Back on the road, though, it was easy to forget this disappointment as the car made up for it with its many OEM-like features. Take, for example, the dual clutch package (PN 60020A), which uses a ZR1 pressure plate and discs as the basis for a chatter- and rattle-free driveline that requires no extra pedal effort. The coilover (PN 70032A) and sway bar package (PN 70040A) also had a decidedly OEM feel, yet clearly more firm and precise than the stock pieces they replaced (much like the short-throw shifter). And of course, there is no clearer example than the 6-piston Brembo GT front brake package (PN 70050A), which gave not a squeal but produced impressive stopping distance and fade-free performance lap after lap. Last but not least, one of our favorite things about this car, which happens to be one of the only things on it that are not in the catalogue (borrowed from the ZL1 program), is the forged 20x9 and 20x10.5-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires. They were the final piece of the puzzle, which made the SLP Camaro a true winner in the handling department. On our road course at Gainesville Raceway, which usually does not benefit such a heavy and powerful car, the SLP Camaro was blazingly fast, running a 1:06.67, and was extremely rewarding to drive. Despite its 255/40/20 and 295/35/20 Pilots, we just kept begging for more grip, only to come up short (a usual occurrence on this track).
Overall the SLP Camaro is the best looking and most refined project car they have churned out (that we have tested) to date. Contrary to the implications of its predatory stance and slick roll bar, which worked with the bolt-on subframe connectors (PN 70805) to keep the chassis extremely tight, it is a streetcar thru and thru that you wouldn't think twice about taking on a road trip or daily driving. Yet it has four forward gears of terror (six total) that can rattle your fillings with 644 ft-lbs of torque at the wheels. It seems funny to think that having too much power could actually be somewhat of a knock on the car, but that is its biggest issue with drag racing (at least on street tires). However, this sort of power delivery is exactly what makes the car so fun to drive on the street. The same can be said about any of its shortcomings really. Clearly SLP is determined to build products for the average consumer that makes no compromises for street driving.
Engine: 427cid, GM LS7 block, SLP/Manley forged rotating assembly, 10.82:1 compression, SLP LS3 heads, SLP 214/230 duration (120 LSA) hydraulic roller camshaft
Supercharger: SLP TVS2300, 10psi
Fuel system: SLP 80 lb/hr injectors, Boost-A-Pump, stock fuel pump
Engine management: Stock, tuned by SLP Performance
Exhaust system: SLP 1.75-inch long-tube headers, X-pipe crossover with high flow cats, Loudmouth II axle-back
Drivetrain: SLP dual-disc clutch, short-throw shifter, Extreme Duty axles
Suspension: SLP coilovers, swaybars, subframe connectors
Brakes: Brembo GT 6-piston, 15-inch front; stock Brembo rear
Wheels: SLP forged 20x9 front, 20x10.5 rear
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 255/40/20 front, 295/35/20 rear
Average G through skidpad: 1.00