ORIGINAL: B00SS
ORIGINAL: RLSH700
First of all, there were engines the Corvette had that the Camaro and Firebird never got such as the 32valve version of the 5.7L used in the ZR-1.
Absolutely true. There were different
versions of the engine. But both cars shared the basic engine.
Secondly, the output was consistently lower on the F-body versions. Since you used the LS1 as an example, lets look at the 1998 models. The Corvette LS1 was producing 345hp & 350ft-lbs of tq vs. the F-body twins offered 305hp & 335ft-lbs of tq on the ower models and 320hp & 345ft-lbs of tq on the Ram-Air models. They did offer the same engine just a lower output version. If they offer the LS7, then it will probably be detuned.
Again correct. I certainly did not say the engines were putting out the same horsepower. Corvette buyers would have never gone for that. Most considered them to close as it was.
Actually it is more like this between the F-body twins
Camaro vs. Firebird
Z28 = Formula
SS = Trans Am WS6 package
nothing = Firehawk
I guess the reason I disagree with this is that the Trans AM, even with the WS6 option, was a completely in house GM offering. The Camaro Z28 was also GM in house. But both the Firehawk and the SS were sent to SLP for final upgrades. They were both completed with parts and accessories that were not available at the GM plant. If the Camaro didn't have an exact match up, it would be with the Formula. The Formula, being the no frills version of the Firebird with a V8.
Take a look at the output that the Firehawk limited production models produced vs. the Camaro SS. You can't compare them. The Firehawk consistently produces more hp and tq. The SS models produced the hp and tq that the WS6 package Trans Ams produced. For example, a 2000 Camaro Z28 SS produced 320 hp & 345 ft-lbs of tq, whereas the 2000 Pontiac Firebird Firehawk produced 335 hp & 350 ft-lbs of tq.
Be certain you are comparing the same years here. The Firehawk and the SS produced the same power in a given year according to SLP. Ahhhh but that, my friend, is why quarter mile tracks were built.
Okay, I must say different sources give different numbers for different years which is starting to confuse me a little. I was using a book based on the history of the Firebird during spring break, now I'm using Wikipedia since it is easier. This is what it has to say about the Firebird:
"The LS1 Firebirds, despite their poor sales, were among the fastest ever produced. They featured an all aluminum 5.7L V8 designated the LS1, with 305hp (310 after 2000), or 320hp (325 after 2000) for the Ram Air version. The rare Firehawk model made by SLP and sold through Pontiac dealerships had 330hp (345 after 2000). "
Here is what they had on the Camaro:
"The 2001 Z28 and SS models received the intake manifold from the LS6 (the engine used in the fifth-generation Corvette Z06.) Accordingly, the horsepower rating was increased to 310 for the Z28 and 325 for the SS, although both models remained underrated."
I tried to get this as close as possible but this source is not very good on offering the same information format for each car. It does prove my point though. The SS produces the same hp & torque as the Trans Am WS6 package, whereas the Firehawk numbers claim 345 hp which puts them ahead. You're right that they are both made by SLP, but the Firehawk is still shown to be more powerful.
Another thing is based on what I remember from a 1998 issue of Motor Trend where they compared a Camaro Z28 vs. Mustang Cobra vs. Firebird Formula, they found a 0-60 acceleration times of 5.2 (Camaro) vs. 5.3 (Firebird) despite having the same hp, tq, and transmission. I regret I don't remember the quater mile times, but it is obvious tha