just bought a 1996 silverado it says ss 350 on the sides how can i tell if it is a real ss

 

I did not know they made an "SS" as late as 1996; but perhaps they did.

The earlier SS model (about 1990) was the only 1/2-ton Chevy that offered the 454 V8 (7.4-liter, I think) as an option. Normally, you only get the 'big-block' with the 3/4-ton and larger chassis. Not sure what engines came with the 1996, though.

Good luck finding the truth about it. Perhaps you can do a search on KBB.COM, where they often show all the engine options for each model year and every vehicle.

 

as JK23112 said, i'm not sure if they made a ss in 96..and if they did and yours is a ss 350, then there's nothin too special about it means how all 1/2 tons that year came with either a 5.0(305) or a 5.7(350). Most ss silverados at that time had the big block 454