ZL1 differential swap...I'm impressed

[cc-rider]

Just finished up my 3.73 ZL1 diff swap into my supercharged M6 SS. I also used the ZL1 axles and ZL1 driveshaft. I have to say I am really impressed with it.

It is as quiet if not quieter than my stock SS diff. The driveline slop is less. Not sure if they assemble these ZL1 diffs with tighter tolerances than the SS diff...but there seems to be zero slop and clunking from it.

Another benefit is that my wheel hop now seems to be completely eliminated. My car used to hop more than a Kangaroo. I did multiple 1st gear, and hard 1st to 2nd gear burnouts. Not a single hop. Now maybe it will still hop on a sticky track...but I can tell that the ZL1 shafts must have some magic in them as claimed. My suspension is completely stock yet. Was thinking of getting some trailing arms and bushings...but not sure I need them now. The locker in there seems to lock both wheels up immediately too as soon as they spin.

And finally...I really like the 3.73's. Super fun on the street. Snappy as hell.

Anyway...probably not saying anything here that people don't already know. But another rambling review for what it's worth.

[dreksnot]

Trailing arms and toe rods are prudent at the track. I still get a little hopping hard out of the hole sometimes (also have solid cradle bushings), but not the big violent hop, except once last time I was out. Hmmmm. Need to learn to modulate the go pedal better.

Not to burst any bubble but my diff got a little louder after a few months of running it hard. But I have the 1pc DS.

Overall, the strength is hands down worth the money for the ZL1 differential setup.

[cc-rider]

Yeah I think the rubber guibo's on both ends of the stock driveshaft really cut down on the transmitted noise as compared to the aftermarket 1 piece driveshafts with solid ends. I bet the 2 piece shaft has something to do with it too.

I suppose I should get some trailing arms still. The BMR ones are only $119.

[Moreair1]

Congratulations on the upgrade, and I'm with dreksnot on the toe rods and trailing arms they made a a big difference in my car, here is a comparison shot

[Moreair1]

Here is another comparison shot

[cc-rider]

Ok. Will have to pick up some...

[Rickerbucks]

I have a stock 2010 SS M6. I have DSS 1400 HP half shafts. Can I just transplant a ZL1 pumpkin into the SS or do I have to also buy the ZL1 half shafts and DS?

My pumpkin has grenaded and I either rebuild the stock or see if the ZL1 center section works.

Thanks

[cc-rider]

You need a different driveshaft for sure. Not sure about the axles....but I think you'll neee new axles too. Call DSS. You'll need a bunch of misc hardware too....which can be a real pain in the ass as it turns out. If you decide to do this, PM and I'll talk you through the details.

[Moreair1]

Axles are different as well, they do sell complete kits for around 4k

[dreksnot]

Originally Posted by Moreair1

Axles are different as well, they do sell complete kits for around 4k

Yep. Can also find them here and there, like eBay.

[Moreair1]

Did you do the install your self?, and if so how was it other than lifting the big heavy anchor into place, some day I look forward to purchasing one

[cc-rider]

I did it all myself. On jackstands with simple tools and a floor jack. With the exception of hoisting the ZL1 diff into place. And this was only because I used the shortcut method of not disassembling the driver's side knuckle assembly. I just made a new thread with lessons learned and how to do a swap.

[dreksnot]

I have my "old" 3.73 ZL1 diff just sitting there, in my back room, a trip hazard (since I swapped it out for my "new" 3.23 diff ZL1 diff). I heard turbos love gearing...

[Moreair1]

Thanks cc-rider I was just curious, and sure dreksnot rub it in on us poor people lol, and your car just loves to go fast period no matter which gears you have, but I did love watching your car run at the track.