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Can someone please school me on this? SS vs. Z28 vs. RS vs. RS/SS

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I was talking to a friend of mine, and we were talking about the new Camaro bla bla bla. Anyway, he mentions that GM was going to release a Z28 version which was supposed to be more powerful then the SS. Now, I LOVE Camaros, but I have more knowledge with Chevelles then I do Camaros.

Back in '67 and on, which version was the "top" version? I was always under the impression that the SS was the top version, then the Z28, RS and somewhere in there the SS/RS (I'm not even sure if it's SS/RS or RS/SS?). Am I correct in having believed this?

And if someone can, I'd really appreciate it if someone can give me the breakdown as to what options came with their corresponding badge/label. I tried using the search function but couldn't find what I was looking for. Maybe I wasn't using the proper wording for my search, but I figured I'd post up and whoknows, maybe someone else out there might find this thread helpful/useful :)

Thanks in advance! :)
 
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#2 ·
Let's start with 1st gens and factory ratings... Any 1st gen could get the RS option, from inline 6 to Z/28 and SS cars. Next you have basic Camaros in I6 and V8 configurations. Then the Z/28 with a 302ci V8 which is rated at 295HP, the 300HP SS with a 350ci engine followed by 3 versions of 396ci SS cars (325, 350 and 375 hp). Then there were iron and alum 427ci Camaros if you knew about the copo ordering system.

The Z/28 and SS options were not just the engines though, the Z/28 was created to allow the Camaro to Trans-Am race and was strictly a 4 speed no a/c car. The big block SS was designed to satisify or fit into the Muscle Car market and the 427 cars were really intended for the drag strip. By the 4th year of 2nd generation production (SS went away after '72) all the lines were blured until the 4th year of the 4th gen when the SS came back (1996) it was top dowg over the Z28 as they sent Z28's to a company called SLP to be turned into the SS.

As for the 5th gen it's a V6 or an SS with the stick shift having more HP than the automatic. If they bring back the Z28 it will be the top dog
 
#5 · (Edited)
Granted the 1st Gen 302 was rated at 290Hp but capable of putting out 400Hp when tuned and rev'd. The 70Z28 Camaro 350LT1 at 370Hp was the most Powerful SBC Chevy ever put in their Sport Models. The RS Option can be combined with any Model from the Custom to the SS and Z28 Packages but does not determine if the engine was a SB or a BB; such that, you can have an RS(6 or 8cyl) , RS/SS (SBC or BBC V8 -350cu or L78) - identical Engines Codes are used with the Chevelle and Vette. Hence you have the Custom, SS, Z28, RS Custom, RS/SS and a RS/Z28 but NEVER a SS/Z28 Camaro. The Z28 Option automatically included the SBC Performance Power Plant, Suspension Handling Package (F41- which included the 12 Bolt to 1970 and 15" Rally Wheels) and Optional Gauge Instrumentation (U14) .

Solid Lifter/Mechanical Cammed Camaro's never came with A/C.

Usually a L78 Optioned Camaro designated as an SS automatically included the 12 Bolt and most likely the suspension package but not necessarily. A SBC SS did not usually come with a 12 Bolt unless specifically ordered as was the Suspension Package.

So you can see the SS and RS Options were basically a Trim Package but the SS did promote the Street Performance Scene with the V8 Engine. ONLY the Z28 option automatically included all Chevy Performance and Handling Options with their Hi-Perf small block. There was very little difference between a Z28 and say a L78 SS Camaro with the Handling Option other then a SBC Vs BBC, Spring Rates and Gear Ratio's.

I would imagine you could order a Custom 6 or SBC 8 Cyl (RS or NOT) with the Suspension Handling Package but I doubt if it would be a 12 Bolt but possibly could be if special ordered say as a Towing Package with Heavy Duty Rad and Battery. (I'll probably get some feed back with that statement - LOL)

There are also Custom and Deluxe interior Packages.
 
#7 ·
SS= suspension and trim.
Z/28= 302 engine, 4 speed, suspenion
RS= trim package.

i think it was possible to get a Z/28 RS/SS...
 
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#8 ·
novaderrik said:
SS= suspension and trim.
Z/28= 302 engine, 4 speed, suspenion
RS= trim package.

i think it was possible to get a Z/28 RS/SS...
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Assuming you are talking 1st gen

SS was a performance package, the only way to get a BB without using the COPO ordering system and the 350 was exclusive to the Camaro in 1967 and required the SS option to get it in a Camaro until 1969.


No such thing as a "Z/28 RS/SS"
 
#9 ·
I found this site to be helpful in giving you lots of info as to what came with which model.

This is for the 1968 year...they have a page for each.

http://www.camaros.org/diffs68.shtml

I didn't think there was a z/28/RS/SS...just the RS Z/28. The Z already had a the suspension package and there wasn't another engine option for the Z, so what's the point of having a z/28 SS option?
 
#10 ·
From what i have heard and read the z/28 for the new camaros is not going to happen as gm is killing all the performance upgraded packages other than corvettes.
i was talking to a gm rep at the chicago auto show and he said there was at one time a 427 small block in the works for the new z/28 with like 600 hp and a 6 speed only option but he was sure it was not gonna happen as at that time gas was 4.?? a gallon?
 
#11 ·
Z15CAM said:
I would imagine you could order a Custom 6 or SBC 8 Cyl (RS or NOT) with the Suspension Handling Package but I doubt if it would be a 12 Bolt but possibly could be if special ordered say as a Towing Package with Heavy Duty Rad and Battery. (I'll probably get some feed back with that statement - LOL)
Click to expand...
I am pretty sure there is a 307 car with the 12 Bolt JL8 out there. Something about being a tow car for a camper or boat?

I think the main consideration is that the SS was a "Go Fast in a Straight Line" package car and the Z was designed for more of a "roundy Round" track package car.

The specific reason for the 302 was to meet trans am rules, and when they changed in 1970 is why the Z28 was upgraded to the 350.

Different Purposes.

Rich
 
#12 ·
Im a norwegian guy who dont write english well, but hope you understand me. I got a 71 camaro with 383 stroker engine and a original automatic transmision and axel. The guy i did get it from culdent help me much with details. Wot is the transmision and axel in this car. I think it was a original 350 engine with a 2 step?? Transmision?? And a 10 or 12 bolted axel. Its winter in Norway now so i only had the car for 5 days befor i winter stored it. I evan dont know if its a z28,ss or rs, but after reading this other coments i think its a Z28. Ar som of you able to tell me whot car i haw gotten😂😂. It was an impuls act bying the car but i did fall in love the moment i saw it❤. I was looking for a nova when i saw my love, but she keep som secrets from me. And i cant wait 5-6 mnt for the summer to arive to know. Got tonns of pic but cant dounlode em to this sight.
If somone want to se the pic to decide is my mail (rogolse5@online.no)
Ty in advance.
 
#13 ·
Roger you posted in a thread from 2009 . You should repost this question of yours in the 2nd generation section of our site, so it does not get confused with the original question from the original thread posting member.
 
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#15 ·
yes since the RS was an exterior upgrade option.
 
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