1997 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport Convertible 5.7L V8 6MT (325 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The fourth generation of the Chevrolet Camaro was available in two bodywork versions, the coupe and the convertible, and the automaker offered the same drivetrain packages for both variants, including the most potent one, the Super Sport.

Besides the second generation of the Chevrolet Camaro, all the others were available with drop-top versions. However, the convertibles fitted with high-performance packages couldn’t match the performance of their coupe siblings since they weighed more. But that was not a problem for those customers who preferred driving under the open sky and enjoyed the roaring sound of the V8 engines. As a result, Chevrolet added the Super Sport Performance Package to the list of the 1998 Camaro Z28, and customers loved it even though it was the priciest version in the lineup.

Chevrolet refreshed the fourth generation of the Camaro for the 1998 model year, and both bodywork versions received similar treatments. As a result, the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport (the SS for short) had a similar front fascia as its Z28 sibling. However, besides the headlights, it boasted a functional hood scoop for the forced induction system. In addition, the lower bumper was pinned out, resembling the 1974 Camaro. It also featured a redesigned air dam with a broad grille flanked by air intakes that cooled the front rotors and housed the fog lamps.

The 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport Convertible had a similar look as the rest of the drop-top Camaro range. However, the SS decals placed behind the fenders and the aerodynamically profiled side sills told bystanders another story. In addition, the 17-inch single- or double-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped in performance tires were other clues that it was not a regular Camaro. If that didn’t convince the audience, then the big brake kit with discs in all corners should do that. In addition, the wing on the trunk lid was unique for this version. However, like the rest of the range, it featured a dual exhaust system that peaked under the rear bumper.

Inside, customers could enjoy a comfortable ride thanks to the front bucket seats with tall seatbacks and integrated headrests. Chevrolet offered the 1998 Camaro Super Sport Convertible with either cloth or leather upholstery, although the latter was the one to get for a rag-top vehicle. In the back, legroom was more limited since the automaker had to tuck the power-folding canvas roof between the rear seats and the trunk. In this configuration, customers were limited to a 7.6 cu-ft (215 liters). The two-spoke steering wheel framed the same instrument cluster as the rest of the range, with large dials for the speedometer and tachometer and additional gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, ammeter, and coolant temperature.

Under its skin, the 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport had the same LS1 V8 engine with a 5.7-liter displacement. It was fueled via a sequential fuel injection system and tuned to provide an advertised 320 hp (324 PS) to the rear wheels via a standard four-speed automatic transmission. As a no-cost option, Chevrolet offered the car with a six-speed manual gearbox. Like all Z28s and Super Sport versions, the open-top Camaro SS featured a Torsen limited-slip differential. In this configuration, the car could sprint from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) in a mere 6.2 seconds on its way to a capped top speed of 155 mph (249 kph).