1971 Camaro

Chevrolet's power-team charts show the lower-compression, lower-output engine range that prepared the car for lower-lead fuel. The Z28 LT-1 is listed at 330 hp gross/275 hp net and the nominal “396” big-block at 300 gross/260 net, demonstrating why gross and net figures must not be compared without labels.

RS, SS, and Z28 remained distinct choices; the factory sheets are the correct starting point for determining which combinations were orderable.

Why it matters

RS, SS, and Z28 remained distinct choices; the factory sheets are the correct starting point for determining which combinations were orderable.

Engines

• The factory range spans the 250 six, 307 and several 350 V8 calibrations, the Z28 LT-1 350, and the 402-cu-in big-block sold under the established 396 name. Exact output is configuration-specific.

Identification

• The factory model and option pages retain both the standard full-width-bumper nose and Rally Sport's urethane-surround/split-bumper treatment. A split bumper is evidence of Rally Sport equipment, not evidence by itself of Z28 or SS power.

Open questions

Research basis

Sources are linked at the page level so the model-year claims can be checked against their research foundation.

• 1971 Chevrolet Camaro Vehicle Information Kit GM Heritage factory archive