whats the diff between the Z and the SS

 

SS is mainly just an appearance package for the 4th gens. It gives you the SS hood, SS spoiler, badging and on some you could get the SS SLP exhaust. Drivetrain wise they are the same car.

 

ohhh i thought maybe it was the the SS was the LS1 and the Z28 was the LT1 just making sure dont want wrong info in my head

 

They both came with the LS1 98 and up. The difference is the SS was put together by SLP and certain options could be added. What they all are Im not sure of because mine is a base model SS.

 

Go to this site http://www.camarosource.ca/main_new_...new_layout.htm It breaks down all the years and the differences between them if you want to know specifics. But the SS is just the Z28 with the hood scoop (functional or non), the 2 pillar spoiler, and SS badges. There might be some extra hp, I don't remember, but it's not much if there is. The SLP SS was sent to SLP and got exhaust add-ons, which added a few extra hp. You can also request a 'birth certificate' from them as proof of authenticity. That's all I know of off the top of my head for differences.

 

Technically, it is actually a Z28 SS. Some differences depend on model year, later ones received a Power Steering cooler too.

There were additional options available from SLP -- above SS standard features, and 1LE, 2LE packages for handling, etc.

 

All LS1 SS cars recieved a different program in the computer to gain 15 extra HP, and the scoop was functional. As for the handling and suspension they had options, as with some of the interior. My friend's Z went to SLP after it was purchased (the first owner didnt want the extra insurance cost of an SS) and you can feel the difference in the car's shifting and over all power compaired to my Wife's Z28 that is bone stock. The program is similar to the Corvette profile but without the Corvette cam or compression.

Massey

 

I never understood the SS scoop on the 4th gen Camaro's really. it isn't a Ram Air hood and it doesn't work as a heat extractor according to install university, it looks good but serves no function imo.

 

The 96-97 SS hood is a very direct ram air hood, the air box sits on top of the engine and the hood closes right over the top. On the 98-02 SS hood it too is ram air but the air box is in the same location as the standard box but the air enters through ducts in the back that mate to the ducts in the hood. The firebird hood I think has the best setup for ram air the box is in the standard location and the air enters right from the top with no strange ducting. They are all "Ram Air" but the gains are going to be minimal.

Massey

 

Not true, it is ram air. But the hood scoop on the car to the right in your picture is likely much more effective at higher speeds due to where it is located.

The SLP CAI helps make up for the scoop position issue.