I agree with this 100%. If the top dog isn't a Z/28 in the 5th gens then I'll keep what I have. When ppl ask me what I drive all I have to tell them is a Z/28...or Z71....or Z06....I need not say anymore....HEY EVERYONE, LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE SCREEN...IT SAYS CAMAROZ28, NOT CAMAROSS. When I search for the Camaro, I type Z/28, not SS.
If I'm wrong please let me know, but back in the day the Z/28 was the model above the SS as a special edition only.....
I need not say more......
Bad move on GM's part if the top dog is a SS.....because the SS did soooo well with the 4th gen....as I recall the 3rg gen was still one of the highest selling cars in GM history, selling the most in North America.

Just my 2 cents

 

The original Z/28 was produced for homologation purposes. It wasn't above the SS - they had different missions. They were parallel to each other.

The 4th gen SSs were limited-production Z28s with a special appearance package and some suspension and exhaust tweaks. IIRC, they sold every one.

 

+1,000

 

Technically yes.. there was a thirdgen SS...

It was made by an aftermarket corp similar to SLP, but wasnt SLP.

although the image i have saved is illuding me at this time... dangit.

was ntohing more than a dash trim package essentially. lol...

 

And had trans am allowed the 350-V8 for homologation in 1967 as they later did in 1970, there would have not been a need for ever creating a Z/28.

 

While that may be true, I think the RPO code may have been used by enthusiasts regardless, in order to distunguish from SS or base cars.

 

its not optional on the G8. The L76 is. The L76 is already certified for the Zeta platform in the G8, it seems logical they would go with it along with the cylinder management system for EPA purposes. The L76 is used elsewhere as well, helping bring the cost down more, with warrantee issues and such.

a 425+ hp car is availble in both Dodge AND Ford, both north of $40,000. To have a 425+hp LS3 in the fifth gen at under $30,000 is pushing it on what to expect IMO. why wouldnt they have just thrown the LS3 into the G8 if its just a matter of throwing it in there with no other worries?

I would probably be looking at the G8 for a glimpse of what the fifth gen may be, with weight (probably about 200lbs less or so) and price (probably at about 2,000 less). those are just guesses, but the G8 is the closest there is to it right now.

 

There wouldn't have been an RPO code if there was no need for one.

 

Ask and you shall receive. See this thread as proof the LS3 will power the2009 G8 GXP;
https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=580964

Next, everyone needs to quit playing GM accountant. And everyone needs to quit equating hp and engine to cost in these non-hand built super Vette engines. Give me a solid reason why the LS3 should cost more than the L76? I'll save everyone the time there isn't one.

I don't know what has happened since the F-body's demise in 2002 but somehow people think that the Vette engine is now too expensive and powerful for the Camaro. This is the evolution of the LS1 that was the only V8 option in all all of our F-bodies from '98 - 02. Let’s go back further the L98 and LT1 were also shared in the Vette and F-body. The LS2 was in the GTO/C6 and if the Camaro/Firebird survived it would have powered them. All were equally as powerful and expensive for their day as the LS3 is today.

Did GM care that the LS1 was 350hp when Fords strongest offering in 1998 was 305hp. Did they care that the GTO got a 400hp engine in 2004. Why would they care, and more importantly why should we care, if a Camaro that they've openly stated will outgun the competition in all categories would get a 430hp engine in 2010.

 

found some of the info on the thirdgen SS's..



read more here :

http://www.chevyworld.net/ccc_ss.htm


granted, its not an "ss" by my standards, but it WAS available.. sadly..

 

I don't really care which is the top model for the Camaro. I do think that RS if revived should not be simply an appearance package on any of the models. I would position it between the base car and the midrange V8 car. Depending on the engine lineup, it would receive a more powerful V6 than the base car, and/or most importantly improved suspension, perhaps improved exhaust, and some interior and exterior pieces to set it off from a regular base car.

 

the "IROC" line didn't start until 1985 and ended in 1990

Z-28s were offered 82-87, 88-89 only irocs were offered no z28

1990 was a split year and also when gm lost the deal with IROC and therefore lost the name.

not all v8's were z28's in thirdgens. some RS's had 305 TBI motors. those were infact v8's even tho they are basically boat anchors. (had one in my 86 monte)

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im suprised no one mentioned that in 1975 and 1976 there were no z28's. unless i just read over it.

 

Did you?

 

Well, I'd like to see ALL "SS"s end up with either Superchargers or Turbo's.
Kinda like the Chrysler "RT"s of the '90's.

A Camaro "SS", could be had with options galore. And come with an 396ci. (SBC) with an available, toned down ZR1 style blower.

And the Z/28 be a simple, light weight, handling oriented, screamer!
Possibly an inch or inch and a half lower stance.
And have a smaller DI V8 with VVT and a redline of like 8200rpm!
After the "DZ" Legacy..4.9L "Z/28/302ci.

Which one is "Top Dog", would depend on what you use it for.

 

The RPO for the Iroc package was Z28.