Former C5 Owner Considering Buying Gen V ZL1 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

MLC_LSA · 03-12-2018, 11:52 AM

Hey Guys,
This is my first post on these boards. I'm Mike and I live in Aston, PA. My 2000 Corvette was recently totaled by a rear end collision last September. It was a cream puff with 50,000 miles and alot of tasteful mods. I bought it back from insurance and am currently in the process of parting it out. I figure that I'll have fully amassed enough funds next year to purchase another toy to replace it.

Since my Vette was totaled 6 days before my first born came into the world, I'm thinking I'm going to need something with 4 seats. I am highly considering the Gen V ZL1 with a manual trans against a GT500 or a Terminator Cobra. I have read ALOT on here about these cars over the past few months. I see that you can get to mid 600's to the tires with fuel, pulleys, intake, and exhaust mods (all of which will likely be done at some point if I purchase). However, I'm concerned with the performance of these cars vs. their weight. At 4200 lbs, I'm thinking it takes a lot to get moving vs. my 3200 lb C5.

The ZL1 is highly regarded whenever I speak of them. I usually get this response: "You're considering a ZL1? My buddy has one, it's a beast." So I figured I'd ask on here, should I get one? Also, anything to watch out for besides the magnetic rear shocks and the supercharger isolator? 580 hp stock, four seats, creature comforts, and rarity which will help retain value are all a plus in my book. Any advice is appreciated.

Mike

SecondZ28 · 03-12-2018, 04:52 PM

I just came from a 2003 Corvette myself. Also due in part to having a new little one, I now needed a backseat. I never considered a Mustang, I shopped the ZL1 against a 392 Scat Pak and a Gen6 2SS.

I choose it for the power potential, rarity, bad ass looks, comfort and depreciation has hit it pretty hard already. Now that these cars are 4-6 years old, and with the new LT4 6th Gen out last year; they're a bargain with low mileage cars priced around $35k.

Under $2k will net you around 100 flywheel horsepower (intake, pulley, tune). Supercharger should still have a balance of the 10 year extended warranty.

Can'tHave2MuchHP · 03-12-2018, 05:15 PM

A ZL1 sounds perfect for you. Look at CTS-V2s if you like the styling of them, good deals come up on those.

Yes, the LSA makes power pretty easy, your only road blocks are fueling but looks like you've read up and understand that. Obviously, heat can pose a problem once you really start pushing it. I've driven or owned every single late model GM performance vehicle, there's nothing better than a Gen 5 ZL1 for what you're talking about.

Yes the weight is a downfall of these cars. As you know, 4200 lbs vs 3200 lbs, you're going to need more power in the Camaro, but being a factory supercharged car with plenty of headroom and a bomb proof drive train (Trans, rear end, clutch, etc.) it can fulfill that role.

Very little issues to watch out for. The isolator on 2012 and 2013 cars can pose a problem but all covered under warranty or you can put a solid one if when/if you modify and just fix it for good.

When you buy it and are ready to talk mods, then the fun will really start.

silversleeper · 03-12-2018, 09:18 PM

The mods you mention might get you 625rwhp. This would be like 475rwhp in the light corvette. It gets very tiresome hearing people complaining the ZL1 isn't as fast as their mod'd corvette. Some people must not know much about cars or physics having a mod'd vette then thinking a much heavier car will be similar in performance.
If you want to be very fast you must start with a light car or spend $ to get a 1000+hp ZL1. Will you be happy with a quick 4 seat car that handles and rides good or must you have the fastest thing in your side of town?

SharpOldNo7 · 03-13-2018, 03:27 AM

Rear facing car seat. Test the car seat in the Camaro before buying.

ZL1 TIBS · 03-13-2018, 07:16 AM

How are you Mike. I also live in Aston, so you have probably seen my ZL-1 around town. I bought it new in 2012 and it has been my daily driver since. You may have also seen my copper colored 68 around. I wouldn't mind chatting with you if you need anything. We are actually having our monthly Delco Cruisers meeting tonight at Middletown Presbyterian Church 7:30PM if you want to check out the club. Let me know.

ZL1 TIBS · 03-13-2018, 07:17 AM

Oh, and what do you have left of the Corvette?

SecondZ28 · 03-13-2018, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SharpOldNo7

Rear facing car seat. Test the car seat in the Camaro before buying.

I had to do this too before getting the wife's approval. We have a pretty bulky seat, and was pleasantly surprised that it fit better than expected.

Chuck13 · 03-13-2018, 03:10 PM

I went from a 2001 C5 to a 13 ZL1. Same reason Kids.

NVERL8TE · 03-13-2018, 11:06 PM

I went from a 2003 Z06 to a 2014 ZL1 because of my son. Now with two boys, 1 and 5 I am in the process of buying a 2014 CTS-V wagon to replace the ZL1. Problem with the ZL1 for the kids is its no fun to ride for any distance when they can't see outside at all.

harrington81 · 03-13-2018, 11:19 PM

The gen v zl1 manual does not weigh 4200 lbs, it's around 4080 lbs.

03worthy4link · 03-14-2018, 08:30 AM

I went from a heads/cam C6Z to my 13 ZL1.

I was afraid that it would feel like a slug compared to the 3200lb 560whp vette but I have yet to really feel like I lost much. The ZL1 has the basic first round of mods, 10% lower, longtube headers, and roto-fab and these cars are geared so aggresive that it feels just as violent as the Vette did. I do feel a difference at top of 3rd but at point ive usually had my fill. The ZL1 rides better, and ive pulled .9x G on regular roadways on the nearly bald eagle F1's

The ZL1 is often written off as being too heavy or blah blah and it is hefty but its designed in everyway to deal with it and does so in impressive fashion.

Fuel mileage is my only complaint but I usually get some gripe for saying that.

SecondZ28 · 03-14-2018, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NVERL8TE

Problem with the ZL1 for the kids is its no fun to ride for any distance when they can't see outside at all.

Not encouraging, but also not the first time I've heard that.

Beltfedbob · 03-14-2018, 07:46 PM

Think you'll be fine. I have a C6 GS and a ZL1. Both fast enough for me and both convertibles for the sunny days.

03-12-2018, 11:52 AM	#1
MLC_LSA Drives: 2013 Summit White ZL1 M6 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: West Chester, PA Posts: 48	Former C5 Owner Considering Buying Gen V ZL1 Hey Guys, This is my first post on these boards. I'm Mike and I live in Aston, PA. My 2000 Corvette was recently totaled by a rear end collision last September. It was a cream puff with 50,000 miles and alot of tasteful mods. I bought it back from insurance and am currently in the process of parting it out. I figure that I'll have fully amassed enough funds next year to purchase another toy to replace it. Since my Vette was totaled 6 days before my first born came into the world, I'm thinking I'm going to need something with 4 seats. I am highly considering the Gen V ZL1 with a manual trans against a GT500 or a Terminator Cobra. I have read ALOT on here about these cars over the past few months. I see that you can get to mid 600's to the tires with fuel, pulleys, intake, and exhaust mods (all of which will likely be done at some point if I purchase). However, I'm concerned with the performance of these cars vs. their weight. At 4200 lbs, I'm thinking it takes a lot to get moving vs. my 3200 lb C5. The ZL1 is highly regarded whenever I speak of them. I usually get this response: "You're considering a ZL1? My buddy has one, it's a beast." So I figured I'd ask on here, should I get one? Also, anything to watch out for besides the magnetic rear shocks and the supercharger isolator? 580 hp stock, four seats, creature comforts, and rarity which will help retain value are all a plus in my book. Any advice is appreciated. Mike

03-12-2018, 04:52 PM	#2
SecondZ28 Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 807	I just came from a 2003 Corvette myself. Also due in part to having a new little one, I now needed a backseat. I never considered a Mustang, I shopped the ZL1 against a 392 Scat Pak and a Gen6 2SS. I choose it for the power potential, rarity, bad ass looks, comfort and depreciation has hit it pretty hard already. Now that these cars are 4-6 years old, and with the new LT4 6th Gen out last year; they're a bargain with low mileage cars priced around $35k. Under $2k will net you around 100 flywheel horsepower (intake, pulley, tune). Supercharger should still have a balance of the 10 year extended warranty. __________________ '13 ZL1 '06 TBSS '98 TJ '87 GN

03-12-2018, 05:15 PM	#3
Can'tHave2MuchHP Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,696	A ZL1 sounds perfect for you. Look at CTS-V2s if you like the styling of them, good deals come up on those. Yes, the LSA makes power pretty easy, your only road blocks are fueling but looks like you've read up and understand that. Obviously, heat can pose a problem once you really start pushing it. I've driven or owned every single late model GM performance vehicle, there's nothing better than a Gen 5 ZL1 for what you're talking about. Yes the weight is a downfall of these cars. As you know, 4200 lbs vs 3200 lbs, you're going to need more power in the Camaro, but being a factory supercharged car with plenty of headroom and a bomb proof drive train (Trans, rear end, clutch, etc.) it can fulfill that role. Very little issues to watch out for. The isolator on 2012 and 2013 cars can pose a problem but all covered under warranty or you can put a solid one if when/if you modify and just fix it for good. When you buy it and are ready to talk mods, then the fun will really start.

03-12-2018, 09:18 PM	#4
silversleeper Big Crow Drives: '13 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: California Posts: 1,493	The mods you mention might get you 625rwhp. This would be like 475rwhp in the light corvette. It gets very tiresome hearing people complaining the ZL1 isn't as fast as their mod'd corvette. Some people must not know much about cars or physics having a mod'd vette then thinking a much heavier car will be similar in performance. If you want to be very fast you must start with a light car or spend $ to get a 1000+hp ZL1. Will you be happy with a quick 4 seat car that handles and rides good or must you have the fastest thing in your side of town?

03-13-2018, 03:27 AM	#5
SharpOldNo7 Drives: 2015 2LT RS Convertible Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Mississippi Posts: 298	Rear facing car seat. Test the car seat in the Camaro before buying.

03-13-2018, 07:16 AM	#6
ZL1 TIBS Drives: 1968 Camaro, 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Aston, PA Posts: 398	How are you Mike. I also live in Aston, so you have probably seen my ZL-1 around town. I bought it new in 2012 and it has been my daily driver since. You may have also seen my copper colored 68 around. I wouldn't mind chatting with you if you need anything. We are actually having our monthly Delco Cruisers meeting tonight at Middletown Presbyterian Church 7:30PM if you want to check out the club. Let me know.

03-13-2018, 07:17 AM	#7
ZL1 TIBS Drives: 1968 Camaro, 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Aston, PA Posts: 398	Oh, and what do you have left of the Corvette?

03-13-2018, 03:10 PM	#9
Chuck13 Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Phoenix Posts: 32	I went from a 2001 C5 to a 13 ZL1. Same reason Kids.

03-13-2018, 11:06 PM	#10
NVERL8TE Drives: 1967 Camaro BBC, 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Tiverton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 114	I went from a 2003 Z06 to a 2014 ZL1 because of my son. Now with two boys, 1 and 5 I am in the process of buying a 2014 CTS-V wagon to replace the ZL1. Problem with the ZL1 for the kids is its no fun to ride for any distance when they can't see outside at all.

03-13-2018, 11:19 PM	#11
harrington81 Drives: 2015 Camaro zl1 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 91	The gen v zl1 manual does not weigh 4200 lbs, it's around 4080 lbs.

03-14-2018, 08:30 AM	#12
03worthy4link Drives: Nil Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Palm beach Posts: 32	I went from a heads/cam C6Z to my 13 ZL1. I was afraid that it would feel like a slug compared to the 3200lb 560whp vette but I have yet to really feel like I lost much. The ZL1 has the basic first round of mods, 10% lower, longtube headers, and roto-fab and these cars are geared so aggresive that it feels just as violent as the Vette did. I do feel a difference at top of 3rd but at point ive usually had my fill. The ZL1 rides better, and ive pulled .9x G on regular roadways on the nearly bald eagle F1's The ZL1 is often written off as being too heavy or blah blah and it is hefty but its designed in everyway to deal with it and does so in impressive fashion. Fuel mileage is my only complaint but I usually get some gripe for saying that.

03-14-2018, 07:46 PM	#14
Beltfedbob Drives: 55 210 post, 12 GS, 78 PCR, 13 ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Arizona Posts: 17	Think you'll be fine. I have a C6 GS and a ZL1. Both fast enough for me and both convertibles for the sunny days.