ZL-1 VS SS - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Gracie10 · 02-15-2018, 06:36 PM

I am looking to buy a 2014 Camaro Convertible.
My question is this: besides the horsepower difference is a ZL-1 really worth appx.15K more than an SS.
Thanks!

Masterzl1 · 02-15-2018, 07:04 PM

Yes, you get magnetic ride, better brakes, better aerodynamics, bigger tires and forged rims, and a supercharger.

crazydave · 02-15-2018, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masterzl1

Yes, you get magnetic ride, better brakes, better aerodynamics, bigger tires and forged rims, and a supercharger.

...and its an M6 a much better clutch and transmission. The trans in my 10ss was trash and the clutch stuck to the floor alot, the ZL1 trans shifts like butter and no clutch issues.

ZLAV1N · 02-15-2018, 07:17 PM

I bought a 10 SS put some headers, CAI, cam and a few other mods got to 465 rwhp, kept it for maybe a year then sold it and bought a 13 ZL1. I couldn't be happier. The ZL1 is better is every single aspect and I wish I would have bought one in the first place. Do it, you'll be happy.

ZMEnow · 02-15-2018, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gracie10

I am looking to buy a 2014 Camaro Convertible.
My question is this: besides the horsepower difference is a ZL-1 really worth appx.15K more than an SS.
Thanks!

Buy the SS..

StreetRage320 · 02-16-2018, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZMEnow

Buy the SS..

If you love wheel hop

StreetRage320 · 02-16-2018, 07:31 AM

Btw, where in MN?

Keep in mind ZL1 tires are useless from October to March, unless you get a set of winter tires..

Are you going to store it in the winter?

lbls1 · 02-16-2018, 08:03 AM

Yes, if not more. It is a matter of preference. If you like the 'SS then by all means get one. With the ZL1 you will get more options (of course) and more power. The ZL1 is far more than options and horsepower. The ZL1 will give you exceptional handling and a good combination of ride comfort and great track performance (the 1LE is respectably close, however). You also get a look and persona of Camaro that is uniquely ZL1.

Look over your choices and make the one that you like the best.

CamaroSS1675 · 02-16-2018, 08:08 AM

I first bought a 2013 Camaro SS, automatic. I traded in a 2007 Charger SRT8. That SS was the slowest car I have ever owned...in stock form it was a dog. I did exhaust, tune and air intake. That improved things but I still wasn't happy. I had the SS for 6 months. Traded it in on a 2013 ZL1, 6 speed, and I couldn't be a happier! The 5th Gen SS and the ZL1 are world's apart.

BlackMambaZL1 · 02-16-2018, 08:24 AM

I went from a 2013 SS to a 2013 ZL1. HUGE DIFFERENCE.

If you can afford the extra money go for it. If your car brings you happiness and stress release, like mine does, it isn't even a question.

Also, upgraded rear end, nicer interior, better stock internals in an LSA and neck braces from all the necks you snap when you drive by.

imaSSnake · 02-16-2018, 09:32 AM

Clark Grizwald · 02-16-2018, 10:18 AM

I had a 2010 v6 auto and thought I wanted an ss......I just couldn't pull the trigger because it wasn't that much more impressive. Then I drove a 2013 ZL1 M6, it's been in my garage ever since!

silversleeper · 02-16-2018, 10:30 AM

Many car "packages" are letters and emblems and stripes without any value. They are good profit for the dealers and manufacturers charging thousands of dollars for a few hundred dollars of cosmetic add ons.
The ZL1 isn't one of those. Even the overpriced carbon fiber hood air extractor has high speed performance engineering.
My answer your question:
No, not worth it to you
Yes, it's worth it to performance enthusiasts.
I'm making assumptions that Gracie is a female interested in a convertible for a sporty looking convertible car. Not a high performance racing type experience.
Besides higher cost and low mpg's and higher insurance I don't think you would notice the value over a v6 convertible. I would recommend a downgrade to a less expensive v6 over the upgraded ZL1. There were some years with v6 engine issues other's can help explain as I don't follow the v6 engine closely.
Edit: A newer model v6 would have more remaining warranty also. A ZL1 might have no warranty left due to age or modifications.

VRZL113 · 02-16-2018, 11:28 AM

No comparison.... Get the ZL1.

I always wanted a ZL1, but even contemplated a 13' 1LE SS, but knew I would not be truly happy with it. So I held out and eventually got a ZL1.

Couldn't be happier with my decision.

02-15-2018, 06:36 PM	#1
Gracie10 gracie10 Drives: 2016 Tahoe Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Minnesota Posts: 22	ZL-1 VS SS I am looking to buy a 2014 Camaro Convertible. My question is this: besides the horsepower difference is a ZL-1 really worth appx.15K more than an SS. Thanks!

02-15-2018, 07:17 PM	#4
ZLAV1N Previously CS10SS Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 293	I bought a 10 SS put some headers, CAI, cam and a few other mods got to 465 rwhp, kept it for maybe a year then sold it and bought a 13 ZL1. I couldn't be happier. The ZL1 is better is every single aspect and I wish I would have bought one in the first place. Do it, you'll be happy. __________________ '02 Trans AM - sold '05 SRT4 - sold '05 STI - sold '96 300ZX - sold '10 2SS/RS M6 455rwhp - sold '13 ZL1 M6 720rwhp - sold '17 ZL1 A10 930rwhp - Katech Built

02-16-2018, 07:31 AM	#7
StreetRage320 Those who need me got me Drives: 2022 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Southwest, MN Posts: 624	Btw, where in MN? Keep in mind ZL1 tires are useless from October to March, unless you get a set of winter tires.. Are you going to store it in the winter? __________________

02-16-2018, 08:03 AM	#8
lbls1 Drives: 2002 Camaro SS SOM; 2015 Malibu LTZ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 4,021	Yes, if not more. It is a matter of preference. If you like the 'SS then by all means get one. With the ZL1 you will get more options (of course) and more power. The ZL1 is far more than options and horsepower. The ZL1 will give you exceptional handling and a good combination of ride comfort and great track performance (the 1LE is respectably close, however). You also get a look and persona of Camaro that is uniquely ZL1. Look over your choices and make the one that you like the best. __________________ '02 CAMARO SS SOM; 5.7L LS1/FLS6B '08 TBSS AWD Black Granite Metallic '15 Malibu LTZ 2LZ Turbo *'14 CAMARO ZL1 Blue Ray Metallic*

02-16-2018, 08:24 AM	#10
BlackMambaZL1 Drives: 2013 ZL1 Black Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 68 View My Garage	I went from a 2013 SS to a 2013 ZL1. HUGE DIFFERENCE. If you can afford the extra money go for it. If your car brings you happiness and stress release, like mine does, it isn't even a question. Also, upgraded rear end, nicer interior, better stock internals in an LSA and neck braces from all the necks you snap when you drive by. __________________ 764RWHP on e85 683RWHP on 91. M6 Black on Black on Black. 1300ID's, DSX Aux Pump and Flex Fuel Sensor, Lingenfelter 2.5 upper 9.5 lower, 100MM idler, AFCO HX w/ FANS. 1 7/8"ARH exhaust to axle incl LTH, MF's, Fuel Lab FF, Lingenfelter ported snout and TB, Lingenfelter CAI, RotoFab coolant tank, NGK 2 steps colder spark plugs, Moroso catch can, BTR Stage III cam, crank case breather. Tuned by Power Labs in Idaho Falls, ID. Last edited by BlackMambaZL1; 02-16-2018 at 11:26 AM.

02-15-2018, 07:04 PM	#2
Masterzl1 Drives: 2013 Zl1 red Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: oakdale, ca Posts: 9	Yes, you get magnetic ride, better brakes, better aerodynamics, bigger tires and forged rims, and a supercharger.

02-16-2018, 08:08 AM	#9
CamaroSS1675 Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Clayton NJ Posts: 225	I first bought a 2013 Camaro SS, automatic. I traded in a 2007 Charger SRT8. That SS was the slowest car I have ever owned...in stock form it was a dog. I did exhaust, tune and air intake. That improved things but I still wasn't happy. I had the SS for 6 months. Traded it in on a 2013 ZL1, 6 speed, and I couldn't be a happier! The 5th Gen SS and the ZL1 are world's apart.

02-16-2018, 09:32 AM	#11
imaSSnake 'Maro Drives: 2015 SS 6.2L Auto 2SS Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: US Posts: 867	__________________ 2015 SS 2SS Auto 93 SCT Perf, Kooks LTH & HFC MBRP Axleback Muffler Delete "Z/28" Spoiler and Grille OEM ZL1 wheels 285/305/35R20 BFG G-force Pro Comp 2

02-16-2018, 10:18 AM	#12
Clark Grizwald Brewmaster Drives: 2013 ZL1, 2015 Tundra 1794 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Cary, Illinois Posts: 256 View My Garage	I had a 2010 v6 auto and thought I wanted an ss......I just couldn't pull the trigger because it wasn't that much more impressive. Then I drove a 2013 ZL1 M6, it's been in my garage ever since! __________________ "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "... holy sh*t...what a ride!"

02-16-2018, 10:30 AM	#13
silversleeper Big Crow Drives: '13 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: California Posts: 1,483	Many car "packages" are letters and emblems and stripes without any value. They are good profit for the dealers and manufacturers charging thousands of dollars for a few hundred dollars of cosmetic add ons. The ZL1 isn't one of those. Even the overpriced carbon fiber hood air extractor has high speed performance engineering. My answer your question: No, not worth it to you Yes, it's worth it to performance enthusiasts. I'm making assumptions that Gracie is a female interested in a convertible for a sporty looking convertible car. Not a high performance racing type experience. Besides higher cost and low mpg's and higher insurance I don't think you would notice the value over a v6 convertible. I would recommend a downgrade to a less expensive v6 over the upgraded ZL1. There were some years with v6 engine issues other's can help explain as I don't follow the v6 engine closely. Edit: A newer model v6 would have more remaining warranty also. A ZL1 might have no warranty left due to age or modifications. Last edited by silversleeper; 02-16-2018 at 10:40 AM.

02-16-2018, 11:28 AM	#14
VRZL113 Drives: 2013 VR ZL1, M6 Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: PA Posts: 335	No comparison.... Get the ZL1. I always wanted a ZL1, but even contemplated a 13' 1LE SS, but knew I would not be truly happy with it. So I held out and eventually got a ZL1. Couldn't be happier with my decision. __________________ #3257 \| 485whp 526wtq \| K&N 63-3079 \| Gates K080660HD (Green Belt) \| ACDelco UPF48R \| ZL1 Addons Wicker Bill \| Mild2Wild