4th Gen 1/4 mile times versus 5th Gen 1/4 mile times
 

A few people have expressed concern about how fast the 4th Gen Camaro SS/Z28 is compared to the new 5th Gen Camaro SS. Here are my thoughts.

I think there will be some overlap in the range of times generated by the 4th gens and 5th gens. Meaning you will sometimes, on occasion, see a stock 4th gen beat a stock 5th gen.

Ultimately, the 5th Gen is faster stock for stock, no doubt in my mind, but lets not forget that the 4th Gen has less than a 1lb/hp difference in power-to-weight to the 5th gen.

5th Gen SS: 3850lbs/426hp = 9.04 lbs/hp
4th Gen SS: 3306lbs/350hp = 9.46 lbs/hp

Given some other minor issues like the 5th gen Camaro SS has 20 inch wheels , and the 4th Gen Camaro SS has a solid rear axle, it doesn't become much of a surprise that a 4th Gen SS will at least hang with 5th Gen SS or even beat one from time to time.

Note I listed the LS1 as 350hp, because by 2001/2002 countless dynos prove that that a bone stock Z28 LS1 = SS LS1 = WS6 LS1 = C5 LS1....which is rated 350lbs.

What are everyones thoughts?

I hope the new camaro blows the doors off a 2002 or older camaro. I don't want to lose to one in a race that would be embarrassing.

True that

While I won't debate the power of the LS1, I thought the Z28's and SS's were in the 3400-3450 range? Regardless, we will soon see what its like to have lightly modded (intake, exhaust) 4th gens running against stock 5th gens. Should be a close race.

I've owned several 4th gens. Just about all of them were in the 3,400 lb range. Quickest stock one went 12.85 (99 SS M6), slowest one went 13.8 (02 SS convertible M6).

Having driven and drag raced an '10 SS, the cars are noticeably quicker on the top end. Once we figure out how to tune them to get past the mediocre 1st gear, they will do much better. Even when powershifted (no throttle lift) the computer still shuts the throttle body down to 27% after each gear upshift. At least the 4th gens were cable operated throttle bodies, and you could keep them at WOT 100% for an entire pass.

Also, don't rule out the LS3. It LOVES mods. 500 rwhp with heads/cam/headers no problem. Can't do that reliably with an LS1, especially if drivability is a concern.

I'm pretty concerned that it won't beat the 4th Gens as well. My SS pulls like nobody's business. Honestly, when ordering this 5th Gen, I thought about it over and over...and wondered what I had to benefit by buying the 5th Gen.

You know what my final answer was?

Style and accessories.

Performance wasn't playing a factor. I have all the go fast goodies I need right now in my 02 SS. I mean...it's freakin' quick, right? It's almost stock (nothing done internal) and I pull 12.88 (12.74 in my Z28). It scares me to know that I'll be purchasing a slower car.

I am looking into the headers and exhaust with this one. But, the main factor of weight is what is slowing this one down. 4 or 500lbs heavier...and this is what you get.

I never disagreed w/ those who said it was a heavy car....it's heavy. On top of that, an extra 100hp is pretty impressive. But, I guess this goes to answer everyone's question about how much hp is too much hp. Answer?...all depends on the weight of the car.


So....when I get my SS, I will take it to the track. I will post up #'s for everyone. But, I sure hope it pulls better than a 12.74....my best time to date w/ external mods only.

So even if you have the pedal to the floor after 1st gear, it is actually not even close to wide open?

I've thought about this a lot as well. I think times will be closer than many will like and/or admit to. The fastest I've read a bone-stock 4th Gen run was a 12.9 if I remember correctly. That was run by Evan Smith if I remember right (maybe there was a 12.8 somewhere too - I just remember for sure). I'm sure a '10 will run a 13-flat; no doubt. I don't think that will be the norm' though; the exception. I think they'll be running pretty close to one-another.

I don't think that's bad either, because I just think the '10 is a better car on all fronts.

JMO.

I always thought the 4th gen SS was a bit over 3400 lbs ...

Crowley

My friends 99 TA came in at about 3580 lbs on the scales. 6spd.

That seems pretty heavy for an 1998-2002 Trans Am. I think the 10' Camaro will do mid to low 13's, and 13 flat to 12.9x with an experienced driver. Heck one of the race car drivers may pull off an even faster time like a 12.7.

what I dont like is that 13 sec is now the norm for these cars. LT1s were running 13s a decade and a half ago.... and now these newer cars, with more power, (and albeit more weight...), are still only running 13s. and yes, I know it takes a bit to run faster and still maintain safety standards and all that, but come on. 15 seconds used to be the norm years ago. then 14 seconds, and now we are stuck at 13.

however, I know of many modded 4th gens (LS1 and LT1) that will hand the 5th gen its ass on a platter. and I know of others that are lightly modded that should run neck and neck and will be down to a drivers race. and its hard to find an unmolested 4th gen these days. and the ones that arent, the owners probably dont want to thrash them in a comparison test.

should be a fun comparison. but as nineball said, the LS3 really opens up in the top end. the LS1 and LT1 motors both have their weak and strong points. not to mention the lower weight overall.

but like Tag said.... there's more to this car than just power, the style and class of this car is nearly unmatched.

It is going to be a drivers race for sure.

The better car is the one you like better.

:wub:I got a thing for my SS :wub:

I pulled the 3306lbs off of the internet, so indeed it might be closer 3500lbs, and then my power-to-weight theory is blunted a little.


Yeah I agree that 13 second quartermiles are very common these days. However, there still is a world of difference between a 13.8 and a 13.1 on the track. Hell, even high end Carollas and Maximas are closing in on the high 13s. At least closer than I would like them to be.