Whats up everyone. I'm looking to purchase a camaro here very shortly. I've driven mostly German vehicles (excuse some of my questions) but have always had the itch for American muscle. After doing some research I have decided to go with a camaro with a LS1! I plan on going FI immediately with the car. What is the difference between a Z28 and a SS? Is it purely cosmetic with slight brake upgrades/light engine mods? Recommendations on what year camaro's to stay away from? TIA

Chris

 

Every SS starts life as a Z28.

That said, for the most part, every SS is mainly just cosmetic and exhaust with larger wheels..

The power difference? Virtually none. Seriously. You wont find any difference. What you should do is decide on the look of the car you prefer. If you like the SS get one if you dont care then just settle for the best example you can find of either for the price you want to pay..

Since you are looking at LS1's there really isnt any one to shy away from but the 01-02 models do have a tad more goodies from the factory than the others.. (better injectors, LS6 intake, a better balanced cam for all around power...)

 

But if you're going FI the LS6 clutch and larger (28lb) injectors will be inadequate.

This better balanced cam is a slightly smaller grind found in the 6.0 truck engines. GM switched to it for costs not because it was better. That said, it definately didn't hurt performance any. But saying this slightly smaller cam is better balanced is like saying a 220 grind with less lift and a slightly tighter but still relatively wide LSA is a better balanced cam than a 222 grind with a little more lift and a little wider LSA. There is no scientific comparison when you take into account all the other changes that were made and there isn't really THAT much of a difference in these two cams.
It's the more agressive factory tune, Ls6 intake, better flowing exhaust manifolds, 28 vs 26 lb injectors and other things made the difference, not the cam.

Get which ever one you like and find the best deal on.

This link should help you a bit as far as differences and specs etc:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213148

 

The cam change was to eliminate the EGR. Not to save cost by using a truck cam.

 

Even then it wasn't for more power. And going !EGR would be a cost thing too.

 

In addition, try to avoid the 98s, as the cylinder heads, coil packs, and ECM will all become headaches down the road.