First of all, my daily driver is a '99 Z28 6 spd w/ a few very minor mods. This '96 SS my boss is selling me is also a 6 spd, but I swear it feels sick. My question is, and I owned a '95 Z before my '99, so I'm a big LT1 fan........should it feel that much slower than my LS1? I thought it should be similar in performance, but I swear my LS1 would destroy this thing 0-60......maybe the catalytic converter is clogged?
Again, I love the LT1, so I am not bashing its performance, but I just think this particular SS has something wrong.......no codes, no misses at low or high rpms, and runs fine otherwise, but it runs a bit hotter (need to check fans) than my '95 ever did. I'm going to check the cat for trouble/clogs first, but any other recommendations? maybe check plugs next? I think they were replaced recently.

Any ideas appreciated. Thanks,

Jeff

 

Maybe it could just use a good tune up?

 

I hope it is the cat, or maybe fuel filter or somethiing small.........it sucks when your car is sick.

 

I would take it to a dyno, and get a scanner. That's more or less the only way you can figure out what's going on. My car once lost 30 RWHP because my IAC was not functioning properly, and the TB was coated in varnish. A dip in carb cleaner and a set of gaskets and the car was back on par. My car, when stock, made 275 rwhp @ 5700 and 310 TQ. It ran a best of 13.5 @ 103, and averaged 13.6 +/- .6 mph. A bolt on LS-1 car sould be faster, and a stock one just a little faster.

 

Air: Check filter, MAF and TB.
Fuel: Check FP
Ignition: Check plugs and Wires
O2s (these may be due for change)
Injectors may be dirty

If the car has alot of miles and not frequently maintained, it probably just needs a good going through.

Srong running 96 should give good 0-60 and even jump your 99 for the first few yards. JMHO

 

yea, get it tuned, plugs/wires/injectors, and check the opti-spark as well.i own a 96 ss and honestly ill run any early model z...

 

Thanks for the replies,

I did learn the prior owner had let someone fill it up with 87 octane the last couple of tanks so I'm running 93 through it again now like it should be, and I'm seeing better results already .....I'm giving it a good going over, and will be checking the things suggested......Thanks again,

Jeff

 

There's your problem right there. If you run 87, the PCM will pull timing resulting in a major power loss.

 

Yes, the 96 is going to feel substantially less energetic than your 99, particularly since your 99 has a few bolt ons.