Probably a Common Q
May 2013 ROTM
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,671
From: Farmington Hills, MI
ROTM Winner's Club
I think the most important thing to take from this thread is that there are indeed differences between an SS and a Z28 (and a T/A and a WS6, for that matter), but they are rather subtle. Stock for stock, the SS/WS6 performs slightly better. However, I doubt you'd be keeping your 4th gen stock. Any bolt-ons will pretty much erase the deficit, so it mostly is a matter of personal preference in that case.
I say buy an LS1 Formula
I say buy an LS1 Formula
Fancy Sparkle
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,119
The SS has got either a 3.23(auto) or a 3.42(manual) rear axle ratio. The Z28 got either a 2.73(auto) or a 3.23(manual) axle ratio. This I believe is the main reason as to why the SS is faster. Also the PCM in the SS different compared to the Z28, according to Massey.
Overdrive Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,354
From: Spanaway, WA
When you ordered an SS it came with a few basic options.
You didnt get ANY changes to the engine itself, but you got a different fuel and timing map (same mapping used for the B4C cop cars) this added about 20 HP to the engine.
High flow muffler.
Lower gear ratios for better acceleration (different based on the trans)
Your suspension was treated to larger sway bars only.
You got a new hood and SS plaque on the dash from 97+ and a different rear wing.
You could order as options:
Custom SS interior trim that incuded SS logos on the seats, floor mats, and a cargo area cover that has SS logos on it.
SLP whisper lid that added 5HP.
Loudmouth chambered exhaust (basicly no muffler just a chambered pipe that split your outlets.
Center mount exhast
Ground effects (similar to the V6's RS package)
Stiffer springs and variable rate monotube shocks for better handling and performance.
There may be a few other options too but this is what I have been able to find in my research of the SS and RS SLP packages.
The SLP options did not show up as RPO codes on your list. The only way to know if your car came with the added options is to look at the order sheet that the dealer submitted with your order. Some of the options like the sway bars and spring rates will show up since they were GM made anyway and were put on the car before it went to SLP.
Yes the SS/WS6 will have more HP but that is in the tune and exhaust only. Any Z28 or T/A can be tuned like an SS with little trouble. There are other mods that can be done easily and inexpensively that will allow your Z28 to easily exceed the power of an SS. There are better intake systems, intake manifolds, headers, exhaust components and suspension mods that with the proper tune pull a stock LS1 to 350RWHP without even touching the engine's internals.
Massey
You didnt get ANY changes to the engine itself, but you got a different fuel and timing map (same mapping used for the B4C cop cars) this added about 20 HP to the engine.
High flow muffler.
Lower gear ratios for better acceleration (different based on the trans)
Your suspension was treated to larger sway bars only.
You got a new hood and SS plaque on the dash from 97+ and a different rear wing.
You could order as options:
Custom SS interior trim that incuded SS logos on the seats, floor mats, and a cargo area cover that has SS logos on it.
SLP whisper lid that added 5HP.
Loudmouth chambered exhaust (basicly no muffler just a chambered pipe that split your outlets.
Center mount exhast
Ground effects (similar to the V6's RS package)
Stiffer springs and variable rate monotube shocks for better handling and performance.
There may be a few other options too but this is what I have been able to find in my research of the SS and RS SLP packages.
The SLP options did not show up as RPO codes on your list. The only way to know if your car came with the added options is to look at the order sheet that the dealer submitted with your order. Some of the options like the sway bars and spring rates will show up since they were GM made anyway and were put on the car before it went to SLP.
Yes the SS/WS6 will have more HP but that is in the tune and exhaust only. Any Z28 or T/A can be tuned like an SS with little trouble. There are other mods that can be done easily and inexpensively that will allow your Z28 to easily exceed the power of an SS. There are better intake systems, intake manifolds, headers, exhaust components and suspension mods that with the proper tune pull a stock LS1 to 350RWHP without even touching the engine's internals.
Massey
Last edited by Massey; Apr 5, 2011 at 02:05 PM.
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