Difference between the Z28 and SS?

I'm doing some research on Camaros, and I wanted to know all the differences between a Z28 and an SS?

So far I know the SS models have the ram air setup, rear spoiler and the SLP exhaust and suspension.

Anything else I'm missing?

Not that I can think of. I think they have different exhaust. The ss has duals right guys?

the SS was practically ONLY appearance-related items....
you can order additional things for the SS, though.. such as center-mounted exhaust, Auburn differential (i think it was), and in 2002 (last year) you could get a performance upgrade.. which increased the car to 245HP, i believe.. it was basically a LID, and i think a catback, maybe one other thing or something, I don't know

245hp....hmmmm??:think:

might be obvious but they had 17" rims and tires too

Originally posted by LqMth
245hp....hmmmm??:think:
sorry, i'm an idiot.. 345

Originally posted by MasterEvilAce
the SS was practically ONLY appearance-related items....
The ones that have more then just bigger sway bars handle quite a bit better then an average Z28.

Mine has:
Cold Air hood
Rear Decklid spoiler
16" ZR-1 style cast aluminum alloy wheels
16" BF Goodrich Comp T/A tires
2 OTL exhaust
Torsen Limited Slip Diff
Hurst Six speed short throw shifter
High flow exhaust manifolds.
Synthetic lube package: Synthetic oil, rear axel lube and semi-synthetic power steering fluid.
Oil cooler
SS emblems replaces Z28 tags.
2 numbered keychains and 1 numbered dash plaque.

The 17" rims and Bilstein suspension is only available on coupes and T-tops.

Sweet... thanks for the info fellas!

What's a LID?

If I think of something else to ask, I will. :)

it's the LS-1 stock air box...... they have better flowing ones....basically a better lid

Hope this isn't thread jacking, it's semi related...
If your planning on putting on a cold air system, and a higher flowing exhaust system (seems that this is what gives most SS's higher hp ratings) anyways, wouldnt a regular z28 be a good/cheaper platform to get about the same kind of power from?(minusing the appearance/cool factor of course)

Originally posted by MrDino
Hope this isn't thread jacking, it's semi related...
If your planning on putting on a cold air system, and a higher flowing exhaust system (seems that this is what gives most SS's higher hp ratings) anyways, wouldnt a regular z28 be a good/cheaper platform to get about the same kind of power from?(minusing the appearance/cool factor of course) Minus the suspension too, but yes, there is not much difference hp wise.

I believe the LT1 Z28s and SSs had a bigger hp gap then the LS1 versions.

Originally posted by 96SSConv#2033
Mine has:

16" ZR-1 style cast aluminum alloy wheels
16" BF Goodrich Comp T/A tires

The 17" rims and Bilstein suspension is only available on coupes and T-tops.


16"??? where did you get those. I've seen only one set of those ever.

17" only on coupe and t-top? I don't think so. SS has 17" on all models i've seen, including convertables.

Originally posted by GoFast908Z
16"??? where did you get those. I've seen only one set of those ever.

17" only on coupe and t-top? I don't think so. SS has 17" on all models i've seen, including convertables.

Ok, here is a direct quote from the window SS part of the window sticker:
16"x8.0" ZR-1 Style Cast Aluminum Alloy Wheels

The one page front and back brochure says 17" with a * that says "Convertible models retain stock Camaro Z28 suspension, receive 16" version of BFGoodrich Comp T/A tires and receive 16" x 8" ZR-1 styled cast aluminum alloy wheels."

If my scanner was working I would scan it for you.

Here is a link to the SLP website with the exact same rims that I have:

http://www.slponline.com/view_product.asp?PARTNUMBER=80068&SHOWIMAGE=On&SHOWEMAIL=Off

I have a '96. '97 and newer may have had the upgraded suspension and bigger wheels.

Originally posted by GoFast908Z
16"??? where did you get those. I've seen only one set of those ever.

17" only on coupe and t-top? I don't think so. SS has 17" on all models i've seen, including convertables.

On 96-97 SS's all converts got the 16" ZR1 wheels. SLP put them on there for a better ride quality (or so they told me). All other hardtops and T-tops got the 17" units.
When GM had more to do with the SS in 98, all SS's came with 17" wheels.
Also 96-97 SS's had a polished lip on the rim. I don't recall seeing anything from 98 on with that. Correct me if I am wrong.

Originally posted by JeffK
On 96-97 SS's all converts got the 16" ZR1 wheels. SLP put them on there for a better ride quality (or so they told me). All other hardtops and T-tops got the 17" units.
When GM had more to do with the SS in 98, all SS's came with 17" wheels.
Also 96-97 SS's had a polished lip on the rim. I don't recall seeing anything from 98 on with that. Correct me if I am wrong.

I stand corrected. :bow: touche
Come to think of it, I've never seen a convert LT1 SS. :cry: I wanna see one.

This is what the camaro SS has over the z28
D/D (optional)
CME (optional)
Spoiler-standard
Hood (not functional on LS1) standard
18 inch zr1 or 10 spoke chrome or not-standard
Floor mats (optional)
deck mat (optional)
auburn rear end (optional)
the 345 hp option which concists of lid, and d/d exhaust or cme exhaust.
335 was the same thing except on a 2000 SS, it went up to 345 on 2001-02

thats all she wrote folks.:cool:

I thought the hoods on the LS1's were functional?

Don't forget, a few SS cars and a few Hawks got the LT4. :)

Originally posted by LT-14me
This is what the camaro SS has over the z28
D/D (optional)
CME (optional)
Spoiler-standard
Hood (not functional on LS1) standard
18 inch zr1 or 10 spoke chrome or not-standard
Floor mats (optional)
deck mat (optional)
auburn rear end (optional)
the 345 hp option which concists of lid, and d/d exhaust or cme exhaust.
335 was the same thing except on a 2000 SS, it went up to 345 on 2001-02

thats all she wrote folks.:cool:

18"? Nope. All were 17" on the SS. You should know that, you have an SS.
non-functional hood? Nope. It did work. Outside air is delivered to the engine via the hood scoop. Now, the horsepower claim because of it may be far-fetched. But the hood is functional, it leads the air to the engine, thus a real scoop. Not like the non-functional scoop on the RAM SRT-10 and the SRT-4, those serve no purpose other than looks.

Those fake scoops serve as an air brake to help slow them down. Don't forget, the Mustang has the same thing on it. :D