Boisbriand plant, located in the province of Quebec just outside of Montreal then closed down.[12] Total production for 2002 was 42,098 units.[13]
References
- ^ "Two Rare Dick Harrell Chevy Camaros - GM High Tech Performance Magazine". www.superchevy.com. 14 September 2006. Retrieved August 30, 2015.
- ^ "GM Assembly Plant Quebec - www.swiss35thle.com". Archived from the original on 2017-01-18. Retrieved 2017-01-17.
- ISBN 9781440217524 – via Google Books.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Popular Mechanics". Hearst Magazines. December 1989.
- ^ "1989 Chevrolet California IROC Camaro Concept Car Development". howstuffworks.com. The Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. Archived from the original on 2019-05-08. Retrieved 2019-05-08.
- ^ "Camaro, Firebird lines to end with 2002 model year". Oklahoma City Journal Record. Associated Press. 2001-09-26. Archived from the original on 2008-02-12. Retrieved 2022-08-21.
- ^ McCoy, Guy (29 July 2004). "Rising from the Ashes". Popular Hot Rodding. Retrieved 2016-10-21.
Publicly, GM blamed slow sales, a deteriorated sports coupe market, and plant overcapacity. For the 4th generation camaro's got the all new small blocks LT1 and LS1 small blocks.
- ISBN 978-0-7603-1932-1. Retrieved 2010-09-08.
- ISBN 9780760319321. Retrieved 2010-10-13.
- ^ "Thunderbird Club of Iowa". Archived from the original on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2009-06-13.
- Car & Driver. Retrieved 2019-03-21.
- ^ Cooper, Anderson (2002-08-27). "Newsnight Transcripts". CNN. Retrieved 2006-12-27.
- ^ "2002 Camaro Production Numbers". www.camaroz28.com. 23 July 2002. Retrieved 17 March 2013.
- ^ "2003 Heritage Camaro and Trans AM". 2002firehawk-c26.net. Retrieved 2010-08-13.
External links
- Chevrolet Camaro at Curlie