Hi,
New here and I am thinking about getting rid of my current daily driver (1971 Lemans convertible) and replacing it with a 4th gen Z28 or SS conv. The reason for the change is to improve a bit on gas mileage and get something that is more comfortable and handles. With this in mind I have a few questions.

1. How are the Z28s and SSs as daily drivers? Is the reliability there or will I need to be constantly working on it? I do not mind doing some work, but do want to be constantly tinkering
2. From what I have read, it sounds like the SS conv has the same suspension as the Z28, so seems there is no real benefit to going with an SS. Is this true or is there something I am missing?
3. Are there any idiosyncrasies I should be looking for such as make sure a certain repair has been done or check in a certain place for rust.
4. Other than the LT1 vs LS1 issue, is any year better than the others for any reason?
4. If I am looking at an SS, do even the later ones completed at GM have the WU8 RPO code on the door or glovebox?
5. From what I have read, I am guessing gas mileage will be in the 20MPG range for a commute that is mostly freeway, but does this sound about right to everyone.

As I said I am planning on it being a daily driver (20 miles 1 way to work) and so need it to be reliable, but also want it to be fun to drive. Any other thoughts on why a 4th gen Z28/SS would be a good or bad choice for this would be welcome.
Thanks in advance for any help on this.

Jay

 

I daily drive my Z28 and I love it. The interior can get uncomfortable at times. Reliability has been very good. I get around 17MPG driving around in the city. I would look to get a SS.

 

These cars are pretty good for fuel mileage on the highways. They are pretty reliable aswell. The ss has more power then the z28. The sway bars are bigger In the ss so you get better handling.

 

The SS and the Z28 have the same engine, so no increase in power. You're right about the handling though.

 

SS if you are willing to pay a little more obviously. If you get an SS you dont have to worry about it, but 4th gens 95 and older have the OBD1 computer, try to get atleast a 96, it has OBD2 and is much easier to scan. SS didnt come out until 96 anyway.

 

i drive mine everyday. although i dont want to but its the only car i have. after your in it for about 1hour the seats hurt my back. thats just me though. i never had any problems with mine 143k and still going. dont burn oil no leaks etc.

 

lol i dint mean to quote that

 

Thanks for the quick responses!
I was originally leaning towards an SS, but then read the suspension on the SS convertibles was the same as the suspension on the Z28 convertibles. This info is from "The Standard Catalog of Camaro" by John Gunnel and if this is true, I didn't think the SS vert would handle any better. Maybe when he says the suspension is the same he doesn't include the sway bars?

Jay

 

I thought that the ss had the slp performance parts giving it around an extra 20-30 hp?

 

1. theyre very reliable ive been daily driving them for 2 years
2. Different springs and larger sway bars, it makes a noticeable difference
3. check door jams and underside of rear bumper for rust
4. the 01 and 02s have the ls6 intake manifold which raises you about 25 hp
4. rpo sticker will be on the drivers door
5. 6 speed = 17-20 city and 25-28 highway