Hey guys, i need some help. I'm an import guy myself (sorry lol) and don't know that much about domestics. Well, my friend recently bought a '99 Camaro. The thing is, it is a Z28 body, but he says it's an SS engine. Is there any easy way of telling if it is an SS engine?? I would look for the engine code, but i have no clue as to where to look or what it would mean. thanx for your help.

They're the same engine.
So, technically he doesn't have an "SS Engine"...
They both have the same engine.

In fact, he also has the same engine as:

98+ Formula
98+ Trans Am
98+ Trans Am WS6
98+ Firehawk
98+ SS
97+ Corvette

isn't the SS faster though??

Sorry but I would have to agree that they all are the same thing no differ in speed neither way.

No the SS isn't really "faster"
It's "rated" faster, but there is no difference between a Z28 or SS other then cosmetics (hood, spoiler, etc)

I will have to agree with Blackbird on the engine. They both have the same LS1. The major differences between the Z28 and the SS is the Ram Air hood on the SS and the more turned up lip on the rear spoiler. Ofcourse there are the SS badges. There are appearence differences in the two cars. I am sure that you can tell a Z28 and an SS apart.

The only real PERFORMANCE upgrade that the SS may have over the Z28 is the exhaust.
As you know, SLP builds the SS. You can have the SS ordered with or without the upgraded SLP "Dual/Dual" Exhaust. This exhaust is actually quite free flowing, although, I don't think you'd notice much of a difference between the 2 in a race even if the SS DID have the Dual/Dual exhaust.

Again, it probably only gives a couple of extra HP.