Corvette to 1LE
 

Hello guys,

Just wanted to get some input from those of you that currently have a 1LE and have had a C5 or newer generation Corvette.

I was wondering how the handling and high speed stability of a 1LE compares to that of a C5, C5 Z06, C6, C6 GS or even the mighty C6 Z06?

All input and experiences welcome!

I made the move from a 2008 C6 Z06 to my 1LE.

The ride and handling of the two cars is nearly identical. The Z has a better/quieter drivetrain and I really miss the added torque sometimes but overall the 1LE was a nice change(cargo,carset etc..). I wouldn't call it an upragde, but still happy with what I have. I needed a "family" vehicle..lol.

Good to hear. What about at "top speed", how did that compare?

Both cars are goverened around 158 but without that the Z definitely has longer legs. It will top out close to the 170-180 mark. The primary difference is acceleration!! The power to weight ratio and the higher torque numbers made the Z06 feel like it was going to take flight right around the time the 1LE is topping out. Both cars are very smooth at high speeds! If you don't need back seats, get a Z!

I miss it every day but the 1LE definitely takes the edge off!

Good stuff. I have been wondering how the 1LE compares to a Vette in the stability and handling at high speeds department. Great to see it get great reviews straight from a previous Z06 owner.

Great looking Z, did you have any mods on it?

This was my red sled, I miss it as well.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...oll5-1-1-3.jpg

I don't know what you're talking about, but the official top speed of C6Z06 is 198 MPH; drag limited.

I also don't understand how you found them to be handling same. I suppose they might feel same at the street? FYI, I've owned two C6 Z06s, one C6 GS, one C6 Z51, and one C5 Z06.

And your opinion please. I really don't think a 1LE handles anything like a Z.

Do you happen to have experience in both a vette and a 1LE in the handling department? I dont mean just cruising around town....

Please do provide your experience/opinion...

This is absolutely wrong. The Z06 tops out at 190+ and there is no 158 mph speed limiter in it. The weight difference is very noticeable as well as the aerodynamics. The 1LE does a great job of handling for a nearly 3,800+ lb vehicle, the acceleration is just ehhh... even with bolt-ons.

So for those of you that have driven both.... With the vette being the standard a 10/10. What number would you award the 1LE in the handling department?

I've tracked C6 Corvettes for 5 days at Ron Fellows School. 3 days in ZR1s plus 2 days in a mix of Z06s and Grand Sports. I find the 1LE to be very, very good even bone stock. I would say the 1LE is a 8 or 9 out of 10 stock, with your scale of the C6 Z06 being a 10 out of 10. You will not feel like you are lacking in handling with the 1LE. Add a few suspension tweaks (a few bushings and a 32mm rear sway bar) and the 1LE will handle like a 10 out of 10. You will notice the mass of the Camaro, but it almost defies physics on the road course.

You will feel a big difference in acceleration however, as others have pointed out. If you put a cam and long tubes in the 1LE, it comes alive and accelerates like a bat out of hell. But before I did that, I have to admit the acceleration was not in the same league as a C6 Z06. If you were to compare to a C5 Z06, I would imagine the difference would be less dramatic and you may be happy with the 1LE.

Thanks for the informative post Orange! Im not so much concerned with the difference in power but was mostly interested in the feel and handling characteristics of the LE.

What is your set up if you dont mind? What cam, LTs and intake? Those are great numbers from just that.... I would imagine that you could be really close to trapping around 120 in the 1/4... Have you ever been?

As far as handling and feel, you'll love the 1LE. It really is amazing bone stock.

Well I had 478 RWHP and 445 RW Ft-Lb with a Synergy Motorsports track cam, ARH complete exhaust with long tube headers, high flow cats and mufflers, and a Roto-fab CAI. I should have just stuck with that, it was a stout combo and great bang for the buck. And the 1LE drivetrain can handle it. Then I got greedy and added heads and a ported intake, and something went wrong inside the motor. So I'm rebuilding now to a 416 c.i., but that's another story.

Nope, never 1/4-miled it but I've tracked it at Buttonwillow, Willow Springs and Thunderhill Raceway. It's a dream to track.