what exactly are all the differences in the Z28 and the SS? and would it be cheaper to buy a Z28 and make it into an SS, hood and decals and all engine mods or just buy an SS?

 

The differences are suspension, hood, spoiler, wheels, and badges. Buying a real SS is most likely cheaper than making one die to the fact that they are all in the used market now. This means that the price gap has closed. If you find a Z28 you like, I would go with a cowl or Ultra Z hood myself. It would be more unique. If you put SS badges on a Z28, you will get a lot of criticism because it is not really an SS, and you are making it out to be.

 

Like said above, dont badge your car as an SS if its not. Be proud of what you have, whatever it may be.

This isnt really a topic of which one is better, but let me throw my two cents in. I, and most of the SS owners I know paid the extra money just to have the name SS. I dont even like the effin barely functional hood. But I had the extra money to get the best, so I did. Most z28 owners will say its a waste of money, and for them it would be, but even though I will change half of the SS options Im still glad I got it.

My .02

 

The performance difference between both cars is barely noticeable.

The SS will hold its value better than a Z28 will, though.

 

I would say you can do it either way. Just find the price you like best. I got the ss because i like it better after test driving both a z and the ss. Plus i liked the hood scoop and exhuast better. It is completely opinion but i like seeing the scoop when im driving Plus it has a different exhaust tone that i like. But the biggest thing that stood out was the handling. I like the ss supension and tire setup better

 

I really wanted the wheels, tires, suspension, and style of the SS. Actually I wanted a WS-6 preferably, and a SS was a compromise I could handle. The SS came along first in the price range that I could handle. Consequently I brought it home.

 

I would stay with the Z and put Ultra Z parts on wing and hood and decals. I know you cant get ss parts from slpengineering without a vin #. Like grille mats, dash plaque and all the small things to make it truly an SS. Also my insurance is 1200 and year more than a Z28. I was getting new insurance ( i got some points ) and with out my vin # in it was 4500 and with my vin # in to show it is an SS it was 5700 a year. I also heard unless they have the suspencion upgrade the suspension is almost unnoticeable. But If you wnat the recognition of having an true BEAST get the SS.

 

That sux! I bought my SS from the dealer brand new (kinda...500 miles). The dealer hadn't sold it in a while and decided it was a good idea to drive it back and forth to work while waiting for a buyer. Dealer perks I guess. Anyways, my SS shows up as a Z28 on my insurance card. So, there's no difference in my rate. I wonder why your insurance co. charges more?

 

Mine shows up as a Z28 on the insurance card also.

Adam

 

I drive a 99 Z and i never test drived an ss.......how much faster is a stock ss compare to a stock z??? i heard from other people that the ss will burn the Z. The SS has 20 more hp, is that a big difference?


In my opinion i would not try to clone the SS.
Just like the other replies, go with the ultra z hood or the cowl hood and a aftermarket spoiler and slap on some bad azz GFX. In fact, im in the market right now deciding on what hood will be perfect for my z.

 

You're getting screwed on insurance buddy. Your car should read as a Z28 on your insurance card. Z28 is a model, and SS is a option not model. Your insurance compamy is futzing with you.

 

it is not better. it is the exactly the same thing with a few more options. it isn't any faster. its comments like that that makes other ss owners look like idiots who think that we are better than z28 guys. it is the same car.
btw i have been flamed buy z28 guys in another thread for having a real ss, and they kept saying **** like we think we are better than them. that is why i gave you a minor flame.

 

maybe 1 tenth of a second in the 1/4 because of the "free'er" flowing exhaust, and the near worthless ram-air.
i wouldn't say it would burn a z. i bet a 02 z would beat a 98 ss, stock for stock. once we start changing stuff, it doesn't matter which one you have. all mods will make the same on both.

 

I could be wrong but I'm guessing that w/o the vin, your insurance company was thinking it was a 6 cyl.

I can't see a $1200 difference between a Z and an SS...but between a Z (or SS) and a 3.8, I definitely could.

BTW, $5700 a year is insane. I'd be selling my car if my insurance were that high...or I just never would've bought it.

 

I think the insurance difference depends on what state you live in. I know when I was going through the details of finding the best plan they asked if it was a standard, z28, or z28 SS. I live in NY real close to NYC and Insurance here sux. It is so high where I live that I had to shop around just to get the a price of about 5000 a year. But that is the downside to livin in NY. The first place I talked to wanted almost 8000 a year and I have no tickets or accidents. the lady was shocked when the computer brought up the the figure. Had I lived 30 mins north of where I do full coverage would have been like 2500 a year.


But anyway like I said I guess it all depends on where u live.

As far as the z28 into ss, I wouldnt do it just on the basis that I am and always was a chevy enthusiast. I drive a 99 z28 everyday and have a 1968 SS for a weekend car.