A couple of GM Performance Parts dealers - DeNooyer Chevrolet in New
York and Georgia's NeSmith Chevrolet - have rekindled the concept of using
Chevrolet's own parts to create specialty Camaros that simply aren't offered in
regular production. DeNooyer used GM Performance Parts' (GMPP) LSX454 crate
engine (part number 19244611) to build a modern 454 engine for the Camaro SS,
while NeSmith transplanted the supercharged LS9 engine from the Corvette ZR1
into their Camaro.
"These great Camaros exemplify the spirit of
dealer-built super cars that grew out of the muscle car era," says Dr. Jamie
Meyer, product integration manager for GM Performance Parts. "They are the COPO Camaros
of the 21st century."
The DeNooyer 454 Camaro, dubbed the
HTR-SS454 (named for partner Redline Motorsports' owner Howard Tanner), takes
the GMPP LSX454 crate engine and adds a port fuel injection system to its
LS7-style LSX six-bolt cylinder heads. The engine has an all-forged rotating
assembly and an 11.0:1 compression ratio. A front end accessory drive system was
added, too, along with a custom flywheel and ZR1 clutch matched to the six-speed
manual transmission.
With the custom engine installed and properly tuned,
chassis-dyno testing of the Camaro delivered a strong 520 horsepower and 530
lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels - or right about the 620-hp/590-lb-ft
estimates from GMPP for the basic crate engine. The car's driveline was beefed
up to handle the 200-horsepower increase over stock, too, with stronger axles
and stiffer bushings throughout.
While the DeNooyer 454-powered Camaro
evokes memories of yesteryear, NeSmith's LS9-powered "Storm" Camaro is pure
modern performance, with the world-beating power of the Corvette ZR1 under the
hood. It was created within the dealership's in-house customization facility, NeSmith Customs, with assistance from nearby Jen Jac's Restorations.
The LS9 is
offered as a crate engine from GM Performance Parts (part number 19201990) and,
because of its similar LS-family architecture to the Camaro's original LS3
engine, easily slipped into the engine compartment - although some fabrication
was necessary to accommodate the unique placement of some accessories, as well
as the LS9's dry sump-style oiling system. But when the installation was
completed, the engine looked factory-installed. And with a few minor upgrades,
the engine is producing about 700 horsepower.
Like the DeNooyer
HTR-SS454, the NeSmith Storm Camaro matches its greater performance capability
with complementing drivetrain parts, including stronger axles and a Baer brake
system featuring six-piston calipers, front and rear.