Some info for ZL1 owners
 

:bump: Updated bulletin on post #4


Here is a portion of a transcript from a GM training video course I recently viewed. I cannot post the video, but I will share news related to the ZL1 that GM would like to pass on to those purchasing one.

I know some of this is "old news" to alot of you, I have highlighted some things that may be of interest.

2012 Camaro ZL1 Introduction Transcript

A look at the new ZL1 which is coming out in February:

A new bulletin covering the new model features for the ZL1 will be released about the time this show airs.

This high performance vehicle is equipped with an aluminum hood with a carbon fiber insert.

The front fascia has a large lower splitter to reduce front lift and increase cooling capacity.

The ZL1 comes standard with 20x10 inch front wheels and 20x11 inch rears.

The tires are Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Generation 2.

The fronts are 285 35ZR20s, and the rears are 305 35ZR20s.

Now the ZL1 is equipped with a 6.2L sixth generation Eaton Supercharged V8 engine.

The option code is LSA.

It is rated at 580 horsepower and 556 pound feet of torque.

This engine features an intercooled supercharger system and premium heat resistant aluminum alloy cylinder heads.

It also features hypereutectic pistons, which is a cast piston with a higher percentage of silicone giving it better thermal characteristics than a regular cast piston.

In addition, it is equipped with forged connecting rods, piston cooling oil squirters, standard oil cooler and deep sump oil pan.

Please note that the ZL1 performance parts have a break-in period.

Advise the customer that they should not drive above 80 miles an hour for the first 1,500 miles.

Following this break-in period rule will result in better performance in the long run.

During manufacturing, the 6.2L block is mounted in a bore sizing machine.

Deck plates are installed with production cylinder head bolts on both block head decks.

Main bearing caps are also installed.

Then all fasteners are torqued to their exact specifications to duplicate normal distortion in the cylinder bores before the final honing process begins.

This powertrain is mated to either a Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual transmission with a revised short throw shifter, or a Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic transmission

with a strengthened input gear set, two additional pinion gears and a strengthened output gear set.

It's also equipped with a dual mode exhaust system similar to the Z06 Corvette.

The fuel pump and tank have been modified to maximize the amount of fuel available during high performance maneuvers.

This allows the pump access to the fuel sloshed over the tank center during high G cornering when low fuel conditions exist.

Please note: Premium fuel is required for this vehicle.

The rear differential cooler is a unique design with a concept found in no other sports car today.

It can reduce temperature by over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain cool stable performance throughout the most aggressive racetrack sessions.

Note that regularly scheduled maintenance and fluid changes are still recommended.

For ZL1 track or competitive driving, the axle fluid should be replaced every six hours.

The ZL1 is equipped with extremely robust Brembo Brake System with six piston front and four piston rear calipers, and ventilated two-piece front and one-piece rear rotors.

The suspension features Generation 3 magnetic ride control with three settings, Tour, Sport and Track.

The ZL1 is also equipped with Performance Traction Management System first introduced on the Corvette ZR1 with five selectable performance levels.

Now when you do start receiving these vehicles, be aware that it has very low ground clearance.

The front shock absorbers have a spring spacer or stuffer installed at the factory to raise the front of the vehicle during shipping.

They must be removed during PDI, but should be placed in the vehicle glove box for the customer to reuse if they trailer or haul the vehicle at a later date.

Because the front end of the vehicle sets so low to the ground, it's important to reinstall these front spring spacers to raise the front suspension prior to loading onto a flatbed carrier.

Please, ask your sales person to pass this information along to the customer.

The information on the use of the spacers is in the owner manual under Towing the Vehicle.

As of the time I started this thread, the bulletin they mentioned has not yet been posted to the GM service information website

Thanks, really good information.

Excellent Smithers...

Update: Bulletin has been added to the GM Service Information database.


Service Information 2012 Chevrolet Camaro | Camaro (VIN F) Service Manual | Document ID: 2756086
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#PI0662: 2012 Camaro ZL1 New Model Features and Service Guide - (Jan 27, 2012)
Subject: 2012 Camaro ZL1 New Model Feature and Service Guide



Models: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a special bulletin to introduce the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The purpose of this bulletin is to make you familiar with the vehicle's features and describe the action your Service Department will need to take to ensure that your dealership is able to fully service this vehicle.

Powertrain



Engine
The Camaro ZL1 will be equipped with a 6.2-liter sixth-generation Eaton supercharged V8 engine (LSA) that is rated at 580 horsepower and 556 lb.-ft of torque and is available with the standard six-speed manual (MG9) or Hydra-Matic® 6L90 automatic transmission. This engine features an intercooled supercharger system and premium heat-resistant aluminum-alloy cylinder heads. It also features hypereutectic pistons with forged connecting rods, piston cooling oil squirters, standard oil cooler and deep sump oil pan.


Note: ZL1 performance parts have a break-in period. For the first 2,414 km (1,500 miles) avoid full-throttle starts and abrupt stops, do not exceed 4,000 engine rpm, avoid driving at any one constant speed, and do not drive above 129 km/h (80 mph). Following these break-in period guidelines will result in better performance in the long run.



Transmission
TREMEC (TR6060) 6-Speed Manual
The standard transmission for ZL1 comes in the form of the latest TREMEC (TR6060) 6-speed manual with a revised short-throw shifter. The new shifter has a more aggressive motion ratio and incorporates a revised shift knob.

Hydra-Matic® 6L90 6-Speed Automatic
The optional automatic transmission version of the ZL1 is a fully integrated powertrain offering that is unique to the segment. Included on the 6L90 are a strengthened input gearset with two additional pinion gears and a strengthened output gearset.



Dual Mode Exhaust
The dual-mode exhaust of ZL1 provides refined tuning (optimal N&V characteristics) at low engine speeds and a low-restriction exhaust (enabling peak horsepower performance) at high engine speeds in one exhaust system. It utilizes a vacuum system similar to Corvette, coupled with twin valves located at the exhaust tailpipes.



High Performance Fuel System
The fuel pump and tank have been modified to maximize the amount of fuel available during high performance maneuvers and access the fuel sloshed over the tank center during high G cornering when low fuel conditions exist. Please note: Premium fuel is required.



Rear Differential Cooler
The rear differential cooler is a truly unique design, with a concept found in no other sports car today. It can reduce the temperature by over 37°C (100°F), and maintains cool, stable performance throughout the most aggressive racetrack sessions.


Note: Regularly scheduled maintenance and fluid changes are still recommended. For ZL1 track/competitive driving, replace the axle fluid every 6 hours.

Chassis



Suspension
Magnetic Ride Control™ (MRC)
The Camaro ZL1 will feature the third-generation of Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). MRC employs valveless damping and Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid technology. The new dual-coil design enables faster response, with damping levels now adjusted up to 1,000 times per second – about one adjustment per inch of vehicle travel at 96 km/h (60 mph) – making the system exceptionally responsive to changing driving and road conditions.
There are three settings for MRC in the ZL1: Tour, Sport and Track.


Performance Track Management (PTM)
Exclusive to GM and first introduced on the Corvette ZR1, PTM is a feature that tailors the performance of ZL1 to match the driver’s skills and driving conditions. This advanced system integrates Magnetic Ride Control, launch control, Traction Control and stability control. Five PTM performance levels or modes are available:

• Mode 1 – Traction Control set for wet conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour

• Mode 2 – Traction Control set for dry conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour

• Mode 3 – Traction Control set on Sport 1, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport

• Mode 4 – Traction Control set on Sport 2, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport

• Mode 5 – Traction Control set on Race, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Track



Brakes

Attachment 328523



ZL1 is equipped with a significantly larger, extremely robust Brembo brake system with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers and ventilated two piece front and one-piece rear rotors.

Tip
Due to the floating design of the brake rotor, the front brake rotor cannot be refinished. If the front brake rotor is found to be at or below the minimum specification, it must be replaced.



Tires
The Goodyear Eagle® F1 Supercar® Generation 2 (G:2) tires have been developed and optimized specifically for the ZL1 to yield outstanding handling while maintaining requisite street-tire performance for wet handling, tread wear, noise, mass and rolling resistance.

Tires Size: 285/35ZR20 summer (front) and 305/35ZR20 summer (rear)

• ZL1 Camaro summer-only tires tend to wear faster and are more susceptible to damage from road hazards or curb impact than standard profile tires.

• It is not recommended to use the high-performance summer tires when temperatures drop to approximately 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) or below.

• It is recommended these tires be stored indoors at temperatures above 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) when not in use.

• The ZL1 tires should not be rotated. They are corner specific by design.

• These tires are unique in their wear patterns. The outside shoulder may appear worn as compared to other tires.



Wheels
ZL1 offers two 20-inch wheel options. Both designs are 20x10-inch front and 20x11-inch rear sizes.

The standard 10-spoke wheel is forged aluminum with a black low-gloss clearcoat,. The 20-inch forged aluminum 5-spoke optional wheels have a bead blasted and polished face with high gloss clearcoat.

Attachment 328530


Either wheel has larger tires mounted to them that contain a special rim protector. The rim protector, built into each tire, puts rubber over the aluminum of the outer rim for protection when parking.



Steering
Electronically Assisted Steering (EAS)
Electrically Assisted Steering is an innovative power-assist system connection between the ZL1 steering system and the engine. The assist power is applied directly to the rack with a belt drive and a ball nut mechanism. This design allows for lower inertia, lower friction and more direct steering feel, as well as superior response.

Body



Exterior
Aluminum Hood with Carbon Fiber “Mohawk” Extractors
This functional hood air extractor is engineered out of carbon fiber for strength, durability and low mass.

Note: The black painted carbon fiber “mohawk” requires unique care when cleaning. The optional exposed carbon fiber weave version can be waxed like the rest of the surface of the car.

Lighting – The Full Package
ZL1 integrates the “full exterior lighting package” with fog lamps, separate Daytime Running Lamps and HID headlamps with halo rings.

Front Fascia
The front fascia has a large lower “splitter” to reduce front lift and forces air through the larger lower grille. The larger openings, splitter and hood extractor all combine for a significant increase in cooling capacity for the powertrain.

Note: The ground clearance of ZL1 is lower compared to the Camaro SS and similar to a Corvette Z06. Drivers must use caution when approaching curbs to avoid damage.

Underbody Belly Pan
The ZL1 underbody incorporates a belly pan that helps reduce front lift. The shape was enhanced to draw air upward into the underbody area. This highly energized air provides extra cooling for underbody components affected by the additional exhaust thermal energy of the high-powered LSA engine.

Tip
The underbody belly pan will need to be removed before performing service work, including oil and filter changes.



Interior
Seats
Front seats incorporate suede microfiber inserts and ZL1 logos embroidered on the front head restraints.

Note: The suede microfiber inserts require unique care when cleaning.

Unique IP and Door Inserts
Microfiber is repeated as an accent on the instrument panel insert. The IP and door inserts are backpainted in Carbon Flash Metallic.

Steering Wheel
The flat-bottom steering wheel of ZL1 provides room for heel/toe operation and makes getting in and out of the car easier. The rim section has also been thickened and tuned to give the driver a more connected feel. Steering wheel paddle shifting will make automatic transmission shifts quick and convenient.

Head-Up Display
Head-Up Display is a transparent display that presents ZL1 data without requiring drivers to look away from their usual viewpoints. The dots at the top are “shift lights” staged with increasing engine speed. The lower section is a lateral g (cornering force) measurement that holds the peak value in a corner so you can look at it when you heading down the straightaway to the next corner. The gear indicator is only on in the automatic TAP mode.

Quality Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)

Please be sure to review the PDI and CSDS forms published for this vehicle. There are several special inspections items highlighted for this vehicle vs. others. Additionally the CSDS form has important customer education pieces that we have learned during our Captured Test Fleet process. Report any product issues via Field Product Report. Refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin 02-00-89-002 titled "Information for Dealers on How to Submit a Field Product Report." Canadian dealers should refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 10-00-89-006.





• Install front bumper outer valance panels.

Attachment 328531



• Remove the spring spacers from the front suspension and place them in the glove box for the customer. If the car is to be on a trailer for any reason, the spacers need to be placed back in the front springs to obtain ground clearance.

Attachment 328529

Note: Initially, the ZL1 Camaro front spring spacers will be black. In near future, they will be made yellow for easier visibility.


• Hand wash the car. Due to the larger width wheels, most car wash tracks will not accommodate the wider wheels.

• Do NOT apply wax or polish to the flat black portion of the hood or extractors. Applying wax or polish to this portion of the hood will result in a cloudy haze to the finish.

• Premium Fuel Only.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

© 2012 General Motors. All rights reserved.

I didn't know the engine block was align honed using torque plates. :thumbsup: I'm thinking some PDI people will throw away the spring spacers and say the valance pieces are extra parts.

wow! good info

Guess you better pay attention when pulling into parking lots or your driveway for those that have runoff outlets.

SWEET! Not much new, like you said, but new to a couple members and I'm sure everyone appreciatea you taking the time to share with us. Please feel free to in the future. I think most of us want the best out of their CAMARO and these are definately the tips that will get us in the right direction.

How difficult is it to install/remove the spring spacers? What's involved to do it safely? TIA!

I can't imagine they are going to be that tough to put in. All they do is keep the spring from compressing so it only need's to be a nice snug fit.

Just a guess though being that no one has tried yet. :D

Let's hope not. :facepalm:

No problem, happy to pass the info along.

What ShnOmac said. :thumbsup:
The GTO's were shipped with spacers in the springs as well, they install & remove easily if you jack the car up & unload the suspension.

To get clearance, the springs would need to be spread somewhat. I'm guessing an inch or so. I would imagine that a jack (not included) would be needed to lift the front end while someone risks their digits jamming a spacer in the spring sets on both sides. Most carriers have steeper slopes than a conventional flatbed, although I'm guessing that the spacers might come in handy in some instances. I'm hoping that fbodfather can verify the number of degrees of approach angle w/o the spacers at curb weight. I have a 10° driveway & I sure want to be able to park my ZL1 off street. From photos of the actual car, it "should" have an approach angle of 13° w/o spacers in place.

This thread has been stuck...for people with dealers that haven't quite done their homework on these cars, yet. :thumbsup:

Give them a friendly reminder - and reference this thread if they don't get it. ;)

Good job Joe. About the spring spacers removed during PDI and tossed by the dealer. That happened to me and they said they were thrown out. You think they are under obligation to supply me a set? I would think so if it's part of the PDI bulletin.

Yes. Those spacers are yours. They threw away YOUR spacers. It's like if they threw away your floor mat

I tend to agree....I can't imagine the things costing that much - ask them to provide you with a set because you'll need them if you're ever towed, etc, etc...

Jeff Morris from Customer Service commented on dealers throwing them away. He said they would have to give you new ones.

There you go! :clap:

Thanks - I missed that.

Sorry, I kind of lost touch with this thread. I just noticed it got stickied. :w00t:

Yes, as others have stated, including Jeff Morris, you should be given a set of spacers from your dealer.

If they give you a problem, ask them to reference Service Information document # 2756086 or #PI0662 which is the bulletin I posted.

The part number for the spacers is 22761331.

I hope most dealers are up to speed on this, and hope you are all enjoying your ZL1's. :burnrubber:

Whats the best way to keep the hood insert looking new since you cant wax , any ideas?

Short answer, soap & water :)

From all that I have read... long answer :rolleyes:

Note: The black painted carbon fiber “mohawk” requires unique care when cleaning. The optional exposed carbon fiber weave version can be waxed like the rest of the surface of the car.

And from the owners manual...

It is not recommended that the (black painted) air extractor on the ZL1 be waxed, as it will change the gloss level of the surface. In addition, care must be used when waxing around the air extractor. If a small amount of wax is applied to the extractor it can create an irregular appearance in the surface of the panel. If wax, debris, or other materials create stains on the air extractor, see your dealer for the recommended cleaner.

The air extractor has vent screens in the openings. Keep leaves or other debris out of the vent screens.
Notice: Pushing on the vent screens could damage them. Do not push on the screens when clearing.
There is a water deflector on the underside of the air extractor. Do not remove it.

And though this next bit of info from a technical bulletin relates to matte stripes, I think the care instructions for the painted hood extractor would be similar...


Condition/Concern:


The low-gloss stripe kit may have a cloudy or hazy appearance. The application of a polish or wax onto the surface of a low-gloss stripe may result in this condition that seems to disappear when the stripes are wet and then reappear as the stripes dry. This condition is much more likely to be noticed on darker colored stripes and does not occur on the high-gloss stripes.

Note: The PDI sheet does have a Special Inspection Note in regard to vehicles with stripe packages. It reads - Do not use polish or wax on the stripes, this will distort the appearance.

Recommendation/Instructions:

If polish or wax was applied to the low-gloss stripes, the polish/wax product will have to be removed in order to restore the original appearance of the stripes.
Important: This process will also remove the wax from any other surface it contacts. The car will have to be waxed again, this time without applying wax to the stripe surfaces. Do not use polish or wax on the low-gloss stripes, as this will distort the appearance.
Important: Use of other wax remover products may damage the stripes; this damage would not be covered under GM warranty.

To avoid damaging the stripe material, the wax removal should be done by using Dawn® dishwashing liquid soap. Place a couple drops of Dawn® dishwashing liquid soap in a bucket of water, then using a sponge and the soap solution, wash the stripes to thoroughly eliminate the wax from the small "crevices" of the matte surface.


So, it seems you can wax the exposed, clearcoated extractor, but just use mild soap & water for cleaning the black painted version.

Great info, thanks for the help. I kinda figured the common sense answer was soap and water. Thanks again.

I took delivery before I read this post and quickly went out to see if the spacers were in the springs. They were. I took it back and the dealer removed them. When I got home, it no longer had the clearance I needed to get into my driveway. It's in the garage and haven't had it out since (almost 2-weeks ago.) I'm ripping out the driveway and replacing it this week to change the grade. I can't get it out until I fix the approach and it's killing me! I put 100-miles on it and it's been sitting since. But if I hadn't seen this post with the bulletin, I would not have known about the spacers or the break-in instructions! Thanks for the crucial info! Luckily I had planned on a similar break-in to the bulletin and had been taking it easy.

I hope this is posted in the right thread? I have seen the "Break In Period" is under 80mph for the 1st 1500 miles. Is there an RPM attached to that? I'm sure we can all get to 80 in a few seconds!!

[QUOTE=bcwolf;5072821]I hope this is posted in the right thread? I have seen the "Break In Period" is under 80mph for the 1st 1500 miles. Is there an RPM attached to that? I'm sure we can all get to 80 in a few seconds!![/QUOTE
Nothing over 4,000 for first 1500 miles

What's the rear axle ratio with the automatic transmission ZL1 ?

3:23 FINAL RATIO, but the 1st gear in the auto is LOWER than in the stick!

My dealer quickly admitted they had tossed the spacers, but ordered them today for direct shipping via UPS to me by next Monday. Nice recovery.;)

Cheers - Boyd
Major USAF
Retired
GM Tech Mechanical engineering student 1958-1960

Spacers arrived this AM as promised by my dealer. Made a copy of the note and pic from first page of this thread, packed in a ziplock bag with the spacers and a pair of surgical gloves. Now we need to buy a light weight scissors jack so we can expand the springs to get the spacers in for a tow. If prepared, we'll never need this gear.:sm0:

Cheers - Boyd
Major USAF
Retired

Good job. When I picked up my car I told the salesman about the spacers and he went back to service to get them. He said the tech was about to toss them. I told him if he had I would need a set ordered. In the future my car may be trailed to track days to save on tires and allow for the recommended track alignment. :burnrubber:

Found a 12VDC electric scissors jack on eBay.......

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-V-Electri...item4d0242f820

.......so now we're ready to spacer the springs and tow.:thumbup:

Great thread, looking at a 2013 ZL1 and am learning alot from this thread. Thx for all the great information.

SST Black Wheel + Tire Weights
 

Front 59 lbs, Rear 60 lbs
Attachment 396126

Attachment 396127



Also cost for one 285/35 - 20 front tire was $384 shipped to my front door.

Attachment 396131

WANTED!!!!! A BLACK SS FRONT BUMPER
 

Somebody cracked my 2010 black bumper and I need to get a new one and I know a lot of SS guys are getting the ZL1 front end. I just wanna buy the front end that comes off of it. Thanks a lot. PM if anybody can help me out or at least point me in the right direction. Thanks again.

Thanks for the information it's greatly appreciated. Mine is do in next week.

A couple of 2x12's and i'd have that thing out for some fun!:headbang:

My delearship got it right! They put the spacers in the glove box and installed the two valance. There is hope...:)

What are those outer valence panels for? I assume they're for aerodynamics, but are they that important? I'm thinking those things won't last a week.

These?

My dealer left the spacers in the glove compartment as they should have, but the valance panels were still sitting in the trunk. Took just a couple of minutes to install myself, but still...