Trickle-Down Theory

It's hard to believe, but the fourth-generation Camaro is entering its sixth year of production. For some car makers, that means the design is really old news, but for people who really appreciate this type of car, it means we're just getting comfortable with its swoopy looks and exciting performance. Now that the Camaro nameplate is past the grand old age of 30, it couldn't be a more appropriate time for the car to get its biggest dose of 21st-century technology in its three-decade history. Besides the likely controversial front-end redesign (you'll either love it or hate it), the hot newsflash is the car's new source of motivation--the near-fresh-off-the-design-table, Gen III LS1 small-block V-8.

But the LS1 isn't the only thing that's new for the Chevy version of the F-body platform (V-8 Firebird models will also receive the LS1). Changes for the better are numerous, even if you aren't exactly gung-ho about the front end's new look. Besides some minor tinkering with shock valving and spring rates, the larger-diameter brake rotors and updated calipers are the most significant improvements to the chassis. With the earlier models' rather small 10.7-inch front rotors, brake fade became a problem after two or three hard stops. The 11.4 -inch rear discs also left room for improvement. For the '98, there are 11.8-inch front rotors and 11.9-inch rears, along with twin-piston front calipers to replace the '97 single-piston design. A new ABS module (ABS is standard in all '98 Camaros) also has revised calibration for better stopping performance. In addition, four-wheel disc brakes are now standard on all '98 models, replacing the rear drums on V-6 '97s.

Speaking of base-model V-6 Camaros, the 200hp 3.8L engine is a carryover and remains a strong performer, with about 10 hp more than what the hottest 305-inch small-block had about 15 years ago. But the LS1 is what interests us, and it'll have no trouble piquing your interest, too. With the same aluminum block and heads as the Corvette, the LS1 in the Camaro has undergone only minor packaging changes to help it fit into the F-body platform. Changes to the front accessory drive, A/C compressor, dipstick and tube, alternator, and air cleaner are notable. While not matching the Corvette's 345hp rating, the LS1 in any standard '98 Z28 cranks out an impressive 305 hp at 5,200 rpm and 335 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. Compared with the '97 LT1 and its 285 hp and 325 lb-ft, the jump is a notable step up the horsepower ladder. A full overview of the LS1 can be found in the February '97 issue of CC.

So, 305 hp in a standard V-8-powered Camaro sounds great, right? Well, with the shown '98 Camaro SS, it only gets better. Introduced for the '96 model year, the SS package continues by making the already burly LS1 even stronger. Now a package handled directly by Chevrolet, there are a special forced-air induction system and composite hood, a unique rear spoiler, a power-steering cooler, further suspension updates that go a step past a standard Z28's, and just a few subtle SS badges. The most noticeable element is the 17-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 40-series tires. The power-enhancing parts result in 320 hp at 5,200 rpm and 345 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm. Behind either the regular Z28 or the SS, there's still a choice of a T56 six-speed manual or a 4L60-E four-speed automatic. There are also several optional items available only on the SS model, such as a Torsen rearend, an upgraded exhaust system, and a Hurst shifter.

With a little seat time in both a standard Z28 and the SS, it's easy to see that the LS1 will have no trouble carrying the torch as one of the ultimate American V-8 engines available as the millennium rapidly approaches. You can form your own opinions about the dramatic styling alterations to the front of the car, but as for the rest of the car--with its capable chassis and the same functional interior featured in '97 models--we didn't need any time at all to fall in love with the torque-laden LS1 small-block and the sound of the engine inhaling air through the Camaro SS's forced-air hood setup.

If the import boom is getting on your nerves a bit, then America's most serious performance cars, which include the Viper, the Corvette, the Mustang Cobra, and GM's LS1-powered F-car twins, are your choices for waving the American flag and thumbing your nose at them "furrin" jobs. With '98 Camaro SS pricing hopefully coming in somewhere just south of 30 grand, it just might be the best American flag-waver of all--regardless of the price.