A few cars leave their mark on the automotive world even if they are produced only for a short period of time. One of those cars is the Chevrolet SS, a limited edition muscle car produced for only 4 years in the mid-2010s. The SS, also known as Super Sport, was previously only designed to be a performance trim level for popular Chevy models like the Impala, Chevelle, El Camino, Monte Carlo, Nova, Camaro, and even the Chevy pickup trucks. Chevy gained inspiration from the Holden Commodore sold in Australia and decided to give it an American adaptation in the form of the Chevy SS.
The Australian unit was renowned for its potent V-6 and V-8 engines. The American variation got the biggest V-8 variant under its hood, with a power output of 415 hp which was 7 hp greater than its Australian sibling. Regardless of the variant, the Chevrolet SS delivers solid performance. However, to take on the likes of a fearsome Challenger Hellcat, the aftermarket can convert the modded Chevy SS into a worthy contender. Here are some of the coolest Chevy SS mods that can turn your custom Chevrolet SS into a force to be reckoned with.
Engine Upgrades
The Chevy SS gets its dose of power from a massive 6.2-liter V8 engine making 415 hp. Getting a turbocharger and supercharger upgrade would be the most efficient way to boost the performance of your Chevy SS. Getting a supercharger is a serious expense as it would require hiring a specialized tuning shop in order to install it. However, the expensive investment is worth the bucks, as a supercharger grants a significant increase in torque as it brings forced induction to the play.
Getting a turbocharger is much cheaper, and is a great option for drivers who love to show off with their raucous engine noises. The turbocharger makes use of exhaust gasses and is overall more efficient for engine power. However, newbie drivers may have to deal with the turbo lag initially while revving up the engine. The engine needs to be at an optimal RPM for the turbocharger to become active. This typically happens when 2 to 4 cylinders of the V-8 engine kick in.
The cheapest engine upgrade available for an instant power boost is a cold air intake. A cold air intake is usually very easy to spot under the hood, and it gives an instant 10 or 20 hp power boost. A cold air intake creates forced induction, which is the key to unlocking the engine’s full potential. An experienced tuner can also tune the engine to get a better impact from the cold air intake.
Body Kits
Getting a body kit offers a complete makeover to the looks of your Chevy SS. One of the classiest ways to get your Chevy SS to stand out is to get chrome inserts around the grille, fog lights, and windows. Pairing these chrome elements with a black exterior finish and real black decals and badges will raise the mystery factor of your Chevy. With the tinted windows covering the interiors of your car, spectators will wonder who could be behind the wheel of this black and chrome masterpiece.
Other exterior improvements like bumpers, hoods, diffusers, widebody fenders, and spoilers are also available in a wide variety in the aftermarket. For better handling, getting a widebody kit or fender flares is the way to go. Or you can settle for subtle upgrades like a front splitter, side skirts, and a diffuser. Aerodynamic improvements like a lip spoiler or a rear wing can also be equipped to get the right amount of drag to get the quarter-mile run finished a second faster.
Suspension springs
The Chevy SS is traditionally a rear-wheel car, but there are ways you can send more power to the rear wheels. In the aftermarket scene, you can get a stiffer suspension setup for your muscle sedan. A stiffer suspension reduces body roll and also enables better acceleration and braking. With stiffer springs, you can also make your car drift and shake less while turning. A few owners might also consider lowering the suspension. This gives the Chevy SS a sportier look because of the low ride height, but it also has a risk over potholes. You may also have to change your rims to accommodate the lower suspension springs. Read the complete story of the 1967 Chevy Camaro SS with massive fan following.
Wheels and Tires
There is a wealth of options for the Chevy SS in the aftermarket when it comes to wheel rim design and wheel size. You can get a badass-looking set of chrome rims to gain the respect of every musclehead. You can also get a variety of tires depending on your passion, whether it is drifting, drag racing, street racing, or track racing. With a car that breathes fire like the Chevy SS, opting for an exceptional set of tires is a necessary prerequisite to avoid any second-hand embarrassment like hitting a corner or slipping in the rain. If your sole purpose is drifting or racing, you can even get a cheap set of tires to burn rubber every day.
Intake and Performance Exhaust
Getting an aftermarket air intake is a cheap and effective way to improve the efficiency and throttle response of your Chevy SS. With the increased airflow, getting a performance exhaust will also be ideal to boost the performance of your Chevy SS. With the sweet sound of the exhaust, spectators will certainly be impressed by your car. Within a cheap budget of $600 to $2000, one can get a premium cat-back exhaust like the Force II. You may want to be careful with the noise levels of your exhaust, keeping it under the permissible limits of 80-100 decibels at 20 feet. However, if you pull up to a rally in your modified Chevy SS, you should let the beast let out its roar through its exhaust.
Brakes
For a high-performance car like the Chevy SS, upgraded brakes could make a world of difference in terms of braking performance and distance. You can get a variety of brakes like drilled, slotted, vented, and even the costly ceramic brakes. Switching to Brembo brakes should be enough for all of your track races. With bigger rims installed, you can get bigger brakes for superior performance.
