When car buffs gather to talk about muscle cars there is no doubt that the Chevrolet Camaro gets mentioned. Introduced during the 1967 model year, the two-door coupe or convertible came in three packages – RS, SS, and Z28. A 230-cubic inch (4.1-liter) inline-6, 302-cubic inch (4.9-liter), 307-cubic inch (5.0-liter), a 327-cubic inch (5.4-liter), 350-cubic inch (5.7-liter), 396-cubic inch (6.5-liters), or a 427-cubic inch (7.0-liter) V8 engine powered the first generation Camaro.

The 230-cubic inch inline-6 that delivers 140-horsepower or the 327-cubic inch V8 that generates 210-horsepower were the standard choices. The RS included hidden headlights, revised taillights with back-up lights under the rear bumper, an RS badge, and exterior bright trim. The SS was a performance package that included a 350-cubic inch or 396-cubic inch V8 engine and chassis upgrades for improved handling and to deal with the additional power. It was also available with non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping, and an SS badge. The Z28 was the performance package that included modifications so that it could compete in the SCCA Trans-Am series races. The standard engine was a solid-lifter 302 V8, which was mated to a 4-speed transmission. It also included power disc brakes and two wide stripes down the hood and trunk lid.

The variety of packages ensured that Chevrolet blanketed the personal car market with all possibilities from a nice, plain docile V6 to a fire breathing V8. Four generations of the Camaro were produced between 1967 and 2002. The fifth generation did not immediately follow because the F-Body platform was discontinued due to slowing sales caused by gas shortages and focus on better gas mileage. The belated fifth generation Camaros started driving off the assembly lines in 2010. The car had been totally redesigned and included a new platform. It was based on the 2006 Camaro Concept and 2007 Camaro Convertible Concept, which had somewhat of a retro appearance to the Camaros of the 1960s.

The new generation models included three trim levels – the LS, LT and SS. A 3.6-liter (220-cubic inch) V6 engine that delivers 312-horsepower powers the 2010 and 2011 LS and LT models. Buyers had a choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift. A 6.2-liter (376-cubic inch) LS3 V8 engine that generates 426-horsepower runs the SS and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. An L99 V8 engine that offers 400-horsepower is included in the automatic SS. The RS appearance package was available on the LT and SS trims and includes 20-inch wheels, halo rings around the Xenon headlamps, a spoiler, and a red RS or SS badge.

No doubt owners of the newest Camaro want to keep the car in pristine shape. K&N offers the K&N 71-3092 Blackhawk induction air intake system to do just that. The free-flowing, mandrel-bent aluminum tube is guaranteed to increase horsepower and is designed to improve throttle response and engine sound. It includes a synthetic washable and reusable air filter that lasts for up to 100,000 miles before service is required.

Not legal for sale or use on any pollution controlled motor vehicle in California or states adopting California emission procedures. See knfilters.com for CARB status on each part for a specific vehicle.

For more information on this product, please visit K&N.