The induction modifications done to the early production units (first 497 units) included the porting of the heads, intake and exhaust manifolds were rated at a conservative 350+hp with the optional exhaust package. This was the first factory Camaro to break the 300 horsepower barrier since 1971. The manufacturing processed was changed by only porting the stock exhaust manifolds to remove the burrs, this bumped the horsepower on the remaining 1913 SSes to 305hp or 310hp with the optional exhaust package. The sport suspension of the SS package combined with its Corvette-style 17x9-inch alloy rims (taken from the mighty ZR-1 Corvette) and short-sidewall P245/40-ZR17 tires offered a stiff ride that, though uncomfortable on rough roads, sticks like glue in the corners.

It may seem to be a contradiction, but customers didn't actually get the 16-inch tires that option QLC indicated. That option instead triggered the inclusion of the 150-mph speedometer and the unlimited-top-speed engine computer. Gearshift duties in the SS were assigned to a Hurst shifter and linkage or a 4L60 (a renamed 700-R4) 4-speed automatic. Other than the ducted hood, the only exterior distinction of the SS models were the "duck" tail spoiler and the fender-mounted SS badges.

It had taken too long, but there was finally a production street car that could tick off low-13-second ETs in the quarter-mile had been returned to the hands of hot rodders.