I'm just curious as to what makes the SS different than the Z. I'm not looking for any smart a** answers and I don't care which one is better, I just can't seem to find out what slp does to the z to make it a SS? I know the obvious...hood, spoiler, rims, ect. but waht about suspention, exaust, things like that if any? Thanks

 

The early SS was about heavy duty components but had engine options. I do not want to get too specific here but general rule of thumb is, SS got 12 bolt and heavy suspension and engine options suited to owner. The Z/28 was heavy duty, like the SS, but engine specific to allow homoligation for Trans Am racing. That package included disc brakes, a manual 4 speed was the only trans available. This pertains to first gen primarily. Second gen, trans am rules changed to allow mfgrs to destroke production engines to fit the 5.0 liter max. The extra torque brought along automatic trans, and air conditioning. Late 2nd gen cars had only suspension and wheel upgrades. Third gen, Z28 was more a marketing tool and the SS was added as a marketing tool for the 4th gen. The ILE versions were somewhat purpose built but only had suspension upgrades and some small changes to allow for better handling. I hope this VERY GENERAL sumation helps you understand the differences.

 

I think he meant more pertaining to the 4th gen.
Well, its going to get said so i might as well say it, do a search...this topic comes up every month.

SS, Stiffer suspension, better brushings bars etc.
Auburn rear end (optional)
Power steering cooler (standard)
18" wheels, available in chrome
slightly better exhaust over Z28 (BASE model) optional exhausts are CME, D/D
rear deck mat (optional)
floor mats (optional)
key fob (optional)
dash plaq (optional)
"Ram Air" hood, (lT1 SS's had a functional ram air hood LS1's didnt, more of a cold air intake.)
they 330 and 345 hp packages were just a Black wing lid and D/D exhaust or CME exhaust. Nothing more. All LS1's were rated at 345hp at the fly. Not 320 like gm tends to portray.

HTH

 

as from above
but I dont think 18" wheels were offered.

Standard 16" wheels are whats on a Z28
17" was the size for the SS wheels.

larger sway bar up front.

Power steering cooler was only an option on earlier 4th gens and was standard on some LS1's like mine as I forget the year they started.

LT1 and LS1 hoods both did not have function.. more looks..

 

Standard:
-Visual stuff (obvious stuff)
-exhaust
-stiffer suspension (shocks and springs included on 98 to early 00.
-3.23 gear option is standard on the autos
-Hurst shifter if it's a manual???

Optional/upgrades:
-SS chrome ten spokes or chrome ZR1s
-dual dual exhaust or center mounted exhaust (I think part of one of the exhaust options includes a SLP air lid.)
-key fobs and dash plaque
-floor mats and rear deck mat
-car cover
-synthetic fluids
-Bilstein suspension
-SS grill
-Auburn differential

 

Great, thanks, I have been looking for info on this but found nothing credible. I'm just trying figure out what mods to start with and why my '98 SS has a single exhaust. The person who owned the car before me doesn't seem to be the moding type (I actually got the car form a dealership that knew the owner of the car and described her to me?) Is this a factory thing in 98?

 

SLP installed the TOTL (Two On The Left) exhaust on many early SS cars. It was just what the name says... Two exhaust pipes side by side, on the left side if the rear.

 

Is it possible that somebody along the way swithched tips? Mine is actually a single pipe (looks like a 3") all the way back to the muffler and a single pipe comming out with a single chrome tip, no slash. no name stamp and the welds look factory. Does this sound like the TOTL? is this a crappy exhaust system?

 

If the muffler has a single outlet it is not stock. All V8 f-body cars had dual outlet mufflers stock, even the TOTL system.

 

98 SS's and WS6's came with single outlet exhausts.

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...=single+outlet

 

I was unaware of that. Thanks for the correction.