Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Pontiac GTO: Years 2004-2005-2006

 

'70 GTO, Pontiac GTO



Muscle Car Pontiac GTOs of the '60s and '70s

When car enthusiasts hear the name Pontiac GTO, they most likely think of the GTOs from back in the '60s and '70s. You know, back when the cars had heavy steel bodies and big cubic-inch motors. 

It stands to reason why that is, for many years the GTOs were some of the most popular muscles cars that were being purchased in the '60s and '70s. But like with all of the other muscle cars of that time, the Pontiac GTO received the ax for more fuel-efficient vehicles. 

1971 was the last year for the Pontiac GTO Judge, and 1972 was the last you could buy a GTO with a real classic muscle car look. Although by 1971, GM had already started detuning their cars and running them as unleaded vehicles to comply with emissions, they still had the muscles car look until '73. 


73 GTO


The 1973 Pontiac GTO (above) brought about a new body style that just did not look good and wasn't popular back then and or now. Pontiac tried to revamp the old look for 1974 (below), but by then the muscle car era was over and so was the GTO vibe. 


1974 Pontiac GTO



21st Generation GTO

21st GTO














The Pontiac GTO was one of the lucky few muscle cars that got a chance to be reborn in the 21st century. For the years 2004, 2005, and 2006, Pontiac brought back the muscle car legend. With LS1 technology, a roomy interior, and a sporty exterior just like the old GTO, the new GTO was a great tribute to what the Pontiac GTO was and is still all about.

2005 Pontiac GTO

LS1 GTO Engine Bay

In 2004, the Pontiac GTO came with a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 rated at 350 horsepower and 365 ft.-lb. of torque. You could either order one with a 6-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. These days, being happy with a quarter-mile time of 14.3-14.0 flat doesn't sound too impressive, but 17 years ago, that was pretty good for a sedan. 


2005-2006 Pontiac GTO

2006 Pontiac GTO


For 2005 and 2006, the Pontiac GTO would keep the transmission options the same but get an engine upgrade. GM decided on putting a 
6.0-liter LS2 motor in the new-generation GOAT that produced 400 horsepower and 400 ft.-lb. of torque. This new setup managed to cut off about half of a second in quarter-mile time and even more if you had some aftermarket performance parts bolted on. Some mostly stock GTOs seen times slips that dropped into the low-13 second range. 


Lack Luster GTO Suspension

Poor 2004, 2005, and 2006 Pontiac GTO Suspension


Unfortunately, the 2004 Pontiac GTO suspension performance was found to be a little less than impressive. They had sluggish reflexes, excessive body roll, and weak brakes. When the sports sedan received the LS2 for the 2005-2006 models, the brakes got upgraded, but the GTO still suffered from a weak suspension. The good news is there are plenty of aftermarket bolt-on suspension parts that can easily be installed in your driveway over a weekend to help fix many of the suspension problems.


The GTO: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing


Front-End Ram Air Pontiac GTO

With the various amount of cool colors to shop for, an optional ram air hood that could have been ordered, 15 or 16-inch rims, and a standard retro-looking Pontiac split front grill, the GTO is a good-looking sedan that some might not even recognize as a modern muscle car. 


There is one downfall that turned many consumers off, and that was the price tag. Unfortunately, you could buy a Trans Am, Camaro Z28, or Mustang for the price of a brand new Pontiac GTO. 

Fifth Generation GTO vs Trans Am


One of the nice things about the Pontiac GTO is that if you are looking to buy one now, you should be able to find one for a good price. I've priced them anywhere from around $9,500-$20,000 - depending on mileage and shape - a far cry from the 30k price tag they originally came with. 


On the low end of the price range, most of the Pontiac GTOs had high mileage, but I would not let that deter anyone. Cars these days, if taken care of properly can last for a long time.

In the end, the 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO is a great buy for car enthusiasts that really like the technology of the LS1/LS2 motor. With all of the performance capabilities and aftermarket parts for LS engine setups, the GTO is a perfect car for someone who is looking for something that can be fast, but at the same time, reasonable and practical.


Sunday, August 1, 2021

Corvette ZR1: 1970-72 The Rarest Small-Block Corvettes Ever Produced

 

1971 Corvette ZR1


Out of all the years, the C3 Corvettes were produced, it's usually the '68 and '69 L88 big blocks that tend to grab the attention of the muscle car enthusiast. But the truth is that reaching for a 1970-72 ZR1 would be a much better Corvette to reach for if you're an enthusiast looking for that ultimate muscle/sports car

From 1970 to '72, the ZR1 was a limited-edition Corvette that was produced pacifically for the racing world. Only 53 were built: 25 for 1970, 8 for 1971, and 20 for 1972. These Corvettes are great investment cars, definitely poised for growth, especially the ones from 1970 when their horsepower was at its highest.



So what did you get with this Corvette Limited-Edition ZR1?



  • LT1 350ci. 370HP-suffix CTV-1970, CGY-1971, CKY-1972
  • J-56 heavy-duty brake package with dual pin front brake calipers
  • F-41 heavy-duty suspension package, 7-leaf rear spring, heavy-duty shock absorbers, heavy-duty 5/8 front sway bar, and heavy-duty spindle struts
  • Large aluminum radiator w/expansion tank (only LT1 to come with one so far)
  • Steel fan shroud
  • No radio, air condition, power windows, power steering, alarm system, rear window defrost, no special trim options.
  • And all the specialty options that were found on the L88s that were retired the previous year.

Designed to Race

Much like the COPO Camaro, the 70-72 LT1 Corvette was a rare rugged sports/muscle car designed to produce numbers at the track. Although one was designed to produce at the drag strip and one was designed to produce on road courses, they were both designed to race.


For a car collector who wants to make a good investment, the '70-'72 Corvette ZR1 LT1 is the way to go. The limited numbers produced, the most powerful Corvette of  '70-'72, and well, it's a Corvette makes it a great choice. Also, low options make for low maintenance: power steering, power windows, air condition, etc., can't go bad if you don't have them.

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

1966 Corvette 427 Big-Block "Muscle Car Era" Begins (Opinion)

Corvette 427 Cu-in

Corvette 427 Big-Block

Back in 1966, Chevrolet decided to get innovated and give the public something they have been craving – a small sports car with a huge motor. The Corvette was elected to introduce the upgrade that started a revolution of cars that would be labeled "Muscle Cars." 


Making the 396 Bigger 

Chevrolet created a feasible 427 cu.-in. motor for the Vette by taking the already powerful Chevrolet 396 cu.-in. motors and machining the bore and stretching the stroke of the block to a larger 427 cu.-in. This is the same way the legendary Chevrolet 327 cu.-in. engine came about. The Corvette's original 289 block was bored and stroked to a 327. 



Related image
Big Block Hood












427 Big-Block Engines Were Available in Two Versions: 

  • L36 390 horsepower  
  • L72 425 horsepower 

Both engines were available choices given to consumers when ordering a Vette, and both engines performed sensationally depending on what kind of fun you were looking to have. 

The Extra Cost for the 427 Big-Block

  • The lower output L36: $185.00 Extra 
  • The higher output L72: $350.00 Extra



What Came With The High Output L72

The extra cost for the L72 would get you a better-structured motor that included: 

  • Four-bolt mains
  • Larger oil fitting ports 
  • Impact-extruded aluminum pistons (11.0:1) compression 
  • More aggressive solid lifter camshaft
  • Larger rectangular port cylinder heads 
  • Aluminum intake
  • Holly 780 CFM carburetor
  • Free-flowing exhaust manifolds
  • And a K66 transistorized ignition to help complement the other higher output parts. 

Although the L72 was rated at a massive 425-hp, it was a well-known fact the actual horsepower output was well above that publicized rating. The reason for Chevrolet's deception on horsepower numbers was to avoid unwanted backlash from the safety legislation. 

A Pleasing Power-to-Weight Ratio 

The 427 big-block Chevrolet motors were a tight fit for the Corvette, but the power-to-weight ratio was very pleasing for speed freaks. Plus, the much cooler big-block hood that came with the Corvette to make room for clearance, told people what was under the hood. Chevrolet would spend about six more years using a big-block powerplant with balls as an option for Corvette consumers. 


All Good Things Must Come to an End!

After 1972, the change to bring about more fuel-efficient cars would change what kind of powerplants all muscle cars would receive. This new change would eventually spawn the end of an era, the "Muscle Car" era. 


Cross Fire Injection Corvette



Small-block 350s de-tuned and ready to do poor performance was what the American car enthusiast would have to put up with for power through the '70s and '80s. In the late '80s and early '90s, change for more power started up again, and since then, there hasn't been much reason to complain. 


LS1 5.7-liter


The scary acronym EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) has become a household name for all vehicle enthusiasts alike. And boosted and nitrous applications seem to run much better turned by a computer rather than by backyard mechanic techniques. 



Sunday, July 4, 2021

2021 Z28 Camaro Died on the Vine

New Camaro Z28

Brand New Z28 - Nope


There was a Z28 Camaro in the making practically ready to give the Camaro world what they deserved. Unfortunately, General Motors has officially called the program off. Chevy planned to slam the 5.5-liter flat-crank naturally-aspired 600-hp Z06 engine into the Camaro and call it a Z28. There were even plans of bringing a manual option to the table since there isn't going to be a manual option for the (production delayed) Corvette Z06 due to transaxle complications. 

Flat-Crank Chevy Engine


It may not be the end for the Camaro, but it sure seems like it's getting close. This news of the Camaro Z28 cancelation comes after other Camaro packages for 2021 were canceled, and the news of the cancelation for a 55th Anniversary Edition Camaro for 2022.

What's the problem? 

It's simple, low sales. In fact, first-quarter sales for the Camaro in 2021 were lower than they've been in a decade. Last year the Camaro didn't even sell 30,000 units, and at the rate they are selling now, it's not likely they will sell over 20,000 for '21.

2021 Camaro



Does the Camaro Suck That Bad?

Not really! Performance-wise, when lined up against its competition, they do quite well. But this proves that performance isn't everything in the sports car market. 

Most experts say the exterior styling just isn't as appealing to consumers, and the interior materials and design are not that exciting and low-quality for a better lack of words. Add that in with complaints of low visibility in the cabin and high prices, and you get a low-selling Camaro. 

What's the Future Look Like for Camaro?

Well, there is no official word as of now what will happen to the Camaro. Chevy has kept a pretty tight lip on future plans like they always do. Who can blame them? 

But one thing that everyone does know is GM is dumping all their money into their EV success, or as I call it, "keeping up with the Jones." 

Hummer EV at Car  Show



It just seems to me that if there are plans on keeping the iconic Camaro around for the future, Chevy is going in the wrong direction. I think, instead of going out quietly and soft, which is the way it looks right now, why not end the Camaro with a bang. There would be a lot of Camaro fans that would love to see a last-generation Z28 Camaro with a thumping flat-crank 5.5-liter, 6-speed manual in it.   

Sunday, June 27, 2021

IROC-Z Camaro: Chevrolet's 1980s Road Course Legend

 

Camaro IROC-Z



IROC-Z Camaro History 

Back in 1984, Chevrolet wanted to produce a Camaro that would closely mimic the Camaros that were being used to race in the IROC (International Race of Championship) Racing Series. 

The good idea was pushed forward when Chevrolet signed on to be the official sponsor of the IROC Racing Series. This move gave Chevrolet permission to use the name IROC on their Camaros, which in turn spawn the birth of the road course king, "IROC-Z Camaro".


The IROC-Z Start

Starting in 1985, the new IROC-Z became available to the public and would go on to be produced as a Camaro performance option until 1990. The turn of the decade brought up the end of the licensing agreement with the IROC Racing Series. Chevrolet had other plans for the future of the Camaro and decided not to renew the sponsorship with the race series and dropped the IROC-Z from production.

For those years that the IROC-Z was in production, they became such a staple in the Camaro lineup, Chevrolet would drop the Z-28 from production for the years of '88, '89, and '90. The IROC-Z would become your primary choice if you wanted a performance-based Camaro. 

When Chevrolet halted production for the IROC-Z because of their licensing agreement end with the IROC Racing Series, they also had to drop the IROC-Z nameplate. After a few years on hiatus, the Z28 performance package was brought back for 1991.  


The IROC-Z: A Better Camaro

What mostly stood out about the IROC-Z is its 5.7-liter (350-cu.-in.) Tune-Port Injection (TPI) engine which was bigger than its sister motor, the 5.0. 

5.7 Liter Camaro Engine



The 350 TPI came with a four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission and a special suspension package better known as the 1LE package that included: 
  • 4 wheel disk brakes
  • 3.42 positraction rear-end 
  • An aluminum driveshaft
  • Large 12" front rotors
  • Aluminum calipers
  • Engine oil cooler
  • Gas tank baffles 
  • Larger anti-roll bars
  • Specially valved Delco-Bilstein shocks
  • Larger diameter sway bars
  • Steering/frame brace known as the "wonder bar" and
  • More aggressive springs that lowed the Camaro by .05 inches.


1989 IROC-Z Camaro



The special Camaro would also get 16-inch rims, an upgrade from the smaller 15-inch rims, more aggressive side-skirts for the body kit, large IROC-Z decals on the doors, and special trim.

Although throughout the years the IROC-Z was released from the factory with a few different trim options and setups like t-tops, controvertible, and even a 5-speed transmission, the most common trim options are mentioned above. 

Important? It should be noted that although the 5.7-liter IROC-Z Camaros are the most common and sought-after Camaros of all the IROCs, if you're looking to buy an '85, you can find them with the bigger 5.7-liter engines, but they will not be original. In '85, they only came available with the smaller 5.0-liter engine.

5.0-Liter Camaro Engine



Unfortunately for the IROC-Z, it was produced in a time when power was not a priority, and the horsepower and torque numbers it boasted in the mid-to-late '80s sucked in comparison to today's sports cars. But the reason why the IROC-Z is a collector car and will stay a collector car is not because of its power outputs, but because of its connection to the IROC Racing Series and its road course capabilities. 

Shopping for an IROC-Z Camaro

If you're searching for an IROC-Z, you must be careful for there are a lot of impostors out there. A lot of the exterior IROC-Z options such as the vented hood, front spoiler, and ground effects options were available for order on regular Camaros, Z28s, and can be bought as aftermarket pieces. So check the VIN numbers and do some research via. some reputable sources before you go laying down big money.

Red IROC-Z



If you already own one, I would suggest saving it and passing it on to someone in your family, because in time they will be just as valuable as a Camaro from the Muscle Car era.

Sunday, June 20, 2021

First Camaro Ever Built: #N100001 Found and Restored

 

First Camaro before restoration.


First Production Camaro

All restorations of iconic vehicles and their facts are very important to the history of the model's bloodline. Where a vehicle's been, who has owned it, special stories of the vehicle, and what makes a vehicle worth restoring in the first place are all things that are very important to the restoration process. 

When Camaro #100001 (the first Camaro ever built) was found, and the attempt to restore it back to its original condition was on its way, just finding out the whole 50-year history of the Camaro took two years alone. Tracking down the owners and recording all their backstories and adventures they had with the vehicle was just part of the process of restoring something so important to automotive history.  


Why The First Camaro Matters




This special 1967 Camaro started out as a 230 cu.-in. 3-speed sports coupe with a Bronze exterior color and tan interior. It was a far cry from what it ending up being before its restoration, a beat-up old-looking '80s style drag car with a roll-bar, slicks, a hood scoop. 

First Camaro Ever Built


The restoration would include all the options the Camaro had on it back in 1966 including the original engine, trans, whitewall tires, push-button radio, front antenna, and a deluxe seat-belt package. 


For a Deeper Look at the First Camaro Ever Built, Check Out the 18 min. Video Below. 








Thursday, June 17, 2021

2022 Corvette IMSA Special Edition Stingray

2022 Corvette C8.R



2022 Corvette IMSA Special Edition

The 2022 Corvettes are pretty cool as they are, but to pay tribute to the success Chevrolet and Corvette had with the C8.R in the 2021 IMSA inaugural racing season, a special edition Corvette will be available in 2022. Corvette's C8.R and the Corvette team did exceptionally well for Chevrolet last year, winning the manufacturers', drivers', and team titles in the IMSA sportscar championship series. 


2022 Corvette Stingray R8.6


IMSA Corvette Appearance Package

The 2022 Corvette Stingray ISMA GLM Championship Edition sports/supercar comes with a unique appearance package and all the small mechanical upgrades the Corvette will receive for 2022. Unforntelty, at least I was led to believe, that Corvette was not just going to settle on the C8 the way it was, but from what we know now, not many changes are going to find their way to the 2022 Corvette. Hopefully, mid-way through 2022, talks will start getting fired up about some of the major changes that have been discussed in the past e.i. eRay LT2 AWD hybrid and single and twin-turbocharged versions of the Vette.


2022 C8.R Corvette


The IMSA Corvette Stingray appearance package will include two color combinations: Accelerate Yellow with Gray corvette racing graphics and Hypersonic Gray with yellow accents. These special Corvettes will be outfitted with the larger rear wing and mirrors crafted in Carbon Flash.


2022 C8.R Rear Spoiler


They will also include black rocker guards and splash guards, yellow brake calipers, and Black Trident wheels with "Jake" logos on the center cap. On the interior, you get a C8.R Special Edition numbered plaque along with an interior design that follows your chosen exterior look. Yellow seat belts will come with Corvette's GT2 seats, or you can opt for the competition bucket seats for the all-around racing feel and vibe. 


2022 Corvette Interior

 


All special edition Corvettes will be sold as a 3LT model with the Z51 package, which is Corvette's highest trim. You will also get a special edition indoor car cover that matches your special edition color scheme. Expect to pay an extra $6,595 for the package along with the extra cost of the 3LT Z51 package. There will only be an official 1,000 models made, so expect for the price tag to be high and the car to be rare to find. 



C8.R Corvette


What's New for the 2022 Corvette Stingray

As mentioned above, not much will be changing. Even the horsepower and torque rating will be staying the same for the 6.2-liter LT1 (490 hp and 495 torque), which is still a good number. 

According to Chief Engineer Josh Holder, the Corvette injection system will be operating at a higher pressure which will help the 6.2-liter small-block get better emissions and better stability at idle RPMs. There have also been some other changes to the enhanced "Active Fuel Management" range. 

The Corvette will now deactivate cylinders over a broader range of RPMs and in lower gears. Although the hope would be to get better EPA ratings, there has been nothing noted yet.   

The few last changes will be aerodynamic changes that probably won't be too noticeable. So if you were wondering if the C8 was going to be another long stretch of similar-looking Corvette's year-after-year like previous generations, that's the way it's looking.