E-Mail Anwsers

Updated: 2-26-01

Answered: Merle,Chris, Jared, and Colby

Merle asks,

I have a 1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Edition ( with a 305 V8). I have been trying to find out information on the differences between some of the Editions. For instance, some come with the 25th Edition plate on the deck lid, some do not. It seems that this plate is somehow linked to the stripe package. Also, some are referred to as Heritage Editions, why? Did any of the cars come with a 350? The only cars I ever see with the stripes seem to be white or black with red stripes. Was this the only option? If you can help, I would appreciate it! Merle Goodall

Merle,

You are right the stripes are realated to the Heritage edition package. This option included: 25th Anniverasy emblems, stripes, body color grille, black headlight pockets, and body color wheel treatment. The colors offered for z28 350 and 305 models were: black, red, white, purple. In addition to those colors, the RS version added polo green. This year all camaros recieved a 25th anniversary instrument panel badge, hence all are anniversary editions and just some are Heritage editions. This editition (heritage) was in celebration of the most first place finishes of any model in the Trans Am races. The package was designated a code of ZO3, this code is visible amongst other codes listed in the inner wall of center arm rest console (usually the right one).

Chris asks,

hi how are you doing.  i have a 1983 chevy camaro cross fire injection car and i like it a 
lot but i need to get more power out of it.  do you have any
low bugget bolt on item that you know about that i could put on the car?another thing is 
that i am wondering what a good rear end gear would be for
the car?  i have a set of 295/50/15 tires on the back end and i would like
the to spin a lot faster than they are now with the stock gears.  i drive on
the thruway and the city about 50/50, so i need to know what a good gear
would be for the car.  is their anyway that i can pull all of the emission
crap off of the engine and still have it run just as good as it does now?
thank you for takeing the time to read this and answer my questions
                                                        chris

Chris,

Parts availability is the main problem with this car. Performance enthusiasts tended to stay away from the cross-fire injection because of vacum problems and leaks in the systems. However, this does not mean you can't be helped. Quick upgrades include: under drive pulleys (around a gain of 10hp and 9ft punds), airfilters (2 of them in your case a 5 hp gain), shift-kits a .1 improvement or more, and exhaust. I would stay away from changing any emisions stuff. It doesn't hurt your car's performance too much in fact it makes it run smoother and can be indefinitely upgarded. Car's without computers and sensors usually can only be changed 10% before they need major fuel and ignition and tuning upgrades. Keep what you have just make it better with high performing replacements. Your rear gear could be xchanged to a 3.08, 3.23, or 3.23. I suggest the 3.23 it has good gas milage while delivering performance. One problem I see is your tire size in the rear, these may be too wide for the power and torque your car makes. A 245 would suffice and on top of that you have shaved weight. This is a common mistake, to get super big rims and tires to hook better but first you must ask do I need the extra weight for my power bands? I would be surprised if you did not pick up .2 in the quarter by swaping these.

Jared asks,

hi my name is jared and i own a 1996 camaro rs with the 3800 V6 and i was looking at your 98 trying to figure out some stuff to do to my car and i was wondering if you might be able to tell me a bit more about the Whisper.  also i was wondering why you put the 93 rims on your 98. if you could write me back i would really like to know about the Whisper. what it does, how much it costs, that kind of stuff. i really like what you have done with your site by the way.

Jared,

Your 1996 Camaro has a different intake set up than the 1998s. In 1998 GM went to a lid and filter system while your car has a filter box with a really small air filter. The whisper system will not work on your car but there is others available for your application. What these systems do, is help your car breathe better with a better induction system. They replace the restrictive stock filter system with an oversized air duct and a high air flow filter that picks up cold dense air outside to increase air flow. The result is 47% or so better airflow. In a 3800V6 that translates to a healthy 10hp. Most are 50 state legal. They are often called underhood cold air induction systems and are made by a few manufacturers. SLP, Moroso, and KandN are probably the best ones. I have put in a Moroso which in my opinion is the best of the three in my dad's 97z28 and it was spectacular (good instructions and materials). It was not difficult to put in (took 1 hour), but I would leave a 1/2 a day if you are not experienced around tools. This mod will help you out a lot science you already have an exhaust system (can't get it out, if you can't get in).

Other mods that can be done and I suggest are a short throw shifter, or shift kit if you have an auto, high flow catalytic converter, gears, computer chip or the SLP Air temp module, after all thats done maybe headers or a supercharger. With all these mods I suspect high 13s and low 14s will not be a problem. The moroso intake can be found at JEGGS or SUMMIT the SLP parts can be ordered at slponline.com

AIR TEMP MODULE (NEW!!!)

The engineers at SLP Performance Parts have just designed a plug-in module that attaches between the air temperature sensor and its harness. This little gem "advises" the PCM to provide maximum spark advance (1 to 2 degree increase) yet still retain proper knock sensor and engine function. A 5 to 7 horsepower increase is possible. Designed to fit most 1992-2001 GM cars and light trucks. OFF-ROAD use only. FITS:
1993-2001 Camaro & Firebird all V8 & V6 1992-2001 Corvette all LS1, LT1 & LT4
1996-2001 3.1 "W" body Grand Prix, Buick Regal, Monte Carlo & Olds Intrigue
1998-2001 3.8 "W" body Grand Prix, Buick Regal, Monte Carlo & Olds Intrigue
1994-1996 Impala, Impala SS, Buick Roadmaster all LT1
1995-2001 "S" series trucks Blazer etc. ALL except 1995 4.3 throttle body
1996-2001 C/K/Silverado trucks 7.4L L29, 5.7L L31, 5.0L L30, 4.3L L35 (will not fit: 5.3 LM7, 6.0 LQ4, 4.8L LR4)

Air Temperature Module ^$24.⁹⁵

Colby asks,

hey my name is colby im 16 and i own a 91 RS camaro its black with silver stripes across the sides it is a 305 and i have added headers and put flowmasters on it(it sounds sweet) i was wondering how much horsepower and torque it would have and i havent found out the answer for it but seeing how u know alot about these type of cars i wanted to check if u could help me out

Colby, by adding a cat back system and headers you have dramatically reduced back pressure. This is good. However, your torque has been reduced at the lower RPM ranges and has increased at higher RPM ranges. In other words your low end torque band has moved up. This can be bad if you are a drag racer beacuse low end torque is what wins short races but if you are a high speed demon you have taped into something sweet. What I have just said really only comes into play when you take your gears into consideration, a pair of 3.08, 3.23, 3.55 or 3.73 will increase low end torque delivery offseting the decraesed back pressure. A car with gears of 2.73 nature will for sure feel the negative effects of the decreased back pressure. All that said I believe that a pair of headers and a cat back will increase you rear wheel hp by a solid 15. You have probably gained a good 10 pounds of torque. Also, keep in mind that your exhaust is only as good as your weakest link. Your waekness is the catalityc covertor. Many companies offer high flow cats and in your case it would be a great thing to do. You can expect another 5 to 7 hp if you install this.