Eddie, you need to do a little research on the origins of "SS" and how it was used in the past. It was never exclusive to the Camaro. In fact, the "SS" label was used on family cars prior to the Camaro even being invented.

Z28 had far more heritage and prestige over an SS back in the 60s-70s. The Z28 was the all-around racecar package, you couldn't even get a 67-69 Z28 with air conditioning or an automatic. Very similar in thought to the Z06, the lightweight "race" version of the Corvette. The SS was the higher priced option package, but wasn't much quicker and couldn't handle compared with the Z28. Back then, SS meant bigger engine and fancy options, not performance. Even today, the 67-69 Z28s are worth far more than the SS.

 

I still don't understand the people that bitch and moan about the current SS line up. Name one car that doesn't deserve to be called an SS. The Cobalt is a modern hot rod and would give a Chevelle 396 SS a good run, the Impala SS will smoke a 96 although it's wrong wheel drive and the Trailblazer is the coolest truck GM has produced since the Sy/Ty's. The Silverado, Malibu, and Monte carlo SS' are no longer offered. Those were the mistakes.

That has a lot to do with production numbers, also the 302 was only offered in the Z/28. SS ruled the strip, Z ruled the twists.

 

Bingo!

Partially true. The bigger engines were true in the 60s & 70s. Fancy options were just opinion over the Z28 option, whereas the RS was the fancy options. SS did infact demand more performance. The SS350 would outrun the standard models and the SS396 would outrun the SS350. Same thing hold true to the other SS models of the 60s/70s and even today. The Cobalt, HHR, Impala. The SS models are faster than their base counterparts. The '96/'97 SS Camaro would outrun the Z28. Enter LS1, and it changed alittle; however, the SS Camaro still had the ram air hood, slightly higher flowing exhaust and better suspension than the Z28 which means it would handle a tad better than the Z28. Both models have evolved greatly from their beginnings to fit in the market so a proper comparison between the two would have to parallel the changing times and demand for performance cars.



Lots of good info in the man's statement. The bold nails it on the head. The SS was the top of the line Sport model, hence, Super Sport. Z28 was ONLY their "racing" model. Z28 for the TA series, IROC-Z28, etc. It was simply named that after the Camaro's production code. The SS was named to go along with all of Chevy's top sports models. Chevelle, Impala, Camaro, Nova, El Camino, etc and that still holds true today with the HHR SS, Cobalt SS, Impala SS, etc. It was/is the top of the line Sports model. Regardless of what you think about the way they use SS on modern models, it was no different from back in the 60s/70s. Remember, they quit making SS Camaros in '72 due to the performance not being there to hold up the SS name and didn't start making them again till '96. They continued to make various Z28s on through the generations.

 

Man, some of you guys need to do some research before you post....

Or search, this topic has been beaten to death!

 

They did not mass produce a SS 454 Camaro, F-bodys had a 400 cubic inch displacement limit. The one and only factory SS 454 Camaro was given to Smokey Yunik, and he took out the motor upon receiving it. Baldwin Motion made a handfull of 454 Camaros in 70 although they did not come from the factory with a 454.

I'm not wanting to start an argument, I'm just wanting to state the facts since you dont want false information to be spread.

Also for those who think the Z/28 couldnt hold it own on the strip need to look up Fred Gibbs "Litte Hoss".

 

Part 1 of what you are saying is correct. There was a 400ci cap on the F-Bodies but also the later 396s were really 402s. But were advertised as the same 396s. We're not saying the Z28 couldn't handle the SS on the strip at all, just stock for stock. Again, no argument here, just simply facts and discussions, IMO anyway.

 

Back in the day SS was just an appearance package . . that's it . . .

My Dad's 1966 Impala SS, was a 195 hp 2 barrel 283 S.B. with a 2 speed powerglide.

Had full wheel covers and all . . . tell me where "SS" means performance with that package?

 

Thats cool to know, I like to learn new things about the Camaro and early muscle cars in general.

 

Super Sport originally came from the Impala as a regular option code and not exactly a seperate model. It didn't become a seperate model until performance starting picking up-Muscle Car Era-in 1966. Any engine could be had in an Impala SS but you had to have the SS option to order the bigger engines with higher horsepower. So I guess you can consider the SS appearance only until '66 but again, it was only an option code and not a seperate model. There are shades of grey in the complete SS history and it's evolution.

 

IMO- ever since the F bodys demise, the "SS" line has been somewhat weak.....FWD cars....come on! the new SS camaro does look bad ***..but seeing "SS" badging on newer chevys doesnt really spike my interest......

 

Amen!

 

Correct me if I am wrong but the Z28 was made for Trans-Am racing to go against the Shelbys and Boss Mustangs. The SS and COPO Camaros were the drag cars...of course I was born in the 70's not the 60's.

 

The Z28 was made simply to get Chevy into the TA series and they did compete against the Boss. They were quite successful might I add. The SSs were more for the strip and street light to street light street brawls. People can say what they will but the Shelby Mustangs were more aimed at the Corvette whereas the Mach 1s were more SS level. Much like it is today, actually.

 

I wouldn't go that far with this statement. Ever seen one of these beauties?

Malibu Maxx SS wagon. Front-wheel-drive V6.







Sorry, but NO fwd piece of crap V6 wagon ever deserved the SS emblem. Especially one as ugly as this. The first time I saw one on a dealer lot, I thought the salesmen were probably being ricers and sticking SS emblems on cars. I was horrified when I read the window sticker and saw it was authentic.

 

^ second that just stupid, it is only a matter of time befire every thing has ZR1 on it too.

 

I remember a few years ago when GM had an admin change they said they would never put SS on anything that did not deserve it. The car above represents what they were talking about.

 

Agreed.....I have the 09 version of the SS, even though its not called an SS. I have the SS wheels, 3.6VVT, 260 hp...etc....Its a great looking car and ran a 14.8 (not bad considering what it was designed to do, and handles great....does it deserve the SS badge...no. Z34 maybe?lol mine is black and has the same wheels as the cars that you posted in 18" trim

 

I would not even compare the 09 Malibu to the previous versions. It is leaps and bounds above the previous versions.

 

They new one are just as powerful as the old Grand Prix GTP...so for what they are they might deserve the SS badge. I had a '98 GTP and with just a change of the pulley I was in the high 13's all day with stock tires. Not bad for a front wheel drive tank.

 

I love my malibu, i bought it for the WIF but she isnt down here yet so ive been driving it....i raced a solstice GXP and stayed with him pretty good considering im pulling around a whole lot more wieght.