Im going down to look at a 2002 Z-28 where do I look to find if it has the performance axle option. And is it really worth having that option. Is there a big performance difference between 2.83 and 3.23 gears.

 

It should say in the vin number somewhere, I think. Also, I think thicker Z-rated tires came with that option. There probably won't be that much differenc between the two gear ratios...but the tires will help.

 

Look below the door latch on the drivers door. There will be a tag with several rows of three digit option codes. Each of the three digit codes tells you what equipment was used when building your car. All Z28s come with a posi rearend as standard so you don't have to worry about that. Some of the more common codes are:
1SD prefered equipment group which includes keyless entry, cruise, theft alarm,fog lights, electric mirrors, power locks, windows, and drivers seat, leather steering wheel, shifter ****, and parking brake handle
C49 rear window defogger
WU8 SS package
NW9 traction control (ABS)
CC1 t-tops
AR9 leather seats
GU2 2.73 gears
GU5 3.23 gears....This is the code you are looking for.
GU6 3.42 gears
QLC high speed rated tires, which includes an aluminum driveshaft
U1S 12 disc CD changer
BBS Hurst shifter
1SC code for a stripper Z, a lightweight car with very few options

Good luck with your car buying. You will absolutely love a LS1 engined car

 

The 3.23 gears are a big deal. Mainly there is a big difference in performance. All things being equal, a car with 3.23 gears will run away from a car with 2.73 gears. The GU5 option code with the QLC high speed rated tires will also get you a larger 3 series carrier in the rearend, an aluminum driveshaft, and the speed limiter will be set to a much higher speed.

 

Thanks for the replies no luck today, The only one out of the three that had the upgrade was a stripped out Z-28 no power anything. It had dings all the way down it and a flowmaster muffler. It was a 2002 with 14,000 miles for only $16,000. Unfortunatly this car was beat to crap. When I started it every check light came on. ABS, SES, Check Engine. The car just felt real loose like it was falling apart. Better luck hopefully tommorow.

 

That's supposed to happen. It's only a problem if they stay on.

 

Nope, unfortunatly it stayed lit up like my christmas tree. That car has problems. It hauled *** though. But my old 97 Camaro just felt a little more tighter. The dealer said they would have everything fixed since it still has factory warranty. Thats just not a good sign to me since the rear tires are bald and it has a flowmaster already. I think that car has been driven pretty hard.

 

You have the right idea, just take your time and find a really clean car at a reasonable price. It may take a month or two but you'll eventually find a car you can really be proud to own. The good news is that as the weather gets colder the prices on sporty cars always drops.

 

if it was a stripper model you know its had the dogpiss run outta it. you prettymuch had to special order a stripper model and ppl do that for 1 reason...... WEIGHT

 

I don't know if you're set on a Z28, but you could expand your search to include Formulas.

 

Im also a fan of the Trans Am but I only have 20,000 to spend and I must buy a 01 or newer. Trans Am seems to be a little to expensive out here they I have yet to find one for under 21,000. Im looking for a clean SS but Ill take a clean Z-28 for the right price and options Im looking for.