 |
|
|
Fourth gen 1LE story There is a lot of mystery surrounding these cars, and I hope to clear some of it up. This page will be an ongoing effort to sort out all the facts from all the mystery. Please send comments/suggestions/additions to chuckb@1le.net
|
||
| 1993 brought the LT1, 6 speed and stiffer fourth gen chassis into the 1LE history. Unlike the thirdgen 1LE, the fourthgen had the same brakes as the other V8 F-bodies. The suspension was the main attraction in '93. Featuring stiffer springs at 360# linear springs up front and 130-160# progressive springs in the rear. Also included was a 21mm rear sway bar, 32mm hollow front sway bar, higher durometer control arm & panhard bushings and a solid rubber transmission mount. All '93 F-bodies with a V6 received the 275 hp LT1. Performance was the sole purpose of the 1993 1LE.
These cars were sold without power accessories, T-tops or air
conditioning, and aluminum drive shaft that was part of the thirdgen 1LE
package is mysteriously gone in '93. Shock absorbers were DeCarbon with
1LE specific valving. 19 Camaro Z28's & only 3 Firebird Formula's were equipped with this option in 1993. 1994 & 1995 are the same as 1993 with a couple exceptions. The LT1 was converted to sequential mass air fuel injection from the batch fire speed density system used in 1993 and the rear sway bar was reduced to the 19mm bar used on all V8 F-bodies. 1995 cars sold in California were equipped with dual catalytic converters and power increased to 285 hp. In 1994 135 Camaro Z28's and no Firebird 1LE's are built! In 1995 106 Camaro Z28's and 2 Firebird 1LE's are built. 1996 brings many changes to the 1LE option. First is the introduction of Koni yellow double adjustable shocks on all four corners. Next was the introduction of sophisticated OBDII diagnostics in the cars computer. Dual cats become standard and power is up to 285 hp for the Z28 and 305 horsepower for the WS6. The only way to order a 1LE Firebird in 1996 is to order the WS6 ram air package. Also very noticeable is the standard air conditioning on all F-bodies including the 1LE. Prior to 1996, air conditioning was generally not available on a 1LE. In 1996 55 Camaro Z28's and 10 Firebird 1LE's are built. 1997 brings many cosmetic changes to the Camaro. New 5 spoke wheels and redesigned taillights being the most obvious. A new dash similar to the Trans Am and a swing out cup holder compliment the interior. Mechanically they are the same as 1996. In 1997 48 Camaro Z28's and 14 Firebird 1LE's are built. 1998 brings even more changes to the Camaro lineup. A completely redesigned front end and all aluminum LS1 engine rated at 305 hp in the Z28/Formula/Trans Am and 320 hp in the WS6/SS bring in the 1998 1LE. The consensus is that the LS1 is grossly underrated from the factory with many making 6 speed cars making 300+ rwhp stock. With drive train loss that is about 350 base horsepower. Bigger brakes are standard on all V8 F-bodies and an aluminum drive shaft is standard on all 6 speed cars and automatics with the optional 3.23 gears. In 1998, 99 Camaro Z28's including 3 SS 1LE's and 14 Firebird 1LE's are built. 1999 is almost the same car as 1998 except a few minor changes to the LS1 with little or no effect on power. The fuel injector size was reduced from 26# to 24#, the coil packs for the ignition were redesigned and the cylinder heads are slightly different. The 1LE suspension is the same. GM discontinues this option in mid 1999. In 1999, 82 Camaro Z28's are built. 2001 SLP brings back the 1LE option on the Camaro SS and Firehawk. It includes Koni double adjustable front and rear shocks. Front upper and lower control arms are tightened up with stiffer rubber bushings. Hollow 35mm front sway bar significantly reduces body roll. Includes revised end links, reinforced body mount brackets and firmer bushings. Rear lower control arms with firmer bushings reduce wheel hop under heavy acceleration. Larger 21mm rear sway bar and bushings decrease body roll. Also includes Koni shock adjustment tool. Click here for 2001 specific information. Official production numbers are pending, but SLP has leaked that 11% of 2001 Firehawk's were built with 1LE. 2002 promises to be the same as 2001 and possibly the end of the F-body/1LE saga.
|
