I think I have come to the conclusion that from an ethusiast point of view, having 1 v8 (case of F-bod) is better than having 2 v8's (mustang, excluding Special limited runs like Mach-1/Bullitt).

Having multiple v8's meant that the GT would always be limited to the "Base" v8. There are 3 main models for both Camaro and Mustang (Base/Base, GT/Z28, Cobra/SS). If an additional v8 is added, would GM go through the trouble of introducing a base v8 model like an RS, or would they position the z28 as the base v8 model (like GT)? I think the later would be or have been more feasible for GM, and that could very well be the route they’d end up taking. 1 v8 made it possible for both the 4th gen z28 and SS to have the near-corvette spec LT-1/LS-1. GM has already asserted the SS as the “top dog” and I doubt that’s going to change anytime soon. With 2 v8’s, why would you have the cheaper z28 competing with the more expensive SS in performance/hp? Would Ford allow the GT to compete with the Cobra?

What do you guys think? Would a “base” v8 still be a good idea, and do you think GM would go through the trouble of introducing an RS model? What kind of affects would a base v8 have on the z28?

A base v8 might be good for sales, but i doubt a z28 receiving such engine would sit well with the z28 guys.

 

I think the 5th gen would be better off with a blown V6 for the mid-range engine.

base : 3.9L 240HP
midrange: S/C 3.5L V6 300HP
Z28/SS : 6.0L 390HP

 

But the question that still stands is; would GM go through the trouble of introducing an RS model and still have both the Z28/SS share engines/tranny? I don't think there's a strong business case for the Z28 sharing engines with the SS when a mid-trim engine is available. One would have to be downgraded (the z28 already is) and given the midrange engine. I think that would be the case without the introductin of an RS, which i doubt would happen.

 

Why'd you pick the 3.9 for the base but a supercharged 3.5 for the mid-range?

 

You make some awfully good points. And I could see GM trying to pull off something similar to what you describe.

If however...Chevy truly and faithfully follows the Z/28's formula, it could never really ever be the base V8 Camaro. Of course, we've seen GM try to manipulate DNA before....so who knows. Hopefully, GM has a much better understanding of what Z/28 means to many of us now than they did 7 years ago.

But getting back to base V8 for a minute. If this were ever offered, I could see the SS getting the "base" V8 as standard equipment, with the option of the Z/28's 6.0 LS2.

 

And here's another thing. I think the only way GM would make a business case for more than one V8 in Camaro, is if one were substantially less expensive that the other.

Like ...oh, I don't know. If the 6.0 was all aluminum, had sodium filled valves, titanium exhaust.....and some other relatively exotic stuff; and the 5.3 had an iron block, less exotic valvetrain, etc.


But none of this would ever approach the cost differential between, the current GT's 2v motor, the current Mach 1's 4v motor and the current Cobra's 4v S/C motor.

Lets face facts. Whether you're talking a truck 4.8 or the Z06's LS6.....all of these motors are dirt cheap for GM to manufacture.

So maybe we ought to get back to discussing supercharged V6's again.

 

Which would lead us to the question of whether GM would be willing to step the SS down a notch. Looking at the last 7 years, the SS has been the "top-model" and the z28 the "middle". The Z (Iroc-z and Z-28) designations for the most part of 35 years pointed at the top model, but it seems as if GM has given that title to the SS's now.

I know we've had a billion threads on why one or the other should be the top model, but the point i'm trying to get at is which of the 2 is looked upon as the "top model" by GM. I think GM sees the SS as the top model and i don't think GM is going to reverse that anytime soon. The chances of GM sticking the z28 with the base v8 seems more likely than the SS getting stuck with one. This is why i question a base v8 and the potential affects it might have on the z28.

 

GM said the 3.9L V6 will be out by 2006 @ 245HP

THe Supercharged 3.5L will be coming out with the new Grand Am replacement in 2005


since the Supercharged 3.5L will already be out and put out close to 300HP I would assume GM would use this engine instead of spending the R&D cash to S/C the 3.9L

 

Base: 200 HP V6
Z/28: 400 HP V8
SS: 500 HP BIG BLOCK!

 

Good point. The business case for the 4.6's were the obvious differences (cost of sohc vs Dohc, etc.)

How about same displacement and block, but different heads, intake, some valvetrain, etc... like the 5.0 GT's and Cobra's. I don’t know about one being substantially cheaper than the other, but the savings per car can add up (especially since the base v8 would be the more common one).

 

Give the 6 an extra 30-40hp. Overall, the Z/28 and SS #'s would keep most everyone happy. Everyone that is except the corvette guys.

 

I have very little doubt that there are those whithin GM who would be willing to canabalise and sacrifice the entire Camaro brand in order to advance the "SS strategy".

Of course it easy to draw conclusions from the last gen if that sort of thinking would be successful.

Bottom line....it's up to us to keep GM's feet to the fire, for them to do the right thing. Sometimes they just need some guidance.

 

Yeah but then instead of the Z06 or Z16, they can produce a limited edition big block for the Corvette as well!

 

200 to 400 leaves a huge gap. You don't really need a wussy 200 HP base model--most V6 sedans have more horsepower than that! It's OK for the base model car to have a V6 more powerful than the LT1 now that the Honda Accord has one. Don't wanna be slower than an Accord sedan, do you?

I propose:

270 HP V6 - base
350+ HP V8 - mid range
400+ HP V8 - top end

I didn't specifically say which should be the mid range and which should be the top end because I don't want everybody gettnig mad at me for wanting the Z28 to be the top model again (but mainly because Corvette's "Z" car is so special now)

 

Why have a stout V6 and a wimpy base V8?

Crap, my 95 Z/28 was rated at only 285 HP. A 270 HP V6 is way overblown. I'll settle for the 225-250 HP range... however anything close to 300 HP for a base model V6 Camaro is rediculous.