You Can Game the System and Build a Z/28 for $61,596

Camaro SS to Z/28 kit (Credit: © NewGMParts.com)

So, you want a Camaro Z/28, but you just can’t stomach shelling out $72,305 to get one. Well, the folks over at NewGMParts.com have just completed compiling a list of aftermarket parts that will give the Camaro SS the look, feel, and performance of the Z/28 for just an extra $28,901. I am not an engineer at GM, so I cannot 100 percent validate the manufacturer’s claim, but the images do look just like the real deal. According to the manufacturer, the parts needed for the conversion include the LS7 7.0-liter engine, of course, a suspension kit with DSSV dampers, the Tremec 6060 six-cog gearbox, Ricaro front seats, a Power Performer cat-back exhaust, a specially developed body kit, an exhaust manifold package, and a few other bits for the full-on conversion from SS to Z/28. One thing this kit cannot duplicate is the 55 pounds of weight savings the Z/28 enjoys, thanks to its one-speaker audio system, lack of HID lighting, no A/C, and other deletions, but it is pretty dang close.

Camaro SS to Z/28 kit (Credit: © NewGMParts.com)

Even if you don’t currently own a Camaro SS, you can pick one up and purchase this $28,091.02 kit, and still pay just $61,596.02 altogether. That is a whopping $10,708.98 less than the real Z/28. Do you think it’s worth it? Let me know in the comments below. On the other hand, if you just want your SS to look like the Z/28, this aftermarket company has a kit for you. Included in the package is an aerodynamics kit, a grille insert, and a spoiler kit for $1,593.75. This would take the grand total, including a base Camaro SS, up to $35,098.75. The retailer does mention that a die-hard Z/28 enthusiast would likely be able to sniff this kit out as a fake, but the majority of casual fans would take it as a true Z/28. If you want my two cents, I say go for the full-on kit or nothing at all. There is nothing worse than a fast car weighed down with a body kit just to look cool.