buddiiee

Hello, Im new to the F body world, was was wondering, what to expect, as far as quarter mile /0-60 times for the f bodies between 95-2004. how much faster (assuming totally factory stock) are the 2000-04's over the mid 90's? what is the average horse power these cars are putting out? Im interested in an F body, but have no clue (i want factory speed, but a good base to start from) which is faster, the firebirds or the camaros? and how fast do the fastest f bodies go after 95? thanx for your help.

lt11997

Get an LS1 the years for this engine is 98-02.

BTW the last year for a camaro is 2002.

LT1-Z

98-02 were LS1 engines, 93-97 were LT1 engines. LS1 have about 30 or something more horsepower.

buddiiee

so what sort of horsepower came stock on the say, 99 camaro. and was the 99 camaro faster or slower than the 99 firebirds. whats the quarter mile times for both. thanx guys

SFB767

I typed this up for a buddy who was considering an F-Body, but still hasn't bought one, so hopefully it'll help you out.




4th Generation Camaro/Firebird Facts and Specifications


General Information

- The F-Body is GM’s code name for the Camaro/Firebird
- the 4th generation Camaro/Firebird was made from 1993-2002
- the Camaro/Firebird share roughly 90% of the same parts
- there was a mild redesign in 1997 when both cars received an updated interior, different taillights (Camaro only) and different rims
- there was another redesign in 1998 where both cars received a new front fascia, a new V8 engine and new rims
- Camaro = Firebird
- Camaro Z28 = Firebird Formula
- Camaro SS = Firebird Trans Am/Firehawk

1993 – 2002

Many enthusiasts refer to Camaros and Firebirds made during the 1993-1997 time span as an LT1, because the LT1 is the V8 engine this car uses, the same one as the Corvette used until 1997. For the 1998- 2002 models, they’re often referred to as LS1s for the same reason stated above. The LS1 debuted in the ’97 Corvette and the Camaro/Firebird received use of it in 1998.

Engines

3.4L V6 (1993-1995)
207 cubic inches
160 HP
200 FT-LBS.

3.8L V6 (1996-2002)
231 cubic inches
200 HP
225 FT-LBS.

5.7L LT1 V8 (1993-1995) Z28/Formula/Trans Am
350 cubic inches
275 HP
325 FT-LBS

5.7L LT1 V8 (1996-1997) Z28/Formula/Trans Am
350 cubic inches
285 HP
325 FT-LBS.

5.7L LT1 V8 (1996-1997) SS/Trans Am
350 cubic inches
305 HP
325 FT-LBS.

5.7L LS1 V8 (1998-2000) Z28/Formula
346 cubic inches
305 HP
335 FT-LBS.

310 HP (2001-2002) Z28/Formula
340 FT-LBS.

It can be safely assumed most of the LT1 motors in all V8 cars make the most HP that is offered in the most expensive model, or close to it. The difference in numbers is just a selling tool. The LS1 is very underrated. The lowest numbers for this motor is 305HP and 335 FT-LBS. The Corvette makes 345 HP and 350 FT-LBS with the SAME motor. When someone dynos their car to see how much power it makes, people usually get about 290-300 at the wheels with new LS1 V8 F-Bodys. Typically an automatic transmission will lose 18% of its power through the drivetrain and a manual will lose 15%, if you do the math, most LS1 F-Bodys make around 350 HP and 370 FT-LBS at the motor, which is right in Corvette territory. Chevrolet underrated the Camaro and Firebird to make the Corvette owners feel like they had a much more powerful car than we do. Instead of spending money to detune this engine for us, they did this so we’d get big power and not complain about it and to make the Corvette owners happy.

Regardless if the LS1 F-Body is a bare bones Z28 or a top of the line Trans Am loaded with options, they all make roughly the same power. GM just rates the higher end models at more HP because it’s a selling tool.

The LS1 is rated for 18 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. For mixed city and highway, 22 MPG is common. Premium gasoline is required on all V8 models.

The LT1 gets a little less, but is still fuel-efficient.

Transmission

Camaro/Firebird V6

5 spd. Manual transmission
4 spd. Automatic transmission 4L6OE
4 = 4 speed, L = low gear available, 6 = strength on 1-10 scale, O = overdrive, E = electronic

All V8 models

6 speed T-56 (made by Tremec- T = Tremec, 5 = strength of trans. On 1-5 scale, 6 = 6 speeds.

4 spd. Automatic transmission 4L6OE

Gears

The gear types will be encoded on the driver’s door. I’m not familiar with the V6 model gears, just the V8s.

GU2 = 2.73 gears + steel driveshaft (auto. Only)
GU5 = 3.23 gears + aluminum driveshaft (auto. Only)
GU7 = 3.42 gears + aluminum driveshaft (6 speed only)

Performance Data

1993- 1997 V8 models

0-60 = 5.5-5.7 seconds
¼-mile = low 14 to high 13 @ around 100 MPH*
*some people get what is called a “factory freak” which is a car that will run mid 13s with no modifications, but this is rare

1998 –2002 V8 models

0-60 = 5.1-5.4 seconds
¼-mile = mid 13 to low 13 @ around 107 MPH*
*some people get what is called a “factory freak” which is a car that will run high 12s with no modifications, but this is rare

Tires

All V8 Camaros and Firebirds come with Z-Rated tires. They’re designed to be safe at high speeds and to corner aggressively. These tires are short and wide. They last about 25,000 miles and average about $150 each.

The common size for Z28s and Formulas is P245/50ZR16
P = passenger tire
245 = width of tire in millimeters
50 = height of sidewall in millimeters
Z = z-rated (for over 150 MPH)
R= radial tire
16 = 16” rim is only size that will fit this tire

The size for SSs and Trans Ams is normally P275/45ZR17

Common Problem Areas

Some t-top cars are known to leak. My driver’s side one will trickle down water during a downpour. I’m in the process of applying more rubber to the spot where the window meets the weather-stripping, hoping it will stop the leak.

Cars equipped with the Monsoon system are known to have bad front door speakers. I’ve had to replace mine in both doors. The first time it cost me $140. $80 for the speaker and $60 to have it installed. When my passenger one blew out I luckily found a guy online selling two for $20. My friend installed my passenger side one for me and all was good. The 500-watt Monsoon is a great factory system that really pumps out bass and sounds just right for the type of car it’s in.

Some F-Bodies tend to get warped rotors over time. When you apply the brakes, the steering wheel will pulsate. Any parts store will machine them for about $10 each and you can put them back on yourself.

teke184

as far as which is faster...camaro or firebird...there are to many factors to consider

you have to consider varying weight of each, since they have slightly different body panels, some of the interior options varied...things like that.

but for the most part, shy of a given standard of deviation...they are the same.

TUNDRKYS

Good Info, hope you don't mind, but I copied it into notepad for future reference. Chances are I'll use it in a couple of months, and take the credit.

I always understood the 50 in the above info was a percentage of the width of the tire. so in this case the tire would be 245/2=122.5 mm tall. I guess we could tell by measureing. I mean 50mm works out to be like 1.9". That's a skinny tire.

245 is pretty close to a 10" tire, which is about right. 144.5 is almost 6 inches, counting the bead, that's pretty close.

RENE95Z

O.K. 245 in the equation is referring to the WIDTH of the tire. I.E. outside edge that you wash to the other side which you generally do not wash.

psychocabbage

I have added corrections in red..

SFB767

Nah, I don't mind man, it's common knowledge.

flatlander757

i checked the driver side door and i couldn't find anything about GU2 or GU5? I'd like to know what gears im running... if it's true that a steel or aluminum driveshaft only came with one gear ratio, ill just crawl up under and see if a magnet sticks to the driveshaft.

teke184

in 94:

if you have an auto...
if you can select first gear in the console it has the 3.23 rear
if you cannot select first it has the 2.73 gears

other than the 1le cars...all LT1s came with steel driveshafts

if it's an M6, they all came with 3.42 gears (except 93...those were different gears)

flatlander757

Thanks for the fast reply! It appears i've got 3.23's then