1977 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7L V8 3AT RWD (185 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In the spring of 1977, Chevrolet’s fans were delighted to find out that the bow-tie brand revived the beloved Z28 version of the Camaro, and besides the engine, the rest of the upgrades were significant.

Chevrolet introduced the Z/28 nameplate (later just Z28) in December 1966 as a special performance package that customers could order for the first generation of the Camaro. The evolution of this version was related to the Sports Car Club of America rules, which mandated that cars competing in the Trans Am series should have engines with up to 302 cu-in (4,998 cc). However, Chevrolet had only smaller or bigger powerplants. As a result, its engineers came up with the brilliant idea to mix the 237 V8 engine block with other internals and headers, resulting in the 302.4 cu-in (4,955 cc) powerhouse. Fast forward to the second generation of the Camaro, and the Z28 was still available. However, in 1974, Chevrolet pulled the plug on that version since it was too expensive to own due to skyrocketing insurance prices. Nevertheless, the car was a gas-guzzler, and after the 1973 Oil Crisis, fuel efficiency became an issue for most drivers. Then, because of added rules and regulations about pollution and the use of low-leaded or unleaded gasoline, the Z28 was dropped. And then, in 1977, Chevrolet brought back this version.

At the front, Chevrolet replaced the previously used chromed metallic bumper with a body-colored one that sported a rubber stripe. The main grille was made from urethane and was flanked by parking lights that doubled as turn signal lamps and the main headlights. These were installed in deep individual scoops, like the one for the 1974 model year. A new hood with a power dome on it was available for the Z28. Lower, under the bumper, the automaker added a second air intake that expanded the cooling area.

The low-slung profile of the second generation of the Camaro made this pony car stand apart from the rest of the vehicles. Customers could opt for front fenders with fake louvers emphasizing the car’s sporty character. A set of Z28-specific body-colored seven-inch wide 14-inch wheels was fitted as standard. Chevrolet offered the car in five colors: white, silver, light blue metallic, bright yellow, camel metallic, and red. One of the exterior features unavailable for the previous Z28 versions was the T-top roof, which quickly transformed the coupe into a vehicle that offered an open-top driving experience. The removable glass panels could be safely stored in a special compartment in the trunk. At the back, the automaker installed new taillights with the same rectangular shape as in the 1974 model year, albeit with three colors.

Inside, there were many upgrades for the vehicle. One of the most significant was the tilt steering wheel that could be adjusted in six positions, easing ingress and egress for the driver. The instrument panel that fronted them was utterly new. It had a rectangular shape and integrated the speedometer, the tachometer, the ammeter, the coolant temperature gauge, the fuel level, and an electric clock. Besides the power steering and power brakes, the 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 could also be ordered with air conditioning and power windows.

Under the hood was the already famous 350 V8 engine. However, due to stricter emission regulations and the forthcoming CAFE regulations that were due to come into force in 1978, power was down to 170 hp (172 PS) or even 160 hp (162 PS). The latter was for vehicles fitted with the high-altitude emission package. The powerhouse was paired with a four-speed manual transmission as standard. As an option, customers could get a four-speed close-ratio gearbox or a three-speed automatic one.