View Poll Results: Which way should the 5.3 come?
It should be an easy to order, individual option
24
77.42%
It should only be available in a premium package.
7
22.58%
Voters: 31. You may not vote on this poll
5.3, option or package?
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,925
From: Detroit
Originally posted by shotgun
Depends on how affordable it would be... I simply want more options... maybe an optional 3 valve head on the LS2 as an upgrade. Aluminum flywheels etc, little things that can make a difference depending on where you want to go. Want force fed? Get the three valve head. Want something more suited for auto cross? Get the aluminum flywheel, maybe part of a "weight saver" package. Those are the kind of options I want.
Depends on how affordable it would be... I simply want more options... maybe an optional 3 valve head on the LS2 as an upgrade. Aluminum flywheels etc, little things that can make a difference depending on where you want to go. Want force fed? Get the three valve head. Want something more suited for auto cross? Get the aluminum flywheel, maybe part of a "weight saver" package. Those are the kind of options I want.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,769
From: cinci
Originally posted by shotgun
Depends on how affordable it would be... I simply want more options... maybe an optional 3 valve head on the LS2 as an upgrade. Aluminum flywheels etc, little things that can make a difference depending on where you want to go. Want force fed? Get the three valve head. Want something more suited for auto cross? Get the aluminum flywheel, maybe part of a "weight saver" package. Those are the kind of options I want.
Depends on how affordable it would be... I simply want more options... maybe an optional 3 valve head on the LS2 as an upgrade. Aluminum flywheels etc, little things that can make a difference depending on where you want to go. Want force fed? Get the three valve head. Want something more suited for auto cross? Get the aluminum flywheel, maybe part of a "weight saver" package. Those are the kind of options I want.
if you're into that type of thing (autox, dragging, f/i) then you're going to go out and by that stuff yourself anyways
the only thing your saving by having it as an option is the installation cost (which they would install it from the factory instead of you buying one and having it installed, or installing it yourself)
i couldn't see this being something that'll get money for gm
o, and back on topic
it should be an option on the base i think
and another rant about rs...
why is it such a joke when it comes to the 4th gen rs?
all rs ever was was an appearance package
it wasn't a way to upgrade to a v8 or anything else
strictly appearance- which i think the 4th gen rs's and "sport appearance packages" didnt look too bad imo
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,801
From: South Bend , IN
Originally posted by Z284ever
You bring up an interesting point.
While I agree with you at some level......I can't help but thinking that this strategy added to sales volume.
Was that a good strategy? It sold cars.....but today, when people remember 3rd gen top end models like, Z/28, Trans Am, Iroc, and Formula they may end up thinking of those 145-155 horse powerplants.
You bring up an interesting point.
While I agree with you at some level......I can't help but thinking that this strategy added to sales volume.
Was that a good strategy? It sold cars.....but today, when people remember 3rd gen top end models like, Z/28, Trans Am, Iroc, and Formula they may end up thinking of those 145-155 horse powerplants.
Car manufactures pre-determained option packages need to really DIE . If there is a mid-level v8 , it ABSOLUTELY 1) needs to be a free-flo option . READ>>>if I want an optionless car with a V8 and six speed , let me have it . If I gotta get huge package to get a V8 .....Im not a very happy person
2) it needs to have a manual trans avail . and promoted by GM so the damn dealer network will frikin stop makin a manual car soooooo hard to get 
...I really dont think gm would screw up that one ....but then again , ya know 3) in no way can even come within a few thousand $$$ of the top model or the purpose of a mid level v8 will be pointless ....if the top loaded model comes in at $30K , a loaded base with a v8 option had damn well better be UNDER $27K . Again if anyone at GM is reading this ....If I want to check the option box on v8 .....that doesnt mean I want a power steering cooler or OnStar or anything else for that matter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,072
From: Lilburn, GA, USA
Originally posted by 90 Z28SS
Ford never had problem with one top V8 for ALL models with the fox body . It IS why this car was so popular and the 5.0L in the LX did not make it too expensive .
Ford never had problem with one top V8 for ALL models with the fox body . It IS why this car was so popular and the 5.0L in the LX did not make it too expensive .
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,801
From: South Bend , IN
Originally posted by SNEAKY NEIL
No, that's not what we are saying. If the 6.0 top motor was spread around, that would not be a problem, except for maybe people who are on a tighter budget. The problem would be, sticking the 5.3 under the Z28 or SS name as well as the other motors, thus cheapening those names.
No, that's not what we are saying. If the 6.0 top motor was spread around, that would not be a problem, except for maybe people who are on a tighter budget. The problem would be, sticking the 5.3 under the Z28 or SS name as well as the other motors, thus cheapening those names.
-SS should get a variation of the LS2
- and the Z28 should get either ..the next step up from the LS2 , or a higher output version of the LS2 .
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,308
From: Calgary
An option for sure--it would keep the cost of a V8 Camaro low and would attract all those who can't swing a high dollar Z/28 or SS. Might be wise to make a few oter things mandatory with it---like posi.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,769
From: cinci
Originally posted by 305fan
An option for sure--it would keep the cost of a V8 Camaro low and would attract all those who can't swing a high dollar Z/28 or SS. Might be wise to make a few oter things mandatory with it---like posi.
An option for sure--it would keep the cost of a V8 Camaro low and would attract all those who can't swing a high dollar Z/28 or SS. Might be wise to make a few oter things mandatory with it---like posi.
looks like they should use one for the v6 while theyre at it
i mean, all models of the lineup will be burning tires left and right with a peg-legger all the time
posi will atleast decrease some of this while also helping wet traction
and to add to this, i've heard of some guys saying an lt1 z28 was better in the rain rather than a 3.8 with a non-posi rear
Registered User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,072
From: Lilburn, GA, USA
That's why I don't think you can just have the V8 as an option. I am sure certain things need to be upgraded to handle the extra power and that is what should be included in the option. Also it would be nice to have some sort of visual difference between the base car and the V8 equipped car. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money or be really flashy, just a few different cues to set it apart.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,925
From: Detroit
no, they just need to make LSDs standard on ALL camaros. Driving a sixer year round where im from is stupid. they suck in the snow, and they wouldnt be half as bad with a lsd. At the very least, LSD should be a highly recommended availible option on base camaros.
A LSD is definetly more effective than traction control from my experience too.
A LSD is definetly more effective than traction control from my experience too.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
A mid-level V8 will of course come with any required mechanical upgrades, like added cooling or posi or whatever.
By forcing the V8 into a premium package...I wasn't really refering to those things.
My personal preference would be to make a V8 optional on the base model with a minimum of required options. Of course --- what you would have there...is one pretty inexpensive and pretty fast package, (I can imagine a 5.3 approaching LS1 type performance).
I could also see, such a package undercutting the Mustang GT in cost.
While that sounds cool, I wonder what the ramifications would be for Camaro. Would it sell? Would it make a profit? Would it be insurable?
By forcing the V8 into a premium package...I wasn't really refering to those things.
My personal preference would be to make a V8 optional on the base model with a minimum of required options. Of course --- what you would have there...is one pretty inexpensive and pretty fast package, (I can imagine a 5.3 approaching LS1 type performance).
I could also see, such a package undercutting the Mustang GT in cost.
While that sounds cool, I wonder what the ramifications would be for Camaro. Would it sell? Would it make a profit? Would it be insurable?
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,000
From: TX Med Ctr
I voted package, but I didn't really mean premium package. It should replace or be similar to the 4th Gen RPO Y87 "3800 Performance Package"... which from 93-97 gave you the Z28/Trans Am brakes (disk brakes were common to all models from 98-02), and included the V8 steering ratio, limited slip differential (Auburn for 93-98, and Zexel-Torsen for 99-02), 235/55R16's (came on almost all late 4th gen V6's, but the base were 215/60's) , dual outlet exhaust, and better (lower) gears for the automatics.
If there was something similar to Y87 on the 5th gen, you could make the 5.3L package RPO Y88 or whatever, and have it include everything in Y87, with the addition of the 5.3 of course.
If there was something similar to Y87 on the 5th gen, you could make the 5.3L package RPO Y88 or whatever, and have it include everything in Y87, with the addition of the 5.3 of course.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,356
From: Madison Heights, MI
I'd say that the 5.3L should be an individual option. Why should someone pay for stuff they dont care about when they just want the engine? In some cases it kind of sucks when you cant order an idividual option you want because either it is not available on a certain model or it comes with a bunch of crap you dont need and especially dont want to pay for.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 642
From: Atlanta, Ga
Whatever they do I hope they keep mid-level V8s away from any Z28 or SS cars. As others have pointed out that KILLED the reputation of the 3rdgens, and carried over into the 4thgens and may have helped the poor sales. Even to this day on the Net, and even on Camaro enthusiast websites you have alot of people convinced the 5.0 Mustang ruled over the F-bodies during the 80s/early 90s. And that is because of the boat anchor "mid-level" V8s giving the Z28/IROCs a bad name...
Frankly I hope they don't even offer a mid-level V8 at all. Ford had it right during the 5.0 days (and GM with the 4thgens), if you get a V8 car you get the hot V8 for that year. And they are still doing it right now, even with several engine packages. You can't get a Cobra with a weak 260hp GT motor, and that is a great great thing for the image of the car. Now they have the Mach1 with a 320ish hp or whatever it is motor, yet virtually no one will confuse any of them, and most know how they stack up performance wise.
If they do offer a mid-level V8 I hope and pray it's in it's own easily identifible model, like a RS. Or invent a new package, I don't care, just something that is easy to tell what level Camaro you raced etc. That avoids confusion, and will help keep the performance names of Z28/SS from being dilluted with a weaker motor setup...
Frankly I hope they don't even offer a mid-level V8 at all. Ford had it right during the 5.0 days (and GM with the 4thgens), if you get a V8 car you get the hot V8 for that year. And they are still doing it right now, even with several engine packages. You can't get a Cobra with a weak 260hp GT motor, and that is a great great thing for the image of the car. Now they have the Mach1 with a 320ish hp or whatever it is motor, yet virtually no one will confuse any of them, and most know how they stack up performance wise.
If they do offer a mid-level V8 I hope and pray it's in it's own easily identifible model, like a RS. Or invent a new package, I don't care, just something that is easy to tell what level Camaro you raced etc. That avoids confusion, and will help keep the performance names of Z28/SS from being dilluted with a weaker motor setup...
Last edited by Ray86IROC; Feb 9, 2004 at 01:11 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,308
From: Calgary
Originally posted by Ray86IROC
Whatever they do I hope they keep mid-level V8s away from any Z28 or SS cars. As others have pointed out that KILLED the reputation of the 3rdgens, and carried over into the 4thgens and may have helped the poor sales. Even to this day on the Net, and even on Camaro enthusiast websites you have alot of people convinced the 5.0 Mustang ruled over the F-bodies during the 80s/early 90s. And that is because of the boat anchor "mid-level" V8s giving the Z28/IROCs a bad name...
Frankly I hope they don't even offer a mid-level V8 at all. Ford had it right during the 5.0 days (and GM with the 4thgens), if you get a V8 car you get the hot V8 for that year. And they are still doing it right now, even with several engine packages. You can't get a Cobra with a weak 260hp GT motor, and that is a great great thing for the image of the car. Now they have the Mach1 with a 320ish hp or whatever it is motor, yet virtually no one will confuse any of them, and most know how they stack up performance wise.
If they do offer a mid-level V8 I hope and pray it's in it's own easily identifible model, like a RS. Or invent a new package, I don't care, just something that is easy to tell what level Camaro you raced etc. That avoids confusion, and will help keep the performance names of Z28/SS from being dilluted with a weaker motor setup...
Whatever they do I hope they keep mid-level V8s away from any Z28 or SS cars. As others have pointed out that KILLED the reputation of the 3rdgens, and carried over into the 4thgens and may have helped the poor sales. Even to this day on the Net, and even on Camaro enthusiast websites you have alot of people convinced the 5.0 Mustang ruled over the F-bodies during the 80s/early 90s. And that is because of the boat anchor "mid-level" V8s giving the Z28/IROCs a bad name...
Frankly I hope they don't even offer a mid-level V8 at all. Ford had it right during the 5.0 days (and GM with the 4thgens), if you get a V8 car you get the hot V8 for that year. And they are still doing it right now, even with several engine packages. You can't get a Cobra with a weak 260hp GT motor, and that is a great great thing for the image of the car. Now they have the Mach1 with a 320ish hp or whatever it is motor, yet virtually no one will confuse any of them, and most know how they stack up performance wise.
If they do offer a mid-level V8 I hope and pray it's in it's own easily identifible model, like a RS. Or invent a new package, I don't care, just something that is easy to tell what level Camaro you raced etc. That avoids confusion, and will help keep the performance names of Z28/SS from being dilluted with a weaker motor setup...
Good point Ray. I had a 305 TBI IROC and I was so emabarassed by it I removed the IROC decals. Those 305 TPI/automatics (peanut cammed ones 86-90) were pretty sad as well.
I think Chevy was stupid in 88--decontenting the IROC and puttting 15" Z28 wheels on the base IROC.
But I think diversity- (as long as theydon't put a mid leve V8 in an SS or Z/28) is a good thing. Those 80's Mustangs are so boring.
They have one of two gear ratios and the hatch/trunk body style and that was pretty much it. Those things are so cheap now because they are not rare or special like the 3rd gen F-bodies.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 293
From: Hou,TX
Originally posted by Ray86IROC
Whatever they do I hope they keep mid-level V8s away from any Z28 or SS cars. As others have pointed out that KILLED the reputation of the 3rdgens, and carried over into the 4thgens and may have helped the poor sales. Even to this day on the Net, and even on Camaro enthusiast websites you have alot of people convinced the 5.0 Mustang ruled over the F-bodies during the 80s/early 90s. And that is because of the boat anchor "mid-level" V8s giving the Z28/IROCs a bad name...
Frankly I hope they don't even offer a mid-level V8 at all. Ford had it right during the 5.0 days (and GM with the 4thgens), if you get a V8 car you get the hot V8 for that year. And they are still doing it right now, even with several engine packages. You can't get a Cobra with a weak 260hp GT motor, and that is a great great thing for the image of the car. Now they have the Mach1 with a 320ish hp or whatever it is motor, yet virtually no one will confuse any of them, and most know how they stack up performance wise.
If they do offer a mid-level V8 I hope and pray it's in it's own easily identifible model, like a RS. Or invent a new package, I don't care, just something that is easy to tell what level Camaro you raced etc. That avoids confusion, and will help keep the performance names of Z28/SS from being dilluted with a weaker motor setup...
Whatever they do I hope they keep mid-level V8s away from any Z28 or SS cars. As others have pointed out that KILLED the reputation of the 3rdgens, and carried over into the 4thgens and may have helped the poor sales. Even to this day on the Net, and even on Camaro enthusiast websites you have alot of people convinced the 5.0 Mustang ruled over the F-bodies during the 80s/early 90s. And that is because of the boat anchor "mid-level" V8s giving the Z28/IROCs a bad name...
Frankly I hope they don't even offer a mid-level V8 at all. Ford had it right during the 5.0 days (and GM with the 4thgens), if you get a V8 car you get the hot V8 for that year. And they are still doing it right now, even with several engine packages. You can't get a Cobra with a weak 260hp GT motor, and that is a great great thing for the image of the car. Now they have the Mach1 with a 320ish hp or whatever it is motor, yet virtually no one will confuse any of them, and most know how they stack up performance wise.
If they do offer a mid-level V8 I hope and pray it's in it's own easily identifible model, like a RS. Or invent a new package, I don't care, just something that is easy to tell what level Camaro you raced etc. That avoids confusion, and will help keep the performance names of Z28/SS from being dilluted with a weaker motor setup...
Sorry bro. The 5.0 ran all over the 350 IROC. Let's not rewrite history. It was a low 14 sec car oughtta the box.
So Ford had it right back in the 5.0 days? Back when the Stang was losing in sales to the Camaro? Back when it almost got chopped and remade into a Probe? And they're not doing it right now? When they have 3 different V8s offered? And they've piledrived the Camaro into history?
And the extinct 4th gen had it right too?
Normal American shopper: I wanna a Camaro. It's gotta look fast and be cheap. I don't care if it's got 300hp. I just want 17's and all the body effects. Yeah, a Z28 lookalike with low insurance and good mileage.
CamaroZ28.com shopper: Why the hell are you selling V6s that look like Z28s!? It's confusing me when when run into 'em on the street!