Hey all. I'm new to camaro's and can't find any sites that give specs for Z28 & SS camaro's. I searched with google and went to gm's site and chevrolet's, but can't find any camaro info. I'm wanting to buy a z28 or SS, but want some detailed info on them before I buy.
I've been into jeeps for 4-5 years now, and have a 2000 that I have built up pretty nice over the last few years, but want a sports car. I've decided that a camaro is what I want, but I can't figure out what year would best suite me, as far as power, options, & price. Are there any years from 98 up that I should avoid? I plan to spend around $16k-19k. Any recommendations? Thanks for any input!
Adam

 

You've come to the right place my friend! Just about anything you need to know, you can find out here............you just might have to search around occasionally, or be a little patient?!

Well, if you're looking for a '98 or newer Camaro Z28 or SS, that's good, because they come with the all aluminum, 5.7L / 346cu.in. LS1 V8. GM made the decision to "under-rate" the F-bodies (Camaros/Firebirds) because they didn't want them taking away from Corvette sales, so while the LS1 is rated at 305-310 HP, they actually make upwards of ~350 HP --- the same as the Corvette. This has been proven many time by guys who have dyno'd their cars, and they make 300 + HP at the rear wheels!!! Considering there are always drivetrain losses upwards of ~15% or greater, that means that clearly the engine is making more power than that!

Between all the years of LS1's ('98 - '02) the only changes occured in 2001 when the engine received the same intake as the LS6 (Corvette Z06 engine) and a slightly different camshaft. However, there are really no significant differences between any of the years, and IMO (In My Opinion) you should be happy with any one you get.

**NOTE**: please don't ask "A4 or M6??" (referring to automatic 4-speed or manual 6-speed)..............they are both good transmissions, neither one is "faster", so just get what YOU WANT.

Well, I hope that helps you out a little! Welcome to the board.

 

Get a 98 or 99 with low miles, take the money you saved and use it for mods. If you want nice handling, get an SS, but if you're looking for performance go with the Z28 and MOD it for as much power as you want. ALSO if you are concerned about resale: Def get a 98 or 99 cause these cars depreciate in value quickly, you will go in the hole if you get a newer car. Also SS hold their value better than Z28s and M6s hold their value more than A4s.

 

Thanks, that's the kind of stuff I'm wanting to know. If I get a 98-99 I'll get an SS, should be less than what I planned to spend according to kelly blue book. I really want an M6, all I've ever had is manuals except my work truck. Time to start looking now.

Thanks for the welcome, I'll be around here more I'm sure!

 

Just the other side of the coin here!!! If you follow the same trends that 95% of the F-Bod owners here follow---you'll be doing free mods IMMEDIATELY! '98 &'99 Fs seem to have been tuned a little more rich than the later models which it appears resulted in Service Engine codes showing lean exhaust after the free mods on the later models. I'm not aware that any '98 or '99 owners ran into this problem. Also as far as SS vs. Z28?...that's STRICTLY a visual decision AS I SEE IT, because the suspension can easily be upgraded to match, while you spend good money for the emblems and hood. No flame to SS owners----I really kinda wish I went that direction!!! Just wanted to throw .02 in the kitty.

 

Hey WannaSS, I live in KC and I'm thinking about selling my SS. I don't know if you will be interested in it or not because its an auto. But if you are, just message me back or send me an email and I'll tell you all about the car. Thanks.