Model year · Second Generation
1971 Camaro
Compression falls for unleaded
Compression drops across the range to prepare for the coming unleaded-fuel mandate.
1971 brought the emissions era to the Camaro's engine bay. To let engines run on the low-lead and unleaded fuel mandated for 1972, GM cut compression across the board: the Z28's Corvette-derived LT-1 350 fell from 11.0:1 to 9.0:1 (330 hp gross, about 275 net), and the SS big-block dropped from 10.25:1 to 8.5:1 (300 gross / 260 net).
The collectible split-bumper RS look continued. A quick way to date a 1971 car: its front-fender emblem reads simply “Camaro” — 1970 was the only year it read “Camaro by Chevrolet.”
Engines
- LT-1 350 V8 (Z28) — 330 hp gross / ~275 net; compression cut to 9.0:1 for unleaded fuel
- 396/402 big-block V8 (SS) — 300 hp gross / 260 net; compression 8.5:1
Identification
- Split-bumper RS front end continues (1970–73)
- Front-fender emblem reads “Camaro” (1970 was the only “Camaro by Chevrolet” year)