Create your own 700hp Camaro with GM Performance Parts catalog

You just have to love the convenience and quality of performance parts that come straight from the manufacturer. After all, who knows the cars better than the ones who make them? And though you can buy virtually anything for a Chevrolet Camaro, you still have to have the expertise to put all those parts together to make something that works cohesively.

The new GM Performance Parts catalog aims to help you in that endeavor by showing you the way to some serious power in your pony car. As demonstrated by DeNooyer Chevrolet in New York, you can plop an LSX454 engine and 6 speed tranny from a ZR1 in a Camaro and have a ready-made 520hp (at the rear wheels) beast.

Or, you could do like NeSmith Chevrolet in Georgia and drop an LS9 in your own Camaro, which with minor tweaks produces over 700hp. The possibilities are endless, but credit GM for stirring up some creative ideas with their latest catalog.

Press Release

GMPP CATALOG COVER CAMAROS REVIVE THE COPO SPIRIT OF DEALER-BUILT SUPERCARS

2010-12-09

GRAND BLANC, Mich. – Dealership-created performance packages were an important part of Chevrolet's muscle car heritage. Names like Yenko, Nickey, Berger and others helped drive high-performance options, while enhancing the mystique of one-off collectables decades later. In fact, it was creative ordering on the part of dealers that created the legendary COPO Camaros of the late 1960s – cars available from those enterprising dealers, but not offered in any official catalog or order guide.

More than 40 years later, a couple of dealers – DeNooyer Chevrolet in New York and Georgia's NeSmith Chevrolet – have rekindled the concept of using Chevrolet's own parts to create specialty Camaros that simply aren't offered in regular production. DeNooyer used GM Performance Parts' (GMPP) LSX454 crate engine (part number 19244611) to build a modern 454 engine for the Camaro SS, while NeSmith transplanted the supercharged LS9 engine from the Corvette ZR1 into their Camaro.

"These great Camaros exemplify the spirit of dealer-built super cars that grew out of the muscle car era," says Dr. Jamie Meyer, product integration manager for GM Performance Parts. "They are the COPO Camaros of the 21st century."

Both cars are featured on the cover the 2011 GM Performance Parts catalog.

The DeNooyer 454 Camaro, dubbed the HTR-SS454 (named for partner Redline Motorsports' owner Howard Tanner), takes the GMPP LSX454 crate engine and adds a port fuel injection system to its LS7-style LSX six-bolt cylinder heads. The engine has an all-forged rotating assembly and an 11.0:1 compression ratio. A front end accessory drive system was added, too, along with a custom flywheel and ZR1 clutch matched to the six-speed manual transmission.

With the custom engine installed and properly tuned, chassis-dyno testing of the Camaro delivered a strong 520 horsepower and 530 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear wheels – or right about the 620-hp/590-lb.-ft. estimates from GMPP for the basic crate engine. The car's driveline was beefed up to handle the 200-horsepower increase over stock, too, with stronger axles and stiffer bushings throughout.

Much like what was done with the legendary Baldwin-Motion cars, of the Sixties, DeNooyer joined forces with an expert performance shop, Redline Motorsports, to help engineer and build the HTR-SS454. Redline a leader in LS-based high-performance engines and vehicles and it also collaborates with DeNooyer Chevrolet on the HTR-600 Camaro, which uses the 505-hp LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06 – also available as a crate engine from GMPP (part number 19211710).

While the DeNooyer 454-powered Camaro evokes memories of yesteryear, NeSmith's LS9-powered "Storm" Camaro is pure modern performance, with the world-beating power of the Corvette ZR1 under the hood. It was created within the dealership's in-house customization facility, NeSmith Customs, with assistance from nearby Jen Jac's Restorations. NeSmith also happens to be the largest GMPP dealer in the country.

The LS9 is offered as a crate engine from GM Performance Parts (part number 19201990) and, because of its similar LS-family architecture to the Camaro's original LS3 engine, easily slipped into the engine compartment – although some fabrication was necessary to accommodate the unique placement of some accessories, as well as the LS9's dry sump-style oiling system. But when the installation was completed, the engine looked factory-installed. And with a few minor upgrades, the engine is producing about 700 horsepower.

Like the DeNooyer HTR-SS454, the NeSmith Storm Camaro matches its greater performance capability with complementing drivetrain parts, including stronger axles and a Baer brake system featuring six-piston calipers, front and rear.


GM PERFORMANCE PARTS RELEASES 2011 CATALOG

2010-12-09

GRAND BLANC, Mich. – GM Performance Parts (GMPP) has released its 2011 catalog. It contains more than 300 pages of crate engines, engine parts and vehicle accessories for vehicles powered by GM's LS, small-block and big-block engines – and almost every one of them is available for purchase online at gmperformanceparts.com.

For 2011, the catalog features more for LS high-performance engine builders, including:

* Vehicle-specific performance parts and accessories
* Expansion of the E-ROD crate engine portfolio
* The LSX454R crate engine
* LSX DR 11-degree cylinder heads and matching intake manifold
* LSX six-bolt L92-style cylinder heads for smaller-bore LS engine.

Along with descriptions and part numbers for all the engines, parts and accessories, the GMPP catalog offers valuable information on selecting matching components for the best-performing combination, as well as detailed specifications on most components – including charts outlining cylinder head specs and camshaft specs. There's also a special section for LS engine builders that provides an overview of the LS engine family and parts interchangeability.

GMPP has also included accessories for new Chevrolets, including the Corvette, Camaro, Cruze and trucks. They include performance, suspension and appearance upgrades.

Enthusiasts and builders can buy the 2011 GM Performance Parts catalog from GM dealers or online at GMPP's eCommerce store, located at gmperformanceparts.com. Simply click on the SHOP button and enter "catalog" in the search function. A free download of a PDF version of the catalog is also available at gmperformanceparts.com.

Cover cars

A pair of dealer-modified Camaros are featured on the cover of the 2011 GMPP catalog and exemplify a growing trend in using crate engines to offer extraordinary performance to a new generation of enthusiasts – all while evoking the spirit of the dealer-driven COPO Camaros of the late 1960s.

The Camaros were built by DeNooyer Chevrolet in New York and Georgia's NeSmith Chevrolet. DeNooyer used GMPP's new LSX454 crate engine to build a modern 454 engine for the Camaro SS, while NeSmith transplanted the supercharged LS9 engine from the Corvette ZR1 into their Camaro. (Please see the separate release for more details on the cars.)

Chevrolet to auction first Camaro convertible at Barrett-Jackson

Here's a shocker: GM will be auctioning off its yet-to-be-revealed first 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible at today's (September 24th) Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. While the act of auctioning off the first of a hot new model is certainly nothing new, the fact that Chevy has not even shown the car to the public yet, outside of a prototype and a couple of teaser pics (such as the one above). Those who want to see the real thing will want to tune in to the Speed channel tonight.

Press Release

Camaro Convertible Auction to Benefit Nevada Charity

LAS VEGAS – Car collectors on Friday will vie to become one of the first owners of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, several months ahead of its arrival in dealerships and even before the production car is shown to the public.

The winning bidder will receive the second 2011 Camaro Convertible produced for consumer sale. The car on the auction block in Las Vegas will be the Camaro Convertible Concept that has traveled the world's auto shows. The first production model will be used for historical purposes.

The production version will make its debut later this fall, prior to start of production in early 2011.

Chevrolet is partnering with Greg Heinrich, owner of Fairway Chevrolet in Las Vegas, to offer one of the first Camaro convertibles at the Barrett-Jackson Auction on Friday (Sept. 24) at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Proceeds from the winning bid will go to the YMCA of Southern Nevada.

CGS Camaro in the works for SEMA debut

CGS Motorsports is known for being one of the leading manufacturers of high performance exhaust systems. It is also know for bringing some high grade vehicles to SEMA in the past, like the FlatBlack Mustang. This year will continue that tradition, as CGS is preparing a new Camaro to bring to this year's SEMA.

The 2011 Camaro will get new paint, a ZR1 type hood, and a body kit on the outside. Inside there will be custom leather courtesy of Pecca Leather. Performance will be enhanced with a CGS cat-back exhaust (duh), and a new twin screw Whipple Supercharger. Power should be in the 500hp range. Be sure and keep up with the build progress at www.cgsmotorsports.com and check out this year's SEMA coverage for the finished product.

Press Release

CGS Motorsports is one of the leading manufacturers of High Performance Cat Back Exhaust Systems and Air Intake Systems for late model cars, trucks, & SUVs.

Besides being one of the leading manufacturers of Performance Products, CGS has also become one of the leading creators of many SEMA Show vehicles over the years and CGS has built several vehicles for the Big 3.

Once again, CGS is creating another SEMA Show vehicle for GM, which will be showcased at the 2010 SEMA Show. They will be customizing a new '11 Chevy Camaro.

This new GM muscle car will feature custom paint, the Camaro will feature a ZR1 influenced hood, and body kit by ACS. The CGS team is also designing and building handmade chrome moldings. Custom leather from Pecca Leather, of course one of CGS's Cat-Back Exhaust Systems, and Whipple Ind. new Camaro twin screw supercharger producing close to 500hp.

As illustrated in the rendering, 22" wheels up front a set of 24"x15" rear wheels by Genuine Boyds, Pirelli's new 405/25/24" rear tires, the rear wheels and tires will be stuffed under the back without any type fender fairing. All the rear suspension will be replaced with Chris Alston's Fab 9 rear end with a latter bar and coil over suspension.

So be sure to check out the completed vehicle at this year SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. www.cgsmotorsports.com

2011 Chevrolet Camaro now has 312hp V6, ends Mustang's one day reign

Yesterday, we reported that the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 toppled the Camaro V6 in a head to head comparison. But one aspect of that victory was short lived, as today Chevrolet announced that it's V6 in the 2011 Camaro will be rated at 312hp, which is 7hp more than the Mustang.

The kicker here is that nothing has been done to extract this extra power. Turns out, the V6 was underrated all along, and only the rating has been altered. This of course means that although the Camaro will have horsepower bragging rights, the Mustang will still smoke it in the real world.

Other changes for 2011 are the availability of Synergy Green in any trim level, and the heads up display is will be standard equipment on 2LT and 2SS models.

Press Release

Chevrolet supports Camaro's consumer momentum with exciting updates for 2011

312 horsepower for V6, expanded availability of Synergy color and heads-up display new for 2011

The 2010 model year proved to be a very successful and exciting year for the segment-leading Chevrolet Camaro. For the 2011 model year, Chevrolet looks to expand the car's popularity among consumers with the introduction of additional features.

"We are pleased with Camaro's success in the market during its first year of production," said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing. "The 2010 model year has been a banner year for us, and we plan to build on this momentum."

Horsepower increase for V6 engine

The 2011 Camaro V-6 engine completed SAE certification testing and is now officially rated at 312 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 5100 rpm. This rating is eight horsepower higher than the previous year and also marks an increase in torque from the 2010 rating of 273 lb-ft.

"The 304 horsepower in the 2010 Camaro was actually a conservative rating on our end," said Tom Sutter, GM V-6 chief engineer. "But we knew already that this award-winning engine produced at least the amount of power we stated, but now we've gone the extra step in certifying the engine for this application and have verified an additional 8 horsepower."

The 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) and direct injection employs four independent cam phasers to change the timing of valve operation as operating conditions such as rpm and engine load vary. The result is linear delivery of torque, with near-peak levels over a broad rpm range, and high specific output (maximum horsepower per liter of displacement) supporting overall engine response and drivability. When combined, direct-injection and VVT enable an unmatched combination of power, efficiency and low-emissions in gasoline V-6 engines.

SAE certification is a voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. Chevrolet was the vehicle brand to begin using the procedure.

Synergy color to be made available across the lineup

Earlier this year, Chevrolet introduced the Camaro Synergy Special Edition which is based off the concept displayed at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The Synergy Special Edition is limited to a 1LT model, but the Synergy Green exterior color will be made available on all trim levels for a limited run during the 2011 model year.

"When we looked at the overwhelmingly positive reaction we received from SEMA attendees and consumers on Synergy Green, making the color available across the board was pretty much a no-brainer," said John Fitzpatrick, Camaro Marketing Manager.

Customers will be able to order this color for a manufacturer suggested retail price of $325.

Head-Up Display

Already available on the Chevrolet Corvette, the 2011 Camaro will become the second Chevrolet vehicle to offer the popular Head-Up Display.

Camaro's Head-Up Display will include:

* Vehicle speed
* Tachometer
* Compass
* Outside air temperature
* Manual Paddle Shift Gear Indicator (if equipped)
* OnStar Turn-by-Turn
* Audio functions
* Phone information
* Selected gear
* Turn signal indicators
* High-beam indicator signal
* Vehicle messages

"Head-Up Display has been a very frequent customer request" said Cheryl Pilcher, Camaro Product Manager. "People familiar with the HUD system simply love it. It truly enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road."

Production of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro begins on June 7, 2010.

Spied: Camaro Convertible Preproduction models

Camaro5, the legion of all things Camaro, always seems to get the dirt first when it comes to news regarding GM's reborn pony car. And this time is no exception, as user isszy recently snapped some pictures of eight Camaro convertibles hanging out.

The cars were spotted outside the Holden factory in Fisherman's bend, Melbourne, Australia. It appears that they are all left hand drive. According to GM, the 'vert is still on track to arrive for sale as a 2011 model.