Looking to buy a L99, but is it slow?

[LCPLPunk]

Hey guys,

So I have a 2008 Mercedes C350 that's in great shape, but it's slow and I want a V8, either a 5.0 Mustang GT or a Camaro SS. I test drove a 2010 L99 a few days ago and I was completely surprised at how slow it felt. I jumped back in my Mercedes, hit the gas and my head/body got pushed back a little. When I drove the L99 it felt like it was just leisurely getting up to speed.

Now, when I drove a manual 5.0 Mustang and hit the gas the car felt like a rocket ship. Can the L99 feel like that? I know they need tunes, but am I going to need to put thousands into the car to make it feel like a manual Mustang?

I also did some sleuthing and it appears there is a Sport mode for these cars, and I have no idea if the car I drove was in that or not, but would that make enough of a difference?

- Totally not trying to start a Mustang v. Camaro battle, but these are just my observations.

[songsj]

It's your money, Buy that rocket ship if that is what you want. Might have been the car the L99's are not slow.

[Homeless Man]

Why didn't u test drive a manual Camaro?

[Todd808]

Yup. Drive an LS3 manual. It's more of s smooth power. All else things equal. The Camaro looks so much better than a mustang. Especially with a low stance and aftermarket wheels.

[pyroguy]

A lot of factors can cause a L99 to feel slow, but they definitely are not slow cars. First and almost guaranteed reason it felt slow is because the dealer probably put low octane fuel in the car causing it to run on the lower octane tables. The "fuse pull" technique will solve that issue after running all of the low octane fuel out of the tank. Second, like you suggested a tune can and will do wonders even for an otherwise stock L99. GM puts so much torque management in the cars from the factory that it is really overkill. With a tune can no tune on my buddy's LS3 Camaro, similarly modded, I can pull him regularly. IMO it is all what you like, if you are going to be happier with a manual vs auto then you might go for the mustang or look for a manual Camaro. I love mine, and sport/manual mode with the paddle shifters is fun when I want to play with the convenience of automatic when stuck in traffic.

[NC_SS]

Go try and LS3 manual

[rontammy0]

The l99 feels a little tame but it's not slow.....the manual "feels" faster because it's a manual. Take one or both for a test drive.

[Freddy G]

Can't compare an auto with manual. simple as that.

[Denis]

Is the L99 slow? Check out the fast list and that should answer your question. Stock for stock, the L99 is sluggish. Torque management has a lot to do with that. but once modified its a slightly different story.



http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21013

[Welker2]

Doesn't have the acceleration or speed of my Corvette; but, as other's have said, it is definitely not slow.

[failshift]

Short answer, yes

But so is a ls3 for that matter

[AllBlackSS]

Getting the L99 transmission tuned really wakes it up!!!

[WeflyhereSS]

Originally Posted by pyroguy

A lot of factors can cause a L99 to feel slow, but they definitely are not slow cars. First and almost guaranteed reason it felt slow is because the dealer probably put low octane fuel in the car causing it to run on the lower octane tables. The "fuse pull" technique will solve that issue after running all of the low octane fuel out of the tank. Second, like you suggested a tune can and will do wonders even for an otherwise stock L99. GM puts so much torque management in the cars from the factory that it is really overkill. With a tune can no tune on my buddy's LS3 Camaro, similarly modded, I can pull him regularly. IMO it is all what you like, if you are going to be happier with a manual vs auto then you might go for the mustang or look for a manual Camaro. I love mine, and sport/manual mode with the paddle shifters is fun when I want to play with the convenience of automatic when stuck in traffic.

the low fuel table is the worst!!

[PalmerGA]

Originally Posted by pyroguy

First and almost guaranteed reason it felt slow is because the dealer probably put low octane fuel in the car causing it to run on the lower octane tables. The "fuse pull" technique will solve that issue after running all of the low octane fuel out of the tank.

This was my first thought. These V8s were made to run on 91-93 octane and dealers just don't spend the money when they put gas in them. They will put the cheapest (lowest octane) gas they can find. It REALLY effects how the car runs.

And yes.... if you slap it in Sport Mode you will feel a significant difference. Also the Active Fuel Management (AFM) feature found in the autos kills 4 cylinders and really pigs the car out if you're just cruising. Not to mention it sounds like crap.