Hi, guys I'm new to the forums and I'm looking at buying my first Camaro. This summer I've worked my *** off (2 jobs, summer school, and daily chores) to get some money and I'm looking at a V8 Camaro. My budget is 5500 to 8000 dollars (depends if my parents pitch in some money). I'm not sure the difference between the SS and Z28, but I've found one of each that are pretty nice and are on the lower end of my price range.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...302079524.html 98' SS 112,xxx miles for 5500

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...301975134.html 98' Z28 105,xxx miles for 6000

http://tinyurl.com/nnnzsq 2000 z28 101,xxx miles for 5500



I'm not sure which one to get and also I'm not sure the difference between a 98' SS and Z28 (I used to be a import nerd my whole life) so if you guys could help me, I would highly appreciate it.

EDIT: Also can someone recommend a website that sales Camaro aftermarket parts?

 

your kidding me, they (usually) are in the 14K range around here.

For websites, just check out some links (ads) that pop up in the header of this site to some sites.

 

id go for the first or last. dont trust dealers so if the two dont look good then maybe check the middle one last. i think the ss has the ls ane the z28 s have the lt. ls is a better motor. not by much but better. like the red one.

 

idk for sure when they switched the motors. I know that in the later years both had LS1s. The Z28 made 315 hp, while the SS had 325-335. The SS also has a unique wheels, hood, and spoiler. I believe the suspension tuning was different too.

Are you sure that the first one (the SS) is a 98? They switched the front bumper, hood, headlights, and front fenders that year. The SS you're looking at has the older look, so probably the newest it could be is 97, and it probably has an LT1.

If it was my money, I would try to find a 98-up SS with a 6-speed and LS1.

 

The first one isn't a '98. Looks pretty good though.
The second one looks good too, but the price seems a bit low for a dealer.
The third one is the one that turns me off. It's got a new paint job, yet he only took two pictures of it. In addition, his wirte-up is short and has the phrase 'no serious mechanical issues'. This could potentially mean there are lots of non-serious mechanical issues.
I'd put my money on the last one having been in an accident...

Get carfax reports on all of them, and if you're finding cars this nice for that low of a price, you can easily wait for something better. Don't feel like you need to choose one of these three..

EDIT:
Some real basic information for you guys (there's a sticky for it somewhere around here...).
All LS1's are the same. Essentially. Some have slightly revised cam profiles, some have the ls6 intake, but no changes were ever made to greatly alter the 350 bhp they produce. Every year/model '98-'02, SS and Z28, they all make 350 horses. All of them.

 

If you're interested in the 1st one get the VIN and double check with SLP to make sure it is actually an SS. The taillight style it has ended in 1995, SS started in 1996. The fact the pictures don't match the description worries me...

 

I know the LS1s made 350 in Corvettes and GTOs. I was getting my Camaro numbers from actual Camaro advertising literature I have. Not that it matters a whole heck of a lot in the grand scheme of things.

 

slvr, the tails on the first ended in '96. the wheels however aren't SS wheels.

 

hey thanks guys, I really appreciate the help. Yeah from research the first link, the SS, isn't a 98' because in 98' the Camaro's lights were changed along with the LT1 to the LS1 engine. I don't know how much the car is from the stealership, but I'm about to call to find out. Also I just called the third guy with the Z28 and I told him I was interested in his car, but I would like his VIN before anything happens. I'm deffinitly going to hold out untill I find a LS1 Camaro with a 6 speed.

 

Sorry man you are a little bit off. You can find good LS1 98-02 cars for as low as 8000 and in good condition.

The SS is an appearance and handling package only other then that it is the same car as the Z28 with just a meaner look and stance. I would hold out for the SS personaly but thats just me talking.