Fifth-generation and early sixth-generation Camaros have shown impressive staying power through the years – with the SS especially popular for its balance of performance and value.
Both Chevy and the SS overcame the odds when Camaros were reintroduced in 2010 after an eight-year break. At the time, GM’s bankruptcy and a worsening U.S. financial crisis seemed to jeopardize the muscle car’s future. But the storied brand and the beloved Camaro emerged – for many, better than ever.
The enduring enthusiasm stems from the Camaro’s powerful engine and aggressive styling. In this article, we’ll look specifically at Camaro SS details and why so many consider it the pinnacle of Chevy’s muscle car lineup. We’ll focus on 2010 to 2020 SS engines, which is helpful if you’re considering modifications to boost performance, planning an engine swap, or looking for Camaro parts.
What Engine Is in the SS Camaro?
In model years 2010 to 2015, the Camaro SS production line engine boasted 426 horsepower (manual) and 400 horsepower (automatic). In 2016 to 2020 model years, the Camaro SS V8 engine produced 455 horsepower (manual and automatic transmissions).
Below, we’ve compiled a look year-by-year at specs for Camaro SS stock engines sold from 2010 to 2020. And lucky for us, it’s not that complicated.
- What engine is in a 2010 – 2015 Camaro SS?
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- Manual: 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine
- Automatic: 6.2-liter L99 V8 engine
- What engine is in a 2016 – 2020 Camaro SS?
- Manual and automatic: 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine
Sixth-generation Camaros shared the LT1 with Chevy Corvettes just as manual fifth-gen SS models shared the LS3 with base model Corvettes (starting in 2008).
Over the years, Chevy rolled out improvements to the Camaro SS, including exhaust and suspension upgrades and optional track packages. But at the heart of what makes the SS special is the V8 engine that rolls off the assembly line ready to sprint a quarter-mile in the 12s. Let’s take a closer look, starting with fifth-gen models.
Fifth Generation Camaro SS (2010-2015)
From the roar of its V8 engine to its sharp handling, the Camaro SS is built for those who crave speed and power. In terms of sales, new SS models made between 2010 and 2015 were particularly popular with drivers looking for affordability mixed with track-like performance.
This generation brought a modern interpretation of the classic Camaro design, blending retro styling with contemporary performance and technology. The SS trim in this generation featured two powerful V8 engines, depending on the transmission choice. Below, we take a look at a few common questions surrounding the SS and its engine.
Is a Camaro SS an LS3?
The fifth-gen SS’s manual V8 powerhouse – the LS3 – produces 426 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a favorite among enthusiasts for its robust performance and responsiveness.
Does the 2010 Camaro SS Have an LS Engine?
Chevy produced Camaros – starting in 2010 and lasting until 2015 – with the LS engine.
Benefits of the Camaro SS 2010 to 2015 LS3 Engine:
- Robust performance and responsiveness
- High potential for aftermarket modifications
- Reliable and widely supported in the tuning community
What Is the Difference Between L99 and LS3?
The LS3 is found in manual transmission fifth-gen Camaros. For automatic transmission models, the fifth-gen Camaro SS featured the L99 engine, also a 6.2L V8 but with 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The L99 included Chevy’s Active Fuel Management technology, which improved fuel efficiency by deactivating half of the engine’s cylinders under light-load conditions.
Sixth Generation Camaro SS (2016-2020)
Diehards were relieved when Chevy shed some bulk in the sixth-gen Camaro, starting with the 2016 model year. The Camaro SS got lighter and more agile, translating to improved overall performance.
2016 – 2020 Camaro Engine Improvements from the LS3:
- Direct fuel injection for improved efficiency
- Variable valve timing for better performance across RPM ranges
- Enhanced cooling systems for increased durability
Under the hood, the SS trim featured an LT1 engine with manual and automatic drivers both enjoying higher horsepower and torque (455 HP; 455 lb-ft torque). This Chevy engine, derived from the Corvette Stingray, provided a significant boost in power and efficiency, thanks to advanced technologies like direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management. In this way, the sixth-generation Camaro SS catered equally to daily drivers and track enthusiasts.
Of course, one reason loyal Camaro drivers and collectors love the muscle car is the relative ease of finding parts for upgrades, repairs, and performance modifications. If you’re working on your Camaro SS engine, it’s best to stick with OEM parts – especially for full engine swaps. At Wade’s Motorsports, we have a large selection of Camaro engines and parts to help you enhance your late-model or classic build. Our drivetrain components and engines are fully tested and OEM parts often come complete from pan to intake. View our online inventory as you shop for your next Camaro SS engine or give us a call and we’ll be glad to help!
