Chevy Camaro Sets New Quarter-Mile Record with Four-Cylinder Engine at 9.768 Seconds

Chevrolet’s four-cylinder Camaro is a rare sight, which is why a recent video from ZZPerformance, a Michigan-based shop known for its work on small-displacement General Motors platforms, caught many by surprise. The shop’s motto, “Go Fast, Not Broke,” aligns perfectly with its latest achievement: helping a customer from Iowa set a new quarter-mile record in a turbocharged Camaro.

The car blazed down the track in 9.768 seconds at 137 mph, smashing owner Jake Starr’s previous record of 9.92 seconds. The record-breaking pass took place at US 131 Motorsports Park, where ideal conditions—including a prepped surface, sticky Mickey Thompson Type R tires, and a quick reaction at the starting line—played a crucial role.

Engine and Performance Upgrades

ZZPerformance had Starr’s Camaro on the dyno in October, where it produced 593 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 511 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. The powertrain features an upgraded Xona Rotor 7164 turbo with a 3D-printed exhaust manifold and a Tial 38-millimeter wastegate. Additional upgrades include XDI injectors, ZZP sixth port injection, an SMG auxiliary pump, and a ZL1 low-pressure fuel pump.

The engine block received a slight overbore of 0.25mm to accommodate ZZP forged 86.25mm pistons. The valvetrain was enhanced with new valve springs and stage two cams, while sturdier head studs, stronger balance shafts, and an ATI dampener were also installed.

Transmission and Drivetrain Modifications

For the transmission, Fisher Built reinforced the 8L45 unit for drag duty—a modification described as a world-first for the platform. Power is sent to the wheels via a limited-slip differential and Camaro SS axles.

Wheel and Tire Setup

Starr’s Camaro rolls on 17-by-4.5-inch front wheels and 15-by-10-inch Billet Win Lite rear wheels, wrapped in 275/60 Mickey Thompson Type R tires. The car also features a pair of carbon fiber doors, ready to match the front fenders.

Factory Specs vs. Modified Performance

GM’s original LTG 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which powered the Camaro, produced 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. While it had a torque advantage over the discontinued V6, it lagged behind the Ford Mustang EcoBoost, which delivered 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

GM has since introduced a larger 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder in models like the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado, generating up to 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. However, the LTG and the newer TurboMax share little in common. The question remains: what could a 2.7-liter turbo four achieve in a Camaro? If Chevrolet reintroduces the four-cylinder option in the seventh-generation Camaro, enthusiasts may soon find out.

About ZZPerformance

ZZPerformance is a Michigan-based shop specializing in high-performance modifications for small-displacement General Motors platforms. Known for its expertise and innovative solutions, the shop has earned a reputation for pushing the limits of what’s possible with GM’s smaller engines.

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