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-The 3800 V6 made news in December 1994 when GM announced that the engine would be the new base powerplant for the Camaro & Firebird. Check out the announcement by clicking here (174k). (Clip from "Performance Trends" by John Pearley Huffman. Motor Trend, December 1994, pg. 109)
-In the 1997 Edition of Hot Rod Camaros, the 3800 V6 was named one of the 10 Best Camaro Engines of All Time. Click here for an excerpt (121k). (Clip from "Exceptional Engines: Our Picks For The 10 Best Camaro Engines of All Time" by Miles Cook. Hot Rod Camaros 1997, pg. 74)
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GM Executives
-Even GM executives have recognized the performance potential of the V6 F-Body. In a 1998 interview, John Heinricy (Camaro Chief Engineer) & Dick Almond (Camaro Brand Manager) talked about the possibility of a 1LE-equipped (motorsports package) V6 Camaro. (Clippings from Super Chevy, July 1998, pp. 18-30)
Top 10 reasons on why to buy a V6
Here are 10 Reasons:
1. 200hp/225 ft-lbs. is already potent
2. Plenty of potential (V6 F-Bodies are lighter than their V8 counterparts/A growing aftermarket for V6 perf. parts)
3. Looks.
4. Less $$$ spent on gas
5. People modify imports, why not small displacement American Cars?
6. In other countries, a 3.8L engine is big displacement
7. Plenty of tire burning available in stock camaros.
8. There are several Nitrous-Powered/Supercharged V6 F-Bodies running 13s....Even a few running 12s!
9. 7 sec. 0-60, mid-15 quarter mile times quick enough to keep up with many so called "performance cars" of the late 70s, 80s, and even mid-90s 4.6L Mustang GTs.
10. To do something a little bit different & to have fun in the process.
So there you have it...there are many more, but you get the idea. V6 is a solid performer and I am going to have fun with it. I am thoroughly happy with my 6 banger. Long live the V6s!!!
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As tested in Motor Trend 5/95, (Reprint ID # 7098)
1995 Chevrolet Base Camaro Coupe, 4 speed Automatic, 3.06 Final Drive Ratio/Open Differential, 3800 V-6
-0-60: 7.4 sec.
-1/4 mile: 15.7 sec. @ 88.3 mph
-Braking 60-0: 143 feet
-Lateral Acceleration: 0.81 g
-Slalom Speed: 66.0 mph
-EPA estimated gas mileage: 17 city/ 27 highway
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