How was the SS Camaro Made?

[joelx21]

From what I remember, if you wanted an SS you had to order a Z28 from the factory with the SS upgrades. Weren't SS Camaros specially ordered from the factory?

Am I mistaken?

Thanks

[FANTA-Z]

They were for the first few years (cant remember how long) and then GM took over the SS from SLP which they used to ship them a factory Z28 and they would do the upgrades at the SLP shop. When GM took over they did it at GM instead of shipping them to SLP. At least this is what I can remember reading about them.

[joelx21]

I see. The reason I ask is because I have this friend who is in love with having an SS. I can't blame him, I would not mind having one myself. But, I always tell him that the difference between both cars is mainly cosmetic. That both cars are basically the same. The guy is saving up to buy a 2002 SS Cash!!! Works so hard that he cought a flu virus and ended up going to the hospital a couple of times to the hospital.

I tell him that if you wanted an SS in 2002, you had to specially order it from the factory. You ordered a Z28 with the SS upgrades. He says that if you ordered it like that, the Pink Slip would not as just "SS" it would say "Z28 SS." To my knwledge the only way to get a brand new SS was to order the Z28 with the upgrades. I am wrong? If so, I want to know so I can stop talking out of my ass. lol

[Mykdiver]

Originally posted by FANTA-Z
They were for the first few years (cant remember how long) and then GM took over the SS from SLP which they used to ship them a factory Z28 and they would do the upgrades at the SLP shop. When GM took over they did it at GM instead of shipping them to SLP. At least this is what I can remember reading about them.

Yes you are 100% right that is how it is done.

[robert c]

GM would make the SS at their factory in the beginning. But I think from 98 to 02 they were converted at SLP

[FANTA-Z]

SLP made them first and then the General took over in 98.

[FANTA-Z]

You are correct joel. If you wanted an SS you would have to order one or pick one up at the dealership. It is actually a Z28 with the SS upgrade and when you upgrade it, it just comes with the SS badges not the Z badges.

[robert c]

I have an SLP video tape about the company. And in that video they show late model SS Camaros being converted. it was made in 2001 . They said that GM ships the cars to be made at SLP.from 98 to 02. SLP manufactures the hoods and the rare wings in-house and besides the SS badges they also do suspension and exhaust upgrades. that's why when you want to find out the build No. you have to contact SLP and give your vin. number and they will tell you the number of your SS. in my case it is No. 3488 out of 8929 for model year 2000.

[Lyle A]

They also build the WS6 and the Firehawk.

[Art Vandaley]

I want to see this video

[joelx21]

All this time I thought the WS6 and the Firehawk were the same thing! lol What's the difference?

[Lyle A]

I think the differences are in the looks. That's about it. I really can't tell you though. Maybe they are the same and just named different. I drove a Firehawk and rode in a WS6 but the time frame was too far apart to remember if they were different.

[Ryatt-Motion]

The SS, from 96-02 are all SLP cars. I too thought that GM made the SS after 98, but it's just a Z28 that got converted. When I went to test drive an 02 SS the other day, you could clearly see that the cars paint looked different on the hood and the spoiler. I also went to my friends shop and he had an 01 SS (Pewter) that had a slightly different looking hood and spoiler color. Both of these cars were virgins with no body work done. SLP gets the Z28, and converts the suspension, hood, spoiler, shifter, exhaust and air lid, and gives the car a second VIN # placed on the inside of the drivers side door jamb. But I agree with your friend, there is no substitute for an SS.

[CRAGER]

SLP made the SS and Firehawk's unitl their last year in 2002. SLP does not make the WS6, ASCD does.

SLP did a few mods to the Camaro's but nothing internal to the motor.

Here is a pic of my window sticker:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/64997248/64997464uFLXsK


Peace,
Craig.