I've been reading alot lately about SLP and how they supposedly own the trademark to the GTO "judge" and I know that after 1997 I believe that all SS Camaro were produced by GM and not SLP.

I was just wondering if there are some bad feelings between SLP and GM. I've asked several of my car buddies and got varying answers so I was wondering if anyone could give me a solid answer. Especially since they may have an effect on future Camaros.

 

Concerning your last remark, I hope they have nothing to do with the future of the Camaro. I hope every performance up grade and performance model is done in house this time. I want to see GM's performance division step in and do this. I'd like to see Gm step in and have an aftermarket like Ford does for the Mustang with Ford Motorsports parts. Forget SLP.

 

Not to knock SLP, but Ive always seen the whole GM/SLP relationship as kinda extraeneous and unnecessary. I mean, this is the same company that can build the ZO6 and CTS-V right? Why would you go outside the company to bring back the SS name on Camaro. Just wierd.

 

Because SLP was willing to foot the bill upfront....when GM wasn't willing to spend a nickel.

 

ZIIIING

Score one.
Excellent point that I didnt think of. Amazing how much GM has changed in a short time eh?

 

 

apparently SLP will be involved in converting GTOs.


SLP played a big role in reviving the fbody.remember the original firehawk?


GMPP is still very involved in aftermarket parts for fbodies.

 

I'm not to pleased with SLP at the moment either. The clear coat is pealing off the fiberglass hood on my TA.

 

SLP did the SS convertions long after SLP and GM had a releationship.
It started in 87 when Mr.Hamburger thought that he would add a little boost in performance to the TPI third gen fbodies, but make it street legal. Hence the name Street Legal Performance. They started with runners and tri y headers that made great power. Then they started to develop dealer installed packages for the firebird. By 91, GM was getting back into the swing of things with performance. 245hp 350 Fbodies running around were much better then a decade before that were they were at 180hp. SLP took some firebirds and added a ton of items to it such as a high flow t-ram intake, 4 bolt main 350, ZF 6spd trans, Dana 44 rear end, larger brakes, stiffer and stronger suspension parts, 17 inch rims, along with a few other things. The car now had Vette like power, but the cost was very close too. The Firehawks are some of the fastest fbodies ever next to the TTA and LS1 TA's. Firehawks ran from 91 to 92. 28 were made, 25 exist.
SLP kept up with that Firehawks with the 4th gens. In 96, SLP helped make the SS model adding a functional hood scoop and better exhaust to increase power. That kept going untill the Fbody died in 02. All convertions were done at SLP's Mich shop, right down the road from Ste. T where the fbody was made.

Now, with that history out of the way, I dont like SLP and the way they conduct there company. When the LT1 and LS1 fbodies came to market, the third gen TPI cars started getting less and less attention. This can be seen now that the fbody is gone. SLP is now making Mustang parts, along with updating there aftermarket for the W body cars. They also have plans on making parts for the L too. Direct from Ed Hamburger's mouth.
I had talked to Ed Hamburger himself at SLP CAD last year at Englishtown and he told me that they had plans on making a 389hp "Bobcat" model and a 421hp "Judge" model, both equpied with hood scoops and a possible hood tach. The were also gunna offer aftermarket parts such as headers and stuff like that. But now that GM has its own in house performance division, they dont see the need for SLP, and frankly, neither do I.

Bottom line, I dont want SLP to play any role in the GTO or any other GM vehicle now and forever. GM now has the name "Judge" and there is nothing SLP can do about it.

 

maybe im a little slow here but could it possibly be SLP was fighting for the JUDGE name so they could get more work out of GM?

 

Well you gotta applaud SLP for reviving the F-body and bringing back the SS Camaro. However I agree that since they are going to make aftermarket parts for Ford now that they can stay the hell outta the production vehicle game for us and do the aftermarket thing.

Ford has got SVT, Chevy (and the rest of GM) could use theirs. Not only would it give us souped up versions of many GM cars but it'd add to GM's appeal.

I think one reason the Mustang is so popular is because Ford is so committed to it. Having an SVT version just gives more appeal, IMO.

Oh and I'd also like to point out SLP has been offering performance Ford vehicles for awhile. I know of at least 1 conversion kit for the Ranger.

 

yes,the ford thunderbolt.


ive havent seen one on the road yet.

 

Neither have I. From what I hear though, they are slower than a V-6 Mustang though.

 

an slp employee told me the plant is in KY for that truck and they planned to convert 1200 units a month.thats not alot so that explains why i havent seen one.

 

LOTS of incorrect information here.

Not picking on anyone in particular as some of these are VERY common misconceptions.

There are TWO SLP's.

One is SLP Engineering, the people behind the Camaro SS and Firehawk, etc. Dealer packages. There is not a whole lot going on right now with SLP Engineering. At least not as far as the public is concerned at the moment.

Then there is SLP Performance Parts. They are just that...performance parts. SLP PP is a standalone company like ANY other performance parts manufacturer. SLP PP has nothing to do with GM except for them making parts for GMs cars completely on their own.

This may or may not make any difference to some of you, but I don't really care of they make parts for Mini Coopers and Dodge Darts as long as they still also offer F-Body parts.

Quote:

They also have plans on making parts for the L too.

What's an L? I am sure I missed it.

Quote:

But now that GM has its own in house performance division, they dont see the need for SLP.

If you mean SLP Performance Parts , they never did need them. It is a separate entity that had and still has nothing to do with GM or GM's performance division.

You are closer to the mark if you mean the relationship between SLP and GM as far as complete vehicles.

For the record, SLP still had a large hand in the Firehawk and SS all the way through 2002.

Quote:

GM now has the name "Judge" and there is nothing SLP can do about it.

They do? I thought it was still in a sort of state of limbo. Got a source for this? It is new to me.

SLP Engineering did that and it was a low volume product. They do not make it any longer. As mentioned before, SLP Engineering is being kinda quiet for the time being.