For LS1s, what's the difference in performance between the two? Why is the SS rated higher HP? Different exhaust? Intake?

Thanks

 

The SS is basically an appearence package cosisting of 17" rims, fiberglass ram-air hood, and a rear spoiler. It also has different shocks, and more free flowing exhaust. That is the basic package, you can choose different SLP options to get better suspension packages, Hurst shifter, some appearence stuff, and a few different exhausts etc.

The facts are performance wise if a Z28 installs a lid and exhaust it's going to dyno with the same power as an SS package.

I have owned both, I just like the looks of the SS and always wanted one.

If you are thinking of ordering one it's most likely too late! But if you are looking for a used one well you have to decided if it's' worth the money. If you just want performance the Z28 is the better option.

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2002 Camaro SS #3586 6M Sebring Silver, T-top, Billet Grille, Hurst shifter, !CAGS, Whisper CF Lid, Holly PowerShot filter, Corsa Catback w/full polish tips, 160 Thermo, SLP fan switch, ASR reverser, TA axle cover w/stud kit, MAFT.

Waiting to install: NX wet kit, Hotchkis STB, LCA's, APHR.

Baseline Dyno: 317.9RWHP 335.9RWTQ with MAF ends only: 325.6RWHP 350RWTQ. (Stock)1st 1/4 mile 13.46 @106.9 2.23-60'
new best 13.306 @107.89 2.12 60'
http://community.webshots.com/user/xknightrider
4-sale MAF ends....going to N02 so need to ditch them.

 

The SS gets a higher hp rating from the hood and from the larger 3" exhaust. Having had both and now back to a Z28. I can say the SS is better for the road and highway, it handles better and steers harder. The Z28 is a little softer in the ride department. Going over RR tracks or pot holes is a little smoother in the Z. At the track the Z28 is a better drag racer the suspension and larger sidewall tires halp the car launch better. On the road course no question there the SS is much better. But is the SS worth the extra cash? I think so. The hood/spoiler and 17" rims make the car look so much better. But I can't complain with the Z28's ability to run.

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2002 Z28 white/neutral A4 3.23
13.33 @ 104.7 - 650 miles
286rwhp/311rwtq - 1300 miles
STOCK for now!
Gone but not forgotten,
1999 Silver SS 6M #3956
1997 Black Z28 A4 3.23
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Ryan S.

 

ya but the s is like 5 grand more and i can get rims and hood and spoiler for half that authentic gm
i already have the hood and rims

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Ran 13.398 with shi*ty stock bald tires havn't run with the nittos yet.
AOL SN: stik6shift98
1998 Camaro Z-28

 

The SS is instantly recognizeable. You don't have to look for the Z28 emblem or dual exhausts to figure out if you're looking at a V6 or a Z. The hood scoop and spoiler says it all. My SS Apperance package was stickered at $3,625, about what you'd have to pay if you picked up all of the parts seperately and had everything painted and installed. Plus, if you forgo all of the goofy options the dealer tries to pile on you can (could have) picked up a SS without costing an extra bucket of money.

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White 02 M6 SS #26, !Cags, Hurst shifter
Black 95 M6 Formula, !Cags, Hurst shifter, Short Stick

 

The hp #s in the brouchures are picked by marketing people, to position the Z and the SS package against the 'vette, so don't use those as a guide. Dyno reports show the LS1 underrated in any case. These cars all put similar power to the rear wheels.

when I did research on buying my '00 Camaro, I found that the hood was non-functional, the only modification was a 32mm front swaybar (no difference in the springs, shocks, bushings, brakes, engine, or interior), so all the handling improvements you note come from the tires and wheels. I have 16", 17", and 18" wheels for my Z - they are the biggest factor in handling.

Wasn't the 3" exhaust an option on top of the base SS package for '00 and later?

IMHO, the SS has the best looking hood, but the worst rear spoiler. If you want an SS, go for it. Or buy a Z and pick your own hood, suspension, 18" wheels, etc.

DaveH