From GTO to ZL1...

[Vroom]

Hi! My first post, so I thought I'd just say hi and introduce myself.

I traded my 2006 GTO for the 2013 ZL1 the weekend before last and just finished the 1500 break-in. (1500 miles in a week and a half, that not bad is it? :emoticon7 I got a victory red with sunroof, nav, suede and stripe.

I had put 210k miles on my GTO and I had a choice to either rejuvenate the GTO or get a new car. I always joked that the only cars I'd ever trade it in for was either a ZL1 or an Aston Martin. My wife, the saint she is, said I can get the ZL1 (don't pretend your wife didn't give you permission too ), providing I can fit my son in the back. I named myself "Vroom" since my son, who is 15 months old, always says "Vroom Vroom" when he sees the ZL1.
My GTO had a few mods. With just an intake I put down 380hp+ to ground on a dynojet at 175k miles. I had a full pedders street II and she handled like a dream. I had a hard time letting go since the GTO was in near perfect shape and a pile of fun, but I couldn't turn down the chance to get a ZL1 and I couldn't keep both. I'm all about the drive and this car is my daily driver and recreational car (a.k.a. the only car I'm allowed to have )

I spent some time today driving a little more "spirited" since I passed break-in. I'm going to do the fluid changes this weekend. The car had never been above 80mph or 4krpm before today, despite what that cop said when he pulled me over (I forgive him cause he let me go )
So far I'm not sure what to think. I knew my GTO's limits so I was able to drive my GTO harder and faster then I can drive the ZL1 at the moment. While the ZL1 is obviously faster, it seemed to "nerf" me when I would put the pedal down. I'm not sure if I was losing traction or what, but when I dropped to 4th and punched it at freeway speed, it seemed hold back some. I think it's just a learning curve, so hopefully I'll figure it out on my next outing.

Anyways, I think I've used my life time allotment of emoticons. I hope to see you others ZL1s and Camaros on the road/track!

[Nemisis]

Congrats! I traded in my 05 gto which I thought I'd regret since it was paid off and had a 402 stroker making 505rwhp, 3.91s. At first the zl1 didn't feel as fast and I'm sure it's not quite as quick seeing how my gto weighed 3400 lbs but idc. I love this car! Welcome aboard!

[HelloWorld]

Congrats, good to see more ZL1s entering the roads in the bay area!

I'm afraid I can't offer much advice in the handling area yet since my car is still on the wrong side (well, depends on how you see it I guess ) of 1500 miles.

[ex-SS-ve]

Congrats , you will have a blast the more you drive it. Alot of the issues you are describing come down to the factory tune. Depending on how you like your 100k warranty just a tune and cold air intake will wake it up tremendously.

[DangerZL1]

Wow, 210k miles on an 06. That's a lot of miles. There's a post about pulling fuses 5 and 20 to reset the ECM. It's been said to wake up a car that's been driven conservatively during breakin. You might try that.

[1MtnGoat]

Congrats on the ZL1. I like you went from GTO to the ZL1. I thought I'd never get rid of the goat. It was well modded - heads, cam, Pedders Street II suspension plus much more. It was a great ride. The wife said we should get a ZL1 I asked no questions. The ZL1 is no comparison with the low end torque, ride control and PTM. And yes do the 5 and 20 fuse pull for at least 30 min to let the capacitors drain down and reset the ECM. Enjoy!

[SamHouseIII]

congrats

[DRKS1D3]

Congrats on the new ride!

[ZL1 TIBS]

I am also a GTO to ZL-1 convert. My GTO was just headers, exhaust, CAI and tune, so the ZL-1 was a definite improvement in power. I immediately realized how easy it is to drive the ZL-1 fast. My best ET in the GTO was 12.83 and my first time out with the ZL-1 I got a 12.38, so I am definitely happy.

[davidcroft]

congrats and good move on ditching the GTSLOW!

[b_williams_82]

Originally Posted by 1MtnGoat

Congrats on the ZL1. I like you went from GTO to the ZL1. I thought I'd never get rid of the goat. It was well modded - heads, cam, Pedders Street II suspension plus much more. It was a great ride. The wife said we should get a ZL1 I asked no questions. The ZL1 is no comparison with the low end torque, ride control and PTM. And yes do the 5 and 20 fuse pull for at least 30 min to let the capacitors drain down and reset the ECM. Enjoy!

Congrats OP!! You should have tons of fun!!

Sorry if this is a little off topic, but what's this pulling the 5 and 20 fuse all about?? Think this is the first time I've heard about it?? and are you saying drive around town for about 30 minutes with both fuses pulled?? Gonna look at doing this, this weekend if it really does help!!

Thanks!

[DangerZL1]

Originally Posted by b_williams_82

Congrats OP!! You should have tons of fun!!

Sorry if this is a little off topic, but what's this pulling the 5 and 20 fuse all about?? Think this is the first time I've heard about it?? and are you saying drive around town for about 30 minutes with both fuses pulled?? Gonna look at doing this, this weekend if it really does help!!

Thanks!

No, you have to pull them out, leave them out for a period of time, and reinstall them. It resets the ECM. There's another post about it in the forum. The car learns the way you driver over time, but if you've broken it in conservatively, it will force it to relearn. Most owners have reported positive results, but it isn't absolutely necessary. It certainly won't hurt anything and was recommended by FbodFather (Scott). The OP reported some response sluggishness, and this may help.

[mlee]

Welcome to C5

You might try dropping to 3rd instead of 4th at highway speeds. Big difference...

[VR1LE]

congrats on the new ride. Like you I think the ZL1 looks best in red enjoy you have a very special car.