This is my first post to the board and Im excited to learn more as I browse these forums.

Lemme start of by saying I dont know much about cars but I would love to own a Camaro, as soon as this Monday. I am going to go Camaro Hunting starting this Monday and hopefully with some of my answered questions my choice will become easier.

These questions are for the 1998-2002 Camaro's, How much HP am I looking at with a stock V-8 Z-28 ? How about a stock SS ? Or is there also a stock V-8 that is neither the Z or SS ? If so, how much HP does that carry ? I want the car to be stick.

I also want the car to have the muscle car-ish sound, what mods would I need to achieve this and how much am I looking at for each thing ? Headers and exhaust only ?

I really appreciate any answers and Thanks !

Jorge

 

Well, 1998-2002 has the same engine, and it very little changed in those years. Stock, these cars will dyno anywhere from 300-320 rear wheel horsepower, which is probably around 350 at the crank. No there are no v8's that are not an SS or Z28. The z28 and SS are the same speed, the SS I believe just has better some suspension and handling stuff done to it and a better-flowing exhaust which you will probably change anyways. Not to mention the SS has the "SS Spoiler and SS Hood," which look pretty badass. These cars are also very badass as a stick, and they come in 6-speeds. For the muscle car sound, just flip on about any after-market exhaust, although Flowmaster exhaust seems to have the more "old muscle-car" type of sound, although it doesn't flow very well. Don't go with the 6-cylinder or you'll never be satisifed. You can't go wrong with a Z28 or an SS, go with a 2000+ SS or Z28 if your budget permits. Any well-running camaro with the LS1 you can't go wrong.

 

But, the autos pull pretty well too!

 

The LS1 motor usually puts down 300+ hp to the rear wheels. The SS's have the same motor - just a more free flowing exhaust basically. Its just the LS1 motor no other v8's came from the factory on the camaro/firebird. You can get them in automatic (A4) or manual (M6). Stock they have a decent sound to them - nothing loud by any means. Most people go with Longtube headers and true duals. That will give you one hell of a sound. Heres a sticky that will help you out even more https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139142. And go to this site for a bunch of sound clips of some exhaust systems - www.LS1sounds.com

 

Do all the 98-02 carry LS1's ? Or is that only the SS ?

And I'd rather not buy a Camaro than go with a 6 cylinder

 

all 1998-2002 camaro Z28's and SS's carry the LS1..

 

Not to really confuse things but technically the B4C car is not a Z28. But don't let that fool ya! The only difference is the rear trailing arms, and in some years had options only later Z28s got! The B4C is the police package car. If I were you I'd keep my options open as to what to buy either a A4 or M6 Look for clean cars that are well maintained. Some of the 98-00 cars offer really good value, as the 01-02 are more expensive. Picking up a less expensive car can be a great deal when doing mods that will easily surpass the more expensive 01-02 If cash isnt a issue the 01-02 will be the best option. Don't worry about minor HP gains in any year or model since basiclly all cars are the same. After modding them the differences aren't a issue. The SS does come with a awesome hood however!

 

You will want to get a 01-02 Camaro, as you get the LS6 intake, which gives you a little more power. 98-2000 Dd not come with this. Also 01-02 did not have EGR on either of the M6 (stick) or A4 (auto), one less thing to worry about. I have the M6 and love it.
To get the muscla car sound you are loonking for, you will need a cat back, and headers will also help with this. Believe me, Mine can get pretty loud.

 

whats your price range? you can get a mid milage (50k) loaded 98-2000 ls1 for around 10 the 01 and 02 cars go for a few grand more, if your going to mod it there is no point in spending more on the 01 and 02 cars unless you just want to say you have the newer car, once you do longtubes you can select to remove your EGR and AIR, and you can find a ls6 intake for sale for around $300, so the differenc between the two is minimal. For your mod question here's what i'd do on an M6 car. 1)subframes 2)shifter..Pro 5.0 with Lou's short stick 3)longtubes + catback or true duals 4)torque arm) 5)cam and tune. and if you go more after that finish up at least the rear suspension w/lower control arms and a panhard rod

 

read the FAQ

 

X 8,000,000

 

Look for the "best car", you should be able to find what your looking for, but be willing to walk away and be paitient(sp). Also there are advantages and disadvantages to both the M6 (6 speed) and the A4 (automatic) One thing you should know is the 10 bolt rearends in these cars are not exactly the strongest in the world. If you go with an M6 plan on spending a couple of grand on a 12 bolt or 9 inch rear end, if you ever plan to really make much power, because the 6 speeds are murder on the stock 10 bolts. The auto's are'nt as hard on rears and the 10 bolt will take much more from it. However the 6 speeds are MUCH more fun to drive