1997 Chevrolet Camaro SS 5.7L V8 4AT (320 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Offered as a package for the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, the SS version pushed the limits on everything, improving the car’s performance and enhancing the exterior.

On the first generation of the Camaro, the SS version was the big daddy of the lineup. It had a big block engine and was designed especially for those who lived their lives quarter-mile at the time. However, the introduction of the Z28 as a street version of a racing car divided customers. Unlike the Super Sport, the Z28 handled better thanks to its lighter engine. During the Malaise Era, the Z28 became more potent simply because it had an engine designed for efficiency, while the SS relied on its larger displacement. However, enthusiasts still respected the SS badge. For the fourth generation of the Camaro, Chevrolet introduced the SS as a package that could be ordered for the Z28 version, which not only improved the vehicle’s performance but also came with a few other visual details that made it stand apart from the rest of the range.

In 1997, Chevrolet refreshed the Camaro lineup for the 1998 model year, including the front clip. The redesigned dual headlights were rounded and exposed instead of rectangular and recessed in eagle-eye-shaped clusters, and these were the same for the entire Camaro range. However, it featured a forced induction hood with a functional scoop in the middle. Furthermore, the lower bumper was pinned out and had a redesigned air dam featuring a broad grille flanked by air intakes that cooled the front rotors and housed the fog lamps.

From its profile, a few details made the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro SS stand out from the Z28 version. Besides the SS decals on the front fenders, the car sat on 17-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped in 275/40ZR performance tires. In addition, thanks to the added performance ride and handling option, which was part of the SS package, the car sat lower to the ground. Finally, at the back, Chevrolet added a wing on the hatch, neatly integrated with the design of the rear fascia. Like the rest of the range, the car featured a dual exhaust system, with stainless-steel pipes peaking under the aerodynamically profiled bumper.

Inside, a two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel framed a 155-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a 6k-rpm redline, as well as gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, voltage, and fuel level. The front bolstered bucket seats with tall seatbacks, and integrated headrests were fitted as standard with cloth upholstery with an option for leather seats. On the center stack, the automaker placed a standard AM/FM cassette player with a few options for CD players, including a 200-watt Monsoon sound system with an available remote 12-CD changer.

Under the hood was the same LS1 V8 engine shared with the Corvette and the Camaro Z28. However, unlike its sibling that put out 305 ponies (309 PS), the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro SS sent 320 hp (324 PS) to the rear wheels. In addition, GM offered a free-flow exhaust system that added 5 hp to the total. Customers could get the car with a standard four-speed automatic transmission or a Borg-Warner T56 six-speed manual gearbox as a no-cost option. Both versions were fitted with a Torsen limited-slip differential, while the latter also featured a performance axle ratio.