Easy Performance Upgrades for Classic to Modern Chevrolet Camaro with K&N

2012, 2013, and 2014 Chevy Camaro ZL1 models with the supercharged 6.2L LSA V8 can be equipped with K&N high-flow air intake number 63-3079 for even more horsepower & torque

Since its introduction for the 1967 model year, the Chevrolet Camaro has been synonymous with power and performance. The Chevy Camaro was originally designed as a direct competitor to the wildly popular first generation Ford Mustang. The meaning of the name Camaro wasn’t officially revealed, however Chevrolet Camaro product managers joked that a Camaro was a small, viscous, animal that eats Mustangs. So began the heated pony car rivalry between blue oval Ford Mustang Fans and Chevy bowtie diehards.

The Chevy Camaro ZL1 is equipped with the Cadillac CTS-V derived 6.2L LSA supercharged V8 rated at 580 horsepower and can receive a boost in power from K&N air filters

After 35 years of continuous production, the Camaro took a hiatus between 2002 and 2010, but when it returned, it came back in a big way. The fifth generation 2010 Chevy Camaro was based off of a 2006 Camaro concept car, and GM Holden in Australia took the lead in developing the all-new Camaro. The fifth generation Camaro takes styling inspiration from the original 1967 Camaro and retains a front engine, rear wheel drive platform, but similarities end there. The standard engine for fifth generation Camaro models is a 3.6L V6 engine. A V6 engine rated at over 300 horsepower should be plenty of power for most drivers. However, Chevy Camaro owners tend to be car enthusiasts, and Camaro people have love of acceleration and speed. This is why the Chevy Camaro can be equipped a 6.2L 426 horsepower LS3 engine, 505 horsepower 7.0L V8, or the Cadillac CTS-V derived 6.2L LSA supercharged V8 rated at 580 horsepower.

The fifth generation 2010 Chevrolet Camaro was based off of a 2006 Camaro concept car, and GM Holden in Australia took the lead in developing the all-new Chevy Camaro

K&N shares that same passion for performance and acceleration which is why K&N makes upgrading performance an easy task. Owners of LS, LT, RS, SS and even ZL1 fifth generation Chevy Camaro models powered by a 3.6L V6, or 6.2L V8 can quickly experience the superior airflow and superior performance of a K&N replacement air filter 33-2434. The unique high-flow cotton air filter media used in the 2010-2015 Chevy Camaro 3.6/6.2L replacement air filter allows these engines to breathe easier. Less restriction and more airflow can result in more horsepower, better performance, and increased acceleration.

Owners of LS, LT, RS, SS and even ZL1 fifth generation Chevy Camaro models powered by a 3.6L V6, or 6.2L V8 can quickly experience the superior airflow and superior performance of a K&N replacement air filter, number 33-2434

For a guaranteed increase in horsepower over stock, fifth generation Chevy Camaro owners should consider upgrading to a K&N high performance air intake system. A K&N air intake system replaces the restrictive factory air filter box, maze of air intake tubing and sound baffling, with a free flowing molded or aluminum air intake tube coupled to an oversized K&N high-flow air filter. 2011-2015 Chevy Camaro 3.6L V6 owners have the option of a K&N air intake with a black rotationally-molded air intake tube 63-3078 or a bright mirror finished mandrel bent aluminum air intake tube 69-4523TP. When installed on an otherwise stock 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 3.6L V6, K&N air intake 69-4523TP, produced an estimated gain of over 15 horsepower.

Since its introduction in 1967 the Chevy Camaro shared a platform with the Pontiac Firebird, however the Firebird did not make a comeback and Pontiac was discontinued that same year

Fifth generation 2010-2014 Chevy Camaro 6.2L V8 owners also have the choice between molded or mandrel-bent aluminum air intake systems. K&N air intake 69-4519TP will increase power and dress up the engine bay with its mirror like aluminum finish. Or for those that prefer a more factory appearance plus extra horsepower, K&N 63-3074 can be installed in around 90 minutes with basic tools. K&N air intake system, 63-3074, was dyno tested and shown to provide an estimated gain of over 18 additional horsepower. The fire breathing 580 horsepower Camaro ZL1 can also be upgraded with more horsepower from K&N filters. Very unique to this application, the K&N 2012, 2013, and 2014 Chevy Camaro ZL1 air intake system is completely made of carbon fiber. K&N felt a car this unique deserved an equally impressive air intake system. Don’t think K&N air intake 63-3079 for 2012-2014 Chevy Camaro ZL1 models is just about looks. When installed on a supercharged 2012 Chevy Camaro 6.2L ZL1, air intake 63-3079 showed an amazing estimated 31.71 horsepower gain and an equally impressive 39.71 lb-ft increase in torque output.

K&N cold air intake, number 57-3010-1, incorporates a uniquely shaped molded air intake tube and places the K&N high-flow clamp-on air filter outside of the engine bay

Production of the fourth generation Chevy Camaro spanned across nine years, from 1993 until production of the Camaro halted in 2002. In retrospect the fourth generation Camaro doesn’t seem overly powerful as the 1993 5.7L V8 engine made less horsepower than the fifth gen Camaro’s V6. However, even at 275 horsepower the fourth gen Camaro had 60 more horsepower and 40 lb-ft more torque than the Fox Body and SN-95 Ford Mustang. 1993-1997 Chevy Camaro 3.4L, 3.8L, and 5.7L models can easily be upgraded in about five minutes with K&N replacement air filter 33-2042. 1998-2002 Chevy Camaro 3.8L and 5.7L owners should choose part number 33-2118 to experience superior airflow and superior performance.

1985 and later Chevy Camaro models with fuel injection, or TPI, including the 2.8L V6, 5.0L V8, and 5.7L V8, will benefit from the superior airflow and superior performance of a pair of K&N high-flow air filters

For a guaranteed increase in horsepower 1993, 1994 and 1995 Chevy Camaro 3.4L owners, as well as owners of 1993-1997 Chevy Camaro 5.7L models, can upgrade to a K&N cold air intake system. K&N cold air intake 57-3010-1 incorporates a uniquely shaped roto-molded air intake tube and places the K&N high-flow clamp-on air filter outside of the engine bay. Reducing intake tract restriction and bringing fresh air into the engine resulted in an estimated gain of 18.3 additional horsepower on a stock 1996 Chevy Camaro 5.7L. 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002 Chevy Camaro 5.7L V8 models can also be equipped with an exceptional air intake system, number 57-3022-2. This K&N air intake uses a uniquely shaped K&N air filter made with carbon fiber, and a unique heat shield to maintain cold air induction as designed from the factory. On the dyno, 57-3022-2 was shown to make an estimated 14.73 additional horsepower at 5,300 RPM on a 1998 Chevy Camaro 5.7L. 1999-2002 Chevy Camaro 3.8L V6 owners also have the option of a K&N cold air intake 57-3041.

In 1985 Chevrolet introduced the IROC-Z Camaro inspired by the International Race Of Champions, this package was later available with a 350 cubic inch (5.7L) tuned port injection (TPI) L98 V8

Introduced in 1982, the third generation Chevy Camaro introduced a number of firsts for the Camaro nameplate. The third gen Camaro was the first to be offered with factory fuel injection, a four-speed automatic transmission, a 5-speed manual Trans, a four-cylinder base engine, optional 16” wheels and a hatchback body style. Early fourth gen Camaro models retained the classic round style air filter, and can be upgraded with a K&N replacement high-flow air filter. K&N air filter E-1450 will fit 5.0L V8 Camaro models with throttle body injection (TBI) or carburetors up to 1992. K&N air filter E-1015 with fit 2.5-liter four-cylinder Camaro models up to 1985 when the engine was discontinued. 1982-1984 Chevy Camaro models powered by the 2.8L LC1 V6 engine can receive a quick boost in performance from K&N air filter E-1030.

In 1985 Chevrolet introduced the now famous IROC-Z Camaro model. The International Race Of Champions inspired package could be added to a regular Z28 Camaro. Later introduced in 1987, and only available with the IROC-Z package, was a 350 cubic inch (5.7L) tuned port injection (TPI) L98 V8 engine. All 1985 and later Chevy Camaro models with fuel injection, or TPI, including the 2.8L V6, 5.0L V8, and 5.7L V8, will benefit from the superior airflow and superior performance of a pair of K&N high-flow air filters. 1985-1992 Chevy Camaro F/I or TPI owners should buy two of K&N air filter 33-2008-1 as these cars are equipped with dual air filter boxes from the factory.

The performance of first or second generation Camaro models can be improved with the addition of a variety of different K&N custom air cleaner assemblies for stock or aftermarket carbs

First generation 1967-1969 Chevy Camaros and second generation 1970-1981 Chevy Camaro models could be equipped with a variety of different engine sizes and carburetor options from the factory. Engine options for the first and second gen Camaro models varied between a 3.8L inline 6-cylinder engine and the legendary all-aluminum 427 cubic inch (7.0L) ZL-1 engine option for the 1969 model year. 1970 Chevrolet Camaro spec sheets and even sales brochures listed two 454 cubic inch V8’s, the LS6 and LS7, as an available option. However, it appears that a 454 cubic inch second gen Camaro never made it into factory production.

Introduced in 1967 the Chevrolet Camaro, now synonymous with power and performance, has always been Chevy’s answer to the wildly popular Ford Mustang

Because of the large number of engine, carburetor and performance packages offered during first and second generation Chevy Camaro production, it’s best to use the K&N vehicle search tool to find the specific stock replacement air filter needed. Of course, the performance of any of these six cylinder, or V8 powered early Camaro models can be improved with the addition of a variety of different K&N custom air cleaner assemblies designed for stock 2-barrell and 4-barrel carburetors as well as aftermarket 4-barrel carbs.

To find additional K&N air intakes and air filters for your Chevrolet Camaro please visit the Chevrolet Camaro Air Intakes and Chevrolet Camaro Air Filters pages.