How to Find Out If a Camaro Is an SS by the VIN Number
by Gregory M. Dew
The Chevy Camaro Super Sport (SS) was produced from 1967 to 1972, again from 1996 to 2002, and has been reintroduced for the 2010 and 2011 model years. The SS is a performance package signifying some body styling options as well as distinctive engines and transmissions. Identification of the the SS option is possible through the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on some early-generation models as well as in later models. The SS option was not available between 1972 and 1996, and the Camaro itself was not produced from 2003 to 2010.
Step 1
Standing outside the car, look in through the driver's-side windshield at the left corner of the dashboard. The VIN will be found on a stamped metal strip.
Step 2
Look at the fifth digit on a 1972 Camaro VIN (although the SS model was produced prior to 1972, it was not coded into the VIN until that year). The letter "K" stands for the base 350 SS engine. The letter "U" stands for the big-block SS engine. Any other letter in this spot indicates the car is not a SS model.
Step 3
Look at the eighth digit on a Camaro VIN from 1996 to 2002. The letter "P" stands for the LT1 engine, which was used in the SS. The letter "G" from 1998 through 2002 stands for the LS1 engine used in the SS option.
Step 4
Look at the fourth and fifth digits of a 2010 or 2011 Camaro VIN. The letters "F/J" stand for a SS automatic transmission, "F/K" stand for 2SS automatic transmission, "F/S" stands for the SS manual transmission and "F/T" stands for the 2SS manual transmission. Any other letter combination indicates the vehicle is not a SS.
References
Writer Bio
Gregory M. Dew has been writing about arts and culture since 1998. His work has been published in "The Ohio State Lantern," "Columbus Wired" and "Columbus Yogurt." Dew has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Ohio State University.
