extreme_ws601

iTrader: (2)

posting up for a friend what's the diff. between a Z28 and a SS as far as engine wise. He is in the process of getting one and just wanted to know which on e to get.

Thanks for the help

SSpdDmon

iTrader: (10)

Absolutely nothing...no difference.

BIGSAM99Z

none.

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

The SS is better...that's all you need to know

SS > *

extreme_ws601

iTrader: (2)

so where do the extra 20-25hp come from?

02WS6Bird

iTrader: (2)

Nothing, Read the FAQ in the top of the threads (Stickies at the top of the pages) if all else fails you can use JRP's sig, or the search)

But to save you the trouble...

SS has a different hood, spoiler, higher flowing muffler, larger front sway bar, and i believe different LCA's. 17" wheels as well. The Air box also has a gap in it to use the "RAM AIR" larger than stock. That is really it, all LS1's are overall the same and prodcue similar power. The years vary by not much...maybe a cam difference, heads, intake manifold....but other than that its the same between the same year. So a 98 Z and a 98 SS have the differences i had posted above ^ a 98 and 99 will vary however

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

That's a negative on the raised air box part...that is something that is unique to the WS6s. SS's still have the Z28 lower air box.

extreme_ws601

iTrader: (2)

thanks alot appreciate everybody's help

nokeman

iTrader: (30)

the extra power comes from the air going through the duct in the hood correct? i could be wrong but i thought that made a bit of a difference. correct me if im wrong somebody.

SOM02WS6

Your wrong... The exhaust flows a little better other than that it was a number game. Look at the vette rated at 350 and the motor is the same as in our cars.......

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Also the SS had the option of a sport suspension w/ Bilstein hd's, slp lca's and phb. AS far as the engine goes its the same thing only difference in the power numbers is the exaust. SLP 3" d/d catback came with mine. Unless you want the SS for the looks, the z28 is usually the better deal.

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

I've got some land to sell ya!

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

The extra 25 HP cam from the marketing department! They had to justify a $5K+ pricetag for a different hood, spoiler, 17" wheels and slightly upgraded exhaust. In actuality a $100 aftermarket airlid on a z28 would undoubtedly out perform the $5,000 SS package. GM of course dosnt want anyone to know that. Least of all the vette owners who paid double the cost of the z28 for the same HP.

The LS1 motor is essentially the same no matter what car it goes into, z28, SS, ws6, vette or GTO. They all put out ~ 340 - 350 BHP.

Redneck Z

iTrader: (3)

Exactly. The 25 hp is just a # thrown out there by the marketing department for good measure. Neither the #'s for the Z28 or SS are close to reality. SS's and Z28's all dyno within the same range. A good aftermarket lid and catback will perform better than the stock SS stuff anyway.

Cop Car

iTrader: (14)

the SS package is just a sticker from SLP 17' wheels hood and spoiler. not even better exhaust, everything else was extra options, you could get a lid, chrome wheels (10 spoke or ZR1) a front grille, floor mats, exhaust even headers from SLP.

2002/Black/SS

iTrader: (3)

at higher racing speeds the ss hood actually cools the air alittle better then a regular z28, and on a cold night that hood really sucks up that air giving it a slight edge on a z28

shadow

Uh, yeah, right...thats it....

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

Maybe so, but four dremel cuts in the plastic fan shroud, and the stock z28 has the upperhand on the SS. (FRA mod > SS ram air)

We're talking about a fraction of a percent HP increase. Tolerance and build variances from motor to motor will impact the power output way more than having an ss hood or not.

Stock vs. stock, the winner is the guy who took the bigger dump that morning.

99blancoSS

iTrader: (115)

Lets be a little more accurate here. Z28 owners are always jealous of the SS and never give it a fair shake.
Besides the base alterations you could get the auburn differential, chrome wheels, performance exaust, performance suspension system and then all the other goodies like floor mats and such. There are differences in a fully optioned SS and Z28 wether they like it or not. It is the exact same motor.
The SLP d/d exaust isnt that bad, check numbers in my sig, it flows just as good as any other catback. The Bilstein HD's, SLP pro-rate springs, LCA's and PHB give it better handling than the z28. I repeat it is the exact same motor but to say there is no difference between the two cars is absolutely incorrect.

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

But those are options on top of the base SS. Base z28 vs Base SS really is limited. Although youre right about the jealousy factor. I wish I could have afforded the SS when I bought my car, however thats for cosmetic reasons alone. Im fairly confident Id hold my own against a stock SS now

I feel that for the 4 or 5 grand difference, aftermarket stuff would give you more bang for the buck. Ill eventually get an SS hood and spoiler after im done making up for those 25 missing horses! In the looks department, I will gladly admit to the SS's prowess over my Z. For what its worth.