Camaro Supercharger Kit Is the Best Option To Boost Your Cars Performance
Chevrolet Camaro was first introduced in 1966, and it was the 1967 model. It gained incredible popularity over the years. If you are fortunate enough to own one of these models, you might want to consider getting a blower for it. Here, we will go through all the things you need to know about Camaros, superchargers, Camaro supercharger kit and how to make a great decision when it comes to upgrading your vehicle.
Camaro Supercharger Kit
The Camaro is one of the most popular models, and it has been around for a few decades. If you are a fan of vintage muscle cars (or even newer models), Chevrolet has a few models you might want to check out. Thanks to the popularity of this pony car, you can easily find a Camaro supercharger Kit that will upgrade the engine and make it even more powerful.
It is the simplest way to increase horsepower and torque, and the installation process is quite simple, too, if you have previous experience. But saying that you need a supercharger for a Camaro is not enough. There have been many models with different engines and designs of the year. As with any other car, the Camaro improved and evolved as well. And that is why you will need to know a few things before you go looking for a supercharger.
Versions of Camaro
Even though the Camaro SS is the most popular version of the car, there have been many other models since the vehicle was introduced in 1966. From the start of the production, there have been three main series of Camaro:
- Super Sport or SS
- Rally Sport or RS
- Z/28
The models were changed almost with each year, and even though the modifications were slight, Chevrolet still didn’t keep the same design with each generation. Even the most famous Camaro, the SS series, was canceled at one point.
Recently, Chevrolet introduced the ZL1 version designed based on the Camaro SS. This 2017 model is a high-performance vehicle, and it is one of the most powerful Camaros you can find.
Different Generations
The biggest changes in design were with each new generation. The current generation of Camaro is the sixth, and it started in 2016.
- The first generation from 1967 to 1969
- The second generation from 1970 to 1981
- The third generation from 1982 to 1992
- The fourth generation from 1993 to 2002
- The fifth generation from 2003 to 2015
- The sixth generation starting in 2016
The first generation of Camaro was in line with the Ford Mustang, and the car was designed to compete with it. As cars evolved since the sixties, there have been numerous upgrades in design and specifications. Today, Camaros are more in line with cars like Dodge Charger, Challenger, and the new Mustang.
In order to find a supercharger for your Camaro, you will need to know the exact year it was made in, the engine type, and the series. Things are a lot easier with the newer models since there are not as many engine variants as with previous generations.
Different Engines
While we are on the subject of engines, let’s take a closer look at how they changed since 1966 when production started. To keep it simpler, we will take a look at the type of engine instead of focusing on each model specifically. The reason for this is more than obvious since the first generation of Camaro was available with ten different engine sizes. That, of course, applies to the entire series of Camaro, and it includes different models like SS, RS, and others.
| First-gen | Second-gen | Third-gen | Fourth-gen | Fifth-gen | Sixth-gen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L and 4.1 L l6 | 3.8 L V6 | 2.5 L l4 | 3.4 L, 3.8 L V6 | 3.6 L V6 | 2.0 L l4 |
| 4.6 L, 4.9 L, 5.0 L, 5.4 L, 5.7 L, 6.5 L, and 7.0 L V8 | 3.8 L, 4.1 L l6 | 2.8 L, 3.1 L V6 | 5.7 L V8 | 5.3 L, 6.2 L, 7.0 L V8 | 3.6 L V6 |
| 5.0 L, 5.7 L, 6.5 L V8 | 5.0 L, 5.7 L V8 | 6.2 L V8 |
As you can see, there have been plenty of different options available. Keep in mind that within a single generation, there are still a couple of different models even though the size of the engine is the same. One of the examples is the 5.7-liter engine from the fourth generation — it was available in LT1, LT4, and LS1 versions.
1996 Camaro Supercharger Kit
Now, let’s take a look at a more tangible situation. Let’s say you own a 1996 Camaro. How would you find the right supercharger kit? Once you know the year of your car, everything is a lot simpler. The 1996 Camaro is a part of the fourth generation, and there have been a few minor changes compared to previous models.
| Camaro | 3.8-liter | 200 horsepower | 230 lb-ft | 1996 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camaro SS | 5.7-liter | 305 horsepower | 335 lb-ft | 1996-1997 |
| Camaro Z28 | 5.7-liter | 305 horsepower | 335 lb-ft | 1996-1997 |
If you own a base model of Camaro, there is a 3800 series II V6 engine inside. This is a 3.8-liter version, so all you need to do is find a suitable blower for it. For all other versions like Camaro SS, Z28, or B4C, the engine used was LT1 V8 with 5.7-liters or 350 cu in.
Types of Superchargers
Once you know the type of engine in your car, you can proceed to the next step — finding a suitable supercharger. There are a couple of different models you can find on the market.
- Positive displacement pumps
- Turbo
- Centrifugal superchargers
Regardless of the option you pick, you will get a significant increase in horsepower and torque. Which one you like is up to you, and there’s no wrong answer. Each model comes with its own pros and cons, and it is up to your personal preference to pick the one you will enjoy using.
Are Camaros Supercharged
The next question you might want to know is whether Camaros are supercharged by default. And the answer is no. The Chevrolet Camaro doesn’t come with a blower, except for one series and a couple of special-edition models.
The Camaro ZL1 is the only vehicle that comes with a supercharger, and it is an improved version of the SS series. The ZL1 comes with a 6.2-liter V8, the same engine used for Corvettes. While the previous generation of ZL1 had a supercharger as well, there is a difference between the engines even though they are the same size.
- ZL1 from 2012 to 2015 with an LSA V8 engine
- ZL1 from 2016 with an LT4 V8 engine
Both models are 6.2-liter engines, and they are already supercharged. Other models like SLP Performance ZL550 and ZL575 are limited edition.
2020 Camaro SS Supercharger
If you own a new Camaro, or if you are interested in buying one, superchargers are sold separately for all models not a part of the ZL series. All SS models are equipped with LT1 engines, and they are 6.2-liter V8 engines.
The Camaro SS offers 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Previously, the LT1 could be found in Corvette C7 models, but it was changed in 2019. Today, The Camaro SS is the only model using this 376 cu in Chevrolet engine.
By adding an LT1 supercharger, you can gain up to 60% more horsepower and torque. That’s around 1200HP! with appropriate engine upgrades.
When looking for a supercharger, things are a lot simpler since there is a single-engine option. That means that one blower is suitable for all models from the SS series between 2016 and today.
How to Find the Right Blower
We already mentioned a couple of tricks you can use to find a perfect blower, but let’s take a closer look at some of the things you might need to know. The first thing on the list is to find the supercharger that’s suitable for your car. We already mentioned the type of engine, and once you determine which engine is in your car, you can proceed to the next step.
But knowing which type of blower you can buy is just one part of the equation. You also need to pick the model you like. As we mentioned, each type of supercharger has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, positive displacement pumps are probably the most popular option for drag racing and muscle cars.
How to Install a Camaro 6.2 Supercharger
If you own a Camaro with a 6.2-liter engine, the car is either a part of the fourth or fifth generation. Furthermore, we can also say that the car is a part of the SS series since it is the only model that comes with a 6.2-liter engine.
Once you find a supercharger you like, you can either install the blower by yourself or let professionals do it. While the installation is not as complex as you might think, it is still recommended to leave it to someone who knows what they are doing. For those who are without prior experience, spending a bit more money on the installation might be the smarter option.
What Do They Offer?
The most obvious thing you will get from a supercharger is an increase in performance. And the difference will be more than noticeable. As for numbers, it mostly comes down to the type and brand of supercharger you pick. Some models will add around 200 horsepower, which is a nice addition to an already powerful engine.
Keep in mind that the Camaro SS already has 455 horsepower, and adding 200 more horsepower with a supercharger kit will make a world of difference. Additionally, you will feel better when driving your car. And if you tune everything properly, it will be a lot safer and smoother.
How Is the Chevy 2.8 V6 Supercharger Different?
The Chevy 2.8-liter V6 engine was used on older models of Camaro, and it was in these models between 1982 and 1984. The same engine was also used for the Pontiac Firebird during the same period.
Since this is an older version of the Camaro, you might have problems finding a suitable supercharger. But it is not impossible to find one. The main difference compared to the other versions is that the engine is smaller, and the same will apply to the blower itself. Needless to say, with the engine being less popular, you will also have fewer options when looking for a blower.
Camaro Engines
The most important thing when picking a supercharger is to know the type of engine. Is it a small-block Chevrolet engine? LS-based? Or something else? It is obvious how every company designing cars went through a process of finding a perfect engine.
With older models, we have numerous options; with the newer ones, you will have to do more digging. The main thing here is that the power of the engine will determine the increase in horsepower and torque. The 1985 Camaro we mentioned offered 102 horsepower, while the 2020 model has 455 hp. Adding 50% more power to both of these engines won’t be the same, and the newer one will always provide better results.
Camaro SS Supercharger Kit
While it is possible to buy a supercharger individually, this is not something we would recommend. It is always better to go for a Camaro SS supercharger kit since it will arrive with all the necessary parts for the installation. Some superchargers require you to replace parts like oiling systems, pumps, coolers, and others, and you won’t need to order them separately if you go for a kit.
This applies to both installation methods as well. Even if you don’t plan on installing it on your own, the professionals will still need to order additional parts if you want everything to work as intended.
Is Supercharging a Camaro Worth it?
Yes. There is a reason why so many owners are looking to supercharge their cars. And this is not relevant for Camaros only. Superchargers are the most efficient and simplest way to increase performance and make your car run better.
Since blowers can add over 60% more hp, it is something that works great regardless of the engine power and size. Even if you own an older model, you will still gain a lot from installing a blower. So, the only question here is whether you can afford it. If the answer is yes, then supercharging your Camaro is an excellent idea.