Question about the COPO camaro

[gmen09]

Originally Posted by Sales @ CAI Inc

A road course is much more about handling and suspension than just speed. If anything you would take a ZL1 or 1LE and add more power. Making a Copo into a track car is going in the opposite direction and the costs would not make any sense.

Any car can be capable of becoming a track car, but in this case you would be undoing and redoing the majority of the engineering behind the car because it is not set-up at all for a road course. Can you do it, of course, you can do anything if you throw enough money at it. Would it make sense to do, absolutely not, you'd be changing everything about it when you already have 2 (possibly 3) Camaros better suited for the job.

Would the COPO motor do well in a track car, one that was set-up for it yes. Would the COPO make a good track car, not at all unless you changed everything but the motor.

Good response, thank you, this is what i was looking for some clarification as to the level of work that would really need to go in. I knew the brakes and suspension would need a ton of work, but i was thinking maybe due to the lightweight and heavy duty drivetrain it would be a good base. But it does seem like it would defeat the purpose of all the engineering that went into the COPO.

[Ringo64]

Originally Posted by Fraxum

...The COPO crate engine is over $25,000 from Jegs. But free shipping!

That free shipping makes it worth it! BRB...

[Sales @ CAI Inc]

Originally Posted by gmen09

Good response, thank you, this is what i was looking for some clarification as to the level of work that would really need to go in. I knew the brakes and suspension would need a ton of work, but i was thinking maybe due to the lightweight and heavy duty drivetrain it would be a good base. But it does seem like it would defeat the purpose of all the engineering that went into the COPO.

No problem, glad I could help.

[ChrisBlair]

Originally Posted by Fraxum

I just checked and the COPO 427 has an aluminum block. I wonder why they didn't go iron? The COPO crate engine is over $25,000 from Jegs. But free shipping! I wonder what improvements it has over the standard LS7.

Two reasons, I imagine, and both related:

1) The 1969 COPO ZL-1 cars had an aluminum block 427
2) Just like the originals, the idea is weight savings

[Goober]

http://jalopnik.com/5897999/high-hor...ails-miserably

[2012-1822]

If the question is you know someone that will trade me straight up for my car. Done deal, and no take backs.

[gmen09]

Originally Posted by Goober

http://jalopnik.com/5897999/high-hor...ails-miserably

Hahahaha surely it wouldn't be THAT bad?!?!? ...... Would it haha

[06_warrior]

Originally Posted by Goober

http://jalopnik.com/5897999/high-hor...ails-miserably

At least he avoided the trees

[DGthe3]

Considering all the things you'd have to undo on a COPO, you'd probably be better off just starting with a body in white.

[Neuf Cruz]

Originally Posted by Swacer

Why is it that people know so little about the COPO?

OP, have you even see a picture of it before you asked this "question"?

This is why there are forums so people can ask questions!

[Nutbutt]

Actually the Z28 would be a better road couse car based on all reviews. I have driven the ZL1 and it is a great performer. I have not driven a Z but was a passenger and it is just a little bit better. But then again thats my opinion. Happy Thanksgiving !

[SteveDoten@ARH]

We are the COPO header supplier for GM, Nick(owner of ARH) worked closely with the Copo team during the design/build process of the cars.

They are awesome machines.

[Wolvie70]

Originally Posted by gmen09

This! is what I was going for, I know a fair amount about the purpose of the COPO and how it is set up, what I meant was is the COPO capable of becoming a track car. and to the comment with the live axle, there are lots of mustangs that do incredibly well on the track. The live axle seems to be more of an issue when dealing with poor quality pavement rather than just turning and such.

He said straight axle not live axle.

[Msmall143]

There is nott a good reason why you would be starting with a copo and changing it to a track car. You'd be undoing 90% of what you paid for in the copo.

Then when you done you'll have the slowest 1/4 mile 5th copo ever made!