5Th Gen ZL1 Dependability - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

thorissr · 02-09-2017, 01:47 PM

Hello All,

I have been a die hard Corvette man dating back to the C5 era. I currently own a 2015 C7 Z51 and looking to adding a ZL1 to my garage. The question I have is what is the level of use you can get out of these bad boys? Of course this is if it has been well maintained over time.

I have the opportunity to purchase a 2013 ZL1 with 52K on the odometer for $29K. From test driving and inspection the car seems to be in good condition. I'm afraid that if I were to purchase it with the mileage it has on it, it will crap out on me sooner than later. I have searched all over and I'm hard pressed to find a topic of someone with a ZL1 with 100K or more that hasn't had to put major money into for repairs. This will be a DD to offset putting excessive miles on my C7.

If these ZL1's are on par with my experience with Corvettes, as far as dependability is concerned I will jump on it without second thought. Can anyone provide me with their assessment in regards to their experience with a ZL1 that's still kicking after putting excessive miles on it?

Wrong Forum......Mods can you please move this thread to ZL1 General Discussion?

BTW...I don't track or any of that...Just the occasional led foot syndrome when I feel the urge to exhibit the awesomeness of Chevy V8's.

Thanks in advance.

DrkPhx · 02-09-2017, 05:38 PM

You should post in the ZL1 specific form on here. I bought mine new in Aug 2012 and I've only had 2 issues. The supercharger rattle which is replaced under warranty and rear end howl which went away after I changed the rear end fluid. Otherwise it's been great and a rock solid car that responds especially well to mods.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=85

KaBoom1701 · 02-09-2017, 05:55 PM

Rock solid at all mileage from what I've seen and read.

I only have 12k but I only track and do some car meets from time to time.

Even at 50k+ I just dont see any issues with these ZL1's. Some maintenance stuff like shocks and upkeep but nothing major. These cars are built like tanks.

Buy one and enjoy.

thorissr · 02-09-2017, 07:30 PM

Thanks guys...I will pull the trigger tomorrow.

STUNNAH · 03-07-2017, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaBoom1701

Rock solid at all mileage from what I've seen and read.

I only have 12k but I only track and do some car meets from time to time.

Even at 50k+ I just dont see any issues with these ZL1's. Some maintenance stuff like shocks and upkeep but nothing major. These cars are built like tanks.

Buy one and enjoy.

+1...Other than the stock tires (that suck, when their ready to be replaced go with a good A/S tire for longevity) the cars are built for the long haul...Even the routine maintenance is low cost, the car tells you when the oil needs to be changed and keep the fluid levels topped off and it should last your lifetime...

I'm late looks like you already made the purchase...Give us a few pics...

2poor4A ZL1 · 03-23-2017, 10:54 PM

Give us an update! I like to know how a 52,000 miles ZL1 feels like after purchase.

Snoman · 03-28-2017, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STUNNAH

...the car tells you when the oil needs to be changed...

eh, yes and no. If you drive your car like a 90 year old Grandpa in a Prius maybe you can get 10k out of your oil change like "the computer tells you to". If you drive it like a Camaro is supposed to be driven, you will be pulling black sludge out of your engine if you take it much past 5,000 miles.

blakjak55 · 03-28-2017, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoman

eh, yes and no. If you drive your car like a 90 year old Grandpa in a Prius maybe you can get 10k out of your oil change like "the computer tells you to". If you drive it like a Camaro is supposed to be driven, you will be pulling black sludge out of your engine if you take it much past 5,000 miles.

No you won't. That's wrong.

silversleeper · 03-28-2017, 11:40 PM

The ZL1 has more heavy duty components where it counts, trans and rear end for example. You don't see threads of headaches like many cars have.
Two areas I have noted were the springloaded supercharger coupling. It is improperly designed and rubs the shaft. Evidently eventually the bearings go out later from this but I'm not sure how this shaft wear causes that unless it's excessive play. As already mentioned it's covered by an extended warranty and likely your prospective car has had it replaced. If it doesn't sound like a coffee can with marbles inside when you raise the hood with that many miles I think it might be fixed already.
Also there seems to be a power steering failure related to poor grounded electrical connection. Especially if someone relocates that ground connection. My MYLink navigation has reset to Michigan and isn't working. I have seen that issue mentioned a few times which might be resolved with a reload of the GPS data. Would be interesting to hear from any high mileage owners.

Snoman · 03-29-2017, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakjak55

No you won't. That's wrong.

I missed you at my mechanics shop the last 3 oil changes

Change your oil past 6k at your own risk and I wish you good luck with that dangerous path.

PJMZL1 · 03-31-2017, 04:42 AM

I had a factory rear end issue which was fixed correctly by GM. Very uncommon though. These cars are built strong and you really don't hear of any issues other than the superchargers, in certain years.

blakjak55 · 03-31-2017, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoman

I missed you at my mechanics shop the last 3 oil changes

Change your oil past 6k at your own risk and I wish you good luck with that dangerous path.

Used the OLM for eleven years now on (1) Duramax 6.6 (2006), (2) Tahoes (2004 - 4.8 and 2005 - 5.3), (1) Suburban (2004 - 5.3), (1) Yukon XL Denali (2012 - 6.2), (1) Camaro (2010 - 6.2), and (2) Silverado's (2005 and 2006 both 5.3's).

Nary a problem. Always used name brand oils and decent filters.

Data doesn't lie and there are plenty of studies and information from manufacturers and oil companies alike on 7-10k oil life.

It's your money, life, and opinion. I don't care about those. I do care about making blatantly false statements that others will take as gospel when it's straight up false.

Snoman · 04-02-2017, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakjak55

Used the OLM for eleven years now on (1) Duramax 6.6 (2006), (2) Tahoes (2004 - 4.8 and 2005 - 5.3), (1) Suburban (2004 - 5.3), (1) Yukon XL Denali (2012 - 6.2), (1) Camaro (2010 - 6.2), and (2) Silverado's (2005 and 2006 both 5.3's).

Nary a problem. Always used name brand oils and decent filters.

Data doesn't lie and there are plenty of studies and information from manufacturers and oil companies alike on 7-10k oil life.

It's your money, life, and opinion. I don't care about those. I do care about making blatantly false statements that others will take as gospel when it's straight up false.

Hmm, you clearly missed the statement about driving your vehicle hard. You are absolutely correct about data. Keep your car above 4k RPM most of the time and/or racing and your oil will break down and laugh at you about lasting till 10k miles. If you believe otherwise, go visit some local performance shops and let them show you some blown motors or, keep driving like grandma.

myold88 · 04-24-2017, 08:06 AM

Back to the OP's Dependability question: Out of pocket repair expense on my
'10 SS after 7+ years and 45,000 miles is $3.50 for a tail lamp bulb. Not bad.
Of course it's not a ZL1 and I am one of those GRANDMA drivers 95% 0f the time.

02-09-2017, 01:47 PM	#1
thorissr Drives: 2013 Victory Red Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: DFW Posts: 2	5Th Gen ZL1 Dependability Hello All, I have been a die hard Corvette man dating back to the C5 era. I currently own a 2015 C7 Z51 and looking to adding a ZL1 to my garage. The question I have is what is the level of use you can get out of these bad boys? Of course this is if it has been well maintained over time. I have the opportunity to purchase a 2013 ZL1 with 52K on the odometer for $29K. From test driving and inspection the car seems to be in good condition. I'm afraid that if I were to purchase it with the mileage it has on it, it will crap out on me sooner than later. I have searched all over and I'm hard pressed to find a topic of someone with a ZL1 with 100K or more that hasn't had to put major money into for repairs. This will be a DD to offset putting excessive miles on my C7. If these ZL1's are on par with my experience with Corvettes, as far as dependability is concerned I will jump on it without second thought. Can anyone provide me with their assessment in regards to their experience with a ZL1 that's still kicking after putting excessive miles on it? Wrong Forum......Mods can you please move this thread to ZL1 General Discussion? BTW...I don't track or any of that...Just the occasional led foot syndrome when I feel the urge to exhibit the awesomeness of Chevy V8's. Thanks in advance. Last edited by thorissr; 02-09-2017 at 01:49 PM. Reason: posted in wrong forum

02-09-2017, 05:55 PM	#3
KaBoom1701 KaBoom1701 Drives: 13' ZL1 Red M6 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: I.E. SoCal (Yucaipa) Posts: 8,630	Rock solid at all mileage from what I've seen and read. I only have 12k but I only track and do some car meets from time to time. Even at 50k+ I just dont see any issues with these ZL1's. Some maintenance stuff like shocks and upkeep but nothing major. These cars are built like tanks. Buy one and enjoy. __________________ Mods: Roto-Fab Intake, WW Res. kit & Big Gulp Air Scoop, Elite Catch Can, ATI Super Damper & 18% OD Pulley, LF Idler pulley bracket, Metco CC breather, ID850 Injectors, Stainless Power Headers w/ ceramic coating, TR71X Spark Plugs, JMS Fuel Pump Booster, Bo White TB, Tuned by Ted @ Jannetty Racing, Ron Davis HX, D3 Reservoir, Pfadt 1" Springs, Moreno Camber Plates, ZL1 Addons Splitter guard washers, Tow Hook kit & rock guards, Hurst Shifter Billet Plus 6 Speed Short Shifter, ZL1 DRL lighting harness, ZL1 Recaro Seats.

03-31-2017, 04:42 AM	#11
PJMZL1 Drives: 2015 ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Alberta Posts: 274	I had a factory rear end issue which was fixed correctly by GM. Very uncommon though. These cars are built strong and you really don't hear of any issues other than the superchargers, in certain years. __________________ 2015 ZL1 M6

04-24-2017, 08:06 AM	#14
myold88 Drives: SUMMIT WHITE 2SS/RS CAMARO Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 2018: Lakewood Ranch, Fl. Posts: 8,112 View My Garage	Back to the OP's Dependability question: Out of pocket repair expense on my '10 SS after 7+ years and 45,000 miles is $3.50 for a tail lamp bulb. Not bad. Of course it's not a ZL1 and I am one of those GRANDMA drivers 95% 0f the time. __________________

02-09-2017, 05:38 PM	#2
DrkPhx Drives: 2013 Triple Black ZL1 / 2006 TB SS Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: MN Posts: 2,250	You should post in the ZL1 specific form on here. I bought mine new in Aug 2012 and I've only had 2 issues. The supercharger rattle which is replaced under warranty and rear end howl which went away after I changed the rear end fluid. Otherwise it's been great and a rock solid car that responds especially well to mods. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=85

02-09-2017, 07:30 PM	#4
thorissr Drives: 2013 Victory Red Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: DFW Posts: 2	Thanks guys...I will pull the trigger tomorrow.

03-23-2017, 10:54 PM	#6
2poor4A ZL1 Drives: Orange and slow Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Flint Posts: 14 View My Garage	Give us an update! I like to know how a 52,000 miles ZL1 feels like after purchase.

03-28-2017, 11:40 PM	#9
silversleeper Big Crow Drives: '13 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: California Posts: 1,487	The ZL1 has more heavy duty components where it counts, trans and rear end for example. You don't see threads of headaches like many cars have. Two areas I have noted were the springloaded supercharger coupling. It is improperly designed and rubs the shaft. Evidently eventually the bearings go out later from this but I'm not sure how this shaft wear causes that unless it's excessive play. As already mentioned it's covered by an extended warranty and likely your prospective car has had it replaced. If it doesn't sound like a coffee can with marbles inside when you raise the hood with that many miles I think it might be fixed already. Also there seems to be a power steering failure related to poor grounded electrical connection. Especially if someone relocates that ground connection. My MYLink navigation has reset to Michigan and isn't working. I have seen that issue mentioned a few times which might be resolved with a reload of the GPS data. Would be interesting to hear from any high mileage owners.