What are the differences between an SS and Z28 (other than badging, ram-air, and exhaust)? For example: rear end gears (A4), suspension, internals, etc.? Also, does it come with the 1LE options from the factory?
While I'm at it, how does it's straight-line performance compare to a regular Z? Would I see a big change between it and my car (see mods at bottom)?

 

Get a good cat back on there and you basically have just as much if not more straight line performance than an ss, the only differences are bigger sway bars, revalved bilstein shocks, eibach springs, the wheels, hood spoiler, and stuff like floor mats.......

 

Actually the SS in 1997 never had any type of Eibach option. The basics of the difference between a SS and Z28 were:
Spoiler
Wheels
Hood
Badging
Intake
Options for the SS were:
Bilstein suspension
Floor Mats
Key Fobs
SLP exhaust
Torsion differential

Thats about it. There were no differences in rear end gears, internals, suspension (unless optioned). Basically it was a Z28 with a appearance package.

Now the LT4 SS in 97 is a completely different ballgame...