What differences are there between the stock z28 and ss package in 2002? I was going to spec my car to that of an ss and wondered what upgrades were necessary to do so.

I have already replaced the air box lid with an slp. also sfc from umi, and 35 22 sway bars. just seeing where to go from here.

 

difference is mostly cosmetic. Hood, rear spoiler, and 17" wheels. other possible upgrades were slp options, IE center exhaust, suspension, etc.

The 98's SS's got better shocks, and a single outlet exhaust too. Later cars didn't get the better shocks, unless ordered that way.

 

Thanks for the help

 

Rod hit it on the head except for the exhaust. All SSs had an SS specific cat back (basicly just a different muffler/tailpipe)

 

All SS's had 3:23 gears while the z-28 had 2:73 gears with the 3:23 as an option. Also the SS had 325 hp and the z-28 had 310hp. I can post all of the differences if you need them. There are more than what's stated above, but yes mostly cosmetic.

 

Ya i was mainly interested in the differences in the induction/ exhaust. I was wondering how and where they found fifteen extra hp. im guessing they have a different tune

 

pretty sure the tune is the same.

on average, none of the ram air, SS, or firehawk cars performed any better than the rest. except for maybe the difference the biggger tires made.

 

You are correct they performed the same as the rest as long as they had a 3:23 rear end. My friend has a 2001 z-28 with a 2:73 and their is some noticeable difference when we both take off at the same time. Not so much difference with a 3:23 car.

The SS hood is what makes the extra 15hp. As far as the tune I always thought they were the same.

 

I believe the sway bars are different too. The SLP air box used was the blackwing which is no longer available I believe

 

I dont believe any of the "cold air" IE ws6, SS, or firehawk cars make any more power than their regular brethren. (unless they have the diff airbox or catback).

The airboxes aren't sealed. I think the 15+ hp difference is all marketing. heck, GM could pretty much say that any LS1 vehicle made up to 350hp. The crate motors do, the gto's do, etc.

I ran my friend with a 98 WS6 T/A when I had my 98 Z28 from like 30 or 40 to about 150. both 6 speed cars. he might have had his airbox + hood sealed then too. We were door to door the whole way.

and yeah, Im throwing out the auto 2.73 geared cars. BUT some of those were damn quick too. Depending on the surface, they are just a bit softer on the hit, and might not spin as much, negating any accelleration difference due to gearing.

 

No internal difference in the engine- cam, valves, etc- If you read the fine print, the extra HP came from differences in the intake and exhaust, i.e., CAI and a cat-back. Things that most owners did to their cars anyways. No difference in the tune, either.

Much of the differences in the exhaust, suspension, so on were optional- they even had differing levels of SS- but it was mostly an appearance package, 17" wheels, taller spoiler and hood scoop.

Actually, if you wanted some of the better suspension pieces, get a B4C Camaro, the police model. They used lots of 1LE suspension bushings, sway bars and stuff. Built to be run hard and fast all day. And the WS6 package for the Firebird had some better sway bars, springs and shocks in it. Lots of upgraded parts available, if you look around.

 

Just want to make a note that I was talking about an Auto car with the gears. I think a 6-speed had 3:42's.

 

The HP ratings were purely marketing IMO- can't rely on dyno tuning exclusively. There is no standard from one dyno to another and things such as atmospheric conditions can change the results as well- not to mention some cars seemed to leave the factory a little stronger than others.

As far as the SS hood giving it 15hp- no way. The 'curly-q' intake routing on top of the motor isn't exactly ideal- not to mention it isn't sealed and there are baffles in it to prevent water from entering the motor.

Car and Driver did a 3-way test between the 02 WS6, SS and Cobra. The WS6 and SS were neck and neck thru 100 and then the WS6 barely pulled away which could have been 'ram-air' effect since its intake routing is a little straighter and at high speeds might help, but who knows.

The suspension, intake/exhaust and appearance were the main differences.

 

GM clearly stated the hood alone added 15 hp. If this was not true why didn't the consumer protection agency get involved like they did with the mustang cobra's. Ford advertised 320hp from 2000-2002 and their was a class action law suit because they only made I think like 290 Hp. If it's not true, an auto manufacture will not promote it.

 

Page 3 of the 2001 camaro buyers guide states " Camaro SS 325 Hp LS1 v8 with forced air induction and 350 lb. ft. of torque.

Page 12 " z-28 and it's LS1 v8. With 310 hp under the hood, this is one serious coupe. No mention of forced are induction. I guess the hood does make 15 Hp.