2002 Chevrolet Camaro 35th Anniversary Edition — 4th Gen SS

2002 Chevrolet Camaro 35th Anniversary Edition (4th Gen)

Historical Context and Development Background

The fourth-generation Camaro (1993–2002) closed with a flourish: the 2002 35th Anniversary Edition, a limited run celebrating three and a half decades of Chevrolet’s pony car. By the late 1990s, the Camaro had migrated to the all-aluminum LS1 V8, bringing Corvette-grade performance to an attainable price point. The 35th Anniversary Edition sat at the top of that pyramid, packaged exclusively on the SS and assembled with SLP Engineering’s hardware contributions—functional hood, revised induction, wheel/tire package, and optional suspension and exhaust upgrades.

Visually, the 35th carried a signature livery: Bright Rally Red paint with a silver heritage graphic that transitioned to a checkered motif over the hood and decklid, specific 17-inch 10-spoke wheels, and commemorative badging inside and out. Interiors featured embossed/embroidered logos and unique trim treatments. Underneath the theater, the fundamentals remained the proven F-body formula—front engine, rear-drive, a torque-arm live axle out back, and a stout LS1 up front. The edition arrived into a competitive landscape dominated by Ford’s contemporary Mustang GT and Cobra, Pontiac’s sister Firebird/Trans Am WS6, and, internally, a Corvette that shared engine DNA. In period road tests, the 35th SS consistently delivered performance parity with or superiority over the Mustang GT and a character distinct from the IRS-equipped Cobra.

Engine and Technical Specifications

The 35th Anniversary SS leveraged the updated LS1 introduced for 2001 with an LS6-derived intake manifold and revised camshaft/PCM calibration. Chevrolet rated the SS at 325 hp, reflecting the freer-breathing induction and SLP exhaust options available from new.

Driving Experience and Handling Dynamics

In the best fourth-gen tradition, the 35th Anniversary SS is defined by its torque-rich midrange and the immediacy of a cable-actuated throttle. The LS1 pulls cleanly from low revs, with a tangible surge past 3,000 rpm that builds to the 6,000-rpm neighborhood without drama. The Tremec/BorgWarner T-56 six-speed offers long gearing—70 mph is relaxed in sixth—yet first through third deliver authoritative acceleration. The optional 4L60-E automatic trades a final degree of involvement for consistent launches and ease in traffic.

Steering is rack-and-pinion quick, with weighting that grows naturally off-center. The SS-specific suspension and optional SLP/Bilstein package rein in body roll and sharpen transient response without compromising the car’s long-haul ability. The live axle’s behavior is honest: it rewards smooth inputs on imperfect pavement and pays dividends in traction under power, particularly in a straight line. Brakes—large front discs with dual-piston PBR calipers—offer reassuring bite and fade resistance for spirited road work.

Full Performance Specifications

Variant Breakdown (Trims/Edition Details)

“35th Anniversary Edition” refers to the limited-production SS package for 2002, built in both coupe (T-top) and convertible forms. All 2002 Camaros feature a small 35th badge to mark the model year, but the distinctive red-with-heritage-stripe cars are the Anniversary SS package.

Ownership Notes: Maintenance, Parts, and Restoration

• Service intervals: quality synthetic oil and filter changes at sensible intervals; long-life spark plugs typically rated to ~100,000 miles; coolant (Dex-Cool) and brake fluid on time/mileage; differential and transmission fluids refreshed periodically (shorter cycles for track use).
• Known wear points: window regulators/motors, T-top and hatch seals, clutch hydraulic components (heat soak on manuals), rear axle (10-bolt) fragility under repeated hard launches on sticky tires, front sway-bar/endlink bushings, and general fourth-gen interior trim squeaks/creaks as the cars age.
• Engine durability: the LS1 is robust when kept stock or near-stock, with cold-start piston slap on some engines considered a characteristic rather than a failure. Cooling system health and clean grounds/ignition are key.
• Parts availability: strong OEM and aftermarket support for chassis, drivetrain, and cosmetics; 35th-specific items (striping, badges, unique wheels, embroidered trim) are available as licensed reproductions, though original SLP components and CME hardware are prized.
• Restoration difficulty: moderate. Driveline and suspension are straightforward; body and paint require care to correctly replicate the heritage graphics and finish. Factory documentation (window sticker plus SLP options sheet) materially helps value.

Cultural Relevance and Collector Standing

As the final salute of the fourth generation, the 35th Anniversary SS occupies a clear niche with enthusiasts: authentic limited-edition cosmetics paired with the most developed LS1 mechanicals of the era. The model figured prominently in period comparison tests, track days, and grassroots drag racing and autocross, where the torque-arm chassis and LS1 flexibility proved their worth. Collectors favor low-mile, unmodified, well-documented coupes and convertibles, with SLP options (Bilsteins, CME, Hurst) adding desirability. Relative to standard SS cars, the Anniversary package commands a noticeable premium. Public sales have shown wide spreads based on mileage, originality, and documentation, with exceptional examples achieving strong five-figure results.

FAQs

What distinguishes the 35th Anniversary Edition from a standard 2002 SS?
Unique Bright Rally Red paint with silver/checkered heritage striping, commemorative badging, embroidered interior details, and specific 17-inch 10-spoke wheels. Mechanically it’s an SS with the LS1 rated at 325 hp and SLP-authorized options available.

How many 35th Anniversary SS models were built?
Chevrolet’s plan called for approximately 3,000 Anniversary SS units across coupes and convertibles. Registry data documents just over three thousand combined across U.S. and Canada.

What engine is in the 35th Anniversary SS?
An all-aluminum 5.7L (346 cu in) LS1 OHV V8 with an LS6-style intake and factory rating of 325 hp in SS form.

Is it reliable?
Yes, when maintained. The LS1/T-56 combination is durable. Expect typical fourth-gen wear items (window regulators, seals) and pay attention to clutch hydraulics on manuals and the 10-bolt rear axle if the car sees hard launches.

Manual or automatic—what’s quicker?
Instrumented testing typically places a well-driven 6-speed ahead of the 4L60-E from a dead stop, with the auto offering consistency. Both are capable of low- to mid-13-second quarter-mile passes in stock trim under favorable conditions.

Do all 2002 Camaros count as “35th Anniversary” cars?
All 2002s mark the 35th model year, but only the red, striped SS models with the commemorative package are the official 35th Anniversary Edition.

Where do values sit relative to other fourth-gen Camaros?
The Anniversary SS typically carries a premium over a comparable standard SS, especially with low mileage, original paint/graphics, and complete SLP documentation. Options like the Center-Mount Exhaust and Bilstein suspension strengthen appeal.

Any common modifications to avoid when shopping?
Long-tube headers without cats where emissions compliance matters, gear swaps without proper calibration, drag-radial abuse on the stock 10-bolt, and non-factory paint/stripe reproductions. Unmolested cars with their original SLP equipment intact are most desirable.

At-a-Glance Tech and Performance Summary