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The Ultimate Factory Drag Car Ever: 2023 Chevrolet COPO Camaro

Summary

  • Muscle car enthusiasts oppose the idea of electrified muscle cars, as they value big, loud engines and a bold attitude.
  • The 2023 COPO Camaro offers three engine options, with the most powerful being the 1,004 horsepower ZZ632 V-8 from Chevrolet Performance.
  • The COPO Camaro is a purpose-built race car that is not street-legal and cannot be registered or driven on public roads.

The era of muscle cars is undergoing a revival, with iconic models like the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and now the Camaro retiring their traditional internal combustion engines in favor of electrified alternatives. However, many muscle car enthusiasts believe that the American muscle car culture is defined by powerful engines and an unapologetic demeanor. The idea of electrified muscle cars doesn’t sit well with them.

Despite the mixed opinions from fans, automakers like Dodge and Chevy are considering electric or hybrid-powered versions of their popular muscle car models. Dodge has even hinted at an electric Charger inspired by the Charger Daytona SRT Concept. However, before Chevrolet delves into electric plans for the Camaro, they are giving us one last hurrah with the 2023 COPO Camaro, featuring a powerful 1,000+ horsepower engine from Chevrolet Performance. This car is meant to bid farewell to the traditional internal combustion engine era, alongside the upcoming Collector’s Edition model.

This article is based on information from Chevrolet, GM Authority, and Car and Driver.

RELATED: 10 Things Every Muscle Car Enthusiast Should Know About The COPO Camaro

The COPO Camaro features The Most Powerful Engine Ever Made By Chevrolet Performance

Orange 2023 Chevrolet COPO Camaro
Chevrolet Performance

The COPO Camaro has a rich history that dates back to 1969, when Chevy dealers discovered a loophole in the Central Office Production Order (COPO) system that allowed them to outfit the Camaro with a powerful 427 V-8 engine. This created a high-performance, non-street-legal Camaro that ruled the drag strips. Throughout the years, COPO-branded Camaros have maintained a reputation for being track-focused, high-performance machines that surpass street-legal models of their time.

Like its competitors Dodge and Ford, Chevrolet has race-oriented models for its pony cars, such as the Challenger Drag Pak and Ford GT3 race car. The 2023 COPO Camaro aims to be a fitting farewell to the sixth-gen Camaro, and it will face tough competition from other race-focused models. The COPO Camaro offers three engine options, with the highlight being the 632 cubic-inch ZZ632 V-8. This engine, with an NHRA rating of 1,004 horsepower, is the most powerful engine ever offered by Chevrolet Performance.

ZZ632 Engine Specs

Displacement

632 Cubic-Inches

Bore X Stroke

4.60 X 4.75 Inches

Horsepower

1,004 @ 6,600 rpm

Torque

876 Pound-Feet @ 5,600 rpm

Max Recommended Engine Speed

7,000 rpm

Block

Tall Deck 632 Bowtie Sportsman, cast iron, four-bold main caps

Cylinder Heads

RS-X Symmetrical Port, CNC-Machined aluminum

Crankshaft

Forged Steel

Pistons

Forged aluminum

(Specifications sourced from Chevrolet)

The other two engine options, while not as powerful as the ZZ632, still offer respectable NHRA output ratings. The naturally aspirated COPO 427 V-8 produces 470 horsepower, while the supercharged 350 V-8 delivers 600 horsepower. All three engine options come with the standard TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and Hurst Quarterstick shifter, making for an impressive straight-line performance. It’s worth noting that the COPO Camaro is not street-legal, and its track-only nature is reinforced by the absence of VIN numbers and the inability to be registered in any state.

RELATED: Chevrolet Performance Announces 10 Liter ZZ632 Engine That Produces 1,004 HP

The COPO Camaro ZZ632 Big Block Package Upgrades Power And Aesthetic

The 2023 COPO Camaro’s exterior design resembles that of the current 2024 model. It features unique paint options, including the Vivid Orange Metallic ZZ632 package, which adds special graphics and engine accent coloring, as well as COPO-embroidered seat backs and black bowtie emblems. This purpose-built race car comes with standard weight box, dual batteries, carbon fiber intake, and an optional parachute.

The ZZ632 package includes large Hoosier drag tires mounted on Black Weld Racing wheels, enhancing the drag-racing characteristics of the COPO Camaro. Wheelie bars are also included to prevent front-end lift during acceleration. The two-piece carbon fiber hood reduces vehicle weight, and while the parachute is optional, it adds to the drag race aesthetic and serves as a deterrent for potential challengers.

It’s important to note that the 2023 COPO Camaro is not street-legal. Chevrolet emphasizes this fact and advises owners to exclusively showcase their dragster at the drag strip. The COPO Camaro cannot be registered in any state and is only sold with a bill of sale, without a title. Additionally, no VIN numbers are assigned to the COPO Camaros, solidifying their status as track-only vehicles.

The 2023 COPO Camaro currently holds the title of the most powerful factory-built race car, specifically with the 632 big block engine option. However, Dodge recently unveiled the Hellephant A170 supercharged 426 cubic-inch V-8 crate engine, which surpasses the ZZ632 with a staggering 1,100 horsepower. Although Dodge has not incorporated the Hellephant engine into a factory model yet, there’s a possibility that they may give the Challenger a massive engine boost as it nears the end of its production. Until then, the 2023 COPO Camaro remains the top dog in American Muscle.

RELATED: 10 Muscle Cars Begging For A Hellephant Crate Engine

The End Of The Sixth-Gen Camaro And Future Models

Chevrolet Camaro SS front right
Chevrolet

The sixth-generation Camaro will reach its end with the 2024 model year, concluding a lineage that began in 2016. Chevrolet plans to bid farewell to the beloved internal combustion engine model with a special Collector’s Edition, expected to arrive in late 2023 or early 2024. Specific details about the 2024 Collector’s Edition Camaro have not been confirmed, but it will pay homage to the first-generation Camaro from the 1960s and its original codename, “Panther.”

The Collector’s Edition package will be available for the RS and SS models, as well as a limited number of ZL1 variants. There is currently no official release date or further updates regarding the Collector’s Edition or the future of the Camaro. However, Chevrolet has assured fans that the end of the sixth-gen Camaro does not mark the end of the Camaro journey, hinting at the possibility of a future return, potentially with an electric transformation.

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Why Now Is the Best Time To Get Into Old Muscle Cars

Summary

  • Muscle cars were a significant part of American automotive history from the 1960s to the 1970s, known for their powerful engines and raw speed.
  • The era of muscle cars declined in the late 70s due to factors like the Clean Air Act and Oil Crisis but experienced a resurgence in the mid-2000s.
  • Old muscle cars are now appreciated for their raw power and speed, leading to a growing demand in the market, but they can be expensive to maintain and repair.

Muscle cars were a defining part of American automotive history in the 1960s and 1970s. They were known for their powerful engines and incredible speed, as car manufacturers pushed the limits of performance. However, the era of muscle cars came to an end in the late 1970s due to various factors such as the implementation of the Clean Air Act and the Oil Crisis. The demand for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles led to a decline in the popularity of muscle cars.

In the mid-2000s, there was a resurgence of interest in muscle cars. People started appreciating the raw power and speed of these vintage vehicles and began buying and restoring them. As a result, the market for old muscle cars has seen significant growth. However, it’s important to note that owning and maintaining an old muscle car can be expensive. The cost of parts and repairs can add up quickly, so it’s crucial to consider the financial implications before diving into the world of muscle cars.

Muscle Car Origins

Pontiac GTO Burnout
BoJack/Shutterstock

The origin of muscle cars is often debated, but many consider the 1964 Pontiac GTO to be the first true muscle car. Others argue that the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 had already exhibited the characteristics of a muscle car. These characteristics include a powerful V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, and a lightweight two-door coupe body. The Rocket 88 was not referred to as a muscle car at the time, but it laid the foundation for the muscle cars that would come later.

Muscle Cars Vs. Classic Cars

Blue Chevrolet Yenko Camaro
Mecum

Muscle cars and classic cars are often used interchangeably, but there are some distinctions between the two. Muscle cars are a specific subset of classic cars that are known for their focus on straight-line speed. They typically have a large, high-performance engine and prioritize speed over other aspects such as handling. On the other hand, classic cars encompass a broader range of older vehicles that hold significance in automotive history. This includes luxury cars, pony cars, sports cars, supercars, and muscle cars. So while all muscle cars can be classified as classic cars, not all classic cars are muscle cars.

Iconic Muscle Cars

Silver 1967 Ford Mustang 'Eleanor'
Mecum

There are numerous iconic muscle cars from various American manufacturers. While it’s difficult to crown one as the most iconic, some notable mentions include:

  • Chevrolet: Camaro SS and ZL1, Yenko Camaros, Chevelle SS, and Nova SS.
  • Ford: Boss 302, 429, Mach 1, and Shelby Mustangs.
  • Dodge: Charger, Challenger, Charger Daytona, Super Bee, and GTX.
  • Plymouth: Barracuda, GTX, Roadrunner, and Superbird.
  • Pontiac: Firebird and GTO.
  • Oldsmobile: 442 and Cutlass.

These cars have left a lasting impact and continue to be admired today. Some of them have even appeared in popular movies, further cementing their iconic status.

How Fast Were Old Muscle Cars?

1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Mecum

Old muscle cars were built for speed and could still compete with many modern sports cars today. However, they were not as fast as today’s high-performance vehicles. Most old muscle cars could reach a top speed of around 130 MPH, and acceleration times varied. For example, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 could go from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds and had a top speed of 125 MPH. Another notable muscle car, the Shelby Cobra, was even faster, with some models reaching a top speed of 185 MPH in the 1960s.

How Much Do Old-School Muscle Cars Cost?

Black 1968 Dodge Charger
Mecum

The prices of old-school muscle cars have skyrocketed in recent years. In the 1970s, these cars were relatively affordable, with prices often under $5,000 (equivalent to around $40,000 today). However, events like the Clean Air Act, Oil Crisis, increasing insurance rates, and safety concerns led to a decline in the muscle car market. Today, the prices of these cars start at around $50,000 for those in need of significant restoration and can go well over $200,000 for pristine examples. Some rare and highly sought-after muscle cars have even sold for over $1 million. Despite the high prices, there are still some affordable options available for those interested in owning an old muscle car.

Are Old Muscle Cars Expensive To Maintain And Repair?

Sassy Grass
Bring a Trailer

Maintaining and repairing old muscle cars can be expensive, especially considering their age and the scarcity of certain parts. These vehicles often require specialized knowledge to service and work on, as they do not have modern diagnostics systems. Many old muscle cars still rely on carburetors, which can be challenging to tune and maintain properly. While some manufacturers and aftermarket outlets still produce parts for these cars, finding replacements can be difficult and costly. Therefore, it’s important to factor in the potential expenses of maintaining and repairing an old muscle car.

Is Restoring An Old Muscle Car Worth It?

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
Mecum

Restoring an old muscle car can be a rewarding experience, especially for enthusiasts who have a deep appreciation for these iconic vehicles. Many individuals who grew up dreaming of owning a muscle car can now afford to bring their childhood dreams to life. Restoring and preserving these cars has become a passion for many, driving up prices in the market. However, restoring an old muscle car can also be a costly endeavor, so it’s essential to weigh the financial commitment against your personal passion and love for these vehicles. As prices continue to rise, it’s advisable to start looking for your dream muscle car sooner rather than later.