I am preapproved at my bank for $20,000 I just need to find a car 01 and newer. I found an 02 SS w/ 13,000 miles for 21,000 but the dealer wont budge on the price. I went home pissed last night nothing like getting your hopes up and being shut down. Unfortunatly that is the only SS at a dealer in Arizona. Is it realistic to find a 01 or 02 SS with low miles for around $17,000. Ive found a ton of Z-28 for my price range but Im worried I will just keep wanting an SS and not be satisfied. What are the real performance advantages of an SS over a Z-28. My previous car was a 97 Z-28 so I know the LS1 is a good jump from what I had. After my test drive last night Im completly hooked again. The only reason Im doing the dealer route is because I need to trade my Monte Carlo in. I dont have the patience to sell it on my own.

 

I would say the SS shares about 90% of the Z28's parts. After all, the SS is based on the Z28. From what I've seen on this site, the speed and power differences between both cars are at best very minimal with equal drivers.

I would have liked to buy an SS, but for the price difference and seeing how they're basically the same car, I'm satisfied with my Z28.

Also, from a vandalism standpoint, the Z28 will be less of a theft target than an SS probably will.

 

yeah i agree with sfb. i am happy with my 00 Z. but then again i know what the feeling must be like having an SS. if you look at it your paying a few more grand for just a hood, ram air and emblem. oh yeah maybe a better suspension i suppose. but man i would just get an 02 Z with the lowest miles and just use the rest of the cash on mods...hell yeah...thats even better.

 

Yeah if the dealer is being a dick say screw him. If you plan on modding the car anyways it's kinda moot to get the SS anyways.

 

Try to find an SS elsewhere, and once you do, swing that baby by the dealership and show Mr. Assclown

 

My friend is selling his H/C 99 T/A M6 for $19,500! He is in Tucson, AZ . PM me if you want some more info.

Tony

 

there is no real performance difference between a z and an ss, unless the ss is a 1le or has the upgraded suspension, then there is. if not all it is a hood spoiler and rims. i got my ss cause i like the look of it. if i wanted performance i woudla gotten a z and done it up.

 

 

I got mine for $20,000, they're out there. Just keep looking and don't settle for somthing you won't be 100% happy with.

 

The differences between an SS and Z28 arent that great. Buy the SS if thats the look you like. If you plan on doing mods the Z is the way to. The 2-3 grand difference is 95% cosmetics. Most couldnt feel the difference between a Z and the upgraded suspention if its on an SS. Ive had both and the Z which Ive heavily moded is alot more bang for your $$. Build it your way I say.

 

The SS and the Z28 have exactly the same engine, transmission, rear end, and interior. The SS has a different muffler which may add a few horsepower but nobody keeps the quiet stock muffler anyways. The SS has a stiffer suspension which actually hurts it on the drag strip but makes it handle slightly better than a Z. The SS has heavier 17" wheels but it's tires are 1/2" wider than the 16" tires on the Z. The extra 1/2" of tread width and the few horsepower from the muffler is offset by the suspension and the heavier wheels so in a drag race the winner is a toss up. Don't buy an SS thinking it is faster than a Z28 because it isn't. The SS is a better looking car there is no doubt. But buy a Z, put on some custom wheels, add a custom hood, a lid and a free flowing catback system and you will have a car personalized to your taste for what you would pay for an SS and be faster too.

 

The SS is basically a visual package w/ no real straight line benifits....its no faster then any other simlialr runnin ls1...

 

I found my SS w/low miles for 20k so you surely can find one. Take the chance of selling the car by yourself because then you have more options from individual people not the A$$clown which was mentioned above In my opinion I think it is worth buying the SS over the Z. The SS is a legendary car and where I am from there are only a handful of SS Camaros in a pretty big city, but the Z's are on every corner I look. So if you want to standout or are in doubt, buy the SS because you want no regrets. Besides it looks really cool and you will want to buy the extras that come on a SS, so why not have the authentic.

 

I am pretty new to the LS1 is there anything to look for on the test drive or visually on the engine what are the notorious problems with the LS1. Ive been reading some posts on piston slap is that a plainly obvious noise. Any help on finding a good running engine will be appreciated. I dont know if the LS1 is like the LT1 some were just quicker than others.

 

to each their own.. I didnt get an SS and have never once thought , gee I need one.. I am super happy with my Z.. In fact, my Z is more rare than an SS.. why? because mine is a stripper with T's... My only options are T-tops, Factory Hurst and Leather Steering wheel.. No power anything.. No leather.. The only thing I do want is cruise control and have already bought everything to make it FACTORY cruise control.. hehe

As for speed, its been said.. there is no power or straight line advantage.. as for the turns, it would take an good driver to really show a difference on a course.. Your average person that is only going to autocross it once to see how it is wont see anything..

So its really up to you... as for the dealer.. bypass the sales guy... call the place and talk to the manager or the highest level you can reach.. First start by complaining about the lack of service and how you are a chevy owner but are really thinking of going elsewhere.. Then say that you have all your $ in place and want to get an SS.. ask if one is there.. If so, ask for the cost.. if they tell you 21.. tell them 19K an no more and see if you get any further that way..