Is the V6 really a cheaper alternative?
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 250
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From: Miami
Is the V6 really a cheaper alternative? Ok, this has had me wondering since they announced it. Aside from the lower cost of the less beefy drivetrain, how much cheaper can a v6 with DOHC, VVT, and Direct Injection really be compared to the LS3? I mean, add it up: Cost of 4 separate camshafts compared to 1, VVT gear, High pressure fuel pump for DI, all the extra pieces that go along with that, is this really a cheap engine for this car? Yes it has less aluminum and two less pistons but manufacturing costs have more to do with casting and machining than raw materials for an engine. Not to say I don't like the choice, I think they need this to be competitive in today's market for V6 cars, just wanted to get some thoughts on this. I will be getting the SS anyway so I guess it does'nt really matter.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville, FL
I'm leaning towards purchasing a V6 after seeing the HP numbers. Chevy has been very adamant on saying the Camaro will be priced similary to the Mustang. So if this is true you should be able to purchase a fully loaded V6 for mid to high 20's. I'm guessing the SS would be in the mid 30 range
Current starting Mustang pricing:
Base V6: $19,995
Premium V6 $22,085
GT $26,775
Premium GT $28,725
Current starting Mustang pricing:
Base V6: $19,995
Premium V6 $22,085
GT $26,775
Premium GT $28,725
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 250
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From: Miami
I think the V6 will be a nice combo, especially with the 6 speed gearbox (either one). You won't have the aftermarket or simplicity to modify for more hp, but for a lot of people that setup will be plenty of power. That was sort of my point, that if you get the V6 for near the mustang v6 price you are getting a lot of technology for the money. I think the success and performance of the V6 combo is critical to the car's survival, that is why I am excited to see GM pull out all the stops on the base model camaro.
Teching In
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10
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From: henderson, nv
When i saw the hp numbers for the v6 and its supposed to be priced closely to the mustang it sold me on the idea of getting a new camaro instead of an import. It also helped me convince my wife that it would be a great weekend car for us. Just gotta keep the T/A running till its released.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 661
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From: Shreveport,Louisiana
Do ya'll remember how the 3.8ltr V6 in the F-bodies got 30MPG & would run circles around 6 cylinder Mustangs ? That didn't seem to help the Camaro survive . Also , look at the rated gas mileage difference between the V6 Camaro & the V8 . Not enough to sway many people away from the V8 is there ? Many are going to find out that our old F-Body Camaro's & Trans Am's weren't so bad after all . Bang for the buck , thats what its all about. Its Horsepower & gas mileage stupid . Period !
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 250
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From: Miami
Actually, I would argue that the styling is what turned people off of the Camaro's in the 90's, and the fact that they revised only the front end in '98, where mustang did full refresh in '99. I think you are right though, it is not all about performance for most people, but it does bring interest from some of the import crowd that the V6 camaro can compare to other performance V6 coupes. I think now they have the performance and the fresh look to sell in decent numbers.
Banned
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 886
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A car today needs more than hp and mpg to sell. Looks, drive, ride, handling, performance, cost, and safety, all add up to how or if a vehicle sells.
The old Camaro didn't sell because Chevrolet dealers didn't stock the car. Didn't stock the correct car. The passenger foot area had that friggen hump.
The car rattled the day it came off the truck. **** poor quality. GM offered SLP. Charging twice the cost to the customer for average performance adds. Few people could drive the car. Too many crashes - INSURANCE costs went up. the cost to own the car was too much.
Now, have a nice day 
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TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,798
Likes: 16
From: St.Charles MO
The 2010 V6 Camaro will at least have good build quality, superior suspension to the Mustangs, decent brakes, and be an overall sharp looking car. And since it has the Holden underpinnings it will be nice to drive, unlike the 4th gen V6 cars...
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
From: Shreveport,Louisiana
Hell yeah you should be in here . If the ricer's & mustang fan-boys can be welcome certainly a brother Camaro owner can . And don't listen to that old dude "jakes dad" ,I've seen some damn nice examples of V6 Camaro's .
Thats because the V6 fbodies were sloppy cars that offered no performance to speak of, and there was no real reason to buy one other than exterior looks, which were still pretty blah.
The 2010 V6 Camaro will at least have good build quality, superior suspension to the Mustangs, decent brakes, and be an overall sharp looking car. And since it has the Holden underpinnings it will be nice to drive, unlike the 4th gen V6 cars...
The 2010 V6 Camaro will at least have good build quality, superior suspension to the Mustangs, decent brakes, and be an overall sharp looking car. And since it has the Holden underpinnings it will be nice to drive, unlike the 4th gen V6 cars...
While it's true that the 4th Gen V6 does lack in the performance department, remember when it first came out with the 3.8l it was pretty much best in its class as far as HP and price....they do make good DD and I enjoy mine...looks great and gets me around...but i do wish i had a V8 lol.
Banned
Joined: May 2007
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Jakes Dadp.s. As far as ANYONE listening or not listening to my comments. In many cases I have an opinion. Read it form your own conclusion.
Jakes Dad 
As far as appearances, the only differences between V8 and V6 Camaros was the exhaust tips and you couldn't get the black pillar on V6's.
Sounds like you never drove a V6 F-body, especially the ones with the Y87 package, which had virtually the same brakes and shocks as V8's, and handled better IMO than V8 F-bodies. V6's could hang with unmodded Mustang GT's of the time. IIRC, one reason why GM killed the F-body was because it would have cost too much to update the 10 year old design to meet new fed standards, as well as slow sales.
As far as appearances, the only differences between V8 and V6 Camaros was the exhaust tips and you couldn't get the black pillar on V6's.
As far as appearances, the only differences between V8 and V6 Camaros was the exhaust tips and you couldn't get the black pillar on V6's.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,798
Likes: 16
From: St.Charles MO
I've driven quite a few actually, couldn't tell you what suspension packages they had but all were sloppy cars, more so than my when my WS6 was stock. Too much roll, and obviously inadequate shocks, "V8 shocks" or not, twitchy, lack of feel, sloppy.
While the build quality, handling/braking and comfort levels (and price 
) of the new car will certainly exceed the 4th gen LS1 cars, it's straight line performance and fuel economy might not.That being said I do still LOVE the new Camaro and believe it will be a success and a total blast to drive.
Maybe some, but certainly not all.
I bought my Z28 hardtop brand new and it's still drum tight, free of squeeks/rattles and spot on reliable/dependable even almost 9 years later...and it's been lightly modified and raced too, a stock one would be doing even better!
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
I love the new v6 camaro and I like it thats in the line up but I also wanted a real cheap version of the v6(a real cheap low hp v6 with crappy suspension) camaro so it could sell more.So they can compete with the v6 mustangs...who knows maybe the price gap will be narrowed with the new mustangs....ooo yeah november 19th the mustang is reveled OMG.
....ooo yeah november 19th the mustang is reveled OMG. 
Staging Lane
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Anderson, IN
If they put that V6 in enough cars, it will be cost effective.
My V6 Camaro has only had one problem and that was an 02 sensor at 90k miles, even better it was cheap to replace. No noises, very smooth ride. Did I mention it makes a great winter car (skills!).
I never had a problem with the V6's performance till I drove a Camaro with an LS1.
It's very hard to climb back into the V6 after driving the SS.
I still to this day get compliments on my V6 whereever I go. You just have to order the right stuff and keep it clean!
Key Points:
-Keep it clean inside and out!
-When ordering the car, keep in mind that people will see your interior too.
-Col. Sander's first name is Harland.
-V6s are great cars too! ...Just not as great as the V8s! (If you can spring the extra bucks for the V8, it's worth it. You wont notice the difference in fuel cost... I haven't)
My V6 Camaro has only had one problem and that was an 02 sensor at 90k miles, even better it was cheap to replace. No noises, very smooth ride. Did I mention it makes a great winter car (skills!).
I never had a problem with the V6's performance till I drove a Camaro with an LS1.
It's very hard to climb back into the V6 after driving the SS.
I still to this day get compliments on my V6 whereever I go. You just have to order the right stuff and keep it clean!
Key Points:
-Keep it clean inside and out!
-When ordering the car, keep in mind that people will see your interior too.
-Col. Sander's first name is Harland.
-V6s are great cars too! ...Just not as great as the V8s! (If you can spring the extra bucks for the V8, it's worth it. You wont notice the difference in fuel cost... I haven't)
