Z/28 Lite? Ultimate Track Camaro SS

[LSmith353]

I'm posting this here as I am looking for a perspective from ones who most could understand this unique Camaro -- but no, it isn't a Z/28.

Remember this?

https://media.chevrolet.com/media/us...-mt-event.html

Stage 3 –Ultimate Track Camaro SS
Best Lap Time: 1:56.43

Leveraging key components of the Camaro Z/28 – recipient of Motor Trend’s 2014 Best Driver’s Car award – the Ultimate Track Camaro SS concepts demonstrated the ultimate in track capability for SS models.

Along with the additional power supplied by its enhanced LS3 6.2L engine – featuring a camshaft kit and CNC-ported cylinder heads available from Chevrolet Performance – the Ultimate Track Camaro SS was 2.9 seconds faster than the Ultimate Street Camaro SS, and 8.7 seconds faster than the stock Camaro SS.

“With the Z/28 parts, the Camaro SS is transformed into an entirely track-focused machine,” said Dickens. “The steering is responsive and precise, allowing you to carve down to the apex with ease – and it confidently gets the power to the ground while exiting turns. Perhaps even more amazing is that the on-track transformation is accessible with parts that literally bolt on to any 2010-and-newer Camaro SS.”

The parts roster for the Ultimate Track Camaro SS includes:

LS3 Power Upgrade Kit (#19301990) – includes camshaft and cylinder heads, enabling 30-horsepower gain over the engine’s stock output
Z/28 suspension kit with DSSV® Dampers (#23464729)– a comprehensive suspension package that includes racing-derived spool-valve dampers, higher-rate coil springs, smaller-diameter solid stabilizer bars, and higher-rate suspension bushings
1LE strut tower brace (#23120485)
Z/28 helical differential (#23172755) – a racing-proven, zero-preload limited-slip designed for optimal corning capability and cornering exit traction. It includes the 1LE 3.91-ratio gear set
Z/28 differential cooler (#23216684 – kit with lines) – incorporates an integral heat exchanger, which eliminates the need for an external pump and related hardware
Z/28 aero components kit (#23489551) – includes a front splitter, Gurney lip moldings and a rear spoiler (2014-15 models only)
Z/28 brake ducts kit (#23252398) –channels cool, outside air to the front brakes
Z/28 rear spoiler wicker bill (#23200130) – enhances downforce capability when added to the rear spoiler that’s part of the Z/28 aero components kit
Z/28 air intake (#23454578) – features a conical air filter sealed to the bottom of the hood
Z/28 cat-back exhaust system (#22906768) – offers 26-percent reduced backpressure compared to the SS exhaust and a muscular sound
Z/28 exhaust adapters (#23454579) – to match the exhaust manifolds with the cat-back exhaust system
ZL1 wheel hubs (#25954415)
ZL1 front brake kit (#22959672)
1LE tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 – P285/35ZR20 (#9598378 left / #9598379 right)
1LE wheels: 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 11-inch rear (#22798741 front / #22798742 rear)
1LE PCV system (#12653073)
Chevrolet Performance short-throw shifter (#19299460 – suede / #23157703 – leather).

Recaros aren't listed but are in the car.

Chevrolet Performance built a yellow one, a red one and the one below, which is mine. My son bought it early in 2016 from a dealer in Kentucky that purchased it at auction directly from Chevrolet with 700 miles on the odometer (currently has 6500). For liability and warranty issues, Chevrolet sold it with a salvage title though it has never had any damage what so ever. The red one was loaned to Grassroots Motorsports for a project. As for the yellow one, there is no record of it to be found.

With the Z/28 components, the performance of the car is transformed. During a track event at Atlanta Motorsports Park, my son had a friendly encounter with an Automotive journalist doing a long term review on a Lotus Evora 400. You can read about his thoughts on the car near the bottom of this article.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20.../#more-1624788

So, to my question..... Does the uniqueness of this particular car add any value over say an off the shelf 1LE? I have no misgivings in thinking its value would be near the same as a Z/28 but would think that being built by Chevrolet with Z/28 components, even with the rebuilt title, would give it a leg up???

I'm asking because my son had to give it up. New baby and needed a place for a car seat. I bought it because I was blown away by it's handling and always wanted a Z/28 -- and it puts a smile on your face like nothing else --but it's a 4th car. I've put less that 100 miles on it in the 6 months I've owned it.

What I'm trying to figure out is --
1) Is it really special? or
2) Is it worth holding on to? or
3) Is it just another Camaro?

Thanks for your input.
Len

[ariZona28]

I can sum up your car in 3 words: I WANT ONE! ( or should that be won?).

[SSEssence]

Is there paperwork stating it was a rare track edition from the factory? It might be a collector item if so. Even so, its a badass SS with all the z28 goodies regardless!

[SS Performance]

If you can document that it was a GM built proto type or test car then yes it most likely has value. Depending on several factors it might be worth more than a Z28.

That being said it could be years before the value rises much over other Camaros.

I would document the heck out of it and check with some of the Camaro gurus.

You might want to contact the people that put on the Camaro Nationals in Frederick MD. They might be able to hook you up with the right people to verify what the car is.

Good luck sounds like a great car.
Craig

[96SS390]

I see low mile modified 1LE listed for close to 30k all the time. So it's not out of the question if that is what your asking for somewhere in the 30s. If your looking for 40 not sure I can see that as many Z28 can be had for that.

[SSammy]

Originally Posted by LSmith353

I'm posting this here as I am looking for a perspective from ones who most could understand this unique Camaro -- but no, it isn't a Z/28.

Remember this?

https://media.chevrolet.com/media/us...-mt-event.html

Stage 3 –Ultimate Track Camaro SS
Best Lap Time: 1:56.43

Leveraging key components of the Camaro Z/28 – recipient of Motor Trend’s 2014 Best Driver’s Car award – the Ultimate Track Camaro SS concepts demonstrated the ultimate in track capability for SS models.

Along with the additional power supplied by its enhanced LS3 6.2L engine – featuring a camshaft kit and CNC-ported cylinder heads available from Chevrolet Performance – the Ultimate Track Camaro SS was 2.9 seconds faster than the Ultimate Street Camaro SS, and 8.7 seconds faster than the stock Camaro SS.

“With the Z/28 parts, the Camaro SS is transformed into an entirely track-focused machine,” said Dickens. “The steering is responsive and precise, allowing you to carve down to the apex with ease – and it confidently gets the power to the ground while exiting turns. Perhaps even more amazing is that the on-track transformation is accessible with parts that literally bolt on to any 2010-and-newer Camaro SS.”

The parts roster for the Ultimate Track Camaro SS includes:

LS3 Power Upgrade Kit (#19301990) – includes camshaft and cylinder heads, enabling 30-horsepower gain over the engine’s stock output
Z/28 suspension kit with DSSV® Dampers (#23464729)– a comprehensive suspension package that includes racing-derived spool-valve dampers, higher-rate coil springs, smaller-diameter solid stabilizer bars, and higher-rate suspension bushings
1LE strut tower brace (#23120485)
Z/28 helical differential (#23172755) – a racing-proven, zero-preload limited-slip designed for optimal corning capability and cornering exit traction. It includes the 1LE 3.91-ratio gear set
Z/28 differential cooler (#23216684 – kit with lines) – incorporates an integral heat exchanger, which eliminates the need for an external pump and related hardware
Z/28 aero components kit (#23489551) – includes a front splitter, Gurney lip moldings and a rear spoiler (2014-15 models only)
Z/28 brake ducts kit (#23252398) –channels cool, outside air to the front brakes
Z/28 rear spoiler wicker bill (#23200130) – enhances downforce capability when added to the rear spoiler that’s part of the Z/28 aero components kit
Z/28 air intake (#23454578) – features a conical air filter sealed to the bottom of the hood
Z/28 cat-back exhaust system (#22906768) – offers 26-percent reduced backpressure compared to the SS exhaust and a muscular sound
Z/28 exhaust adapters (#23454579) – to match the exhaust manifolds with the cat-back exhaust system
ZL1 wheel hubs (#25954415)
ZL1 front brake kit (#22959672)
1LE tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 – P285/35ZR20 (#9598378 left / #9598379 right)
1LE wheels: 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 11-inch rear (#22798741 front / #22798742 rear)
1LE PCV system (#12653073)
Chevrolet Performance short-throw shifter (#19299460 – suede / #23157703 – leather).

Recaros aren't listed but are in the car.

Chevrolet Performance built a yellow one, a red one and the one below, which is mine. My son bought it early in 2016 from a dealer in Kentucky that purchased it at auction directly from Chevrolet with 700 miles on the odometer (currently has 6500). For liability and warranty issues, Chevrolet sold it with a salvage title though it has never had any damage what so ever. The red one was loaned to Grassroots Motorsports for a project. As for the yellow one, there is no record of it to be found.

With the Z/28 components, the performance of the car is transformed. During a track event at Atlanta Motorsports Park, my son had a friendly encounter with an Automotive journalist doing a long term review on a Lotus Evora 400. You can read about his thoughts on the car near the bottom of this article.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20.../#more-1624788

So, to my question..... Does the uniqueness of this particular car add any value over say an off the shelf 1LE? I have no misgivings in thinking its value would be near the same as a Z/28 but would think that being built by Chevrolet with Z/28 components, even with the rebuilt title, would give it a leg up???

I'm asking because my son had to give it up. New baby and needed a place for a car seat. I bought it because I was blown away by it's handling and always wanted a Z/28 -- and it puts a smile on your face like nothing else --but it's a 4th car. I've put less that 100 miles on it in the 6 months I've owned it.

What I'm trying to figure out is --
1) Is it really special? or
2) Is it worth holding on to? or
3) Is it just another Camaro?

Thanks for your input.
Len

Yeah, it’s not worth anything extra....but I’ll take that junker off your hands right now for full salvage SS bluebook price.
All joking aside, COPO’s don’t even come with a VIN and they’re worth a lot, so do your research and find whatever documentation you can on the build before you do anything with it.

[j o n]

Originally Posted by LSmith353

What I'm trying to figure out is --
1) Is it really special? or
2) Is it worth holding on to? or
3) Is it just another Camaro?

Thanks for your input.
Len

Value wise... All that matter is documentation and how much someone wants to own it.

IMO, sounds like you have a fun solid car, with a unique history. If you want to get rid of it, the salvage title will be the main barrier to a decent sale price (probably why your son sold it to you, I assume?).

[LSmith353]

Thanks for all of the input so far.

I guess where I am with this is not so much "is the car worth $25K or $35K?", but is it worth hanging on to because of it's unique background?

You can buy a brand new C7 Grand Sport right now for $15-$20K off of sticker (Low to mid $50's). But if this car is "special", then selling it to buy a different toy would not make much sense. I just don't want to make a decision I would regret later. I did not buy the car as an investment though. I bought it because I liked it. I prefer it over the Gen 6 I owned and it is an absolute blast to drive.

I think the first step is as suggested -- chase down the documentation. We will see how far I can get.

[DRKS1D3]

Here is an interesting article that sort of goes along the same lines (COPO Track Day Cars). Only two were ever produced, but very cool, IMHO!

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/...evrolet-camaro

[LSmith353]

Now that is cool!

[DRKS1D3]

Originally Posted by LSmith353

Now that is cool!

These suckers would've been Bad to the Bone!!!

[SSEssence]

COPO track cars but no power upgrade?!

[DRKS1D3]

Originally Posted by SSEssence

COPO track cars but no power upgrade?!

I understand with the COPO moniker, a horsepower bump is typically expected. With these cars, they wanted to make them affordable, but be able to dominate a track. Unfortunately, they were killed off after only two examples were produced.

[pat_t]

That is cool as hell. I don't know if it will be worth a lot now or in the future, but I think it should be. I love cars with factory development stories behind them.

Some of them reach legendary status, that development McLaren P1: "P1 OOV" for example