Buzz
In 2007, Publications International, Ltd. highlighted the Camaro Z28 as Chevrolet's response to the Mustang in Trans Am racing, necessitating a street-legal version. Discover more about this iconic muscle car through detailed images.During the late 1960s, the Sports Car Club of America's Trans American sedan series became the ultimate stage for pony cars. Chevrolet aimed to challenge the dominant Mustang, and the 1967 Camaro Z28, a muscle car blending power and precision handling, became their winning formula.
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Trans Am race cars were derived from production models, featuring engines under 305 cid. Chevrolet ingeniously modified the 327 V-8 by incorporating a forged steel crankshaft from the 283-cid V-8, achieving 302 cid. Equipped with high-performance Corvette heads, solid lifters, an aggressive camshaft, a specialized oil pan, and a Holley four-barrel carburetor on a precision-tuned aluminum manifold, the engine delivered an official 290 horsepower, though estimates suggest it exceeded 360.
In 2007, Publications International, Ltd. reported that Chevrolet modified its 327-cid V-8 engine to 302 cid in the Camaro to comply with racing regulations, yet it delivered an impressive output of approximately 360 horsepower.To meet homologation requirements, Chevrolet had to produce at least 1,000 street-legal units. Their strategy involved incorporating the 302 engine into a Camaro Regular Production Option Code, known as Z28. This option was so discreet that it received no advertising or mention in sales materials. Buyers in the know had to start by ordering a base 6-cylinder Camaro ($2,466) and then search the order sheet for what would become the legendary RPO Z28.
Priced at $400, the Z28 package featured the 302 engine, the F-41 performance suspension, 15-inch tires mounted on Corvette-style six-inch Rally wheels, and quick-ratio manual steering. A Muncie four-speed manual transmission was standard, while power front disc brakes were a required $100 add-on.
As noted by Publications International, Ltd. in 2007, Chevrolet kept the Z28 option package so understated that the car bore no unique badging or identifiers.The Z28 package was exclusive to the coupe and could be paired with the RS option group, which included hidden headlamps. While no Z28 emblems were present, the package added bold racing stripes on the hood and trunklid. The Camaro's rear lip spoiler was a frequently chosen accessory.
In 2007, Publications International, Ltd. noted that the Z28's handling was exceptional, tailored for sports-car performance, though its suspension left room for improvement.The Z28 offered a stiff ride but delivered sports-car-like handling. Its 302 engine was high-strung, challenging to launch and sluggish below 4000 rpm. However, when driven aggressively, its performance was breathtaking. Road & Track found the optimal shift point at 7500 rpm, achieving 63 mph in first gear, 85 in second, and 113 in third, with a top speed nearing 140 mph. The magazine declared, "If the Z28 isn't a true racing car, then we've never seen one."
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Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 108.1
Weight, lbs: 3,500
Number built: 602
Base price: $3,500
Standard Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 302
Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 290 @ 5800
Torque @ rpm: 290 @ 4200
Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 6.9
1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 14.85 @ 101
