The COPO Camaro turn-key dragster is Chevy’s answer to Mustang Cobra Jet and Challenger dragster.
The spiritual successor to the 1969 COPO (Central Office Production Order) Camaros, the new car can be fitted with different engines including a 7.0 liter naturally aspirated 427 engine for those who really want to honor the original COPO, or a 5.3 liter supercharged 327.
The car is currently on display at SEMA as a concept. GM has not yet confirmed if they are going to take orders for this dragster.
“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 basic content for the COPO Camaro Concept includes:
- Provisions for two engine configurations (see below for details)
- 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 engines
427 | 327/2.9 | |
Suggested class | A Stock | AA Stock |
Cubic inches | 427(7.0L) | 327 (5.3L) |
Block | LS7 | LS9 |
Block material | aluminum | aluminum |
Crank | forged steel | forged steel |
Rods | H-beam | H-beam |
Pistons | forged dome | forged dome |
Compression ratio | TBD | 10.2:1 |
Heads | LS7 | LS7 |
Rocker arms | LS7 1.8-ratio | LS7 1.8-ratio |
Induction | natural aspiration | boosted |
Intake | Holley | supercharger |
Camshaft type | hydraulic roller | hydraulic roller |
Cam duration (deg.) | 233/276 @ .50-in. | 244/255 @ .50-in. |
Cam lift (inch) | .595 | .650 |
The concept vehicle is powered by a prototype version of the supercharged 327 engine, featuring an LSX cylinder block.