SLP Engineering/Automotive Group Essentially Gone
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Disciple
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,479
SLP Engineering/Automotive Group Essentially Gone
They shut down their message board yesterday.
JeffY, their chief engineer will be gone after Friday.
SLP Performance Parts in Toms River, NJ is not affected other than that they will take over stocking and selling the OEM Parts.
A sad day for those that have come to know and love what they did with the Camaro and Firebird.
This is Red Planet's post from the SSOA Message Board.
JeffY, their chief engineer will be gone after Friday.
SLP Performance Parts in Toms River, NJ is not affected other than that they will take over stocking and selling the OEM Parts.
A sad day for those that have come to know and love what they did with the Camaro and Firebird.
This is Red Planet's post from the SSOA Message Board.
Wow...as most of you know, I'm not usually at a loss for words..... I thought August 27th, 2002 was the worst day of my 25+ year career at GM...the day we built the last 4th gen and shuttered Ste. Therese.
Today sure approaches that event.
As a Camaro nut going back as far as September, 1966, I was "pumped" when SLP took a "kickass" 4th gen to the next level with the '96 SS. That first ride in the '96 SS put a smile on my face that didn't come off for a week. What an awesome car. Who knew it would only get better?
Since then, SLP has helped to build (and I think most if not all of you will agree) Legendary Camaros and Firebirds. I maintain that 20 years from now, the Camaro SS and Firehawk will be some of the most sought out cars on the collector market. And those of us who, for whatever reason get rid of our SSs and Firehawks will be kicking ourselves....just as those of us who had a '69 Camaro or '69 Firebird still do..........
SLP in my eyes, was a dream come true. It allowed us to provide product updates that I simply could not get done otherwise. -- the RS & GT packages, the SS and Firehawk....the performance parts.....the new Camaro grilles and Center Mounted Exhaust...and when we finally got the 35th Anniversary package approved (no small feat) SLP was there to execute the package.
......the 335 and 345hp upgrades....and all the great 2nd sticker equipment that allowed you to personalize your Camaro or Firehawk. SLP did this and did it first class. Furthermore, with people like Chief Engineer JeffY, we knew that buying from SLP would ensure that the parts met GM's validation standards.
Additionally, Dave and his group made a 'community' for we, the enthusiasts -- the SLP Forums. I have made countless friends over the past several years, due in part to the SLP Boards and SLP Owner Appreciation Days. Guys and Gals, I feel like I've lost my best friend....and I guess perhaps I have.
There have been days when the emails went back and forth to SLP with requests....and I always got a prompt, professional response....and that's getting more and more unusual in business these days. I can't imagine not being able to email Carm with a trivia question that I can't answer 'cause the answer is lost in the 'gray matter.' (Carm is a walking encyclopedia....)
To Ed, Dave, JeffY, Carm, Reg, and all the other men and women at SLP.....I'm so sorry. I can never ever thank you enough for what you did for the Camaro, the Firebird, and the Camaro/Firebird Community. You are truly great people and good friends -- and a class act. Please...don't completely disappear. I know that SLP Performance Parts is still there for us, but it won't quite seem the same without all of you at Axtell Road. Meanwhile, I will continue to preach "SLP."
No one knows what the future holds...but I believe there is a Camaro in the future....and I don't know how we do this at this point in time...but I want SLP involved.
Again...thank you, thank you, thank you!
Today sure approaches that event.
As a Camaro nut going back as far as September, 1966, I was "pumped" when SLP took a "kickass" 4th gen to the next level with the '96 SS. That first ride in the '96 SS put a smile on my face that didn't come off for a week. What an awesome car. Who knew it would only get better?
Since then, SLP has helped to build (and I think most if not all of you will agree) Legendary Camaros and Firebirds. I maintain that 20 years from now, the Camaro SS and Firehawk will be some of the most sought out cars on the collector market. And those of us who, for whatever reason get rid of our SSs and Firehawks will be kicking ourselves....just as those of us who had a '69 Camaro or '69 Firebird still do..........
SLP in my eyes, was a dream come true. It allowed us to provide product updates that I simply could not get done otherwise. -- the RS & GT packages, the SS and Firehawk....the performance parts.....the new Camaro grilles and Center Mounted Exhaust...and when we finally got the 35th Anniversary package approved (no small feat) SLP was there to execute the package.
......the 335 and 345hp upgrades....and all the great 2nd sticker equipment that allowed you to personalize your Camaro or Firehawk. SLP did this and did it first class. Furthermore, with people like Chief Engineer JeffY, we knew that buying from SLP would ensure that the parts met GM's validation standards.
Additionally, Dave and his group made a 'community' for we, the enthusiasts -- the SLP Forums. I have made countless friends over the past several years, due in part to the SLP Boards and SLP Owner Appreciation Days. Guys and Gals, I feel like I've lost my best friend....and I guess perhaps I have.
There have been days when the emails went back and forth to SLP with requests....and I always got a prompt, professional response....and that's getting more and more unusual in business these days. I can't imagine not being able to email Carm with a trivia question that I can't answer 'cause the answer is lost in the 'gray matter.' (Carm is a walking encyclopedia....)
To Ed, Dave, JeffY, Carm, Reg, and all the other men and women at SLP.....I'm so sorry. I can never ever thank you enough for what you did for the Camaro, the Firebird, and the Camaro/Firebird Community. You are truly great people and good friends -- and a class act. Please...don't completely disappear. I know that SLP Performance Parts is still there for us, but it won't quite seem the same without all of you at Axtell Road. Meanwhile, I will continue to preach "SLP."
No one knows what the future holds...but I believe there is a Camaro in the future....and I don't know how we do this at this point in time...but I want SLP involved.
Again...thank you, thank you, thank you!
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Well, it was of course inevitable.
Ed Hambuger and SLP hit the big time when they closely aligned themselves with GM and the F-car. They "made hay while the sun shined". But now the sun has set on their primary product.
I can't blame the good folks at SLP, they simply capatalized on a big opportunity for themselves. They took the initiative to design and certify certain pieces when GM wasn't willing to. Maybe they ultimately found themselves too intertwined in a dying program for their own good.
As I look over SLP's current offerings...it's clear to me that expensive "performance" (in quotes) packages require a powerful corporate benifactor to be successful. Whithout a manufacturer willing to re-align it's product line; not too many people are willing to pay several thousand dollars for trim and barely perceptable performance increases.
Ed Hambuger and SLP hit the big time when they closely aligned themselves with GM and the F-car. They "made hay while the sun shined". But now the sun has set on their primary product.
I can't blame the good folks at SLP, they simply capatalized on a big opportunity for themselves. They took the initiative to design and certify certain pieces when GM wasn't willing to. Maybe they ultimately found themselves too intertwined in a dying program for their own good.
As I look over SLP's current offerings...it's clear to me that expensive "performance" (in quotes) packages require a powerful corporate benifactor to be successful. Whithout a manufacturer willing to re-align it's product line; not too many people are willing to pay several thousand dollars for trim and barely perceptable performance increases.
Last edited by Z284ever; Aug 21, 2003 at 10:46 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
SLP isn't Yenko, it isn't Shelby, and it isn't Saleen. When you paid extra for those cars (and you did), in return you recieved cars with a substantial power boost over the straight from factory cars they were based on. What exactly did SLP do that a run of the mill Camaro Z28 buyer with a spare grand an aftermarket book, and a couple of specialized car shops in his area couldn't?
To me SLP simply did an appearance and suspension package for $3,625 on top of a fully equpted $28,000 Camaro Z28. Camaro SS isn't any quicker, isn't any faster, and from what I can tell, is only marginally better on the track than a base $23,000 Camaro Z28.
The funtional hood scoop? Z28s had them standard from 1979 to 1983. It should have been there instead. Besides, with the LS1's straight intake (as opposed to the LT1's elbow to the airbox), there would be next to no increase in air volume. The LT1, perhaps. The LS1, extremely doubtful.
The special dual converter exhaust? My stock 97 version carries the close to the same if not identical volume. The switch to dual converters along with other changes gave the '96 Z28s only a 10 horsepower gain over the fully single exhaust of the '93-'95 Zs. The SS does have a louder muffler if that's what you're into.
Suspension? The one are that is notably different over the Z28. Not everyone is willing to put up with a rougher ride, and the Z28 already essentially carves up the track. Is the SLP suspension better than the stock Z28's the way a Saleen or Shelby or even Ford's own SVT is better than the regular production top Mustangs? Not by a long shot.
Mustang GTs and Z28s cost roughly the same at MSRP. Current 2003 Cobras and the 2002 Camaro SS are within $2000 of each other. Yet you get a total unique IRS system, a supercharged 4 cam V8, and a car that matches a base Corvette. You actually know your extra money went into some serious engineering and performance. With the SLP SS, you get a 3rd off on the price difference, but seem to end up 90% short on the extra effort.
I'm not slamming Camaro SS itself, but let's be honest here. SLP simply did what should have been the Z28's appearence package, threw SS badges on and charged almost what the guys across town are charging for an essentially reengineered car.
In the future, I think the SSs will be more valuable than standard Z28s the way a '71 Camaro SS350 is more valuable than the base Camaro with the same engine.
But it's a really long streach to say it will be legendary.
To me SLP simply did an appearance and suspension package for $3,625 on top of a fully equpted $28,000 Camaro Z28. Camaro SS isn't any quicker, isn't any faster, and from what I can tell, is only marginally better on the track than a base $23,000 Camaro Z28.
The funtional hood scoop? Z28s had them standard from 1979 to 1983. It should have been there instead. Besides, with the LS1's straight intake (as opposed to the LT1's elbow to the airbox), there would be next to no increase in air volume. The LT1, perhaps. The LS1, extremely doubtful.
The special dual converter exhaust? My stock 97 version carries the close to the same if not identical volume. The switch to dual converters along with other changes gave the '96 Z28s only a 10 horsepower gain over the fully single exhaust of the '93-'95 Zs. The SS does have a louder muffler if that's what you're into.
Suspension? The one are that is notably different over the Z28. Not everyone is willing to put up with a rougher ride, and the Z28 already essentially carves up the track. Is the SLP suspension better than the stock Z28's the way a Saleen or Shelby or even Ford's own SVT is better than the regular production top Mustangs? Not by a long shot.
Mustang GTs and Z28s cost roughly the same at MSRP. Current 2003 Cobras and the 2002 Camaro SS are within $2000 of each other. Yet you get a total unique IRS system, a supercharged 4 cam V8, and a car that matches a base Corvette. You actually know your extra money went into some serious engineering and performance. With the SLP SS, you get a 3rd off on the price difference, but seem to end up 90% short on the extra effort.
I'm not slamming Camaro SS itself, but let's be honest here. SLP simply did what should have been the Z28's appearence package, threw SS badges on and charged almost what the guys across town are charging for an essentially reengineered car.
In the future, I think the SSs will be more valuable than standard Z28s the way a '71 Camaro SS350 is more valuable than the base Camaro with the same engine.
But it's a really long streach to say it will be legendary.
Last edited by guionM; Aug 21, 2003 at 11:43 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,531
Well.....In SLP's defense they did add some spice to the Camaro lineup when GM wasn't willing to risk the money to do anything themselves. If nothing else it served to keep Camaro in the eyes of the public.
A second point....CHEAP OEM TAKEOFF PARTS!!!
Where else could I find OEM alloy wheels practically brand new for $50/wheel?!?!? It's crazy, but true!!
A second point....CHEAP OEM TAKEOFF PARTS!!!
Where else could I find OEM alloy wheels practically brand new for $50/wheel?!?!? It's crazy, but true!!
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,463
From: SoCal
I think a lot of you don't give SLP enough credit. From 1996 to 2002 the time SLP was really making an impact on the Camaro and Firebird was all during the time GM had made its desicison to drop the car. GM wasn't going to do anything more than maintain the car. Meaning no new trim levels, no new performance parts. So SLP kept excitment in the car for a bargain price that GM and the consumer were willing to pay. So while it may seem like SLP didn't do too much and I have to agree there parts were only slightly better than stock Z28/TA/Formula parts. They did keep the car updated and in the news with SS's and Firehwaks in the magazines. It caused GM to adopt the SS like Pontiac had its WS6. And brought some aftermarket performance parts that may have taken longer to develop had SLP not been involved.
And lets not forget how many times the 4th Gen Z28 or Trans Am was tested in major magazines?? Not many, 5-6 times in 9 years wasn't much. But the SS and Firehawk were tested several times and that helped to keep attention on the car. Did it help sales? I'd be hard pressed to say it hirt sales. With the Mustang selling nearly 2 to 1 vs F-body in the late years the SS and Firehawk were able to be different enough to get noticed by the media. They were also strong enough to keep the Cobra at bay until the car was discontinued.
SLP hit on a nitch that many Camaro and Firebird owners wanted to have, something different and something special. They may be enthusiasts or not but they identify with what the SS or Firehawk is. True enthusiasts know the SLP parts are cool for what they are but no better or worse than other aftermarket companies but many people don't know that and they believe they have something truly special. While its not true had SLP and the SS/Firehawk not been around would those people have gotten a Z28, or Trans Am??
So while we know SLP didn't do much the majority of the people out there see the SS and the Firehwak as the top models in the Camaro and Firebird lineup. Thats a big deal because people know the car for what it is and because of it the car has some respect the Z28 doesn't. THats what will keep the SS and Firehawk as the most valuable and collectable 4th gens out there. Factory supercars... no, but factory special cars... yes!
And lets not forget how many times the 4th Gen Z28 or Trans Am was tested in major magazines?? Not many, 5-6 times in 9 years wasn't much. But the SS and Firehawk were tested several times and that helped to keep attention on the car. Did it help sales? I'd be hard pressed to say it hirt sales. With the Mustang selling nearly 2 to 1 vs F-body in the late years the SS and Firehawk were able to be different enough to get noticed by the media. They were also strong enough to keep the Cobra at bay until the car was discontinued.
SLP hit on a nitch that many Camaro and Firebird owners wanted to have, something different and something special. They may be enthusiasts or not but they identify with what the SS or Firehawk is. True enthusiasts know the SLP parts are cool for what they are but no better or worse than other aftermarket companies but many people don't know that and they believe they have something truly special. While its not true had SLP and the SS/Firehawk not been around would those people have gotten a Z28, or Trans Am??
So while we know SLP didn't do much the majority of the people out there see the SS and the Firehwak as the top models in the Camaro and Firebird lineup. Thats a big deal because people know the car for what it is and because of it the car has some respect the Z28 doesn't. THats what will keep the SS and Firehawk as the most valuable and collectable 4th gens out there. Factory supercars... no, but factory special cars... yes!
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,165
From: Sterling Heights, MI
I had no idea that SLP was hurting that bad! 
I have mixed emotions about SLP as a whole. Sure their packages were probably no "bargain", however as SS pointed out they did keep some excitement and committment in a pair of cars that were lame ducks as far back as 1998. I wonder how many other "tuners" would've just pulled the plug and went elsewhere as soon as the you-know-what hit the fan.
People complain that the SS wasn't a substantial enough package over the standard Z28 but I'm left wondering just how much SLP was responsible for that. It could've been a GM decision to limit performance parts options straight from the factory....
All told, I don't think anyone should be rejoicing this. It appears that a lot of good people and true friends of the F-body have lost their jobs.
I have mixed emotions about SLP as a whole. Sure their packages were probably no "bargain", however as SS pointed out they did keep some excitement and committment in a pair of cars that were lame ducks as far back as 1998. I wonder how many other "tuners" would've just pulled the plug and went elsewhere as soon as the you-know-what hit the fan.
People complain that the SS wasn't a substantial enough package over the standard Z28 but I'm left wondering just how much SLP was responsible for that. It could've been a GM decision to limit performance parts options straight from the factory....
All told, I don't think anyone should be rejoicing this. It appears that a lot of good people and true friends of the F-body have lost their jobs.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,376
From: Sarasota FL
So let me get this straight...the people that did the development work for the SS and Firehawk, and those who produced the cars on the line, are the ones who lost their jobs? What will happen with SLPs other projects, such as Thunderbolt and GTX?
Also, will these people be re-hired when the SLP GTO comes out?
Also, will these people be re-hired when the SLP GTO comes out?
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Originally posted by Z28Wilson
People complain that the SS wasn't a substantial enough package over the standard Z28 but I'm left wondering just how much SLP was responsible for that. It could've been a GM decision to limit performance parts options straight from the factory....
People complain that the SS wasn't a substantial enough package over the standard Z28 but I'm left wondering just how much SLP was responsible for that. It could've been a GM decision to limit performance parts options straight from the factory....
Prominent Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,282
Exactly....
Originally posted by 99SilverSS
I think a lot of you don't give SLP enough credit. From 1996 to 2002 the time SLP was really making an impact on the Camaro and Firebird was all during the time GM had made its desicison to drop the car. GM wasn't going to do anything more than maintain the car. Meaning no new trim levels, no new performance parts. So SLP kept excitment in the car for a bargain price that GM and the consumer were willing to pay. So while it may seem like SLP didn't do too much and I have to agree there parts were only slightly better than stock Z28/TA/Formula parts. They did keep the car updated and in the news with SS's and Firehwaks in the magazines. It caused GM to adopt the SS like Pontiac had its WS6. And brought some aftermarket performance parts that may have taken longer to develop had SLP not been involved.......
I think a lot of you don't give SLP enough credit. From 1996 to 2002 the time SLP was really making an impact on the Camaro and Firebird was all during the time GM had made its desicison to drop the car. GM wasn't going to do anything more than maintain the car. Meaning no new trim levels, no new performance parts. So SLP kept excitment in the car for a bargain price that GM and the consumer were willing to pay. So while it may seem like SLP didn't do too much and I have to agree there parts were only slightly better than stock Z28/TA/Formula parts. They did keep the car updated and in the news with SS's and Firehwaks in the magazines. It caused GM to adopt the SS like Pontiac had its WS6. And brought some aftermarket performance parts that may have taken longer to develop had SLP not been involved.......
It's well known that in it's final years, the SS was the top seller of all Camaros.
That being said, Charlie posted a thread about the "mullet" removal or something like that and I'll state my opinion that should Chevy decide to take the Camaro model lineup and mimick the Corvette's...(and be world class)...i.e. base model (HT C5), LT (base C5 Coupe), SS (fully optioned C5 coupe, convertible and special editions), and a Z/28 that is the Z06's paternal twin in mission, hp and options......the Camaro can achieve a level of respect it lost somewhat, sometime in the early 70's.
Disclaimer: My opinion is that there does NOT need to be a battle over what is the "top model", but that the SS and Z/28 be different missioned models appealing to different people)
It started life as the poor man's Corvette and should be that all over again!
Just my $0.02...
Last edited by Doug Harden; Aug 21, 2003 at 11:06 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,224
From: CNY
So what happened?
I know they are closed but why?
Did GM and Ford abandon SLP?
If they lost those contracts, then I can see why they are gone.
I'll agree with guion on the SLP cars. They really weren't any better than the GM versions.
If you take a stock Firehawk and a stock WS6, they will dyno pretty much the same. One Firehawk might be stronger than a WS6 but the next WS6 might be stronger than the Hawk.
I don't see where they were doing anything different than ASC.
Still, it's too bad those people have to lose their jobs. Hope they land on their feet real soon.
I know they are closed but why?
Did GM and Ford abandon SLP?
If they lost those contracts, then I can see why they are gone.
I'll agree with guion on the SLP cars. They really weren't any better than the GM versions.
If you take a stock Firehawk and a stock WS6, they will dyno pretty much the same. One Firehawk might be stronger than a WS6 but the next WS6 might be stronger than the Hawk.
I don't see where they were doing anything different than ASC.
Still, it's too bad those people have to lose their jobs. Hope they land on their feet real soon.
Prominent Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,282
But....
.....you need to remember that SLP tried to do engine packages.....remember the LT4 cars? It just seemed to be horribly expensive to get that small of a number re-certified through the EPA. The initial Firehawks had more hp too.
Factor in the writing was already on the walls in 1997...and I think they did the best they could......with what they had to work with.
The question I have always had, is.....would the SS have gotten more "respect" from non-SS owners IF Chevy had built them in-house vs out-sourcing them to SLP?!?
Factor in the writing was already on the walls in 1997...and I think they did the best they could......with what they had to work with.
The question I have always had, is.....would the SS have gotten more "respect" from non-SS owners IF Chevy had built them in-house vs out-sourcing them to SLP?!?
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,647
From: At car shows and cruise nights!
I'd rather see SLP have nothing to do with a 5th Gen because of their overpricing of everything and because the car should be called Z28 and not SS. (GM should be able to make cooler, better cars all by themselves) But that was probably GMs' dumb decision. I think it was SLP that had the sense to call it Z28/SS at 1st.
I agree with Guions post, except that functional cowls were introduced on the 1st Gen Z28's not the 2nd.
I agree with Guions post, except that functional cowls were introduced on the 1st Gen Z28's not the 2nd.
Last edited by IZ28; Aug 21, 2003 at 10:43 PM.
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,282
Do you......
.....really know what it "costs" to develop items like the hood?
Imagine having to come up with the design, test the materials to meet GM specs and warrantees......crash test them....ensure that they do NOT ingest water....set-up paint systems to match the factory colors, including matching metal-flake paints.....etc... and then tell me that they were "over-priced". SLP hoods are only about 50% more or less than say American Sportscar Design's hoods.
SLP SS hoods are made at higher standards than are required of aftermarket manufacturers.
Add those same parameters to the other add-ons and let me know if you could have manufactured them and sold them at the same if not lower price......not gonna' happen....not at the limited production levels of the SS.
I'm not an SLP apologist or even a customer... I just try hard to understand what it takes to manufacture and sell cars at this level.
Imagine having to come up with the design, test the materials to meet GM specs and warrantees......crash test them....ensure that they do NOT ingest water....set-up paint systems to match the factory colors, including matching metal-flake paints.....etc... and then tell me that they were "over-priced". SLP hoods are only about 50% more or less than say American Sportscar Design's hoods.
SLP SS hoods are made at higher standards than are required of aftermarket manufacturers.
Add those same parameters to the other add-ons and let me know if you could have manufactured them and sold them at the same if not lower price......not gonna' happen....not at the limited production levels of the SS.
I'm not an SLP apologist or even a customer... I just try hard to understand what it takes to manufacture and sell cars at this level.
Last edited by Doug Harden; Aug 21, 2003 at 11:08 PM.
