Sunoco Camaro
GM Performance Parts Style
The Sunoco Camaro, the three
word phrase made famous back in 1968 and 1969 by the racing
legends
Roger Penske and Mark Donahue, created a mystique to this day
cannot be erased from the memories
of all Camaro enthusiasts worldwide. The Sunoco Camaro was
propelled to a record number of wins
in the SCCA Trans Am series in 1968 and 1969 with the help of
over the counter Chevrolet performance
parts such as the cross ram aluminum intake and the JL-8 4-wheel
disc brakes taken from the Corvette.
This Sunoco Camaro is the modern interpretation of that mystique.
All modern technology and
components were used when developing and constructing this Sunoco
Camaro.
Under the hood we find a small block chevy engine, however, it's
not what you'd expect. We find a Gen III
small block, but it is the C5-R Corvette version racing block.
This block easily displaces 427 cubic inches
when using the proper crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons.
The block is topped off with LS-6/C5-R
performance cylinder heads and a custom fuel injection system.
The height of the fuel injection system requires
the use of a raised hood that is reminiscent of the cowl
induciton hood which began it's life as an over the counter
item back in 1968. This current hood has similar lines on the
exterior, but the air induction is routed differently
with the modern fuel injection system. The engine is backed with
a custom T56 6-speed transmission.
The astute eye obviously notices the contour change of the side
of the Sunoco Camaro. The stock fenders have
been replaced with flared fenders to accommodate much wider
wheels and tires. These 18 inch Fiske wheels
widen the track 1.3 inches in the front and 2.8 inches in the
rear. The extra rubber is needed to handle the
580 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque! A performance rear
spoiler adds the additional downforce this Sunoco
Camaro needs for improved traction and stability. Stopping this
Sunoco Camaro is no problem for the
ZO-6
Corvette disc brake calipers which are
mounted to a modified version of the front suspension
and a 12 bolt rear axle in the back.
Most of these performance parts are available now. I'm not sure
if there is a sanctioning body that has
approved the flared fenders yet. Flared fenders on the street
would be a great addition to any Camaro!