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- Camaro and Firebird LS1 Z28 vs. LS1 SS<br>Important information to help you understand your Camaro or Firebird.
Difference between Z28 and SS?
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 211
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From: Ohio
Difference between Z28 and SS? Im looking forward to upgrading to a newer fourth gen this summer as a graduation present. I don't know what the difference is between a 2000-2002 Z28 and SS. They both come with the Ls1 and they both come with 6 Speed Manuals which is what im going to be getting. They both seem to have T-Tops. Whats the difference? Someone told me the SS is more expensive and Z28s are a dime a dozen. If that's true... WHY? Thanks in advance all.
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From: Your girl's back door giving her the long stroke while you're at work
More Z28's were built than SS's. The main difference is the hood, spoiler, wheels. The SS cars got a different air lid, catback, as well as suspension pieces.
Look for WU8 on the RPO sticker on the driver's door to see if it's a true SS.
Here is a thread with the differences between the LS1 cars from 1998-2002s
https://ls1tech.com/forums/1740880-post2.html
Here is a thread listing specific changes done for the 2001-2002 cars
https://ls1tech.com/forums/1740881-post3.html
Look for WU8 on the RPO sticker on the driver's door to see if it's a true SS.
Here is a thread with the differences between the LS1 cars from 1998-2002s
https://ls1tech.com/forums/1740880-post2.html
Here is a thread listing specific changes done for the 2001-2002 cars
https://ls1tech.com/forums/1740881-post3.html
Last edited by Z28/2002; Dec 27, 2010 at 08:22 PM.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 333
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From: Tucson, AZ
As he stated, the SS package consisted of:
The performance differences from a stock plain-jane SS and a stock Z28 are negligible.
However, the SS cars were eligible for upgrades from SLP. There were eleven upgrades offered from SLP to the SS model, and they're listed below. A buyer could purchase any combination of these upgrades, and some were pretty good performance choices (Blackwing lid, dual-dual or CME exhausts, 1LE suspension).
1) Intake/Exhaust (all four of these exhaust options were ONLY available in 2002)
-335HP Dual-Dual Performance Exhaust System [Cost:$594 , MSRP:$699 ]
OR
-335HP Center Mounted Performance Exhaust System [Cost:$899 , MSRP:$1059 ]
OR
-345HP Dual-Dual Exhaust Performance Package with High Flow Induction System [Cost:$849 MSRP:$999]
OR
-345HP Center Mount Performance Package with High Flow Induction System [Cost:$1159 MSRP:$1359]
2) Grille
-Camaro SS front grille (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$212 , MSRP:$249 ]
3) Wheels
-17X9", chrome plated, 10 spoke style, Camaro SS aluminum wheels with choice of SS logo center caps or bowtie logo center caps (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$849 , MSRP:$999 ]
OR
-17X9", chrome plated, 5 spoke ZR1 style, Camaro SS aluminum wheels wheels with choice of SS logo center caps or bowtie logo center caps (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$849 , MSRP:$999 ]
4) Tires
-BFGoodrich g-Force 275/40ZR17 tires [Cost:$764 , MSRP:$899 ]
5) Suspension
-Bilstein Ultra Performance Suspension [Cost:$934 , MSRP:$1099 ]
OR
-1LE Suspension Package [Cost:$1650 , MSRP:$1899 ]
6) Differential
-Auburn High Torque Performance Differential with AAM Cast Aluminum Cooling Cover [Cost:$764 , MSRP:$899 ]
7) Deck Mat
-Rear Deck Mat with embroidered SS logo (35th Anniversary models receive unique mat) [Cost:$84 , MSRP:$99 ]
8 ) Floor Mats
-Premium Front Floor Mats with embroidered SS logo (35th Anniversary models receive unique mats) [Cost:$84 , MSRP:$99 ]
9) Car Cover
-Custom-fit Camaro SS Car Cover with locking cable and tote bag (35th Anniversary models receive unique cover and tote bag) [Cost:$135 , MSRP:$159 ]
10) Key Chains/Dash Plaque
-Two Camaro SS key fobs and dash plaque [Cost:$42 , MSRP:$49 ]
11) SLP Commemorative Portfolio
-Commemorative Portfolio that Includes: (See below) [Cost:$49 , MSRP:$59 ]
**Note: This is the regular SLP Camaro SS portfolio, not the 35th Anniversary Edition Camaro portfolio that was part of the GM 35th anniversary Edition Camaro package.
- SS Hood
- SS 10-spoke wheels
- More "free flowing" exhaust
- Light suspension upgrade
- SS badging
- SS spoiler
- Different gear ratios; I believe A4 SS models got 3.23 gearing.
The performance differences from a stock plain-jane SS and a stock Z28 are negligible.
However, the SS cars were eligible for upgrades from SLP. There were eleven upgrades offered from SLP to the SS model, and they're listed below. A buyer could purchase any combination of these upgrades, and some were pretty good performance choices (Blackwing lid, dual-dual or CME exhausts, 1LE suspension).
1) Intake/Exhaust (all four of these exhaust options were ONLY available in 2002)
-335HP Dual-Dual Performance Exhaust System [Cost:$594 , MSRP:$699 ]
OR
-335HP Center Mounted Performance Exhaust System [Cost:$899 , MSRP:$1059 ]
OR
-345HP Dual-Dual Exhaust Performance Package with High Flow Induction System [Cost:$849 MSRP:$999]
OR
-345HP Center Mount Performance Package with High Flow Induction System [Cost:$1159 MSRP:$1359]
2) Grille
-Camaro SS front grille (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$212 , MSRP:$249 ]
3) Wheels
-17X9", chrome plated, 10 spoke style, Camaro SS aluminum wheels with choice of SS logo center caps or bowtie logo center caps (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$849 , MSRP:$999 ]
OR
-17X9", chrome plated, 5 spoke ZR1 style, Camaro SS aluminum wheels wheels with choice of SS logo center caps or bowtie logo center caps (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$849 , MSRP:$999 ]
4) Tires
-BFGoodrich g-Force 275/40ZR17 tires [Cost:$764 , MSRP:$899 ]
5) Suspension
-Bilstein Ultra Performance Suspension [Cost:$934 , MSRP:$1099 ]
OR
-1LE Suspension Package [Cost:$1650 , MSRP:$1899 ]
6) Differential
-Auburn High Torque Performance Differential with AAM Cast Aluminum Cooling Cover [Cost:$764 , MSRP:$899 ]
7) Deck Mat
-Rear Deck Mat with embroidered SS logo (35th Anniversary models receive unique mat) [Cost:$84 , MSRP:$99 ]
8 ) Floor Mats
-Premium Front Floor Mats with embroidered SS logo (35th Anniversary models receive unique mats) [Cost:$84 , MSRP:$99 ]
9) Car Cover
-Custom-fit Camaro SS Car Cover with locking cable and tote bag (35th Anniversary models receive unique cover and tote bag) [Cost:$135 , MSRP:$159 ]
10) Key Chains/Dash Plaque
-Two Camaro SS key fobs and dash plaque [Cost:$42 , MSRP:$49 ]
11) SLP Commemorative Portfolio
-Commemorative Portfolio that Includes: (See below) [Cost:$49 , MSRP:$59 ]
**Note: This is the regular SLP Camaro SS portfolio, not the 35th Anniversary Edition Camaro portfolio that was part of the GM 35th anniversary Edition Camaro package.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
More Z28's were built than SS's. The main difference is the hood, spoiler, wheels. The SS cars got a different air lid, catback, as well as suspension pieces.
Look for WU8 on the RPO sticker on the driver's door to see if it's a true SS.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/1740881-post3.html
Look for WU8 on the RPO sticker on the driver's door to see if it's a true SS.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/1740881-post3.html
Thank you for that but in your honest opinion aside from the hood spoiler and wheels. Is the performance in comparison from a z28 to a ss Even noticeable? Or is it just the little things that make that 2-3 horsepower difference? Because if i can get a z28 for 10k but the same exact SS is 15k and all it has is the cool looking hood and wheels i can find online for 400 a piece. Then thats the extra 4 grand i can spend on a supercharger to improve my efficiency
The only reason why I'd buy an SS over a 'Z is the hood and wheels. Alot of people, including myself, think they can save money by finding a 'Z or a T/A and then "build" a clone SS or WS6. But in the end, you spend the same amount of money and alot more effort tracking down parts and making them look proper on the car. In regards to performance, get used to this saying: "an LS1 is an LS1 is an LS1 is an LS1..." It's been proven that some SS's and WS6's dyno either the same or maybe even less than their Z28 and T/A counterparts-it can go back and forth all day. There was even a 'mag article back in the day where a T/A out-dyno'ed an LS1 Vette (probably because of the power-robbing IRS).
So if you want the hood and wheels, get the SS. If you just want the powertrain and the extra money, get the 'Z. The SS and WS6 packages are not worth it in regards to performance...
So if you want the hood and wheels, get the SS. If you just want the powertrain and the extra money, get the 'Z. The SS and WS6 packages are not worth it in regards to performance...
Last edited by myk; Dec 28, 2010 at 02:45 AM.
I always said Firebird since no one seemed to know what a Formula was. now I've got a Trans Am and I get a "whoa! a Trans Am!" when its essentially the same car.
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Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Thank you all you've definetly changed my opinion. And possibly saved me 4-6 grand. Definetly putting headers on a z28 so the exhaust didn't matter. will post pictures of her as sooon as I get her.
you've definetly changed my opinion. And possibly saved me 4-6 grand. Definetly putting headers on a z28 so the exhaust didn't matter. will post pictures of her as sooon as I get her. LS1 Tech Stories
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Nothing really special about the ss. I just got a good deal on mine price the the main thing most of the parts on the ss and z will be changed anyway so go with the best deal!! Good luck hunting!!
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Thank you all 
and 310 hp z28 vs 325 hp ss? Driver's race imo 
either way I got my eyes set on a 01' 6 spd SS hopefully when i pick it up I will post it in my garage before/after. I always wanted to supercharge an Ls1 and build the perfect daily driver/cruising toy.
and 310 hp z28 vs 325 hp ss? Driver's race imo either way I got my eyes set on a 01' 6 spd SS hopefully when i pick it up I will post it in my garage before/after. I always wanted to supercharge an Ls1 and build the perfect daily driver/cruising toy. 
great info here.
Typical of GM really to do minor tweaks between models like this with an existing engine for "more power" than the other guy, when aftermarket would open them both up pretty easily.
performance aside, basically you're saving yourself money by getting an SS because you don't have to search around for SS stock hoods later like i'm doing
Typical of GM really to do minor tweaks between models like this with an existing engine for "more power" than the other guy, when aftermarket would open them both up pretty easily.
performance aside, basically you're saving yourself money by getting an SS because you don't have to search around for SS stock hoods later like i'm doing
11 Second Club
iTrader: (27)
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,799
Likes: 5
From: Your girl's back door giving her the long stroke while you're at work
As he stated, the SS package consisted of:
The performance differences from a stock plain-jane SS and a stock Z28 are negligible.
However, the SS cars were eligible for upgrades from SLP. There were eleven upgrades offered from SLP to the SS model, and they're listed below. A buyer could purchase any combination of these upgrades, and some were pretty good performance choices (Blackwing lid, dual-dual or CME exhausts, 1LE suspension).
1) Intake/Exhaust (all four of these exhaust options were ONLY available in 2002)
-335HP Dual-Dual Performance Exhaust System [Cost:$594 , MSRP:$699 ]
OR
-335HP Center Mounted Performance Exhaust System [Cost:$899 , MSRP:$1059 ]
OR
-345HP Dual-Dual Exhaust Performance Package with High Flow Induction System [Cost:$849 MSRP:$999]
OR
-345HP Center Mount Performance Package with High Flow Induction System [Cost:$1159 MSRP:$1359]
2) Grille
-Camaro SS front grille (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$212 , MSRP:$249 ]
3) Wheels
-17X9", chrome plated, 10 spoke style, Camaro SS aluminum wheels with choice of SS logo center caps or bowtie logo center caps (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$849 , MSRP:$999 ]
OR
-17X9", chrome plated, 5 spoke ZR1 style, Camaro SS aluminum wheels wheels with choice of SS logo center caps or bowtie logo center caps (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$849 , MSRP:$999 ]
4) Tires
-BFGoodrich g-Force 275/40ZR17 tires [Cost:$764 , MSRP:$899 ]
5) Suspension
-Bilstein Ultra Performance Suspension [Cost:$934 , MSRP:$1099 ]
OR
-1LE Suspension Package [Cost:$1650 , MSRP:$1899 ]
6) Differential
-Auburn High Torque Performance Differential with AAM Cast Aluminum Cooling Cover [Cost:$764 , MSRP:$899 ]
7) Deck Mat
-Rear Deck Mat with embroidered SS logo (35th Anniversary models receive unique mat) [Cost:$84 , MSRP:$99 ]
8 ) Floor Mats
-Premium Front Floor Mats with embroidered SS logo (35th Anniversary models receive unique mats) [Cost:$84 , MSRP:$99 ]
9) Car Cover
-Custom-fit Camaro SS Car Cover with locking cable and tote bag (35th Anniversary models receive unique cover and tote bag) [Cost:$135 , MSRP:$159 ]
10) Key Chains/Dash Plaque
-Two Camaro SS key fobs and dash plaque [Cost:$42 , MSRP:$49 ]
11) SLP Commemorative Portfolio
-Commemorative Portfolio that Includes: (See below) [Cost:$49 , MSRP:$59 ]
**Note: This is the regular SLP Camaro SS portfolio, not the 35th Anniversary Edition Camaro portfolio that was part of the GM 35th anniversary Edition Camaro package.
- SS Hood
- SS 10-spoke wheels
- More "free flowing" exhaust
- Light suspension upgrade
- SS badging
- SS spoiler
- Different gear ratios; I believe A4 SS models got 3.23 gearing.
The performance differences from a stock plain-jane SS and a stock Z28 are negligible.
However, the SS cars were eligible for upgrades from SLP. There were eleven upgrades offered from SLP to the SS model, and they're listed below. A buyer could purchase any combination of these upgrades, and some were pretty good performance choices (Blackwing lid, dual-dual or CME exhausts, 1LE suspension).
1) Intake/Exhaust (all four of these exhaust options were ONLY available in 2002)
-335HP Dual-Dual Performance Exhaust System [Cost:$594 , MSRP:$699 ]
OR
-335HP Center Mounted Performance Exhaust System [Cost:$899 , MSRP:$1059 ]
OR
-345HP Dual-Dual Exhaust Performance Package with High Flow Induction System [Cost:$849 MSRP:$999]
OR
-345HP Center Mount Performance Package with High Flow Induction System [Cost:$1159 MSRP:$1359]
2) Grille
-Camaro SS front grille (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$212 , MSRP:$249 ]
3) Wheels
-17X9", chrome plated, 10 spoke style, Camaro SS aluminum wheels with choice of SS logo center caps or bowtie logo center caps (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$849 , MSRP:$999 ]
OR
-17X9", chrome plated, 5 spoke ZR1 style, Camaro SS aluminum wheels wheels with choice of SS logo center caps or bowtie logo center caps (N/A on 35th Anniversary models) [Cost:$849 , MSRP:$999 ]
4) Tires
-BFGoodrich g-Force 275/40ZR17 tires [Cost:$764 , MSRP:$899 ]
5) Suspension
-Bilstein Ultra Performance Suspension [Cost:$934 , MSRP:$1099 ]
OR
-1LE Suspension Package [Cost:$1650 , MSRP:$1899 ]
6) Differential
-Auburn High Torque Performance Differential with AAM Cast Aluminum Cooling Cover [Cost:$764 , MSRP:$899 ]
7) Deck Mat
-Rear Deck Mat with embroidered SS logo (35th Anniversary models receive unique mat) [Cost:$84 , MSRP:$99 ]
8 ) Floor Mats
-Premium Front Floor Mats with embroidered SS logo (35th Anniversary models receive unique mats) [Cost:$84 , MSRP:$99 ]
9) Car Cover
-Custom-fit Camaro SS Car Cover with locking cable and tote bag (35th Anniversary models receive unique cover and tote bag) [Cost:$135 , MSRP:$159 ]
10) Key Chains/Dash Plaque
-Two Camaro SS key fobs and dash plaque [Cost:$42 , MSRP:$49 ]
11) SLP Commemorative Portfolio
-Commemorative Portfolio that Includes: (See below) [Cost:$49 , MSRP:$59 ]
**Note: This is the regular SLP Camaro SS portfolio, not the 35th Anniversary Edition Camaro portfolio that was part of the GM 35th anniversary Edition Camaro package.
11 Second Club
iTrader: (27)
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From: Your girl's back door giving her the long stroke while you're at work
the Z28 A4 is 3.23 gears as well. when i had it on the lift i used a trick my dad tought me... use a marker and make a mark on one of your rear tires... and then turn the driveshaft, every rotation of the driveshaft equals 1.00 on your gears... i ended up with 3.25 with my eyes which equates to 3.23... just a lil trick for anybody who is wondering what thier car has... its an easy check