ZeroFear

iTrader: (1)

Ok i want to know once and for all what the main differences are between a Z28 and a SS. ive looked high and low at many different things and want to hear from some people on here that have some knowledge.

Whats is different from a Z28 and SS besides the fact a SS has a different: Hood, rear wing, and nicer tires/wheels.


the reason im asking is because im looking at buying an F-body, and have been mainly looking at Z28s because there around 2-3k less normaly.

Saying the cash isnt a factor, would a hardtop SS be better then a hardtop Z28?? or is it all the same just a different hood and wing.

im also asking because when the SS was new, it sold for like 10 grand more then a Z28 and i always thought it was just a collectable type thing and no difference.

jmm98LS1

iTrader: (28)

Mechanically there's not much difference at all. Some of the SS cars came with higher upgraded suspension than others. Power wise they're pretty much the same. If you're after the look of an SS but don't care whether it came from the factory that way, you could buy a cheaper Z28 and then put the SS wheels/tires, hood and spoiler on it. It's still not a real SS, but a lot of people like myself don't really care about that. I guess a lot of it depends on what the price difference is between the Z28 and SS you're looking at. Plan on visually cloning an SS with new parts to cost around $2500-$3000 (wheels/tires, painted hood & spoiler). Hope that helps.

spy2520

iTrader: (3)

no performance difference at all, i think the SS had different sway bars and maybe different shocks but nothing too dramatically different than the Z from what i've heard. same for the pontiacs.

mattkimsey

If the difference is only 2-3k the SS might be worth it if you like the stock hood and wheels. A set of wheels and tires are about 1k if they are chrome. The hood is about $500.

Keenov

iTrader: (5)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-owners-newbie-tech/213148-jrp-s-faq-commonly-asked-questions.html

Ell Ess Won

Just a FYI, my car (99 Z28) came with the ORIGINAL window sticker and the invoice price was $28k with all of the options.....the SS appearance package would have been $4k more from the dealer when the car was new.

Something to consider.

ZeroFear

iTrader: (1)

no i dont care about how the SS looks, im mainly interested in things like, does it handle better, are they better quality in any areas, things like that.

and wow 28K for a z28. thats crazy. my dad got his 99 1LE Z28 for 20K brand new from the factory, custom ordered. maybe that dealership was tryin to pull one ;O

BURN'EM

iTrader: (11)

WTF? maybe I'm too deep in Pontiac world but i though only V6's were 20K new?

monicaz28

iTrader: (5)

I'd say go for the z28...
I didn't get an ss because I would have changed the wheels and hood anyways, so there was no point.

Roarin_8

iTrader: (5)

Hood, wheels, sway bars, shocks all wind up getting changed.

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

Sticker on my 2002 Z28 was $28,710. It's fully loaded, everything but the SS stuff and it is a 6 speed not an auto.

The SS has a 32mm front sway bar. Anyone interested in handling performance is advised to upgrade that bar to a 35mm anyway, so it's not an issue (that's why I have a Z28, not that there's much Z28 left under it). There were some suspension packages available, but I've not seen many (some, but not a lot) cars with those packages (it's hit or miss). The wheels are nice (I have 2 sets of the 17" SS wheels), but if you shop carefully, you can find SS wheels for $250 a set (I did, both sets, they are out there. I bought them off of a message board like this one). That leaves the hood/wing. If you like them, get an SS, if you don't care, buy the Z28.

Starz T/A 17

iTrader: (6)

There isnt really any performance difference, b/c the majority of stuff like intake, exhaust and rims will eventually be changed anyways. The cool thing about SS's is how rare they are and that there all individually numbered which is part of the reason for the cost difference. Good luck and I would just look at both and try and find a clean car w/ decent miles on it.

CRAGER

Do a search on it!!!

Little breakdown:
Hood, wing, wheels, power steering cooler. Then you could have SLP options like mine has. Bilstein suspension option, which has 35mm front swaybar/ 21mm rear swaybar with Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs. SLP Dual-Daul cat-back, and G-Force KD tires among other little SLP options.

Just try a search, there can be alot of little differences but it depends on how the SS was optioned from, or if it even had any SLP options.


Peace,
Craig.

CRAGER

My SS with SLP options was stickered around $35,100, the link for my window stickers is in my sig.

There are not too many aftermarket companies out there that have a front swaybar BIGGER then 32mm. I bought BMR's biggest one, a 32mm front for my T/A.
My SS came STOCK with the Bilstein option 35mm front, and yes there are ALOT of SS and Firehawks out there with this Bilstein option, you'd be suprised.

The wheels are a different story. My SS had the chrome ZR-1 option from SLP, but I was tired of Vette wheels on f-bodies so they're gone. lol


Peace,
Craig.

Benjamin Russick

iTrader: (1)

Meh. If you are going to mod the hell outta it, get the Z28. If you want to keep better resale value, get the SS...

Slammedchevy01

I like the SS hood ~n~ wing....I guess start searchin for a SS then LOL

BDsSlowbird

iTrader: (1)

Don't forget the lower restriction exhaust. SS's came with a slightly better exhaust than a Z28, one notch below the optional dual/dual system. If you are going to replace the catback anyway, it probably isn't a consideration.

I'd really be shocked to see a Z sticker for $20k. For '02 you could pick up a base hardtop 6-speed with cloth and crank windows for just under $25k (not including $3k incentive). Given a few years of inflation I guess it would be possible, but I'd love to see that window sticker.

99ssleeper

iTrader: (98)

I also have the window sticker for my 99 SS. Its a hardtop with leather, all power, SLP dual/dual, auburn diff, and the synthetic fluid package. $28K...

Ell Ess Won

Wow...guess mine is FULLY loaded (besides leather...) it has ASR, and the stock 16" chrome wheels.

Beast

Could you guys tell me an approx. sticker price for my car...new? I bought it used and have never known what the original price was...

It is an '01 Z M6, T tops, no power door features, monsoon system, hurst.....other than that it seems pretty basic. Any idea on the price?