Std. SS M6 vs. 1LE Daily Driver - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

CHRISCAM · 07-15-2018, 05:29 PM

Hi guys. New to the site and my first post here at Camaro5!

I'm finally in the 'home stretch' to get my dream Gen 5 Camaro SS. I have wanted one ever since I saw the first one on the road back in the Spring of 2009.

Anyway, I have decided I'm definitely going for the M6 and I've narrowed my years down to 2013-2015 in particular. I'm really intrigued by the possibility of getting a 1LE, but I was curious if any of you all have driven a 'regular' SS and also a 1LE as a daily driver and could comment on the pros & cons of either.

Before you ask, yes, it will definitely be a daily driver as it will be my only car. My daily commute is about 15 miles each way in light to moderate freeway traffic due to how early I start and leave work. Otherwise, likely will use my wife's car most of time on weekends.

Anyone have the Recaro seats in particular? How are they for improving (or worsening) the headroom? Just 'eyeballing' the Recaros' seat bottom thickness it seems like they should offer a little more headroom due to slightly lower seating position than with the stock GM seats.

Any specific (or general) comments / suggestions for me?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Venomcustom · 07-15-2018, 06:08 PM

My brother had a 2015 SS and I have a 2015 1LE. The SS has a lttle smoother ride but and this is a big but... the 1LE is so much more fun to drive. It just always feels ready to carve up some road. For me having spent quality time with both the 1LE is just a better drivers car. I don't have the racaros so no comment there.
All in all I absolutely love the solid always ready feeling of my 1LE.

CHRISCAM · 07-15-2018, 07:10 PM

A couple of additional comments I might make are that I realistically would never enter my car in a road race type event-- even at a Good Guys show, etc. The only non-daily-driver type activity I might occasionally engage in is a couple of casual 1/4 mi. drag passes a year.
Additionally, although I am really digging the looks of the 1LE as well as the performance potential, the one issue I'm a little leery about is tire replacement cost. Can anyone comment on the expected lifespan of those factory GY G2s? I realize that tire wear is not a major issue in the bigger scheme of things, but from what I've seen browsing prices for those 285/35/20s, the cheapest they seem to go for is about $180. For 4 tires that's like $800+ with tax & mounting. Maybe I've just been spoiled by my 2006 Impala's dirt-cheap 215/60/16s LOL.

Venomcustom · 07-15-2018, 07:55 PM

I would ditch the Goodyears if you daily drive the car. They wear quickly and are shit in the rain. A really good street tire that won't break the bank is the Firestone firehawk indy.
Now if drag racing is your thing the regular SS might be a better pick since the 1le is set up for the track or twisty roads.
California has some great roads so again my choice would be the 1le. But hey that's just me.

CrazyRED · 07-15-2018, 09:13 PM

I came from an '05 Impala, to a '10 Impala, to a '14 2SS, to a '14 2SS 1LE. They are all daily drivers lol. My 1LE has over 700hp with a big cam, meth and an SC and it's still a daily driver. If all you're looking for is a cool car, go with what looks the best to you. My vote would be for the loaded 1LE.

I also have the Recaro's and beside looking nicer, they are just an expensive option. They don't provide any benefits or change any ride dynamics.

Tires? If you can't afford the tires, maybe you can't afford the car. Keep your foot off the gas if you want them to wear longer.

In summary, Chevy makes daily drivers, even the "track designed" cars like the 1LE. There's nothing you will buy from them that isn't designed to put miles on.

CHRISCAM · 07-15-2018, 09:33 PM

Thanks for the comments so far, guys!

Quicksilver2SS · 07-16-2018, 12:09 AM

I just realized recently that the 3.91 gears in the 1LE are very close to the 3.45 gears in the SS in first gear due to the transmission being a closer ratio in the 1LE. (Actually first 3 gears).

So putting 3.91's in an SS is more effective with the 3:08 first gear than the 2:66 that the 1LE has....

matar123 · 07-16-2018, 01:07 AM

I’ve driven both if you can get the 1le better car overall and looks way better too.

CamaroFred · 07-16-2018, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quicksilver2SS

I just realized recently that the 3.91 gears in the 1LE are very close to the 3.45 gears in the SS in first gear due to the transmission being a closer ratio in the 1LE. (Actually first 3 gears).

So putting 3.91's in an SS is more effective with the 3:08 first gear than the 2:66 that the 1LE has....

3rd and 4th are where the advantage of the 3.91 in a 1LE comes in. For road racing.

SecondZ28 · 07-16-2018, 07:17 AM

Recaro's may be a bit snug for a DD.

Your spot on about the SS/1LE tires being more expensive than the SS.

LCPLPunk · 07-20-2018, 06:37 PM

I don't have a 1LE, however I've upgraded my suspension to be about 90% close to it. I was honestly worried that the ride would be too jarring with crappy Maryland roads, but it's AWESOME! I can tell that the ride is a 'bit' stiffer, but it's barely noticeable. What I do notice is how much more controlled the car is in corners though.

I would say depending on the price difference, the 1LE is where it's at!

larry_g · 07-20-2018, 06:55 PM

I daily my 1LE. The recaros are worth it in my opinion but I wouldn't say that they help with headroom. Not having a sunroof is the best bet if you need more headroom. I'm 6'4" an fit comfortably.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

christianchevell · 07-20-2018, 08:45 PM

Cost wise..its all about what your going to do with it. You can wrap the hood of a SS if that's your thing....not mine, you can buy super sticky lousy low mile tires that suck in the rain for one also, but the trans and extra cooler and a clean side separator things that are cosmetic also come with the 1le; option such as the 3:91 gears but its a package for the ss. You may find you prefer the automatic actually with bumper to bumper occasionally.... Its all in what you want. Performance wise the SS usually beats the 1le for 1/4 times stock, and if building the car is more your thing being in so-cal you may just want to look at good used zl1 because things are limited in smog country. I do lots of research before buying and you should compare things, heck I saw not so long ago a sweet new like low low mile 17 zl1 for I think about 50 in san fran, a stick and 650 hp in beautiful red...its more in what you want and can afford. Personally if I want to drag its a toss up with my using toyo proxes as they are as sticky as stock p zeros yet wear is a lot more for daily driving and about the same or better for rain. Just a few thoughts. Communifornia is limiting. Hell if I lived there I would still have my fleet of 73 and earlier chevelles, impalas, montes etc....LOL But you can slap a edelbrock supercharger on a SS there....LOL because they make the parts there.....Imagine that.

UBB · 07-21-2018, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matar123

I’ve driven both if you can get the 1le better car overall and looks way better too.

Objection your honor. Speculation!

07-15-2018, 05:29 PM	#1
CHRISCAM Drives: 2013 Summit White 2SS/1LE Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: SoCal Posts: 118	Std. SS M6 vs. 1LE Daily Driver Hi guys. New to the site and my first post here at Camaro5! I'm finally in the 'home stretch' to get my dream Gen 5 Camaro SS. I have wanted one ever since I saw the first one on the road back in the Spring of 2009. Anyway, I have decided I'm definitely going for the M6 and I've narrowed my years down to 2013-2015 in particular. I'm really intrigued by the possibility of getting a 1LE, but I was curious if any of you all have driven a 'regular' SS and also a 1LE as a daily driver and could comment on the pros & cons of either. Before you ask, yes, it will definitely be a daily driver as it will be my only car. My daily commute is about 15 miles each way in light to moderate freeway traffic due to how early I start and leave work. Otherwise, likely will use my wife's car most of time on weekends. Anyone have the Recaro seats in particular? How are they for improving (or worsening) the headroom? Just 'eyeballing' the Recaros' seat bottom thickness it seems like they should offer a little more headroom due to slightly lower seating position than with the stock GM seats. Any specific (or general) comments / suggestions for me? Thanks in advance for your help!

07-16-2018, 07:17 AM	#10
SecondZ28 Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 807	Recaro's may be a bit snug for a DD. Your spot on about the SS/1LE tires being more expensive than the SS. __________________ '13 ZL1 '06 TBSS '98 TJ '87 GN

07-20-2018, 06:37 PM	#11
LCPLPunk USA-1 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS L99 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Near DC Posts: 1,893 View My Garage	I don't have a 1LE, however I've upgraded my suspension to be about 90% close to it. I was honestly worried that the ride would be too jarring with crappy Maryland roads, but it's AWESOME! I can tell that the ride is a 'bit' stiffer, but it's barely noticeable. What I do notice is how much more controlled the car is in corners though. I would say depending on the price difference, the 1LE is where it's at! __________________ "A Camaro in the garage is safe, but that's not what Camaros are built for..." R2C CAI / Apex Scoop / VMAX Ported TB / Speed Engineering LTHs / X-pipe / GPI port/rod-mod intake manifold / Circle D 3200 278mm Converter / 3.91 gears / DynoSteve tuned / 1LE Shocks/Struts/Toe Links / ZL1 Rear Sway Bar / Z/28 Trailing arms / Prothane Radius Arm & Subframe Bushings / BMR UCA Bracket, Steering rack bushing / B&M Tranny Cooler / RX Catch Can / Jannetty Tranny Dipstick / 2012+ Heater Hose / 2013+ Rearview Mirror / Fuel rail flip / Drake shifter / Oil Cooler Delete

07-20-2018, 06:55 PM	#12
larry_g Drives: 2014 1SS/1LE Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 877	I daily my 1LE. The recaros are worth it in my opinion but I wouldn't say that they help with headroom. Not having a sunroof is the best bet if you need more headroom. I'm 6'4" an fit comfortably. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk __________________ 830 WHP 700 WTQ, Whipple 2.9 @ 13lbs Boost, Flex Fuel Tune by Blevins Tuning, LSA SBE, 3.5 GripTec, ATI LS3 Damper, AFR 260cc Mongoose, ARP Studs, Yella Terra Ultralites, Johnson 2110R, BTR PDS Stage 3, Melling 10355, Improved Racing Baffle, ID1050X, DSX Triple Fuel Pump, RotoFab CAI, NW 103mm TB, Stainless Works 1-7/8" LTH to 3" Speed Eng w/ X-pipe to NPP, Powermaster 9509 XS, Detroit Speed Motor Mounts, MGW, Monster LT1-S, ZL1 Calipers, DBA Rotors & Pads, Bilstein B6 Struts & Shocks, BMR 1.25" Drop Springs & Adj Rear Bar, Pegasus Solid Bushings, Z/28 Wheels, other misc parts.

07-20-2018, 08:45 PM	#13
christianchevell old school chevy rodder Drives: 2021 zl1 a-10 WildCherry Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,622 View My Garage	Cost wise..its all about what your going to do with it. You can wrap the hood of a SS if that's your thing....not mine, you can buy super sticky lousy low mile tires that suck in the rain for one also, but the trans and extra cooler and a clean side separator things that are cosmetic also come with the 1le; option such as the 3:91 gears but its a package for the ss. You may find you prefer the automatic actually with bumper to bumper occasionally.... Its all in what you want. Performance wise the SS usually beats the 1le for 1/4 times stock, and if building the car is more your thing being in so-cal you may just want to look at good used zl1 because things are limited in smog country. I do lots of research before buying and you should compare things, heck I saw not so long ago a sweet new like low low mile 17 zl1 for I think about 50 in san fran, a stick and 650 hp in beautiful red...its more in what you want and can afford. Personally if I want to drag its a toss up with my using toyo proxes as they are as sticky as stock p zeros yet wear is a lot more for daily driving and about the same or better for rain. Just a few thoughts. Communifornia is limiting. Hell if I lived there I would still have my fleet of 73 and earlier chevelles, impalas, montes etc....LOL But you can slap a edelbrock supercharger on a SS there....LOL because they make the parts there.....Imagine that. __________________ 2021 Wild Cherry ZL1 A10, Sunroof, Data,Red Carbon Interior, Nav, RotoFab Big Gulp , Elite x2ultra, Borla ATAK, Driveshaft shop, BMR susp, Speed covers, intercoolers, ATI , 2650 MAG, DSX lid, 103 NW, TSP Longtubes & cats, LPE, 1le mods, ,LME cover, Katech pump and chain, Trunnions, BTR stage 2, LPE boostapump, Gforce, Speed eng , Granetteli, etc etc

07-15-2018, 06:08 PM	#2
Venomcustom Hard to want. Drives: 2020 red hot 1SS 1LE Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Nashville Tennessee Posts: 533	My brother had a 2015 SS and I have a 2015 1LE. The SS has a lttle smoother ride but and this is a big but... the 1LE is so much more fun to drive. It just always feels ready to carve up some road. For me having spent quality time with both the 1LE is just a better drivers car. I don't have the racaros so no comment there. All in all I absolutely love the solid always ready feeling of my 1LE.

07-15-2018, 07:10 PM	#3
CHRISCAM Drives: 2013 Summit White 2SS/1LE Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: SoCal Posts: 118	A couple of additional comments I might make are that I realistically would never enter my car in a road race type event-- even at a Good Guys show, etc. The only non-daily-driver type activity I might occasionally engage in is a couple of casual 1/4 mi. drag passes a year. Additionally, although I am really digging the looks of the 1LE as well as the performance potential, the one issue I'm a little leery about is tire replacement cost. Can anyone comment on the expected lifespan of those factory GY G2s? I realize that tire wear is not a major issue in the bigger scheme of things, but from what I've seen browsing prices for those 285/35/20s, the cheapest they seem to go for is about $180. For 4 tires that's like $800+ with tax & mounting. Maybe I've just been spoiled by my 2006 Impala's dirt-cheap 215/60/16s LOL.

07-15-2018, 07:55 PM	#4
Venomcustom Hard to want. Drives: 2020 red hot 1SS 1LE Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Nashville Tennessee Posts: 533	I would ditch the Goodyears if you daily drive the car. They wear quickly and are shit in the rain. A really good street tire that won't break the bank is the Firestone firehawk indy. Now if drag racing is your thing the regular SS might be a better pick since the 1le is set up for the track or twisty roads. California has some great roads so again my choice would be the 1le. But hey that's just me.

07-15-2018, 09:13 PM	#5
CrazyRED Drives: 2014 2SS RS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: St Petersburg, Fl Posts: 372	I came from an '05 Impala, to a '10 Impala, to a '14 2SS, to a '14 2SS 1LE. They are all daily drivers lol. My 1LE has over 700hp with a big cam, meth and an SC and it's still a daily driver. If all you're looking for is a cool car, go with what looks the best to you. My vote would be for the loaded 1LE. I also have the Recaro's and beside looking nicer, they are just an expensive option. They don't provide any benefits or change any ride dynamics. Tires? If you can't afford the tires, maybe you can't afford the car. Keep your foot off the gas if you want them to wear longer. In summary, Chevy makes daily drivers, even the "track designed" cars like the 1LE. There's nothing you will buy from them that isn't designed to put miles on.

07-15-2018, 09:33 PM	#6
CHRISCAM Drives: 2013 Summit White 2SS/1LE Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: SoCal Posts: 118	Thanks for the comments so far, guys!

07-16-2018, 12:09 AM	#7
Quicksilver2SS Drives: 2SS/RS LS3 NPP Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Sacramento Posts: 227	I just realized recently that the 3.91 gears in the 1LE are very close to the 3.45 gears in the SS in first gear due to the transmission being a closer ratio in the 1LE. (Actually first 3 gears). So putting 3.91's in an SS is more effective with the 3:08 first gear than the 2:66 that the 1LE has....

07-16-2018, 01:07 AM	#8
matar123 Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS Ls3 Cammed/Blown Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Los Angeles Ca Posts: 267	I’ve driven both if you can get the 1le better car overall and looks way better too.