Sixth-gen Camaros are some of the best-kept secrets on the streets these days — especially if you spring for the ZL1 variant. With 650hp from the factory on tap, thanks to its supercharged 6.2L LT4, the potential for increased power is substantial. While many might overlook the output thanks to the Hellcat Hemi and GT500 Mustangs of similar vintage, the Camaro is a lighter, better-balanced machine than both of those cars — especially compared to the Challenger.
This particular example rolled up to Florida High Performance in Pompano Beach recently, looking for an output increase with the help of select choice speed parts, and the insight of FLHP’s Erik Bentley. The stock blower is a great piece, but it has its limitations, for sure. Now, there’s a few options to choose from, but the weapon of choice ended up being a 3-liter Whipple supercharger.
It’s an incredibly impressive unit, but thee are one or two drawbacks from choosing this blower. Mainly, it’s due to fitment. Thanks to its unique but performance-focused design, it needs spacers in the from tengine cradle, and a new carbon fiber insert for the hood to allow clearance. Naturally, this adds to the cost, both in terms of the cut itself, as well as any potential labor costs. But according to Erik, it’s a small price to pay for what you’re getting.
Adding in a Katech throttle body, Kooks long-tube headers and exhaust, and a head and cam upgrade package, the power shot up to 801whp 762 lb-ft, up roughly 260hp and 205 lb-ft of torque to the rear tires, from its baseline Dynojet dyno pull. This was achieved with standard 93-octane and 14-15psi. of boost. Other mods have been thrown into the mix, too, like a Mighty Mouse oil catch can for good measure, and of course, a tune.
While there are faster, and higher horsepower examples out there, this particular ZL1 lends insight on what can be done with a select parts that work in harmony together.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
