LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

Camaro and Firebird: LS1 Z28 vs. LS1 SS

The Camaro or Firebird is a fantastic car to own and maintain, but when you look at the Z28 and compare it to the slightly more expensive SS, it can be a bit hard to discern what, exactly, the difference between the two actually is. Read on to learn more about this comparison.

By Jeffrey Bausch - February 29, 2016

This article applies to the Camaro and Firebird (1990-2015).

If you’re in the market for a Camaro or Firebird, you’ve likely dealt with the conundrum of trying to figure out what the difference is between a Z28 and an SS.

camaro SS vs. Z28 which to buy differences 4th gen F body
Figure 1. Z28 in the foreground, SS in the background.

Well, to put the issue to rest in the most simplistic of answers: there’s nothing all that different between the two, say maybe the price. The SS is slightly more expensive, but by investing in the right upgrades, the Z28 can quickly be brought up to the same value as the SS.

Both cars have, relatively speaking, the same amount of horsepower; the SS comes in a few “horses” higher, but nothing that’s really going to stand out on the road.

The two most obvious differences between the models are listed below: the SS “Ram Air” hood and its tires. Again, though, if you purchase a Z28, you can easily buy the hood and tires at aftermarket prices to upgrade the model to be exactly like its SS counterpart.

Read on to learn more about the differences between the Z28 and SS, along with some of the more commonly asked questions, as well as commonly cited issues with both models of the Camaro line.

Z28 Hood vs SS Hood

Excluding the later 2002 model V8 Camaros, which all featured the vented Ram Air hood as standard, the higher-trim model Camaro SS features a Ram Air hood with scoop.

camaro SS vs. Z28 which to buy differences 4th gen F body
Figure 2. SS Ram Air hood.

The SS has a Ram Air hood, while the Z28 does not. The best way to describe the purpose of this particular hood style is that the air goes into the hood’s scoop and swings around like a ram’s horn to reach the bottom of the lid.

Z28 Tires vs SS Tires

Pictured below is a 35th Anniversary Edition Camaro SS, with T-tops and later model big wheels.

camaro SS vs. Z28 which to buy differences 4th gen F body
Figure 3. Later-model wide wheels and tires.

Some see this is a bit of an advantage for the SS, but this model vehicle has a wider tire track than its Z28 counterpart—275 vs 245. This is an easy fix, though, as new tires can be bought and put on to the Z28, thereby eliminating this sort of “advantage.”

Common Questions

What's the difference in price between the two cars?

There really isn't all that much of a difference in price between a Z28 and SS. Typically speaking, you can get an SS for a few thousand dollar more than a Z, but in the long run, the resale value of both cars will equal out over time.

But a rule of thumb to go by is that in comparing the two, and SS will always be worth at least the same as a comparable Z model.

How much would it cost to bring the Z28 up to the value of an SS?

Not as much as you might think, which is why a lot of folks out there do tend to go this route. You can get a Z28 for less than an SS, and then put about $2,500 into SS wheels, hood, and spoiler to make the cars equal.

Common Issues with the SS

With the SS Camaro, the most oft-cited problems have to do with the engine either stalling or misfiring. Additionally, owners have filed formal complaints that the air bag lights keep coming on when they have not been deployed. To this end, the NSTSA has issue dozens of complaints to Chevrolet over issues concerning this particular system within the car.

Common Issues with the Z28

In regards to the Z28, there have been numerous issues with the car’s power window motor; most owners eventually replace the component entirely. Engine noise during warm-up is an oft-cited issue; though, there has not been any sort of consistent documentation in regards to the cause of this problem. Other slightly less oft-cited issues include the rear intake manifold leaking and bad opti-spark units.

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