My money is on the 3.9 OHV with the current 250 horsepower rating (or maybe 15-20 more from a bit higher compression ratio or something, depending on what the V6 mustang is pushing when this thing hits the streets). Like many have noted, OHV keeps the price down which is the reason for a V6 camaro in the 1st place. And delivers the same or more punch as a 3.6 DOHC in normal low RPM driving.

 

Keep in mind, the 3.9 v-6 makes 5 more horsepower than my l98 did. I could see it being tuned to somewhere in the 265 hp range. Even if it came with 240 Hp, it has more than the 4.0 of the 'Stang. I guess the question is, will it still have more than the 'Stang when it comes out?

 

Doesn't GM make an I6 for its numerous trailblazer platforms? I wonder how much of a pain it would be to rework that a bit and stick that in a base model camaro?...or even the I5 from the colorado... if they did, the base camaro could be more closely compared to BMW's hugely successful 3 series. I for one would be tempted to consider an I6 or I5 base camaro over a v8...

 

I suggested that like a year ago. The I6 has like 291hp!!

But i'm sure it would be too long to fit in there.

TONY

 

Too tall, too long, too expensive.

 

the i6 would make an awesome engine in a car. I had that engine in my 05 Envoy XLT. THat thing was no slouch. It was not mustang GT fast, but it was not Mustang 4 cyl slow either.

I am sure there are numerous reasons it would not work in the Camaro, packaging is one, but it is not really a large engine. Not too much taller than a V8 with a tall intake manifold. So I woul dnot count it out until it is actually measured.

Emmisions is the big reason, The EPA restrictions on trucks are far lighter than those imposed on cars, so the thing may not meet requirements of a car, while easily meeting those of a truck.

Personally, I think it'd be a great engine in a car. It is smooth, has really good low end grunt and a lot of power all the way through.

A base engine though? No way, too powerful. It would scare off too many people.

 

okay, well, I admit this is less likely to be profitable since there are plenty of existing v6 options, but I argue that, if it did fit with the power dialed back it would be a sweet motor for a base model camaro, and without the power dialed back it would make a good intermediate model, such as the 305 in the third gens, ... though, admittedly, there are a plethora of LSx engines that could do a better job for less money. I just like the idea of a base model camaro that doesn't fade so completely in comparison to its z28 or SS counterparts

 

Yes thanks, he already pointed out my oversight.

 

Make the V6 into like a Buick Grand National satus? It'll go a little over a 100 in a quarter miles?

 

witha 3500lbs plus curb weight and only a 4 speed auto the G6 GTP/Malibu Maxx SS runs low 15's. At minimum the 3.9L, hopefully a HF V6.

Once again, if Ford can put a great V6 in the Mustang (upcoming 3.5L Duratec), why can't Chevy?

 

I would assume that whatever engine, it will run on regular octane, so a hi-po 3.9 that requires high octane could be out. The 3.6 now making 255hp runs on regular gas, and there could be more power out of that and still have it get great gas milage.

 

Likely guess: 270-300hp OHV, (relatively) large displacement V6, most likely with DOD.

OHC = waste of weight, space and money, and the value of blowing the Nissan Z-turd into the weeds with a BASE Camaro cannot be underestimated... heh... come to think of it... that's just too damned funny for words, boys and girls.

 

3.6 making 265hp, mated to either 6spd auto or manual should be more then fine for base models.
Problem I see is that will GM offer a mid level V8 if the V6 is very powerful? Will there just be a jump from a 300hp V6 to a ~400hp V8? Could that still spell death?

 

The I6 would be silly, if you could even get it to fit.

 

I like the I6, but I think it's too big - lenght is the issue with that configuration. It's my opinion that the GM I5 is an underpowered dog of an engine, and I hope that thing gets phased out of the whole lineup.