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Fourth Generation Camaro

Source: Wikipedia.org
The 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
1993 was the debut year for the fourth generation Camaro, and production continued until 2002. Production was moved from GM's Van Nuys, California, assembly plant to Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, Canada in 1993. The new design incorporated lightweight plastic body panels over a steel spaceframe, and a much improved suspension design. The 1993 Camaro also featured the LT1 V8 engine that had been introduced in the Corvette one year earlier, as well as an optional six-speed manual transmission when ordered with the V8. In 1993, the Camaro Z28 was selected as the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500. A pace car edition was produced in limited quantities, with a unique black and white color scheme. Base Camaros were powered by a 160 hp 3.4 L V6.

The 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
Mostly minor changes occurred for 1994. The 4L60 automatic transmission was replaced with the 4L60E, which included electronic controls. A PCM (powertrain control module) interface was added for tuning purposes. Dashboard gauge graphics were changed from yellow to white.

The 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
In 1995, base Camaros in California were equipped with the 3800 Series II engine for emissions compliance, while base Camaros sold elsewhere retained the 3.4 L engine. This would be the last year the 3.4 L V6 engine would be available. For the LT1 V8-powered Camaros, the often-problematic OptiSpark distributor was updated to include a vent to remove moisture from the unit, greatly extending its longevity. 1995 was also the first year the fourth generation Camaro had the option of painted side bars and mirrors.

The 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro for 1996 saw minor mechanical revisions, as well as small power gains from the new OBD II-compliant engine controls and an improved exhaust system. Two option packages also returned: the RS, an appearance option for base cars, and the SS, a performance and appearance package for V8-powered cars. The SS cars were the ultimate Camaros and included a functioning hood scoop and new, five-spoke 17 in x 9 in wheels. The new wheel and tire package on the SS resulted in better handling and braking compared to Z28s. Base Camaros in California were rated at 200 hp from the 3.8 L V6. Z28 rooftops, which were previously only available in black, now had the option to be painted the same as the body color.

The 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
For the 1997 model year, the Camaro got a new interior and new tri-colored tail lights. It was offered with a "30th Anniversary Package", which included unique orange stripes on white base paint, and was available only on the Z28 and SS models (unlike the previous 25th Anniversary package in 1992, which could be had on the base or Z28 model). Also, 100 30th Anniversary Camaro SSs were modified by SLP (Street Legal Performance) and included a 330 hp version of the LT4 engine. While the LT4 made it the fastest Camaro available, it was also by far the most expensive with a price of over US $38,000. The Z28 of this particular year made 285 hp and 325 ft·lbf of torque with a Corvette derived 5.7 liter (350 CID) Engine. New 5-spoke rims were available this year available either chrome or grey (or white on the Anniversary models), no more "salad-shooter" rims.

The 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
An LS1 V8 in a 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28For the 1998 model year, the Camaro was heavily revised and improved. The most obvious change was the revised front fascia, with more aerodynamic flush headlights replacing the quartet of square inset headlights. The change that was most important to enthusiasts was under the hood. Replacing the LT1 was GM's all-new 5.7 L LS1 , which had been introduced with the Corvette C5 in 1997. It featured the same design, but included a cast aluminum block, reducing weight by about 95 lb compared to the iron block LT1. While the engine had been "detuned" slightly with only a single exhaust (which, like the LT1 cars, utilized a muffler with a single inlet and dual outlets), the small number of changes between it and the Corvette version — as well as the real-world performance — made the 305 hp rating for the Z28 a rather conservative estimate. Dynamometer results and performance figures showed that the LS1 actually produced about 345 hp. Minor changes were made to the suspension and the brakes were increased in size. The SS continued for 1998, as did the RS ground effects package, though the RS designation was dropped. While the numerous design improvements did spark sales; the total production for 1998 was just 48,490—a far cry from the 110,000 units sold in 1994 or the 200,000+ units per year sold during the 1970s.

The 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
Not much changes in store for 1999. A couple of new colors (Hugger Orange being one of them) became available, fuel tanks were enlarged from 15.5 to 16.8 gallons, and traction control became available on the V6 models. Also a new "oil change" light was added to the instrument cluster.

The 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
Some more color changes and shuffling - Monterey Maroon Metallic became available again (after last being offered as Medium Patriot Red) but not on the SS model. Camaros finally dumped their Cavalier-inspired 2-spoke steering wheels and got the Monte Carlo's 4-spoke steering wheel that could have radio controls. A new 10-spoke rim became available, but the older 5-spokes were still available. The 3.8 V6 and 5.7 LS1 V8s continued with no changes.

The 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
2001 was the lowest production year ever for the Camaro, partially due to production ending earlier than usual to begin work on the 35th Anniversary cars. Only 29,009 Camaros were built this year. The Z28 and SS models received the intake manifold from the LS6, the engine used in the fifth generation Corvette Z06. Accordingly, stated power ratings were increased to 310 hp for the Z28 and 325 hp for the SS, although both models likely produced about 350 hp. SLP reintroduced the RS model this year, which included rally stripes and Z28 take-off exhaust (from their SS conversions).

The 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
The Camaro remained almost completely unchanged from 1998 to 2002. Sales continued to decline as the market gradually switched to smaller four and six-cylinder powered cars. GM announced that 2002 would be the final year of production for the Camaro, as sales numbers were not high enough to justify a redesign and the car could not be priced high enough to make low volume production profitable.

A new dash plaque above the audio system commemorated the 35th anniversary of Camaro production.

A special 35th Anniversary Edition was offered for the SS trim level. It included nose-to-tail stripes, embroidery on the front headrests, and unique 17" wheels. The 35th Anniversary Camaro was only available as a convertible or with T-tops. 3,000 Camaros with the anniversary package were produced for the United States and 152 for Canada.

The final fourth-generation Camaro was built on August 27, 2002; Total production for 2002 was 42,098. The Sainte-Thérèse plant, the only GM plant in Canada outside of Ontario, then closed down.

Fourth generation engines
  • 1993-1995: 3.4 L (208 in) 60° Gen III V6
  • 1995-2002: 3.8 L (231 in) 3800 Series II V6
  • 1993-1997: 5.7 L (350 in) LT1 V8
  • 1998-2002: 5.7 L (346 in) LS1 V8


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