Performance Ratings

• The factory-installed 427 cubic inch V-8 was factory rated at 425 hp at 5,600 RPM. The torque capabilities were an impressive 460ft. lbs. at 4,000 rpm. With this big block L-72 V-8, the Yenko Camaro could run the quarter-mile track in 13.5 seconds at 102 mph. This was a full two seconds faster than the meaty 302 V-8 installed in a 1969 Z/28 Camaro, a staggering advantage by racing standards.
  
  

Engine Specifications

• A muscle car enginecar engine image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
  
  The 427 cubic inch 8-cylinder engine, also known as the L-72 engine, was installed directly at the factory. The cast iron block could produce up to 450 bhp at 5,000 rpm. Its specific output was 64.31 bph per liter. A four-barrel 800 cfm Holley carburetor fed the engine. The power to weight ratio was 324.91 bhp per tonne. Air intake and cooling was increased with the cowl hood and the heavy-duty four-core radiator.
  
  

Transmission

• While most Yenko Camaros feature a manual transmission, there were a few made with automatics. Yenkos with the highest performance were those with manual transmissions because so much power is lost with an automatic transmission. The Muncie M22 manual 4-speed transmission featured quick shifting capabilities. Its high gear ratio transferred lots of power with each gear change.
  
  

Suspension

• Increased performance required other aspects of the auto to be augmented to a heavy-duty version. The standard rear axle was replaced with a 12-bolt housing and a limited slip differential. The rear brakes were stock drum brakes, but Chevrolet required the front brakes to be upgraded to power disc brakes for increased stopping power. Special springs and shocks were added along with a 13/16-inch front stabilizer shaft.
  
  

Background

• As a racer, Don Yenko understood all of the qualities needed to convert a car from a cruiser to a racer. He recognized that additional modifications were required beyond just a larger engine. With this racing background he was able to place specific Central Office Production Order to achieve the results he wanted. He completed the enhancements with customized paint and trim to create a car unmatched on the street or in the showroom.