I previously owned a 95Z28 6 speed - launch was critical on the RSA's. Much easier to launch the L.

However - Last summer I tested a 99 red SS 6 speed(LS1). I was very impressed with the midrange & top end pull. Where my old LT1 would get weak @ 5k rpm the LS1 pulls hard to 6k.
3rd & 4th gear had me pinned to the seat. Don't like buying these cars used, most are hammered & abused.

As others have stated free mods really wake these HP underrated cars UP. They have been known to **** off many Vette owners. That's why GM didn't put the Z06 motor in the Z28 or T/A.

Automatics are very consistent for the 1/4

At the track Ive seen owners struggle at the line on radials but they are great cars in my opinion. Why GM would stop making them over a Aztec is beyond me.

In regards to this post I think it comes down to driver in the 1/4.

 

At cecil, my first run i had a slowmaro ss line up next to me. Well according to the time slip i bitch slapped him a 1.566 sec. And i ran a 13.5 that run and didn't have any traction.

 

I ran 2 S.S. and 2 ws6 with my old 93 lightning at 13.2s and i have never been beaten by one yet..

True Blue 2002
complete stocker
2.1
13.4
102.00

Blown 93 lightning
1.83
13.2
103.00

 

Don't ******* with LS1 Camaros or Firebirds unless you are WELL-modified, or you can stand to lose. Of course, you will very often run into people who can't drive, but power and weight considered, LS1's are considerably (but not a LOT) faster than Lightnings. 98-00 LS1's run around 300-310 rwhp stock. 01s and 02's run around 320. In reality, there's only a small difference in horsepower between the SS/WS6 and base Camaro/Trans Am models, but because they are all GROSSLY underrated (my SS rated at 320 makes between 350 and 360 fwhp) they can get away with lying about it.

My SS 'vert with the rollcage probably weighs at least 3700 - 3800 pounds, and I run a 13.6 at 105, stock except for filter. It's not uncommon for LS1 coupes to run high 12's when driven right.

 

Stock vs stock with equal drivers i would put my money on the ls1 every time. That being said iv'e seen plenty of ss and t/a's run 14,s and others run 13.40's stock in the same conditions.Iv'e ran into groups of 10 ls1's including vettes were the best et of the group was 13.70's and they refused to line up with me when asked..but i had a chip filter and et streets and ran 12.70- 12.90 with no pulley so who could blame them.The only stock ls1 i have seen is a zo6 running 12.70's with temporary tags.

I for one find it really sucks that the general is going to quit making these cars even if it ends up being just temporary.

I guess there is always the vette which is more fun to whip on anyway And i plan on turning canibal on those 03 cobras..at least until the aftermarket catches up.

 

I ran an 01 SS at Hallsville raceway last year (automatic) and he was bone stock down to the air filter. He ran consistant 13.2's. Then he installed a lid,filter, maf ends, and cut out his air box in the pits and ran a 12.82 on his next run! Pretty impressive for such simple mods. All I had at the time was a 2# pulley and chip and I was running 12.9's @106.