Hello everyone, I'm new to the Camaro so I don't know much about them. I had a 2002 Ford Mustang GT, which I used to drag race on the track, but after letting my friend borrow it for a run he blew the engine, so I decided it was time to get a new car. I've been checking out the 1997 Camaro and believe that's what I will get but I don't know much about them and wanted to know if ya'll can help me. My main question is what engine is better, the Z28 or SS. Thanks in advance!

 

I think I will be corrected, but I believe that the Z28 has the same engine as the SS. I think the SS is just a trim and suspension package. The 350 engines are basically bomb-proof. They last forever, if taken care of. The v8 camaro's are torque monsters.

 

Alright, thank you. Do you think the SS is worth the extra money or just getting a Z28 and adding aftermarket parts would be better?

 

The SS if its a 97 is def worth the extra money, it was an aniversary modle and had 330 HP, ( underated ) But in most cases, depending on how much the price diff is, Id just go for a SS, they have a few more HP, and some cosmetic differences. But MUSICMAN is correct, the Z28 and the SS had the same engine, just a few minor changes. Nothing major. And they are a very reliable engine if maintaned properly.

 

wait a minute. arent the 1997 Z28 camaro engine is the LT1 with 285hp and 1997 SS camaro is the LT4 with 330hp. so yeah SS 1997 would be the better if i had the choice.

 

I think that a Z28 is good becasue of the lower price, but an SS says more. Better yet, I've seen a camaro sell on Barret Jackson that was an RS SS. Then you get the fancy body kit too. Just depends on how much money you have to spend. The one on BJ sold for $10,000, and it had around 20,000 miles, and in factory showroom condition. It was a steal for the hp it had.

 

There were only a small number of LT4 SS built in 97

 

Thank you guys! I will try to get a SS this summer if I can find one within 600 miles or so.Does anyone know / predict what it would do in a 1/4 mile with a supercharger and a 200 shot nos on it?

 

my supercharged corvette with an auto and 2.23 gears with no N.O.S. runs 11.28 in the 1/4

 

Unless you plan on upgrading the internals, the 1/4 mile time will depend on what kind of tow truck is picking you up.