This spring i intend to buy an LS1, but I don't know whats the major differences between the Z28 and SS models. Anyone care to elaborate?

 

Also. Forgot to add the fact that I'm also looking into a 2005-2006 GTO.

 

Please do a search. This subject has been discussed many many times in here.

 

(My specs may be a bit off, if so just correct me... I'm not perfect.)


Z28

Z28 actually has what may be called 'progressive rate' bump stops in the rear.
Z28 may weigh a little less due to not being so loaded
No numbered build
Z28 Spoiler
Some MAY have different 1LE suspension parts.
THe Z28 is the only Camaro (FWIR) that came as the B4C, and the Z28 is the only Camaro that had the FULL 1LE option, no badges, better rate springs, better susp bushings.

SS

Numbered Build
SS may have about 10-15hp more (cam and valve springs)
2002 SS's have spun out 400 FWHP, know as factory freaks.
SS's typically come loaded
Some SS's have different exh options, like they did in 02 w/ the SLP options.
Some 2002 SS"s Had the CME Exh
Some have 1LE suspension parts, not full though.
SS Spoiler

The only real differences are the SS's have all the bells and whistles, the Z28 is an economical performance type vehicle. A V8 and that may be it. Although my 2000 Z28 is loaded. It has everything except leather and a Numbered vehicle build.

I think it's just a matter of preferences. Hope that helps..

 

The red text is totally untrue.
And SS had available upgrade suspension packages.

 

Ok.. Cool... My bad.. I know there are different cams between 99-00 and 01-02.. I thought some of the 02 cars got a LS6 cam by 'accident' and the blue stripe valve springs, that may have been CC springs.

Anyway.. I stand corrected.

 

Some of the O1 and 02 got an LS6 block. But it has been proven not to give any performace.. SS for LS1 f-bodies is only a appearance package.. The extra HP you might get from the hood and exhasut isnot worht noting IMHO..

 

^the SLP CME Exh my buddy has on his 02 is a Hooker. He never changed it and it came from the Factory SLP options.. Exh has been proven to add a couple HP, even w/ just a CB. the hooker muffler flows pretty well.

Granted the hood doesn't ADD hp, but it helps the engine ingest cooler air.,

 

the SS also had bilstien shocks and SLP springs

 

That was an option also so don't expect this on all SS's.


The CME exhaust SHOULD be an SLP dual/dual muffler (which looks a lot like a Hooker muffler in shape) but has the CME tips. Not all SS's came with the SLP exhaust though.


On a base model SS...so this would be on ALL SS's. Yes there will be other things depending on years, but this should cover all of the LS1 years. The things that I can think of that are different are the hood, spoiler, badging, 17" wheels, Z rated tires standard equipment (also an option on the Z) which means you don't have the low MPH speed limited tune, power steering cooler (at least on 99 up models IIRC), supposedly the shockes were revalved but I'm not sure about that one, Hurst shifter on M6 models (different than the aftermarket one, but still better than what is in the Z), on A4 models 3.23 gears were standard (optional on Z28, w/2.73 as standard), different less restrictive muffler, different tips and thats pretty much all I can think of.

Its a little more than just an appearance package. Many things that were upgrades on the Z were standard on the SS. Plus you could upgrade things on the SS that you couldn't on the Z. The SS isn't faster than a Z28 w/the same options. If you want the fasted production model, look for a stripper version of a hard top Z. It'll be faster because of less weight.

That said, get which ever one you get the best deal on and like. Once you start modding it doesn't matter what the car came with.

 

01-02 got the LS6 intake and clutch and some got the LS6 blocks as stated. They had a smaller cam than the 98-00 models, but a more agressive tune (more timing advance or so I've been told) and larger injectors. 98 had 28.8lb, 99-00 26lb, and back to 28.8lb for 01-02.

Blue stripe springs are Comp 918's and would be overkill for a LS6 cam. Especially since GM would have had LS6 springs at their disposal.

 

Suspension, exhaust, wheels, etc.

Nothing that can't be added to a Z28 in aftermarket besides exclusivity.