The COPO Camaro is back at Chevrolet, as a concept designed to the specifications for NHRA Stock Eliminator drag racing competition.
“The COPO Camaro is a proof of concept for what a Chevrolet Stock Eliminator entry could look like,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “And it is a clear indication that Chevrolet intends to homologate the Camaro for sportsman drag racing.”
The COPO concept vehicle is designed to accommodate more than one engine option, including a naturally aspirated 427 engine (7.0L) – the same displacement as the original COPO Camaros from 1969 – and a supercharged 327 (5.3L) engine. Among the many racing-specific features and equipment is a conversion from the Camaro’s standard independent rear axle to a solid axle, as well as a full chrome moly roll cage.
The basic content for the COPO Camaro Concept includes:
- Provisions for two engine configurations
- Provisions for a Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission, a three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual
- High-rise cowl-induction hood
- Custom Aeromotive fuel system, with a fuel cell and integral high-pressure fuel pump
- Full, chrome moly roll cage
- Coil-over front suspension with Strange Engineering adjustable struts
- Custom rear suspension, based on NHRA requirements, with Strange Engineering shocks, Panhard bar and stabilizer bar
- Strange Engineering S-9 solid rear axle with aluminum third member, 35-spline spool, 35-spline axles and 4.10 gear set
- Lightweight, COPO-specific racing wheels
- 29×9-inch rear radial racing slicks and 4.5x28x15-inch front tires
- Manual steering system
- Strange Engineering lightweight racing brakes system with standard line lock.
The interior is all business, with most sound deadening and power accessories deleted. Instead, there is pair of racing bucket seats (and no rear seat), a safety harness for the driver, a competition floor shifter and Chevrolet Performance gauges by Auto Meter.
