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The really big
Camaro news in 1996 was the return of the Super Sport after a 23 year hiatus.
Instead of being an engine-package change performed by Chevrolet on the
assembly line, the new SSes were contracted out to SLP, of Troy Michigan.
These SSes were based on the Z28's and attainable by checking off the boxes
for RPO R7T (SS), QLC (P245/50ZR-16 tires), and GU5 (Performance Axle Ratio,
required with automatics only) when filling out the order form. The LT1
350 was left in stock form, but the Z28 hood was replaced with a NACA-ducted
hood with functional ram air plumbing.
The induction modifications done to the early production
units (first 497 units) included the porting of the heads, intake and exhaust
manifolds were rated at a conservative 350+hp with the optional exhaust
package. This was the first factory Camaro to break the 300 horsepower barrier
since 1971. The manufacturing processed was changed by only porting the
stock exhaust manifolds to remove the burrs, this bumped the horsepower
on the remaining 1913 SSes to 305hp or 310hp with the optional exhaust package.
The sport suspension of the SS package combined with its Corvette-style
17x9-inch alloy rims (taken from the mighty ZR-1 Corvette) and short-sidewall
P245/40-ZR17 tires offered a stiff ride that, though uncomfortable on rough
roads, sticks like glue in the corners.
It may seem to be a contradiction, but customers didn't
actually get the 16-inch tires that option QLC indicated. That option instead
triggered the inclusion of the 150-mph speedometer and the unlimited-top-speed
engine computer. Gearshift duties in the SS were assigned to a Hurst shifter
and linkage or a 4L60 (a renamed 700-R4) 4-speed automatic. Other than the
ducted hood, the only exterior distinction of the SS models were the "duck"
tail spoiler and the fender-mounted SS badges.
It had taken too long, but there was finally a production
street car that could tick off low-13-second ETs in the quarter-mile had
been returned to the hands of hot rodders.
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