02 ws6 v. 10 camaro - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Banshee · 09-07-2009, 03:28 AM

I owned a 2002 WS6 until 2 months before I got the Camaro...Before that I had a 98 T/A and a 96 WS6.

I can tell you the 02 had a B&M shifter, a tune, CAI and a catback LM SLP. She dynoed out at 332 at rear. The 02 with its Eagle F'1s 275's all around, stiffer suspension, Bilsteins had a much more responsive bite to the road with tire pressures at 32 psi cold. roll and push was relatively non-existant and I really pushed that car in well known curves and corners. Steering was very nice and positive. I really do not feel the weight difference between either my SS or WS6. I do notice I sit lower and have a better feel for the road. I can feel the rear grab in response to the rear pitching out and know when I could push and how much to get away with. Stock sway bars and stock panhard rod.

The Camaro on the other hand is a little less nimble in my opinion. I am reluctant to really push the car as the steering is a little timid and the fact I really cant feel the road. I have pushed the SS about 75% of what I ran the WS6 in the same corners. I also feel as if I restrain myself taking the same curves and 35mph corners not at my usual 50-60 mph, but at 45-50 with the Camaro... I may possibly still need to get "attached" to my Camaro, but I feel there is a little more nosing in hard corners and alot less "road" feel and feedback. The shifter gate (shifter) has alot to be desired, but so was the stock in my 98 T/A.

Comparing the two is well, comparing two completely seperate F bodies. The acceleration from the SS is awesome coming out of a corner and much more nimble and forgving on bumps or uneven road with little drift or tracking on impressed roads. The braking is awesome with the SS...I say 30% better than the WS6.

Am I dissapointed? Absolutely not! If one was to install the Hotchkis swaybars, that would be a great first tweak. Then see how she feels. After that, probably lower and modify the spring rates.

After that, get comfortable, add headers CAI and exhaust and get a feel. I am happy for now with the SS power.

But the stock shifter has to go for me. That will be #1, then the Hotchkis, then lowering, then to Lingenfelter in spring.

All in all, the Camaro is 75% of what my WS6 was in handling..but again, I am still getting a feel for old girl. I would say $1500 in shifter/swaybars and springs/lowening, I will be on par with what I want.

I have absolutely no reservations or remorse with my SS...I am an aggressive driver moreso tahn what 95% of current owners would push her to.

On a side note, I had a friend from Roush take her on the track for a few laps..He was impressed for stock, but said real good for stock setup. Just need a little work. He loved the response on a familiar track.

RobH · 09-07-2009, 08:02 AM

During my last visit home, I had to take all my family and friends of family for a ride. They were all my mothers age or older (60) and they all made the same comment -- basically 'I can't believe how well this car rides'. Chevy did a good job with this car of getting a sophisticated ride quality while building a car that also handles very well.

The biggest problem you might face is the lack of rear seat space.

levi1922 · 09-07-2009, 10:50 AM

theres another thread about the 5th gen versus the 4th gen in the camaro vs... section im fairly sure. most of the responses are saying the 5th handles better all around from cruising to cornering, it is said to have a more refined feel than the 4th gens. this is just what i have heard and read since i do not yet have my 2010.

FI4T0MCAT · 09-07-2009, 11:16 AM

Well a buddy of mine has a SOM 2001 WS6 and I have a bone stock ls3 2ss, we went out on the highway and opened them up, his car pulled on mine in every single gear. I was sorely dissapointed in my new Camaro. time for some mods, i just cant let that stand.

LSX-80MM · 09-07-2009, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FI4T0MCAT

Well a buddy of mine has a SOM 2001 WS6 and I have a bone stock ls3 2ss, we went out on the highway and opened them up, his car pulled on mine in every single gear. I was sorely dissapointed in my new Camaro. time for some mods, i just cant let that stand.

Lol..probably the weight difference and the Zam probably is on 17 .in tires...makes a difference

songsj · 09-07-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Well a buddy of mine has a SOM 2001 WS6 and I have a bone stock ls3 2ss, we went out on the highway and opened them up, his car pulled on mine in every single gear. I was sorely dissapointed in my new Camaro. time for some mods, i just cant let that stand

I've been very quietly trying to point out for months now that the Z28 SS's and Firebird WS6 are cars to watch out for. Depending on any number of things they may sirprise many of you and run a whole lot closer to the 5th ss's than you think. It's not that I don't like the 5th because I do.

lgret13 · 09-08-2009, 04:25 PM

thanks for the resposnes. I tried 6 local avis locations and none have the camaro to rent.

It appears that despite the weight, the 5th gen is a nimble a car for its weight class. But how fast am I going to corner with the kids in back (when i'm alone is a whole different story). Also, i'm assuminng that the build quality is way better than the 4th gen and 5th gen should be rattle after several thousand miles.

As is the case with children, my older son wants "Bumblebee" but he like pics of my old ws6 and says it kinda looks like the "batmobile" and wants the t-tops, he can't decide either.

ffrcobra_65 · 09-08-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgret13

thanks for the resposnes. I tried 6 local avis locations and none have the camaro to rent.

It appears that despite the weight, the 5th gen is a nimble a car for its weight class. But how fast am I going to corner with the kids in back (when i'm alone is a whole different story). Also, i'm assuminng that the build quality is way better than the 4th gen and 5th gen should be rattle after several thousand miles.

As is the case with children, my older son wants "Bumblebee" but he like pics of my old ws6 and says it kinda looks like the "batmobile" and wants the t-tops, he can't decide either.

I have owned 5 Camaros and I can say that 5th gen camaro's build quality is definitely better than previous gens. I agree, despite the weight, the 5th Gen SS carries it well and handles and corners pretty well for a 3800+# car! The important thing to me is the fact that the power is already there, and a few non-warranty-voiding mods can easily add more. If I want it to corner better, it won't take much $$ to achieve that and get a lowered look at the same time.

but then again, doing so potentially invites rattles to come sooner than later.

Show your son the Transformers movies again and highlight the fact that Megan Fox really digs the guy with the Camaro!

Black5thgen · 09-08-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FI4T0MCAT

Well a buddy of mine has a SOM 2001 WS6 and I have a bone stock ls3 2ss, we went out on the highway and opened them up, his car pulled on mine in every single gear. I was sorely dissapointed in my new Camaro. time for some mods, i just cant let that stand.

Really?????? Was it stock?

Both are great cars and you really can't beat t-tops. I miss those. IMO the 5th is a better driver but the 4th is a fun car for weekends and racing. I have ran a couple LS1's and am yet to lose. I want both but prefer the 5th gens ride and quality.

ShnOmac · 09-08-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 211269

To me, the Camaro, Challenger, Charger and 300 are the same exact car in the way they feel to drive with different engines

You have got to be kidding me......

patriotpa · 09-08-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shnomac77

You have got to be kidding me......

Suuure! They're all the same! They've all got windows, doors, tires, etc.

levi1922 · 09-08-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shnomac77

You have got to be kidding me......

tacotylert · 09-08-2009, 06:31 PM

i have raced 3 ws6's in my ss and smoked all of them, although they were a lot faster than the mustang cobra svt

StangKiller-SS · 09-08-2009, 07:59 PM

WS6's are a bit lighter. I haven't seen an actual race between the two, or driven an SS to be able to compare it to the Formula but from what I've heard the 2010 SS's are pulling about equal 1/4 mile times (13.2 range) to the 4th gen LS1 cars. I've seen a video that has two 2010 SS's racing the 1/4 mile & the best they could manage was a 13.8 and 13.9. That's really bad in comparision to the 4th gen LS1 cars, but I would blame that on the drivers first because I think the 2010 SS can do a lot better than 13.8 then again I don't know how much the added weight slows them down. Between the two cars I think the SS will be just as much fun to drive as the WS6 & will perform similar when it comes to 1/4 mile & picking up speed, the WS6 may have the edge in road racing due to it's stance & less weight. As for the 300C I don't think there's a comparison. The 300C can't come close to touching either the WS6 or 2010 SS, IMO.

09-07-2009, 03:28 AM	#15
Banshee Institutionally Insane Drives: 2013 IOM 2SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Detroit MI Posts: 2,115 View My Garage	I owned a 2002 WS6 until 2 months before I got the Camaro...Before that I had a 98 T/A and a 96 WS6. I can tell you the 02 had a B&M shifter, a tune, CAI and a catback LM SLP. She dynoed out at 332 at rear. The 02 with its Eagle F'1s 275's all around, stiffer suspension, Bilsteins had a much more responsive bite to the road with tire pressures at 32 psi cold. roll and push was relatively non-existant and I really pushed that car in well known curves and corners. Steering was very nice and positive. I really do not feel the weight difference between either my SS or WS6. I do notice I sit lower and have a better feel for the road. I can feel the rear grab in response to the rear pitching out and know when I could push and how much to get away with. Stock sway bars and stock panhard rod. The Camaro on the other hand is a little less nimble in my opinion. I am reluctant to really push the car as the steering is a little timid and the fact I really cant feel the road. I have pushed the SS about 75% of what I ran the WS6 in the same corners. I also feel as if I restrain myself taking the same curves and 35mph corners not at my usual 50-60 mph, but at 45-50 with the Camaro... I may possibly still need to get "attached" to my Camaro, but I feel there is a little more nosing in hard corners and alot less "road" feel and feedback. The shifter gate (shifter) has alot to be desired, but so was the stock in my 98 T/A. Comparing the two is well, comparing two completely seperate F bodies. The acceleration from the SS is awesome coming out of a corner and much more nimble and forgving on bumps or uneven road with little drift or tracking on impressed roads. The braking is awesome with the SS...I say 30% better than the WS6. Am I dissapointed? Absolutely not! If one was to install the Hotchkis swaybars, that would be a great first tweak. Then see how she feels. After that, probably lower and modify the spring rates. After that, get comfortable, add headers CAI and exhaust and get a feel. I am happy for now with the SS power. But the stock shifter has to go for me. That will be #1, then the Hotchkis, then lowering, then to Lingenfelter in spring. All in all, the Camaro is 75% of what my WS6 was in handling..but again, I am still getting a feel for old girl. I would say $1500 in shifter/swaybars and springs/lowening, I will be on par with what I want. I have absolutely no reservations or remorse with my SS...I am an aggressive driver moreso tahn what 95% of current owners would push her to. On a side note, I had a friend from Roush take her on the track for a few laps..He was impressed for stock, but said real good for stock setup. Just need a little work. He loved the response on a familiar track. __________________ It's got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant, it's got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks. It's a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas. What do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?

09-07-2009, 08:02 AM	#16
RobH Drives: 2010 IBM 1LT RS M6 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 121 View My Garage	During my last visit home, I had to take all my family and friends of family for a ride. They were all my mothers age or older (60) and they all made the same comment -- basically 'I can't believe how well this car rides'. Chevy did a good job with this car of getting a sophisticated ride quality while building a car that also handles very well. The biggest problem you might face is the lack of rear seat space. __________________ IBM 1LT RS M6

09-07-2009, 10:50 AM	#17
levi1922 Drives: 2LT RS CGM Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,378	theres another thread about the 5th gen versus the 4th gen in the camaro vs... section im fairly sure. most of the responses are saying the 5th handles better all around from cruising to cornering, it is said to have a more refined feel than the 4th gens. this is just what i have heard and read since i do not yet have my 2010. __________________

09-07-2009, 11:16 AM	#18
FI4T0MCAT Drives: 1969 SS Camaro Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fayetteville NC Posts: 465	Well a buddy of mine has a SOM 2001 WS6 and I have a bone stock ls3 2ss, we went out on the highway and opened them up, his car pulled on mine in every single gear. I was sorely dissapointed in my new Camaro. time for some mods, i just cant let that stand. __________________

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Songs About Camaros (for your driving pleasure)	Emjay	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	74	12-18-2014 01:42 AM
GM memo to dealers	Moose	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	41	02-04-2010 08:33 PM
2010 Camaro, Decisions Decisions… (Winding Road Review)	Xmicro_SS	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	19	05-09-2009 12:40 PM
Ambient lighting (ABL) - the FINAL update = LIMITED TO DOOR PANELS	CamaroScotty	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	338	04-15-2009 06:33 PM
UPCOMING CAMARO IMPORTANT DATES	CamaroScotty	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	125	01-11-2009 01:31 AM

09-08-2009, 04:25 PM	#21
lgret13 Drives: '11 CTS-V Coupe Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY Posts: 6	thanks for the resposnes. I tried 6 local avis locations and none have the camaro to rent. It appears that despite the weight, the 5th gen is a nimble a car for its weight class. But how fast am I going to corner with the kids in back (when i'm alone is a whole different story). Also, i'm assuminng that the build quality is way better than the 4th gen and 5th gen should be rattle after several thousand miles. As is the case with children, my older son wants "Bumblebee" but he like pics of my old ws6 and says it kinda looks like the "batmobile" and wants the t-tops, he can't decide either.

09-08-2009, 06:31 PM	#27
tacotylert Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Red Jewel Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bedford, IN Posts: 17	i have raced 3 ws6's in my ss and smoked all of them, although they were a lot faster than the mustang cobra svt

09-08-2009, 07:59 PM	#28
StangKiller-SS Drives: GM products Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Posts: 1,621	WS6's are a bit lighter. I haven't seen an actual race between the two, or driven an SS to be able to compare it to the Formula but from what I've heard the 2010 SS's are pulling about equal 1/4 mile times (13.2 range) to the 4th gen LS1 cars. I've seen a video that has two 2010 SS's racing the 1/4 mile & the best they could manage was a 13.8 and 13.9. That's really bad in comparision to the 4th gen LS1 cars, but I would blame that on the drivers first because I think the 2010 SS can do a lot better than 13.8 then again I don't know how much the added weight slows them down. Between the two cars I think the SS will be just as much fun to drive as the WS6 & will perform similar when it comes to 1/4 mile & picking up speed, the WS6 may have the edge in road racing due to it's stance & less weight. As for the 300C I don't think there's a comparison. The 300C can't come close to touching either the WS6 or 2010 SS, IMO.