Z/28 vs ZL1 first 500 miles...impressions

[Stephen12ZL1]

Everything I say here is purely subjective and only my opinions. First 500 miles with the Z/28 was great. The ZL1 and Z/28 are totally different and certainly have different road manners.

Options and conveniences...in the Z/28, GM trimmed the fat everywhere and left a track capable machine with the lightest possible outcome. In the interior, everything is removed that is deemed not necessary. No homelink remote, no reverse camera, no ambient lights in door panels, no heads up display, no "Z/28" badge on dash, no Boston Acoustics radio, etc etc. The seatback on the Recaro seats is still power, however, the fore and aft is manual. All of these things are minor concessions.

Overall seating position is close with the Recaro seat having a much firmer side bolster and seat back. The padding under your legs is different and "higher". Outward visibility is the same with more spoiler visible in the rear view mirror. The alignment of the hood and fender is much better in the Z/28 and isn't "sunken in"like my ZL1. The carbon fiber insert is much smaller in the center of the hood on the Z/28.

Ride and driving experience: The Z/28 is much more taut without the luxury feel of a ZL1. The shocks feel refined and the rebound is controlled without being excessively harsh. Road joints especially at bridges transfer somewhat harshly but not terribly. Road noise is only moderately more in the Z/28. The Pirelli Trofeo R's wander a little with pavement grooves but this is easily controlled. 6 spd shifter feels great with short throws and positive action...I will probably leave this stock. Steering is very sensitive and it has a tight race car like feel. Exhaust noise is reserved compared to the ZL1 with no cats & headers...sounds much like the ZL1 stock. The cam in the Z/28 lopes a little. I took it easy with throttle application so acceleration has not been "tested". You can tell this thing is going to be a monster at the road course. The brake pedal is very firm with not much feedback. I have not bedded the brakes so stopping power cannot be judged yet.

Look of the car...totally awesome! I had other drivers giving me thumbs up and hovering around more than any car I have ever driven. Most people had the "what the hell is that?" stare. Other Camaro drivers seemed confused as well like I had modified this car already. More to come but the first 500 miles was fun and the end of a long day.

[Redlineviper]

Thanks for the review. It's funny how just a few slight changes to a car you see everyday can make it stand out and really have a presence.

[Bigtime53]

I could have not said it better myself!! Congrats on the new ride.

[Front Runner]

Originally Posted by Stephen12ZL1

Everything I say here is purely subjective and only my opinions. First 500 miles with the Z/28 was great. The ZL1 and Z/28 are totally different and certainly have different road manners.

Options and conveniences...in the Z/28, GM trimmed the fat everywhere and left a track capable machine with the lightest possible outcome. In the interior, everything is removed that is deemed not necessary. No homelink remote, no reverse camera, no ambient lights in door panels, no heads up display, no "Z/28" badge on dash, no Boston Acoustics radio, etc etc. The seatback on the Recaro seats is still power, however, the fore and aft is manual. All of these things are minor concessions.

Overall seating position is close with the Recaro seat having a much firmer side bolster and seat back. The padding under your legs is different and "higher". Outward visibility is the same with more spoiler visible in the rear view mirror. The alignment of the hood and fender is much better in the Z/28 and isn't "sunken in"like my ZL1. The carbon fiber insert is much smaller in the center of the hood on the Z/28.

Ride and driving experience: The Z/28 is much more taut without the luxury feel of a ZL1. The shocks feel refined and the rebound is controlled without being excessively harsh. Road joints especially at bridges transfer somewhat harshly but not terribly. Road noise is only moderately more in the Z/28. The Pirelli Trofeo R's wander a little with pavement grooves but this is easily controlled. 6 spd shifter feels great with short throws and positive action...I will probably leave this stock. Steering is very sensitive and it has a tight race car like feel. Exhaust noise is reserved compared to the ZL1 with no cats & headers...sounds much like the ZL1 stock. The cam in the Z/28 lopes a little. I took it easy with throttle application so acceleration has not been "tested". You can tell this thing is going to be a monster at the road course. The brake pedal is very firm with not much feedback. I have not bedded the brakes so stopping power cannot be judged yet.

Look of the car...totally awesome! I had other drivers giving me thumbs up and hovering around more than any car I have ever driven. Most people had the "what the hell is that?" stare. Other Camaro drivers seemed confused as well like I had modified this car already. More to come but the first 500 miles was fun and the end of a long day.

Great 500 mile review. Looking forward to reading more as you rack up more miles in everyday driving and on the track.

Are you going to complete the break-in and track the Z/28 before modding it? I would like to hear the before/after mod effect.

[Jeb114]

You did not mention A/C so I guess that car has it. If not let me know how it feels in August. Good luck with the car..

[Stephen12ZL1]

a/c feels like the ZL1...I don't think there will be any difference

[Stephen12ZL1]

Sidenote...the Z/28 runs at 172° to 178° like my ZL1 with the "160 thermostat" and larger radiator...isn't that surprising? Obviously GM put a lower temperature thermostat in this car. I will not mod anything until after break-in and two days at VIR.

[Stephen12ZL1]

and I love the way the 7.0L LS7 engine pulls. It has a fat torque curve.

[Snakedriver]

Nice write up. Welcome to the I don't know which camaro that is club. Numerous people thought my ZL1 is SS, they have no idea what a ZL1 is and that includes other Camaro drivers.

[revobasher]

Great read! So you traded ZL1 in?

[Smittty]

Cool review Stephen. Can't wait to stop by and check it out.

[Jeb114]

Originally Posted by Stephen12ZL1

Sidenote...the Z/28 runs at 172° to 178° like my ZL1 with the "160 thermostat" and larger radiator...isn't that surprising? Obviously GM put a lower temperature thermostat in this car. I will not mod anything until after break-in and two days at VIR.

No I mean inside the car whens its 98 degrees out and your girlfriend say's 'Hell I'm not getting in that car let's take my mustang!!!"

[jbotta]

Looking forward to some of your great vids of your new ride, Please keep them coming.

[big dave]

Congrats on the new ride, Stephen. Post up some pics when you can.