I just purchased a 1999 Camaro SS. It has an LS motor. The 99 Camaro SS is rated at 325 bhp. The 99 Corvette is rated at 350 bhp. I assume the difference is due to the programing in the engine management computer. Typically, because of Federal regulations, this is accomplished by means of a chip.

1) Is this a correct assumption?
2) If so, does anyone know if there is a chip available to increase the bhp?
3) If not, does anyone have advice, other than air breather and cams to easily increase bhp, without having to do any extensive alterations. I would like to be able to return the car to stock, without doing a lot of work if I want to.

Thank you for your time and assistance. [/align]
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1) That is a false assumption, the LS1 in the Camaro was underrated in it's factory numbers to make the Corvette owners happy, they have the exact same motor in them and make the same power.
2)Chips don't work for our cars, they have a reprogrammable PCM so you can just get it tuned. Most "chips" that you see for our cars trick the car into running rich for a short amount of time, then the PCM adjusts the fuel trims to get it running normal again and your "chip" is useless.
3)Check out the sticky at the top of the 4th Gen section titled "Where to Start Modding" It should give you some good basic information and if you have questions on specifics you can ask and get them clarified.

 

I don't know if his question was really answered i.e. what are the factors in the Vette having 25 more HP? Better air intake? Other factors? I am curious...

 

I think it was answered very well. The camaro and corvette have the SAME drivetrain, SAME computer, etc. The engines perform exactly the same, but GM rated the camaro at a lower horsepower, because corvette owners feel the corvette should be more powerful than the camaro. There are NO factors in the vette having 25 more hp...it's like false advertising.

 

In all actuality the Corvette may have a slightly upper hand (for sure not 25 HP upper hand though) because it does have a better flowing exhaust system. Other than that they're the same. The Corvette is going to be faster mainly because it's considerably lighter.