Vehicle Description
A 1996 Chevrolet Camaro with a dealer installed LT4?!?! Yes, this Z/28 convertible was given Corvette Grand Sport LT4 V8 power before the Chevy factory officially did it. That gave this car plenty of press attention, and it makes this one an interesting argument for the prototype that started a revolution.
Before we jump into discussing and explaining the monster motor, let's take a moment to appreciate the aggressive body. This is a genuine Camaro Z/28 convertible that was also sent to SLP Engineering for the SS upgrades. The stock body looks fantastic, and SLP added their own custom hood. This huge scoop not only became the Super Sport's signature design element, but also this is a fully functional performance ram-air setup that works as advertised. When factory black still looks this good you know there was some care that has gone into the car. It gives this one a sleek appearance that's intimating from its shark-like nose, to its exceptionally well-integrated rear wing. The painted white stripe package that runs over the top of the car not only coordinates nicely with the power folding roof, but it also gives a cool take on the iconic SS package that was almost obligatory on the best early Camaros. Like a true American classic car, this one doesn't miss out on brightwork. But for this speed machine it's a functional set of 17-inch wheels that's borrowed from the Corvette Grand Sport (a hint at what's under the hood!)
Inside this one comes like a Z/28 should...loaded. The black leather buckets in front have nice bolstering to hug you in the corners and are comfortable for all-day drives. The interior shows all signs that this one was babied, and the convertible interior never spent much time exposed the sun and elements. It has air conditioning, power windows, power locks, dual airbags, ABS, cruise control, keyless entry, tilt wheel, power seats, power steering, and an AM/FM/CD stereo. This is a rare SLP Z/28 SS, and the proof is on the individually numbered center console plaque.
What you really want to know is how did this Camaro end up with LT4 treatment a year before Chevy and SLP offered it in the 30th Anniversary Camaros. We'll give you the literature that comes with this car, including a feature from High-Tech Performance magazine. But the short version is that a Chevrolet dealership, Champion Chevrolet in Athens, Alabama wondered if the new 330 hp LT4 V8 motor could fit into the Camaro. So a Z/28 with SS packaging from SLP was ordered, and before this Camaro ever held a license plate, it was specially modified by the dealer professionals (it takes dozens of modifications to get this setup bulletproof.) The result is the quickest and coolest Camaro for the streets. In fact, when the Camaro celebrated its 30th Anniversary the next year, SLP offered a very exclusive version (less than 110 examples) with the LT4 engine. So is this a prototype? Did Champion Chevrolet pull a Yenko? We'll let you draw your own conclusions, and see what happens with this rare collectable package down the road. The Borg-Warner six-speed manual keeps you in full control, as does the SLP Level 1 performance upgrade to the suspension. This package is finished off with disc brakes at every corner backed up by grippy BF Goodrich gForce T/A tires.
There are a select few cars out there that all your friends make you pop the hood and tell stories (and discuss the big frame of info) about every time you're around. This one even comes with the dealer invoice, original window sticker, owner's manual, receipts, and news stories to back it all up. We just doubt you'll ever again find this much unique and attention-grabbing power for a price like this for long. Call today!!
