Z28 HP vs SS HP

For the 2002 Camaros, the Z28 has 310 HP and the SS has 325 HP. Where does the extra 15 HP come from in the SS? If this is a repost I do apologize.

Thanks in advance, Navin.

From what I've heard from this board, it comes from a free-flowing exhaust and a lid I believe.

I've also heard that all LS1 F-Bodies basically make the same power at the motor.

Usually, any 5-10hp gain from an SS package is outweighed by the heavier wheel/tire combos etc.

GM claims the power comes from a combination of better exhaust which does flow freer but is still not as good as a decent aftermarket catback and the ram air set up which does nothing for dyno HP and really doesnt seem to do much at speed anyway. also the lid was an option. i think if u ordered the lid option u got it rated at 330 or 335 or something. basically all LS1 motors are very close performance wise.

The lid got you 345hp since you couldn't order just the lid without ordering the optional exhaust.

Originally posted by robvas
Usually, any 5-10hp gain from an SS package is outweighed by the heavier wheel/tire combos etc. I am sure the extra tire width makes up for the little extra wheel weight.

The 325hp is from the standard SS exhaust. The SSs with optional exhaust and lid got 345hp.

Don't focus on the factory horsepower "ratings." They're all BS'd.

Originally posted by tailwindxr7
Don't focus on the factory horsepower "ratings." They're all BS'd. Couldnt of said it better myself. F-body ratings for the LS1 were I'm assuming flywheel hp. Most are putting 300+ to the wheels. I'd say watch the Vette ratings and stick to that. Same engine, basically same power is being put out by the F-car maybe a hair less due to better intake/exhaust on the Vette.

To sum it up, SS and Z28 are the exact same car except for a ram-air setup and slightly better suspension that makes little to no difference in a straight line. SS is a Z28 with stuff added on. No more, no less. Z28s are going to beat SSs and vice versa stock for stock.

The wheels are the same height. The 17's are heavier. Extra tire width means more rolling resistance.


Originally posted by 99blackSS
I am sure the extra tire width makes up for the little extra wheel weight.

Originally posted by robvas
The wheels are the same height. The 17's are heavier. Extra tire width means more rolling resistance.

You mean the tires are the same height.

Originally posted by robvas
The wheels are the same height. The 17's are heavier. Extra tire width means more rolling resistance. I think you mean the overall diameter with tires and wheels is the same between Z28 and SS, which is true. Yes, the 17's are heavier. My point is the tires are wider. Wider tires=more rubber on the ground. That's better traction.

Originally posted by robvas
Extra tire width means more rolling resistance.
That's a interesting way of looking at it. Durring normal driving yes, but when racing it's better for traction.

The 17's also have less sidewall flex, which means more traction. Plus more drag up front.

Guys cut 1.8's on the stock 16" tires, so there's not much if any benefit from the 17's. Compare the SS vs Z28 60 foot times.


Originally posted by 99blackSS
I think you mean the overall diameter with tires and wheels is the same between Z28 and SS, which is true. Yes, the 17's are heavier. My point is the tires are wider. Wider tires=more rubber on the ground. That's better traction.


That's a interesting way of looking at it. Durring normal driving yes, but when racing it's better for traction.

Originally posted by robvas
Guys cut 1.8's on the stock 16" tires, so there's not much if any benefit from the 17's. Compare the SS vs Z28 60 foot times.

Maybe with the stock Goodyears. Unfortunately, H-rated Michelin's don't seem to hook up :p

Originally posted by robvas
The 17's also have less sidewall flex, which means more traction. Plus more drag up front.

Guys cut 1.8's on the stock 16" tires, so there's not much if any benefit from the 17's. Compare the SS vs Z28 60 foot times.

Actually, less sidewall flex = less traction in drag racing. It increases tire shock and makes it easier to spin. Thats why drag tires have wrinkle walls.

Any varience between the SS & Z28 at the track is due more to the drivers than anything else.

Originally posted by Greed4Speed
Any varience between the SS & Z28 at the track is due more to the drivers than anything else.

Bingo.

Most LS1's have at least 350HP crank.

Lots of them dyno at around 300rwhp stock.

I just wanted to thank everyone who gave input on this topic. I originally thought that the extra horsepower came from different tuning on the computer. I guess I read way to much into that one.