i want to get a 98-99 camaro/trans am ls1 for my next car. i was wondering if there is some things to look for when i am buying one like common problems and abuse. i am completely new to the f-body cars. can someone tell me what some of the numbers /letters mena like z28/ws6/ss/ws6/m6..ect.... if anyone can think of other thinks that i should should know dont hesatate to tell me. thanks, jake

 

Z28 = V8 Camaro
M6 = 6 speed manual transmission
A4 = Automatic Transmission
SS = I think its the same as Z28?...correct me if im wrong someone..

 

is the ss/ws6 the same but one is a camaro and other is trans am

 

**** I'm Da Same.....But I Got Thru It.....And I Think And SS Iz Not Tha Same It's Just That An SS Has 30 More HP Than Tha Z28 I Think

 

You type in Ebonics?

Jake,
If you search, there have been lengthy discussions on this subject of the differences between a Z28~SS~Formula~T/A~WS.6. I think you can find what you need pretty quickly by doing a search. Personally, for me it becomes a looks issue, as performance is about the same for all LS1 cars.

From my own personal experience, buying a used 4th gen isn't much more difficult than buying ANY used vehicle.

Look for obvious signs of wear:

Take the car to a trusted mechanic if you need help judging the car.
Depending on where you buy it, see about a service agreement or warranty.
Do not settle on the first car you see. Look around.
Do not be afraid to pay more for a better car.

Hope this helps, and welcome to the site!

 

The SS is pretty much the same as a Z28, just with the hood, and you could order different options for it, but not all SS's have 30 more HP than a Z28. That's more for to boost sales of the SS than anything else.

 

Yes .

The SS is the Camaro (Super Sport).
WS6 is the equivalent Trans-Am.

Contrary to popular belief the F-body's are a very reliable car,I use mine as a daily driver and it lives outside all year.
Body rust wll not be a problem as most of the panels are plastic,which is a definite plus if your car has to live outdoors.
Try and find yourself a low mileage stock example with full service history and you won't go far wrong.
These cars are not as hard to work on as some people will lead you to believe .
All the best,Mark.

 

On paper, the SS has more HP, but on the dyno, they put up about the same as a Z28. The SS was mainly an appearance package upgrade.

 

i was told at the dealer in 99 that the difference was the exhaust. and the exhaust gave the SS the 27 extra horse... they were probably full of BS though

 

haha 27 etxra hp yea i think they were full of it....

if u can get a looksy at the under carrige and def under the hood...

 

there's the base camaro with the v6, the camaro rs which is the same only an appearance upgrade, the z28 with either the 93-97 lt1 motor or the 98-02 ls1 motor, then theres the ss with the 98-02 ls1 which on the dyno will have about 15ish more hp than the z28. firebird is the camaro and rs, trans-am or ram-air is the z28, and ws6 is the ss. welcome and dont let people fool you into thinking these cars break alot and are hard to work on, trust me i used to think the same

 

Do not forget the formula, it looks exactly like a v6 but has a v8