camarosource

Rather confused:

I'd very much appreciate some comments on the subject.

I am trying to determine the Standard Powertrain (Engine, Trans, and Axle) for the 1998 - 2002 SS's (and Z28) and have come up with quite a bit of a headache from the conflicting information. :-)

Using the following resources (Online, various Camaro books, magazines, GM Restoration Kits, and brochures).

[1998]

1. Most indicate that for 1998 the automatic 4-speed became the standard for Z28 (Previously 6-speed manual).
- The 4-speed would be teamed to a 2.75 axle

However for the 1998 SS some indicate the 6-speed manual with 3.42 was standard and others indicate the same 4-speed/2.75 (Same as in the Z28)
The confusion lies in where the same sources indicate this different trans/axle for the Z28 and the SS yet there is no indication that I could find that would indicate the transmission/rear axle was changed with the 1998 WU8 "SS Package". I would assume the "Standard" for the 1998 SS would be that of the standard for the Z28 (4-speed/2.75) and not a 6-speed Manual/3.42) since it's based off a Z28.

[1999]

1. A split seems to indicate for 1999 the Z28 again had the 4-Auto and 2.75 axle (However others indicate the 6-speed manual/3.42 was standard for the 1999 Z28)
Again various online and printed material are conflicting also for the 1999 SS where some indicate the 4-speed/2.75 and others 6-speed manual/3.42 was standard (even tho they may indicate the 1999 Z28 powertrain could be different from the SS). Again seeming to indicate the 1999 SS received an automatic (pardon the pun) trans/axle change ? Seems incorrect as again no mention found of such changes.

[2000]

1. Exact same conflicting information as with 1999

[2001]

1. Exact same conflicting information as with 1999

[2002]

1. Exact same conflicting information as with 1999

Does anyone know for certain what is the ACTUAL correct STANDARD Trans/Axle for the Z28 and SS's. Thanks.

It's amazing how even GM print conflicts much of the time. (Some rather careless typo's)

Mr99SS

my 99 SS Camaro I bought new vert m6 has 3.42
my 99 z28 auto hardtop has 16 inch wheels look like v6 is auto with 3.23 a4

camarosource

With the SS, did you order a Z28 and add on the SS WU8 option or was it similarily ordered like a seperate model?

If the first, and you ordered a "Z28" with the "SS" option, did you specifically specifically order a 1999 Camaro Z28 with a 6-speed manual and then the axle changed to 3.42 as included with the SS package?

Injuneer

All 6-speed manual cars from 1994-2002 came with 3.42 gears. Didn't matter whether it was a Z28, SS, WS6, Formula, Trans Am, Firehawk.

The 4-speed autos came with a 2.73:1 rear axle, unless a performance package was ordered - GU5 (performance rear axle), B4C (special service = police) or WU8 (SS), in which case the rear axle was 3.23:1

There was never a 2.75 rear axle.

Not sure about which trans was "standard" in the SS after 1997.

camarosource

Yeah I meant 2.73 doh! :-)

camarosource

Does this apply to the various of Pace cars from 94-2002?

Mr99SS

I ordered a 99 SS all 99ss were z28's shipped to slp for mods ... my title says z28

just like title on my 06 trailblazer SS title says trailblazer. I think not sure but after 06 the title says ss where insurance can charge you more

Injuneer

With regard to 4th Gens, 1996-1997 Z28's with RPO R7T were sent to SLP for conversion to SS's. Starting in 1998 the RPO code was changed to WU8 and the majority of the option was installed in the Ste. Therese factory, a temporary hood installed, and then the car was sent to SLP in LaSalle, where the SS hood and spoiler were installed, along with any SLP specific options. "SS" was always an "option", not a model.