New ZL1 Owner...previous GT500 owner

[MTCobra]

I've been lurking for a few months and thought I'd take the time to post some observations and random thoughts.

I traded a 2011 GT500 and moved to the ZL1. I've always been a GM guy but when I bought the GT500 (used with 8000 miles) I felt like it was the best bang for the buck.

My only real hobby is going to the track. I'm by no means an expert but I generally ran in the top 5 of the middle run group. The GT500 was surprisingly capable with a great motor IMO. My only modifications were to the brakes. I added Stoptech slotted rotors, cooling ducts, Hawk pads and DOT4 fluid. I ran the car at Texas World Speedway, Auto Club, and Big Willow. Biggest issue was struggling to put the power down which I would describe as unpredictable. I see a lot of people comment about Hawk pads. I ran the HP Plus at the track and on the street. After the pads bedded properly (which was very noticeable) they worked very well and 90% of the noise disappeared; smooth bite and good torque. I ran Auto Club in 105 degree F heat last year and never had overheating issues.

I decided to move to the ZL1 for a few reasons. First, as I mentioned I'm a GM guy. Secondly, I had a G8 GT and I really appreciated the balance (but it was an automatic); it was obvious the GT500 was front end heavy and I didn't want to significantly modify the suspension to improve the balance/feel/handling. Third, I saw a few ZL1's at the track and it was obvious they were extremely capable cars in stock form. My personal opinion is the average HPDE participant will run faster lap times consistently with a ZL1 than they will with a GT500. Lastly, every time I look at this car I think, "what a awesome looking car".

I'm patiently putting 1500 miles on so I can get it to the track. I already installed the Roto-Fab CAI and I will install the APEX catch can today. I ordered the Hawk DTC-30 pads and have Motul fluid ready to go in.

I'm shooting for a track day either later this month or the beginning of May. I'm dying to get back to the track.

Anyway...lots of folks wonder about the GT500 versus the ZL1. While I didn't have the '13 or 14' GT500, I've got a bit of a perspective.

Travis

[ZL1Brain]

My 2014 GT500 was repurchased by Ford under lemon law at 22 days/656 miles of ownership. Seduced by the horsepower figures, which I never had an opportunity to experience. No more Fords for me.

[DrkPhx]

Welcome back! I really like the newer GT500's.

[Mwalterhouse]

Welcome, Enjoy, and have fun at the track.

[prostcj]

New here as well. Welcome.

[Skylane765]

Welcome to the forum

[Front Runner]

Congrats on the new ZL1!

[crabapple]

Welcome!!! Enjoy the ZL1

[MTCobra]

Originally Posted by 2013 RaceRed 5.0

OP's thread 2 years from now:

"New GT500 owner ... previous ZL1 owner"

While I may own another muscle/sports car in a few years I expect to keep the ZL1. My next car would likely be a Corvette.

Thanks for the welcome's...hopefully I'll be able to contribute the way many of you have contributed to me already. BTW...I got the APEX catch can installed today as well.

[swizlstik]

Originally Posted by 2013 RaceRed 5.0

OP's thread 2 years from now:

"New GT500 owner ... previous ZL1 owner"

Not!!

[magzx12r]

I sold my 2012 GT500 and purchased a 2014 ZL1. The GT500 was a nice, fast car, but I don't miss it at all. With a pulley and tune, the GT500 put down 522 RWHP. My ZL1 with RotoFab CAI should be ~500 RWHP. Not that much difference.

[Stephen12ZL1]

Originally Posted by MTCobra

I've been lurking for a few months and thought I'd take the time to post some observations and random thoughts.

I traded a 2011 GT500 and moved to the ZL1. I've always been a GM guy but when I bought the GT500 (used with 8000 miles) I felt like it was the best bang for the buck.

My only real hobby is going to the track. I'm by no means an expert but I generally ran in the top 5 of the middle run group. The GT500 was surprisingly capable with a great motor IMO. My only modifications were to the brakes. I added Stoptech slotted rotors, cooling ducts, Hawk pads and DOT4 fluid. I ran the car at Texas World Speedway, Auto Club, and Big Willow. Biggest issue was struggling to put the power down which I would describe as unpredictable. I see a lot of people comment about Hawk pads. I ran the HP Plus at the track and on the street. After the pads bedded properly (which was very noticeable) they worked very well and 90% of the noise disappeared; smooth bite and good torque. I ran Auto Club in 105 degree F heat last year and never had overheating issues.

I decided to move to the ZL1 for a few reasons. First, as I mentioned I'm a GM guy. Secondly, I had a G8 GT and I really appreciated the balance (but it was an automatic); it was obvious the GT500 was front end heavy and I didn't want to significantly modify the suspension to improve the balance/feel/handling. Third, I saw a few ZL1's at the track and it was obvious they were extremely capable cars in stock form. My personal opinion is the average HPDE participant will run faster lap times consistently with a ZL1 than they will with a GT500. Lastly, every time I look at this car I think, "what a awesome looking car".

I'm patiently putting 1500 miles on so I can get it to the track. I already installed the Roto-Fab CAI and I will install the APEX catch can today. I ordered the Hawk DTC-30 pads and have Motul fluid ready to go in.

I'm shooting for a track day either later this month or the beginning of May. I'm dying to get back to the track.

Anyway...lots of folks wonder about the GT500 versus the ZL1. While I didn't have the '13 or 14' GT500, I've got a bit of a perspective.

Travis

Some people were not too happy with the performance of the DTC-30 pads. If you are going to use a DTC pad, the 60s seem like they work well. I have them on my car now and will use them at VIR in a week. Some say to use a split torque setup with DTC-70 front and DTC-60 rear. I purchased 60s front & rear.

[MYDLIFECRISIS]

Welcome back!

[prostcj]

Originally Posted by 2013 RaceRed 5.0

Don't forget the GT500 is ~200 lbs. lighter, and yours was a '12 and not the higher hp '13 model. The pic below shows where the numbers currently stand.

P.S. Note that I only have the measly 420hp GT, and that is more than 'nuff for me. Have fun and stay safe everyone!

200 lbs lighter overall and yet 30 lb heavier over the front axel! It appears the extra weight in ZL1 is in the IRS, differential, and larger rear wheels.....good choice by OP. Rather have a chassis that could handle more power than an engine looking for a better chassis.