Z28 vs SS - Suggestions

**scottay** · 04-01-2006, 12:36 PM

Hey all. When I graduate from HS in '01 I bought myself a '98 Z28. The car was AWESOME to say the least! Unfortunately as it neared 100K miles I ran up a bunch of credit cards trying to keep the damn thing in one piece (motor mounts, couple sets of tires each year, tranny mounts, plugs, plug wires, blah blah blah...), so I had to sell it a couple years ago. I am now in a better financial situation to buy another one and am looking at an '00 Z28 or SS. My question is kind of a 2 part one.

1) Should I just get the SS, or get the Z28 and put a few parts on it? I would like to get the SS because I could buy it and not have to modify it right away. I know the difference between the Z and the SS is basically the ram air, a short throw shifter, a bigger sway bar, and slighty better exhaust... And of course the hood, which I don't really care about.

2) How much would it really take to make a Z an SS? Now, a K&N FPIK will solve the ram air issue. Sway bars aren't real expensive, and neither is exhuast. I'm not sure about the short throw shifter, but I may aswell throw in a performance clutch if it's easy. So, the way I see it, I could put the cost difference (about 1500 I'm thinking) into it and get much more horsepower for it. Again, I don't care if I have the hood scoop or not.

Let me know what you think! Your input is much appreciated

**Wayah-bird** · 04-01-2006, 12:41 PM

Your thinking is right on the money. The Z28 will probably be a bit less expensive to buy, then you can add whatever you like to it. It would all be new mods for you without worrying about the prior use. You should be able to find a nice garage-kept Z28 with low miles, then add everything on yourself. Would be a nice worry-free car for many miles. Good luck!

**nhraformula** · 04-02-2006, 03:44 PM

i would get the z28.

**BlinkFan0072** · 04-03-2006, 10:43 AM

yeah. i say z28

**USN_Z-28** · 04-05-2006, 05:06 AM

Z-28. If your going to swap ou the parts anyhow go ahead and save a few bucks.

**mbrownin** · 04-05-2006, 06:19 AM

Exact same shifter options available on Z28 & SS. Either standard or optional Hurst shifter (not limited to SS), neither of which are short-throw shifters.

**scottay** · 04-05-2006, 06:39 PM

Ah, thought the Hurst was a short throw. Thanks for clearing that up :-)

Thanks everyone for your replies! I'll go with the Z28. I can't wait!! Damn SUV's suck and are boring as hell to drive around town

lol

**Geldingmakr** · 04-09-2006, 06:01 PM

I'd vote SS, but I am partial....

i have it on ebay...bidding starts at 8,500 buy it now for 12,000
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MESE%3AIT&rd=1

**sgt0704** · 04-11-2006, 06:25 PM

i'd say Z, and a short throw shifter from b&M runs around $190 or so..

**itsyasoldier** · 04-17-2006, 10:45 AM

I would go for the SS. In my town there are z's everywhere and I love having one of the only SS's rolling around. But that's just me.

**predator** · 04-17-2006, 11:50 AM

if you dont care if it has the hood then go for the z... but the hood is expensive and nearly justifies getting an ss just for the cost of the hood... if you arent gonna put it on get a z...

**camaro_ss** · 04-20-2006, 12:44 PM

i would go for the ss. it is not evrywhere and the hood are awesome

**SSzoe** · 04-21-2006, 05:21 PM

I love the fact of knowing that I am driving an SS.....I know there's no real big differance but SS's turns more heads and if your anything like me I hate the hassle of mods....Love them when i'm finished but hate waiting to be finished (Get the SS and GO!!!!)

Just my opinion

**ErikElvis** · 04-22-2006, 07:18 AM

I like knowing my car is a real SS. And its not only the hood its the pretty spoiler too!

**Huskerz1** · 04-22-2006, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by ErikElvis

I like knowing my car is a real SS. And its not only the hood its the pretty spoiler too!

Right on brother!

Buy a Z, keep it a Z, make it a badass Z, and don't be a CLONE!

Or

Buy an SS

**98LSGUN** · 04-22-2006, 02:53 PM

The SS has 17 inch rims bigger tires for traction and will hold it's value over the Z. just my 2 cents... Seeing how you're buying a used car I bet you could find an SS some place for the about what you'd spend on a Z some place. Then just start modding that.

**sprung_monkey** · 04-22-2006, 06:22 PM

i'd go ss or go z28 and have a z28

**Wesman** · 04-24-2006, 06:42 AM

I'd say go with the SS if you can, just because I love the way the Ram Air hood looks. Besides that though, they are very similar

**predator** · 04-24-2006, 07:03 AM

ok im an idiot and just found out that they made non slp SS's (basically hood and rims... someone correct me if im wrong) i dont know, but since they arent slp cars you might be able to get them for about the same price as just your average z28... (though ive never seen one, unless im thinking that the ones i have seen are poser z28's)... this way you could have the hood and rims without having to pay extra for the slp name or options you are prolly gonna replace anyway... but knowing car lots they will say its an ss and charge you what an slp is worth...

WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS THINGS THAT MIGHT TURN OUT TO BE BULLSHIT... ALWAYS GET SUPPORTING INFORMATION FROM PPL THAT KNOW WHAT THE HELL THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT...

-me

**jking** · 04-24-2006, 07:57 AM

I'm pretty sure that SLP was just upgraded option packages on the SS. IIRC, they came in 3 levels, topping out with a claimed 345hp package that had the center exhaust pipes.

Also, the minimal gains picked up from the exhaust and RA are negated by the heavier 17" wheels. The two cars run the same.