Yenko Camaro
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Yenko Sports Car Camaro was a modified Chevrolet Camaro prepared by Yenko Chevrolet, under the command of Don Yenko. The originals were all first-generation Camaros. When the Camaro debuted, a General Motors corporate edict prevented it from carrying an engine larger than 400 in³ (6.6 L); this put the Camaro at a serious disadvantage to the Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda, since neither Ford nor Plymoth had a such a limit. Don Yenko, however, knew there was a market for an ultra powerful Camaro and found ways around the GM limit.
Contents |
[edit] 1967
Yenko ordered L-78 equipped SS Camaros and swapped in the Chevrolet Corvette's L-72 427 in³ (7.0 L) engine. The cars came with a 4.10 rear end and heavy-duty suspension. The exact number of cars produced is not known; most estimates are around 50. Yenko also installed a fiberglass replacement hood similar to the "Stinger" hood featured on 1967 big-block Corvettes.
[edit] 1968
Encouraged by the success of the 1967, Yenko continued installing the L-72 engines at the dealership and convinced Chevrolet to install a few L-72s on the assembly line. A total of 65 cars were produced, but the breakdown between the number of dealer-installed vs. factory-installed cars is not known. All cars came equipped with the infamous M-22 close-ratio four speed manual transmission, nicknamed the "Rockcrusher" due to the high-pitched whine caused by its extra-heavy duty 20-degree helix angle gearset. A large, twin-scooped hood replaced the "Stinger," and Yenko badges graced the sides and tail light plate.
[edit] 1969
For 1969, the dealership worked out a clever deal to have the L-72 engines installed on the Factory assembly lines using a Central Office Production Order or COPO. The orders also included power disc brakes, a 4.10 Positraction rear end, a stronger front stabilizer, and a heavy-duty 4-core aluminum radiator. Buyers had the option of either the M-22 four speed or the Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission. A total of 201 cars were sold in 1969: 171 four speeds and 30 automatics. Yenko rounded out the visual package with front and rear spoilers, a cowl-induction hood, special "Yenko 427" badges, twin stripes down the flanks and hood, and the sYc (Yenko Super Camaro) badge.
[edit] 1981
1981 was Don Yenko's last run at making the ultimate performance car.
The 1981 Yenko Turbo Z, as it was known as, was based on a 1981 Camaro.
Don Yenko's comments on the car are:
From a performance standpoint, cars have shown a slow but steady decline in the last ten years. Low compression engines to accommodate low octane fuel, are now the norm. Ever-increasing numbers of emissions controls have sapped their share of horsepower from once potent engines. To recover these accumulated horsepower losses without increasing pollution presents a real challenge. After months of testing and development we have done it. Working closely with some competent people at Turbo International a system emerged that does everything we hoped for. This system, like all others, captures the energy to improve the induction of fuel/air mixture. The similarity to the other systems stops right here. Our system uses no priority valve so there's no turbo-lag. We don't have a waste gate to malfunction either. And since all of the fuel entering the engine is "processed" through the turbo, you get better fuel economy and improved response even without being in boost. Every nut, bolt and fitting used in this system is the best available. This has all been developed with each and every emission control connected and functional.[1]
