Chevrolet Camaro (1970)
| Chevrolet | |
|---|---|
 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 350 (1972)
|
|
| Camaro | |
| Production period: | 1970-1981 |
| Class : | Sports car |
| Body versions : | Coupe |
| Engines: |
Gasoline engines : 3.8–7.4 liters |
| Length: | 4775 mm |
| Width: | 1890 mm |
| Height: | 1273 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2743 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1501 kg |
| Previous model | Chevrolet Camaro (1966) |
| successor | Chevrolet Camaro (1982) |
The Camaro is a pony car (a sports car) made by the US automobile manufacturer Chevrolet , which is part of the General Motors Group (GM). According to Chevrolet, the name "Camaro" is derived from the French word camarade , which translates as "comrade" or "friend".
The Camaro is based on the F-Body platform from General Motors, which, as in the 1st generation , it shares with its sister model, the Pontiac Firebird . It was a universal platform and comprised the floor assembly from the windshield / bulkhead to the rear. The front was realized with an additional steel subframe, which is similar to that of the Chevrolet Nova , derived from the X-Body platform of the F-Body. Among other things, this should ensure that the passenger cell is decoupled from the drive, since the engine / transmission mount is screwed to the body using rubber blocks ( silent blocks ) and eliminates oscillations or vibrations. The coupé version is referred to by GM as the Sport Coupé.
Model history
1970
The grown Camaro of the second generation appeared in February 1970 (so-called model year 1970½) and thus later than usual. The product launch usually took place in October. It had an elegant, almost European-looking body, which stylistically cited some older Ferrari Berlinetta models. The round tail lights that came from the Corvette were particularly characteristic here . As a classic coupe, the 70½ Camaro was built without a B-pillar and with very large doors. There were no rear side windows.
The dashboard contained six round instruments including an electric clock and an oversized fuel gauge. The standard models were initially equipped with a continuous front bumper and a rectangular combination of indicators and parking lights below the main headlights. The fuel filler neck was hidden behind the hinged license plate in the rear, as was common on many GM models of that time. The gear indicator of the automatic versions was located between the two large round instruments in the dashboard. The single seats and the astro ventilation (if no air conditioning was ordered) were standard. Like the entire body, the interior also looked airy, elegant and European. The new Camaro was only available in coupé form; a convertible was not to be available again until the mid-eighties.
Most of the drive technology was adopted from its predecessor, with the exception of the 3.8-liter in- line six-cylinder engine (230 cui - cubic inches); A 4.1-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with 155 gross SAE-HP now served as the base engine . The entry-level V8 was the 307 cui (5 liter) engine introduced in 1969. The most powerful machine was the engine specified as "396" with 375 gross SAE-HP and a compression ratio of 10.25: 1. It was actually a 6.6 liter V8 engine , which then had 402 cui, Chevrolet but stuck to the classic name "396". The 7.4-liter engine (454 cui) also appeared in two power levels on early data sheets, but it was only installed in series production in a few individual cases. The standard model was equipped with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear . In addition to the basic model, Chevrolet offered the “ Rally Sport ” model variant with a modified radiator grille and a two-part front bumper. In addition, the combination of indicators and parking lights was not located under the bumper, but on each side between the main headlights and the radiator grille, and the license plate slipped under the right bumper section. The " Super Sport " package ("SS") and the " Z28 " with the 360 gross SAE-HP strong 5.7-liter engine (350 cui), instead of the five-liter engine (302 cui) used previously, formed with the corresponding Equipment the most powerful versions. On the top model, the spelling officially changed from Z / 28 to Z28 . The new Z28 could also be ordered with a 3-speed automatic from this model year, but there was still no air conditioning.
Special features were the windshield wipers sunk behind the bonnet edge, the inside mirror glued to the windshield from the inside (previously attached to the roof) and a radio antenna embedded in the glass, provided the radio option was selected. New exterior mirrors could also be ordered as an option. These had a streamlined plastic housing painted in the vehicle color. They called themselves "sports mirrors". A passenger-side exterior mirror was not yet standard.
1971
There was only a small facelift for this year. The front side marker lights were switched as additional indicators. Due to the introduction of unleaded fuel , the compression ratios were reduced from 10.5: 1 (depending on the engine) to just 9.0: 1. In 1971, production at the Van Nuys plant near Los Angeles was stopped. The Camaros and Firebirds only rolled off the production line in Norwood , Ohio .
1972
The 1972 model year Camaro had a tough time. First, its production at the Ohio plant was interrupted by a 174-day strike, and later the 1100 Camaro had to be scrapped because they no longer met the new safety regulations for bumpers. Parts of GM's management would have liked to stop production of the Camaro and Pontiac Firebird , while other managers were convinced that the cars still had a future. Proponents of a deadline extension finally prevailed and Chevrolet produced 68,656 copies of the Camaro in the 1972 model year, including 970 of the SS396, for which it should be the last year. The 1972 model year received headrests integrated into the front seats.
1973
New in the 1973 model year were the " Type LT " and the shock-absorbing bumpers. These had to withstand an impact of up to 8 km / h without damaging the vehicle. The " Type LT " was listed as an extra model and not as an equipment line. The "L" stands for " Luxury " and the "T" for " Touring ". The advertisement promised a vehicle that was luxurious and at the same time sporty to move and was based on European touring vehicles . It could be ordered with the RS and Z28 packages.
The "Super Sport" no longer existed and the 6.6 liter engine (still known as 396 cui) was omitted. Because of the stricter exhaust gas laws, the compression ratios of all engines were further reduced, and the output fell accordingly. In addition, the engine outputs now had to be specified as net SAE-HP. The performance was determined with all add-on units such as alternator, radiator fan and water pump. The most powerful engine was now a 5.7 liter engine from the Corvette (displacement 350 cui; engine type LT1) with 245 net SAE-HP (248 DIN-PS). For the first time since the first generation, electric window regulators could be ordered again. The spring cores were omitted in all seats and solid foam seats were installed. The continuous bumpers got small "horns" and a rubber pad.
The Z28 engine now had a Holley carburetor, previously a Rochester was installed.
1974
The 1974 Camaro grew due to the new aluminum bumpers and the new sloping front of the vehicle by almost 20 centimeters to 4963 mm. The formerly large, pointed front grille was divided by the new bumper shape. This means that all models now had the combination of indicators and parking lights between the headlights and the radiator grille, which was reserved for RS equipment in previous model years. The four round rear lights gave way to new units that were pulled around to the side. Furthermore, all models got (almost) 80 liter tanks enlarged. Radial tires in 14 "were newly available, but the Z28 was delivered with 15" tires. The 245 HP engine of the Z28 also received an electronic injection system. For the Z28, it was the last year until it was reintroduced as a separate model in 1977.
A lock was required by law to prevent the engine from being started when the seat belt is not engaged. The Camaro has now been fitted with combinable seat belts on all seats. The separate shoulder belt could be clipped into the lap belt so that only one belt lock on the center tunnel had to be operated.
1975
In 1975 and 1976 there was no Z28 and the performance values continued to decline. The two 5.7-liter V8 engine now rendered 145 net SAE HP and 155 SAE net HP, but the ignition of the engines was under the Chevrolet Efficiency system , with an HEI system ( " High Energy Ignition ", see links below). All engines were delivered with uncontrolled catalytic converters and received an expansion tank for the cooling water. The net power was still taken from the crankshaft, but now with ancillary units, exhaust gas decontamination systems and series exhaust installed - all of this was dispensed with in the gross SAE standard. The hallmarks of the 1975 Camaro were the enlarged rear window and a new Camaro logo.
The passenger compartment was sealed off from the trunk by a steel plate to provide additional protection for the occupants. The ventilation of the sill was redesigned so that a "self-cleaning" effect to prevent rust was to be achieved. Radial tires were standard on all Camaros. From 1975 a central locking could be chosen from the option list .
1976
Due to the high demand, the Camaro was also built again in Van Nuys, California from 1976. There weren't any big changes on the outside. Only in the " Type LT " was an aluminum panel fitted between the rear lights. All vehicles with a V8 engine were fitted with a brake booster as standard; R6 customers had to order this additionally. The Camaro has now been equipped with cruise control.
1977
The Z28 was reintroduced in the spring of 1977 and was an instant best seller; most customers ordered their vehicles with air conditioning and automatic transmissions. Those who were less interested in comfort and more in sportiness could opt for a “bare” Z28 with a four-speed manual transmission from BorgWarner (type Super T-10). The resurrected Z28 was one of the few US performance cars of the time. In terms of acceleration, it was hardly inferior to the muscle cars of the 1960s, and the excellent GT chassis offered excellent handling, especially for experienced motorists. Many Z28s were ordered as driving machines and drove many a third-generation Pontiac Trans Am or Chevrolet Corvette on and off the highway or on winding terrain.
For the first time, the Camaro received complete three-point roll belts .
1978
The Camaro got the second major facelift in the 2nd generation, which can be recognized by the large one-piece fronts with integrated plastic bumpers. The optional T-top roof with two removable inserts made of tinted glass was also new . To make the RS stand out better, it was given a two-tone paint job. In which the area around the headlights and the grille over the bonnet including the top of the fenders to the end of the doors over the roof was colored differently.
1979
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For the 1979 model year, the Camaro received revised front and rear sections and significantly larger rear lights. The defrosting of the rear windows, which was previously operated by heating air, has been replaced by heating wires embedded in the rear window. There was now a front spoiler under the front bumper. The Camaro grew in length to 5019 mm. A sunroof was also on the price list. The “ Berlinetta ” has now been introduced for the previously excellently equipped “ Type LT ” .
With nearly 283,000 units built, 1978 was the best sales year in the history of the Camaro.
1980
The old 4.1-liter in-line six-cylinder gave way to a modern 3.8-liter V6 engine (229 cui). On the hood of the Z28 there was now a scoop that was open at the rear, the flap of which opened via a magnetic switch at full throttle; this gave the engine cold fresh air. This technology called Ram-Air enables a performance-enhancing charging effect.
1981
No more profound changes were made in the final year of the second-generation Camaro. In 1981 the number was 126,139 copies; In 1979 - before the second oil crisis - there were still 282,571 units. There was only the Sport , Berlinetta and Z28 equipment .
In spring 1982 the third generation of the Camaro came on the market.
Engines
- 1979–1981: 3.8-liter V6 (229 cui)
- 1980–1981: 3.8-liter V6 (231 cui) (from Buick and only for California)
- 1970-1979: 4.1-liter R6 (250 cui)
- 1970–1973: 5.0-liter V8 (307 cui)
- 1976–1981: 5.0-liter V8 (307 cui)
- 1970-1976: 5.0-liter V8 (305 cui)
- 1970–1981: 5.7-liter V8 (350 cui)
- 1970-1972: 6.6-liter V8 (402 cui)
- 1970-1973: 7.4-liter V8 (454 cui)
The Camaro in the film
The Camaro has been in all previous parts of the blockbuster series Transformers prominently placed . In the first part of 2007 a Z28 from 1977 was used.
Even Monaco Franze drives a white Camaro (probably in 1976) in the same series.
Also in the " Stranger Things " series, the character "Billie" drives a 1979 Chevrolet Camaro.
Web links
Description of the HEI ignition in the English language Wikipedia: High Energy Ignition
Individual evidence
- ↑ 1970 Chevrolet Camaro. In: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/ . How tuff works, accessed on May 9, 2020 .
- ^ Gunnell, John, 1947-: Standard guide to American muscle cars: [a supercar source book, 1960-2005] . 4th ed. KP Books, Iola, Wis. 2005, ISBN 0-87349-988-3 .
- ↑ GM Chevrolet: 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Brochures. (PDF) In: GM Historical Brochures. GM Heritage Center, accessed November 2, 2019 .
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j Matthias Gerst: Chevrolet Camaro since 1966 . 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart, ISBN 978-3-613-03909-4 .
- ↑ GM Chevrolet: 1972 Chevrolet Camaro Brochures. (PDF) In: GM Historical Brochures. GM Heritage Center, accessed November 2, 2019 .
- ↑ GM Chevrolet: 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Brochures. (PDF) In: GM Historical Brochures. GM Heritage Center, accessed November 2, 2019 .
- ↑ GM Chevrolet: 1974 Chevrolet Camaro Brochures. (PDF) In: GM Historical Brochures. GM Heritage Center, accessed November 2, 2019 .
- ↑ GM Chevrolet: 1975 Chevrolet Camaro Brochures. (PDF) In: GM Historical Brochures. GM Heritage Center, accessed November 2, 2019 .
- ↑ GM Chevrolet: 1976 Chevrolet Camaro Brochures. (PDF) In: GM Historical Brochures. GM Heritage Center, accessed November 2, 2019 .
- ↑ a b GM Chevrolet: 1977 Chevrolet Camaro Brochures. (PDF) In: GM Historical Brochures. GM Heritage Center, accessed November 2, 2019 .
- ↑ GM Chevrolet: 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Brochures. (PDF) In: GM Historical Brochures. GM Heritage Center, accessed November 2, 2019 .
- ^ Internet Movie Cars Database: Transformers
- ↑ Internet Movie Cars Database: Transformers (2007), 1977 Chevrolet Camaro Z28