New Mn member
10-11-2016, 08:23 PM
#1
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New Mn member
Today i bought my 1st Camaro. A 1997 30th anniversary SS. After admiring them since 1967, i saw one for sale this weekend. Always liked the white with orange stripes. Started doing some research and realized its a SLP model. So it seems that it may be a LS4. Still searching for more info, and seems this forum would be the place to start.
10-12-2016, 12:55 AM
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Re: New Mn member
Welcome to CamaroZ28.com!
Some info on the 30th SS. Up through 1997, all cars (Z28's) were sent to SLP for conversion to the SS. 1998 and later, the basic SS items were installed at the factory by GM. But there were still SLP options that were installed by SLP. For 1997, look at the service parts label for RPO "R7T" to make sure it's not a clone.
The LT4 option was limited to a production of 106. All were 6-speed coupes, no T-tops and no convertibles.
http://www.ws6.com/faq/4_1.htm#ch4_1a
Some info on the 30th SS. Up through 1997, all cars (Z28's) were sent to SLP for conversion to the SS. 1998 and later, the basic SS items were installed at the factory by GM. But there were still SLP options that were installed by SLP. For 1997, look at the service parts label for RPO "R7T" to make sure it's not a clone.
The LT4 option was limited to a production of 106. All were 6-speed coupes, no T-tops and no convertibles.
http://www.ws6.com/faq/4_1.htm#ch4_1a
10-12-2016, 07:52 AM
#4
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This is what gets confusing. I have the R7T code and SLP stickers on both doors and under the hood that lists SLP added Torsen limited slip diff, performance exhaust, and oil cooler. Yet some claim no convertibles were done. So i will contact SLP today.
10-12-2016, 01:05 PM
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To summarize - 1997 LT1 engine Z28's with the 30th Anniv option (Z4C) were sent from the factory to SLP. SLP converted them to a 30th Anniv SS. It still had an LT1 engine. There were 958 of these made (US spec only, there were addition w/ Canada and export specs), and the conversion was done to all body styles (coupe = 241, T-top = 466, convert = 251), and to both manual and auto transmissions. All these cars are R7T. The breakdown is available in the Camaro White Book by Michael Antonick.
100 (US production, there were 6 more for Canada) of the total production of 166 coupes w/ manual trans were fitted with the LT4 engine. Easiest feature of the LT4 engine to spot is a bright red powder coated intake manifold, although it's pretty easy to paint or powder coat an LT1 intake manifold to make it look like an LT4.
SLP was purchased by Roush Performance. It still exists as part of Roush.
https://roushperformance.smugmug.com/SLP-Parts
I believe they will still provide production number for each car based on the VIN. For very detailed questions, Ed Hamburger, one of the former owners of SLP is still online.
A friend of mine had one of the manual trans 30th SS convertibles with the LT1 engine, that he bought new. He eventually turned it into the fastest known LT1 (as of the year 2000), running 9.05-sec @ 156 MPH. The supercharged 383ci LT1 was making 1,125HP at the flywheel.
Last edited by Injuneer; 10-12-2016 at 01:07 PM.
10-12-2016, 09:09 PM
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What is confusing to me is why Gm would build a new Camaro, and then send it to another company( SLP) to install a limited slip diff, exhaust system, and oil cooler, as my tag notes. I did send an email to Roush
10-13-2016, 11:35 AM
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Are you actually reading what I post. I'll try one more time to explain this in simple terms.
There NEVER was an "LS4" installed in a 1997 Camaro SS. The OPTIONAL (limited production) engine was an "LT4". The LT4 is a slightly modified LT1, that was used in the 1996 Corvette only. The Camaro LT4 SS cars are very rare.
Here's the quote from the 4th Gen FAQ, which explains what was sent to SLP (a Z28) and what they did to it in the 1997 model year, which involves more than the SLP "options", which are on your tag. The things in bold indicate what was changed by SLP to make a base SS. It also lists additional options that could be installed by SLP. Those are NOT in bold. Note that the 17" wheels and 275/40-17 tires were not installed on convertible in 1996/97.
All this info has already been provided to you previously.
There NEVER was an "LS4" installed in a 1997 Camaro SS. The OPTIONAL (limited production) engine was an "LT4". The LT4 is a slightly modified LT1, that was used in the 1996 Corvette only. The Camaro LT4 SS cars are very rare.
Here's the quote from the 4th Gen FAQ, which explains what was sent to SLP (a Z28) and what they did to it in the 1997 model year, which involves more than the SLP "options", which are on your tag. The things in bold indicate what was changed by SLP to make a base SS. It also lists additional options that could be installed by SLP. Those are NOT in bold. Note that the 17" wheels and 275/40-17 tires were not installed on convertible in 1996/97.
SS - available as an upgrade to the Z28 model starting in late-1995 (as a 1996 model). The package include a functional ram air hood and reworked exhaust resulting in 305 HP and 335 ft-lbs of torque. An optional freer flowing exhaust system brings HP to 315 and torque to 342 ft-lbs. ........ The stock wheels and tires are replaced with 5-spoke 17" ZR-1 style wheels with 275/40ZR/17 tires. Hurst shifter and Torsen differential were available options. Bilstein shocks, stiffer rate springs/bushings, and a larger front sway bar make up the optional Level-II suspension. The stock spoiler is replaced with sleeker looking one. "SS" badges replace the "Z28" badges on the front fenders and rear passenger bumper. All cars were shipped as stock Z28s to Street Legal Performance (SLP) Engineering where the above modifications were made through 1997. After that, GM made the modifications on its own assembly line.
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