what's so great about the RS package?

[hpenk]

There are way too many posts from people that just don't know squat about fog lights. Too many posters here apparently don't understand the basic physics of fog lights - they think that they are just there for "more light" or something. Have you ever wondered why they are mounted so low (i.e. like on EVERY car that has them, not just camaro's)???

The key is that the angle of reflected light is a larger angle than standard lights. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are driving in dense fog or in heavy snow, you will immediately see the difference in lighting quality when you switch to the fog lights. You can't effectively drive with both fog and regular lights in these situations...they are specifically designed for these purposes, and using the regular lights will be detrimental in such cases (fog/snow).

So quit talking about the fog lights like they're just for show. It's not about the "look". It's not about how "cool" they are. HID headlights do NOT make them obsolete. HID lights do NOTHING for fog and snow visibility. In fact, because the light is more concentrated and of a higher point intensity, they tend to add more distracting glare to the particles in the air (fog particles and snow flakes). With the "halo" effect, I would even venture to say that you probably end up with some kind of weird spotlight/UFO effect in front of your car as you're driving in these conditions.

It always amazes me how many people believe they know everything about cars but fail to know the basics of safe driving. Fog lights are a safety feature, not an aestetic accessory. 'Nuff said about the fog lights.

Next - the idiot belief that larger wheels make a better handling car. Umm. How? Having smaller side walls changes the response of wheels in turns and bumps. Having larger wheels cuts down on the effective horsepower to the ground (more rotational inertia). The wheels are heavier (and times 4 heavier on top). The *only* reason people choose larger wheels is because of looks. Anyone that believes that there is some kind of competitive advantage is 100% wrong. There isn't a single race series on this planet where race teams use large diameter hubs. In fact, the premier series on every continent (F1, F2000, NASCAR, Top Fuel) has limits on how large the wheel walls can be and how small the wheel rims can be.

O, and btw - larger rims don't make the entire wheel package larger. In fact, one of the camaro engineers is shown on a youtube video vehemently stating that the wheels, no matter what size rims (18, 19, 20, or 21") all are equi-distant to the wheel well. In other words, the overall diameter is the same.

Large wheels are in a word - Ghetto. HID lights, while they have their uses, don't do squat in snow, heavy rain, and heavy snow. That's what fog lights are for.

As far as I can tell, the only substantive performance enhancements in the RS package are the upgraded brakes. They don't make you go faster, but they'll make you stop faster. Some would argue that this would translate to better lap times (higher entry speed), but it's really the longevity of the brakes that would win or lose a race. I suspect that larger brakes tend to last longer (less brake fade), so in that respect I would agree.

[firestone_ss]

so we get are butts chewed because there some guy somewhere who knows something about the angle of the dangel of some fog light on some car and then says there is an upgraded brake with the rs package and thats what he thinks is good about it?...when did they upgrade brakes for the rs package?I DIDNT GET THE MEMO!

[gold5000000]

what isnt so great about the RS package!!

[BOOTZILLA]

Originally Posted by Bert

Hi, I see a lot of posts saying "you gotta get the RS package, it rocks" or something to that affect . . . .

As far as I can tell, the two significant things in the RS package are the HID headlights and the 20" wheels / summer tires.

I agree the car looks meaner with the HID's, but there is a downside because the fog lights get turned off when the HID's are on.

The 20" wheels are cool, but you can get the 19" bright aluminum wheels with all-season tires for $470 without the RS package. I'm not sure I really want the summer-only tires; I know they improve the handling at the edge but I'm not likely to push the car that hard; and I'm not sure how they do in the rain. (my car will be a daily driver, can't stay home when it rains)

The spoiler is OK too but I kinda like the cleaner look without it. (and don't have to worry about the bolts falling off)

Is there something I am missing? Can you guys enlighten me?

thanks in advance

You should have just looked at www.chevrolet.com to find out what is included in the RS Package.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by hpenk

As far as I can tell, the only substantive performance enhancements in the RS package are the upgraded brakes. They don't make you go faster, but they'll make you stop faster. Some would argue that this would translate to better lap times (higher entry speed), but it's really the longevity of the brakes that would win or lose a race. I suspect that larger brakes tend to last longer (less brake fade), so in that respect I would agree.

While you're mildly ranterific post was very informative...you sorta stumbled here. The RS package doesn't upgrade the brakes. On V6 cars however, it does upgrade the rubber, and there's the performance advantage...if any. On V8 cars, it's purely aesthetic -- as the package was always intended to be.

...And dang does it look good!

[Rcfiddy1]

For me it was a new car, So go all the way. 2SS/RS and no doubts!!!

[Ravirn]

Originally Posted by Rcfiddy1

For me it was a new car, So go all the way. 2SS/RS and no doubts!!!

Likewise.

[Ivan @ Southwest Speed]

Originally Posted by DkknightX

If you consider an SS trim at any point, you'll do yourself a serious disservice by not getting the RS package, but that is just my opinion. Hope this helps and good luck!

Bam. Enough said.

-Ivan

[Beauwulf]

Originally Posted by Sir Nuke

Bert, lets get down to "the bottom line", its all about what YOU want, not anybody else. The RS package has ALWAYS, from the begining of its conception, a visual addition to the car. are their parts that are "functional" YES, truely performance related, NO. For me, it was a no brainer to get the RS pkg. My first Camaro was an RS, so I HAD to get an RS this time, somewhat a nastalgia thing. AND I love the looks of the car with the RS pkg. SO, the bottom line is.......WHAT DO YOU WANT?

You may have overlooked the fact that the 19" wheel/tire combo is speed limited to 118 MPH Vs the RS package being rated at 155 MPH. Not that it sounds like the OP would use the extra speed, but, The "actual" performance IS there!

[67 GTO]

It's the 18" wheel/tire combo that's limited to 118. The 19" comes with the Z rated Pirelli's (155)

The 2LT non-rs comes standard with the 19's.

[Beauwulf]

Originally Posted by 67 GTO

It's the 18" wheel/tire combo that's limited to 118. The 19" comes with the Z rated Pirelli's (155)

The 2LT non-rs comes standard with the 19's.

Sorry, I misspoke... The LS comes with 18" rated to 118. Point is still the same though. There is a performance advantage to the RS package over the standard equipment of the LS package.

[67 GTO]

Originally Posted by Beauwulf

Sorry, I misspoke... The LS comes with 18" rated to 118. Point is still the same though. There is a performance advantage to the RS package over the standard equipment of the LS package.

Just didn't want you to think you'd be leaving me in the dust come Fest time.

[Nutbutt]

I just wonder how many LS owners even keep the 18" tires on their cars ? Seems from this forum that most LS owners mod this out right away. The speed limiter is after all just a software trim.

[Beauwulf]

Originally Posted by 67 GTO

Just didn't want you to think you'd be leaving me in the dust come Fest time.