General LSX Automobile Discussion - SS spoiler?

Having read some ridiculous posts of people whining that Z owners are making their cars look like ss cars, I had to pose this question... what is so great about the ss spoiler? The hood? Sure it looks ok, but the sunoco and (even better) ultra z look amazing. Spoiler though, it doesn't match any of the car's lines. I have the factory effects package on my Z, 3 piece spoiler and all. I will be putting an ultra z hood and custom badges on mine, returning to the glory days when the Z28 was the highest optioned model. As many others have stated, any Chevy can be an SS only a Camaro can be a Z28. Fire.

Hood scoop, spoiler, 275 tires and 17" wheels, makes the car stand out MUCH more and it looks very aggressive in the right color combination, I love it. Z28's are cool, but they're still no SS, in regards to both cosmetics and heritage. They look exactly like V6 Camaro's minus the badges, which doesn't do much for me personally. Nothing against the Z28's at all, just my opinion.

I think the spoiler matches up great actually. I have a Z28, but wanted that high rise spoiler for looks and looks alone. I did have a carbon fiber SS hood, but only cause it was a great deal, but it really wasn't what I wanted so I sold it and bought an ultra z hood.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w181/Blue98z/1998%20Camaro%20Z28/DSC00656-2.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w181/Blue98z/1998%20Camaro%20Z28/DSC00655-3-1-1.jpg

I agree those appearance factors make it look good, especially the wheels, but the effects package, including the spoiler, looks better than an ss car (minus the hood). Put an ultra z or sunoco on a Z with factory found effects, it just doesn't get better than that.

Hood scoop, spoiler, 275 tires and 17" wheels, makes the car stand out MUCH more and it looks very aggressive in the right color combination, I love it. Z28's are cool, but they're still no SS, in regards to both cosmetics and heritage. They look exactly like V6 Camaro's minus the badges, which doesn't do much for me personally. Nothing against the Z28's at all, just my opinion.

what he^ said .. plus they are more expensive than the z28 and make it look more aggressive.

I agree with the OP; the SS hood and spoiler were just add-ons that I'm indifferent towards - not better, not worse, I could take it or leave it. The only thing that really looks better about the SS package is the wheels, which is why I've always put SS wheels on my Z28s. One thing I really dislike about the SS spoiler is the LED stop light. I prefer the standard bulb stop light of the Z28 and the '96 SS spoilers. I often like older looking stuff better.

When these cars were new/newer I always bought Z28s because the extra cost of the SS package wasn't worth it to me since it's almost exclusively cosmetic, and I don't really like them any better. But these days, it's harder to find nice low mileage Z28s that haven't been worn out, so I imagine that my next 4th gen may possibily be an SS.

It's all just a matter of opinion anyway. Some people think their SSs look much better. Some don't care either way. Ultimately the only opinion that matters is that of the person that has to own the car.

I think the spoiler matches up great actually. I have a Z28, but wanted that high rise spoiler for looks and looks alone. I did have a carbon fiber SS hood, but only cause it was a great deal, but it really wasn't what I wanted so I sold it and bought an ultra z hood.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w181/Blue98z/1998%20Camaro%20Z28/DSC00656-2.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w181/Blue98z/1998%20Camaro%20Z28/DSC00655-3-1-1.jpg

Nice ride. I also have a SS spoiler, but the one have the LT1 SS spoiler. I will be getting a Ultra Z hood when I get some new tires for the car.

I have a black z and on my way to work driving the opposite direction on the FFX county parkway I see this black ss...maybe twice a week. During that moment It makes me feel like a homo (not that there is anything wrong with that ;).) Sucks cause when I bought the car brand new there was a substaintial price difference for what seemed like nothing in the way of performance. Now the original SS's can be had so cheap. I've had the hood and spoiler sitting in a closet for like 2 years now waiting to get painted and installed. I need to get off my ass! The c6's and nEw mustangs look pretty wicked these days...but in 2002 the ss camaro was the most badass looking muscle car of that year....IMHO

honestly op? hood..may be. but the spoiler? GM honestly made an amazing job designing that spoiler imho...it flows pretty amazing with the lines from all angles and looks very aggressive specially with the CME. id honestly drive a SS SLP with cme camaro over many coupe cars including a C5. it simply looks far better from a regular Z28.

I agree with these guys, the SS spoiler flows extremely well with the lines of the camaros, nothing crazy, straight and simple, but noticeable next to a z or a base camaro!

I've always preferred the Z28 spoiler to the SS. Not sure why! I like the SS hood though

id honestly drive a SS SLP with cme camaro

CME = :barf:

I hate center mount exhaust. I have NO idea why everyone makes such a big deal over loving this, I would rip it off of any Camaro that I ever buy ASAP. The good news is, there are plenty of people who would be willing to buy it from me. :D

CME = :barf:

I hate center mount exhaust. I have NO idea why everyone makes such a big deal over loving this, I would rip it off of any Camaro that I ever buy ASAP. The good news is, there are plenty of people who would be willing to buy it from me. :D
:guns: whyyyy?!

^^^ I love the SS package on all camaro's 96-02 and the cme also, imo slp did a great job but I must admit the vfn sunocco hood looks best not really fund of the ultra z hood at all!!!

O ya only thing I hated about SS's were the single tail pipe from 96-98 looks horible imo!!!

i like my SS. i like z28's as well. i love the hood, im so used to it, its funny seein another one without it. i think the SS spoiler is nicer imo. i love my black SS with zr1 chrome rims, it gets lots of looks from alot of ppl.

CME = :barf:

I hate center mount exhaust. I have NO idea why everyone makes such a big deal over loving this, I would rip it off of any Camaro that I ever buy ASAP. The good news is, there are plenty of people who would be willing to buy it from me. :D

ARE YOU KIDDING MEEE!! hahaha i never thought any1 would hate cme!! and ss spoiler too but wow lol ship me yours now! please :(

Hood scoop, spoiler, 275 tires and 17" wheels, makes the car stand out MUCH more and it looks very aggressive in the right color combination, I love it. Z28's are cool, but they're still no SS, in regards to both cosmetics and heritage. They look exactly like V6 Camaro's minus the badges, which doesn't do much for me personally. Nothing against the Z28's at all, just my opinion.

You are aware that in the original models the Z/28 was more of a premium model then the SS right? Someone correct me if I'm wrong but the 4th gen was the first time that the SS was the highest model. And at that time Chevy put SS on just about everything.

But the main differences between the SS model is appearance and like everyone knows its all subjective. There is no right or wrong, and just because SS' cost more doesn't mean they look better. Some like it others prefer the plainer look of a Z. Point being its stupid to argue about it. It's like going back and forth between a Camaro and Trans Am. Essentially there all the same car with different pieces of plastic on them.

i like SS spoliers and hood. thats why i bought one. as far as im concerned getting it that way saves me trouble from upgrading later.


im also a fan of CMEs but i think my SLP DD has a descent look.

honestly op? hood..may be. but the spoiler? GM honestly made an amazing job designing that spoiler imho...it flows pretty amazing with the lines from all angles and looks very aggressive specially with the CME. id honestly drive a SS SLP with cme camaro over many coupe cars including a C5. it simply looks far better from a regular Z28.
I don't know, the spoiler just doesn't do it for me. The CME is another beast entirely. If they used four Borla square tips it might look okay, but the stock bubbles just look funny on it. The best part of this site, and others like it, is that everyone's opinion matters. I've seen some interesting opinions since I recently became a member. I would never have guessed anyone couldn't like the dd C5 rims, yet lo and behold... they're out there.

You are aware that in the original models the Z/28 was more of a premium model then the SS right? Someone correct me if I'm wrong but the 4th gen was the first time that the SS was the highest model. And at that time Chevy put SS on just about everything.
You are correct, sir. Z28 was the "premium" model for every previous generation Camaro.

From a side view the SS spoiler ads a lot of taste to the rear of the car...ill definately be swapping to one before paint

I think the 3 piece adds more because of the lip in the far back. The SS spoiler just looks off to me. I realize I am in the minority, but the shape throws off the sweep of the lines.

The 96 97 SS spoiler is the best of the bunch to me. The 98+ is a bit much and is a fat porker. The RS one is pretty nice as well though.

http://v6f-body.com/picture.php?albumid=56&pictureid=1098

I've seen some interesting opinions since I recently became a member. I would never have guessed anyone couldn't like the dd C5 rims, yet lo and behold... they're out there.

Yep, in the end this is all just a matter of opinion, regardless of what people want to believe. Some opinions are more popular than others, but it still doesn't make them right or wrong or fact. There are people who feel so strongly about how much they like their hood/spoiler/CME/wheels/any-specific-part that they actually seem to think that it's a fact that it looks better than something else. This makes me laugh, because no matter how much you like something, there will always be someone somewhere that either feels indifferent, or likes something else better, or dislikes it entirely, or feels that what you see as an upgrade is actually a downgrade.

I don't know, the spoiler just doesn't do it for me. The CME is another beast entirely. If they used four Borla square tips it might look okay, but the stock bubbles just look funny on it. The best part of this site, and others like it, is that everyone's opinion matters. I've seen some interesting opinions since I recently became a member. I would never have guessed anyone couldn't like the dd C5 rims, yet lo and behold... they're out there.

indeed, its a matter of taste but i seriously still cant believe some hated the cme tho :lol:

but i seriously still cant believe some hated the cme tho :lol:

Believe it! :D I've disliked it since the first time I saw it a decade ago, and over time my opinion has not changed. I also dislike the SAP package. I'm not a fan of any body kit/ground effect pieces on these cars. If I ever buy a Camaro with this option, I will remove it promptly and gladly sell it to any of you guys that want it. :)

Black Z needs a cowl hood and the SS spoiler with the exhaust dumped. All other colors look great with the SS hood and spoiler.

CME = :barf:

I hate center mount exhaust. I have NO idea why everyone makes such a big deal over loving this, I would rip it off of any Camaro that I ever buy ASAP. The good news is, there are plenty of people who would be willing to buy it from me. :D

+1

couldn't have said it better.

I agree with the OP; the SS hood and spoiler were just add-ons that I'm indifferent towards - not better, not worse, I could take it or leave it. The only thing that really looks better about the SS package is the wheels, which is why I've always put SS wheels on my Z28s. One thing I really dislike about the SS spoiler is the LED stop light. I prefer the standard bulb stop light of the Z28 and the '96 SS spoilers. I often like older looking stuff better.

When these cars were new/newer I always bought Z28s because the extra cost of the SS package wasn't worth it to me since it's almost exclusively cosmetic, and I don't really like them any better. But these days, it's harder to find nice low mileage Z28s that haven't been worn out, so I imagine that my next 4th gen may possibily be an SS.

It's all just a matter of opinion anyway. Some people think their SSs look much better. Some don't care either way. Ultimately the only opinion that matters is that of the person that has to own the car.

I've owned both (an '01 SS and currently an '02 Z28) and I don't care. Same damn cars.

I have a 98 mystic teal Z28, and have a sunoco hood with an ss spoiler. Would like to have the cme but like rpm said, its overrated. If I didn't love my true duals so much, I would ditch them in a heart beat for the 2otl.

I have owned 99 Z28, 2000 SS and now 01 WS6. The Z is very boring looking to me. However, now the SS does too after having the WS6.

Im "in process" of turning mine into a clone. The ss hood is killer, not too big and being centered in the hood looks like it belongs there. The z hood is just plain boring. Any of the aftermarket hoods with the scoop in the front looks terrible. Cowls look awesome, for the same reason as the ss hood.

I do agree that the spoiler doesnt match the rear body lines. The bumper and camaro panel lines are all parallel to the ground, nothing has a curve. Even the roof of the car is relatively flat on top. Now the spoiler is a curve across all these straight lines. But, the z spoiler viewed from the side is just flat and boring. The 3 piece rise kits looks exactly like kits, not factory. Might as well throw some apc bs all over the car. I still want the ss spoiler, like posted earlier the z looks like the v6.

Say no to ground effects! 17" wheels and a clean drop, the stance is perfect. Ground effects make these cars look too tall and just not right.

Lastly, purely cosmetic but I hate the Z28 emblems. They look dated when it was new. The SS badges have looked bad ass on the 1st gens and still look bad ass on the 4th gens. Now the 5th gens SS badges look like the impala and cobalt ss badges and thats just dumb. IMO, says my sweet v8 5th gen SS is as cool as moms impala and the neighbors kids cobalt. Minor details I know but thats all the reasons why Im making mine an SS.

You are correct, sir. Z28 was the "premium" model for every previous generation Camaro.

Actually you're both wrong, the original Z/28 was developed for trans am racing and what you got when you checked off the Z option was a 302 cubic inch 290 HP small block, a Muncie 4 speed, 14 inch rally wheels, front disc brakes, quick ratio steering box, and a 12 bolt rear end. THATS IT!!!! Everything else was options to include interiors, rear spoiler, cowl induction hood, stripes, basically everything. You could NOT get a Z with air conditioning or as a convertible period. So in all actuality the big block SS packages were the premiumn packages because A. You could get A/C in them and B. A convertible if you so desired. There were 3 different interior packages available on all Camaros, The RS package was avaialable on all Camaros. The Z/28 became nothing more than a badge after 1969, it meant nothing anymore. The original 67-69 Z's were factory race cars pure and simple. There were two options available to the Z that were not to other Camaros 1. Was the J79 I think which was rear disc brakes and 2. Which really isn't recognised as a factory option to purest was the dealer installed crossram intake with 2 Holley 4 barrel carbs. I'm sure I'm gonna get flamed here but everything I said is true. I think a fully loaded 69RS Z/28 is the best looking car hands down over a SS but they are not the "premium" model by any means if you're talking about first gen Camaros, 2nd and 3rd you might have a argument.

Donnie

JL8 was the rear disc brake code.

JL8 was the rear disc brake code.

Thank you I knew it was J something

i bought an ss hold at the junk yard for 50 bucks. it was split at the seams,chunks out of front center,and right front corner ground off. approx 70 hrs and 150buks material and new hood. all 4th gen ss started out Z28 look on your door tag. thats why i put an ss hood on my z. just a great looking hood. if you think a z copies an ss look at the 70's AAR cuda hood scoop and you'll know what i'm talking about.

Actually you're both wrong, the original Z/28 was developed for trans am racing and what you got when you checked off the Z option was a 302 cubic inch 290 HP small block, a Muncie 4 speed, 14 inch rally wheels, front disc brakes, quick ratio steering box, and a 12 bolt rear end. THATS IT!!!! Everything else was options to include interiors, rear spoiler, cowl induction hood, stripes, basically everything. You could NOT get a Z with air conditioning or as a convertible period. So in all actuality the big block SS packages were the premiumn packages because A. You could get A/C in them and B. A convertible if you so desired. There were 3 different interior packages available on all Camaros, The RS package was avaialable on all Camaros. The Z/28 became nothing more than a badge after 1969, it meant nothing anymore. The original 67-69 Z's were factory race cars pure and simple. There were two options available to the Z that were not to other Camaros 1. Was the J79 I think which was rear disc brakes and 2. Which really isn't recognised as a factory option to purest was the dealer installed crossram intake with 2 Holley 4 barrel carbs. I'm sure I'm gonna get flamed here but everything I said is true. I think a fully loaded 69RS Z/28 is the best looking car hands down over a SS but they are not the "premium" model by any means if you're talking about first gen Camaros, 2nd and 3rd you might have a argument.

Donnie

Based on the facts you stated, couldn't the Z be considered the "premium" model for those desiring performance above cruising comforts?

Based on the facts you stated, couldn't the Z be considered the "premium" model for those desiring performance above cruising comforts?

Depends on the type of performance.

A 302ci Z28 in factory configuration would be no match for stripper L78 (375hp 396ci) SS in a typical stop light run/drag race. The 302ci didn't have much in the way of low end grunt, with a peak torque output of over 100ft.lb. less than the L78. The 302 really needed to be kept at high rpm to perform well, with a close-ratio trans and aggressive gearing, but even still it wouldn't be able to out muscle an equally well matched drivetrain behind the premium BBCs of the day in a typical drag race, stock for stock.

i bought an ss hold at the junk yard for 50 bucks. it was split at the seams,chunks out of front center,and right front corner ground off. approx 70 hrs and 150buks material and new hood. all 4th gen ss started out Z28 look on your door tag. thats why i put an ss hood on my z. just a great looking hood. if you think a z copies an ss look at the 70's AAR cuda hood scoop and you'll know what i'm talking about.
You think the 70 (not 70's, only made them in 70) AAR Cuda hood is the same as a 4th gen SS hood? You must think the 70 Hemi Cuda shaker hood looks the same as a 77 Trans Am shaker hood too...

Depends on the type of performance.
Agreed. Z28 was a street legal track car, which was the basis for developing pony cars to begin with. Not for the 1/4, but for road racing.

Based on the facts you stated, couldn't the Z be considered the "premium" model for those desiring performance above cruising comforts?

If you want to consider performance a determining factor on a premium model then in my opinion the C.O.P.O. And Yenko Camaros have the Z beat hands down.

You have to remember that back then when you win on Sunday sell on Monday was the mentality of the auto makers, in order for the auto makers to race a car you actually had to be able to buy it at your local dealership. That's were Z/28, Boss 302, came in from Trans Am racing, Shelby Cobras from LeMans, and superbirds from NASCAR. In the Z's case Trans Am limited engine displacement to 5.0 liters or 305 cubic inches. So Chevrolet developed the 302 dropped it in there pony car and went racing in 1967. By 1969 race developments started showing up in the factory cars. Things like rear disc brakes and when Chevrolet wanted to run two fours on the 302 they had to offer that equipment to the public in order to run it. When they dropped the SS trim package in the early 70's the Z/28 was there flagship Camaro up til 1996 when SLP reintroduced the SS. I personally think they did it backwards, when Trans Am racing disappeared I think the Z should have to and they should have carried the SS as a flagship model, the SS in my opinion isn't so much a performance package as it is a trim package. The engine options on a 69 SS Camaro were almost numerous, anything from a 300 horsepower small block 350 up to a 375 horsepower 396 (contrary to popular belief the 427 was never available in a SS Camaro. The Z/28 roots come from racing, the SS was a trim option your dad checked off on his Impala when your mom was in th bathroom. I guess "premium" is arguable either way but to me I think most of the population sees SS badging and thinks performance vehicle and when they see Z/28 they think about 4 wheel drives or something because they don't know the roots of the cars.

My cars stock spoiler:
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee291/coolmanvette1975/Camaro/camaro18.jpg

SS spoiler
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g135/tru2chevy/Race_Wars/IMG_6177.jpg

SS makes it look 10x more agressive from behind...

the SS in my opinion isn't so much a performance package as it is a trim package.

I agree for a 4th gen, but not a 1st gen.

SS package carried a requirement for/included at least a 350ci V8 in the 1st gen. RS package was a true "trim level" that carried no specific engine requirements/inclusions. If you wanted a 396 or the highest HP small block, you needed an SS. That makes it a performance package and not a trim level, IMO.

I do agree that retention of the Z28 badge, rather than SS in the '73-'95 years, was the wrong move. Z28 should have been retired, and SS should have continued as the top displacement, top horsepower badge for a regular production Camaro (excluding ZL1 type stuff). The base "SS package" in the '96-'02 years is little more than cosmetics, and should really have been an "RS" package IMO.

SS makes it look 10x more agressive from behind...[/QUOTE]

WOW... You cannot be serious. It's not the spoiler that makes that car 10x more aggressive than yours, it's the environment and the obvious performance modifications beyond stock. Also, I don't recall the argument ever turning toward the base spoiler as being a superior alternative to the SS, rather the RS/ground effects package spoiler and the Z29R spoiler would be an improvement.

Actually you're both wrong, the original Z/28 was developed for trans am racing and what you got when you checked off the Z option was a 302 cubic inch 290 HP small block, a Muncie 4 speed, 14 inch rally wheels, front disc brakes, quick ratio steering box, and a 12 bolt rear end. THATS IT!!!! Everything else was options to include interiors, rear spoiler, cowl induction hood, stripes, basically everything. You could NOT get a Z with air conditioning or as a convertible period. So in all actuality the big block SS packages were the premiumn packages because A. You could get A/C in them and B. A convertible if you so desired. There were 3 different interior packages available on all Camaros, The RS package was avaialable on all Camaros. The Z/28 became nothing more than a badge after 1969, it meant nothing anymore. The original 67-69 Z's were factory race cars pure and simple. There were two options available to the Z that were not to other Camaros 1. Was the J79 I think which was rear disc brakes and 2. Which really isn't recognised as a factory option to purest was the dealer installed crossram intake with 2 Holley 4 barrel carbs. I'm sure I'm gonna get flamed here but everything I said is true. I think a fully loaded 69RS Z/28 is the best looking car hands down over a SS but they are not the "premium" model by any means if you're talking about first gen Camaros, 2nd and 3rd you might have a argument.

Donnie

DONNIE is 100% Correct. The SS has always been the premium model in the camaro line. However, you could get vintage a/c on the z28 models donnie:)