SEMA 2015: Chevrolet Performance’s 1970 Camaro With LT4 Crate Engine

STREETLEGALTV.COM

By Michael Harding

     

          

When you think of crate engines, it’s likely that Chevrolet Performance is towards the top of your list. The concept of the crate engine was pioneered by Chevrolet Performance and has been a part of its catalog for more years than most of us can remember. A big seller for those wishing to restore or resto-mod their classic Bow Tie, Chevrolet doesn’t disappoint and offers a wide array of choices.

 

That said, it was no surprise that Chevrolet decided to present a 1970 Camaro resto-mod at SEMA this year, but what they did with that build was the E-ticket surprise ride of the event last night for classic F-body enthusiasts. Not only did they unveil the Hyper Blue Metallic Camaro complete with a crate engine that anyone can purchase from the catalog, but it was the all-new LT4 supercharged crate engine from the Z06 Corvette — the most powerful production engine Chevrolet has ever built.

For those who aren’t aware of the power that comes from the current model sports car, this Camaro is sporting a 650 horsepower LT4 with 650 lb-ft of torque. Of course, the standard 1970 F-body fare wouldn’t be sufficient for this beastly engine, so it’s backed up by the bullet-proof Tremec
T-56 Super Magnum six-speed manual transmission.

To get all that power to the ground, the stock leaf springs have been ditched in favor of a four-link rear suspension with coilover shocks and 19-inch wheels shod with some serious rubber. Up front, you can find the stock suspension replaced with a coilover kit and rack-and-pinion steering to keep the car nimble, and likely making this one of the best handling classic Camaros, ever.

Once this beauty is up to speed, bringing it back down to zero is not going to be accomplished with disc/drum brakes, so Chevrolet Performance borrowed the upgraded brakes designed for the Corvette Stingray. This Second Gen Camaro borrows cues from the 2016 Camaro, and combines modern brute force with classic muscle car looks, with some interior upgrades that keep the classic look alive.

 The instrument panel is modernized with new gauges to work with the electronic systems, and a six-point roll cage enhances the performance aspect of the car for added protection.
The LT4 crate engine is based on the Gen V small block LT1 engine used in the Stingray and 2016 Camaro SS.

 It has been modified to support the higher output from the supercharger, and is available in dry- or wet-sump packages, both available from the Chevrolet Performance parts catalog. Now, this is a resto-mod that we can all get behind.
 

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