What else does GM have up there sleeve for the ZL1?

[radz28]

Originally Posted by Russell James

A cam and lifter change would be nice. Without that, not a chance at 570. It could also use some decent exhaust manifolds. The Camaro log style manifolds belong on a taxi not a performance car.

No power steering pump should be good for a couple hp. Which might have then been lost in the Camaro exh manifolds taking it back to near 550.

In the past, small cam changes have occured without an LS designation change. LS1's and LS6's had a couple different cams depending on the year. The first year the LS6 came out it had a pretty mild cam. The next year it went to 405 hp with a better cam and screamed. A little cam bump like that would be nice, along with some larger wheel lifters.

The way you're posting seems like you think LSA in CTS-V doesn't have manifolds on it already. Nothing is changing, that we know of, in that, because ZL1 is just getting revised stainless cast manifolds. I seriously doubt they're going to restrict more power than CTS-V, especially considering packaging between the Sigma and Zeta II chassis seem to results in a little more efficiency for the Zeta II. I seriously doubt ZL1's manifolds are going to restrict flow more than the current CTS-V manifolds.

I wouldn't call head, piston, cam, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, cats', and even block differences small as you have in comparing LS1 to LS6. Heck - hollow-stem intake valves and sodium exhuast valves with better springs filled the new 243 heads on LS6. The 405 horse' also came with a better air cleaner if memory serves. These are not small changes.

Originally Posted by Shurenuff

I just don't understand the logic in releasing the 550hp number nearly a year in advance before being able to produce a vehicle. What's the advantage in that if you're not going to exceed that number? It just makes it easier for Ford to easily top it shortly after the ZL1's release.

I expect over 560hp or what's the point?

I have nothing to support that idea except ZL1 has a less restrictive, dual-mode exhaust and because LLT in CTS-V makes less power than in CAMARO, so I just think the packaging is a little better in CAMARO (I'm suggesting if we were to see LSA go straight from CTS-V to ZL1, we'd see a similar bump in power and efficiency, too). In addition, because GM went to such great lengths to keep LSA quiet, I'm sure there are other restrictions in the intake and exhaust that won't impose as high a restriction as CTS-V. I notice there are several plugs in ZL1's intake tube, between the TB and air cleaner that were deleted at the time. CTS-V has at least one resonator, which restricts air flow to control intake roar and whine, so if ZL1 doesn't get any, I think we'll get a little more power there too. I still think there's a small chance at a revised cam, too; it'd be nice to see LS9's cam in there, but that's probably asking too much, lol.

Originally Posted by RLHMARINES

I truly believe that the LSA as installed in the ZL1 will not disappoint in the hp rating and be a hell raiser of a package. GM has tested this car and its drivetrain on numerous tracks across the world and has vowed not to be just competitive but to be a winner in this segment. I believe that those exhaust manifolds will flow well enough but more importantly reduce under hood temps which is a power robbing additive for a supercharged engine. I WILL KEEP THE FAITH. Because the FBODFATHER tells me so. That is all that I need.

Originally Posted by bobby35ny

All we have to do is keep an eye on 2012 CTS-V news. Whatever they do there will carry to the ZL1.
-bobby

I've been saying and thinking CTS-V and ZR1 should be do for a power bump very soon

[detltu]

Originally Posted by RLHMARINES

I still believe in my heart that this will be out before the end of the year and not in Feb. 2012 as advertised. They have not released any info to the public that we already did not know with the possible exception to the MR suspension which we all felt would be included from the CTS-V program. Hp was stated as being a quote "minimum of 550 hp" and nothing else.

So far, GM has been accurate with their production dates. I would not expect to see this out before 1Q 2012.

As far as the horsepower, GM did the safe thing and released the safe guarantee number. There could be a few possible reasons for this:

1. It could simply be that the engine has not undergone the SAE testing in the Camaro package yet so the exact number is not yet available.
2. It could be that the horsepower number is a decent bit higher than the current LSA and they don't want to tip their hand to the ford guys.
3. It could be that they are still tweaking and tuning the engine to improve performance and the final configuration has not been decided yet.

Bottom line is we don't know anything but it will not be less than 550 hp. I expect it will get bigger numbers than the current CTS-V but I would be surprised if it is more than 575 hp. I would guess something around 560hp. If it is more than a few horsepower I would fully expect the CTS-V to get whatever upgrades the ZL1 might get to achieve that power.

[OldJedi]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

They were pretty clear that the engine is the LSA. Making substantial changes to it would suggest a designation change, and I don't think GM would do that, especially after committing to a powerplant. We have to remember that this is not a concept car that we want GM to make. It is a production car that GM announced that they will make.

My best guess is that the ZL1 will be built with the LSA as we know it now. The engine and transmission probably won't see any major changes between now and then, although we can expect more to happen with other parts of the ZL1.

I think that small changes, revised tune, different CAI from CTS-V can make a horsepower change WITHOUT changing the engine designation. I might be optimistic but I am going to stick with my guess of 575 HP for the ZL1.

[lbls1]

The fact that the motor is making 556 hp right now without headers is amazing. Small changes and a tick in hp would be nice, but IMO the powerteam is ready for battle.

[radz28]

Originally Posted by OldJedi

I think that small changes, revised tune, different CAI from CTS-V can make a horsepower change WITHOUT changing the engine designation. I might be optimistic but I am going to stick with my guess of 575 HP for the ZL1.

I'm thinking 580

Originally Posted by lbls1

The fact that the motor is making 556 hp right now without headers is amazing. Small changes and a tick in hp would be nice, but IMO the powerteam is ready for battle.

I'm eager to see this baby complete! I think ZL1 is going to put this segment on it notice

[556hp]

Whether it is 550, 556 or even 570 hp...no one here is going to be disappointed with the performance of this fine beauty.

For the average person here, you would not be able to tell the difference between 550 and 570 hp. 1/4 mile trap speed and times would be identical. It would take more horsepower than that to make a difference. It all depends on driver ability with these numbers. To beat the GT500, it will be more driver than the ZL1.

Horsepower numbers are for those that want bragging rights without having to prove their driving skill....JMHO

[Revo1]

Up they're sleeve you mean?

[LostInMoscow]

Originally Posted by Revo1

Up they're sleeve you mean?

their?

BTW, if Callaway can get 572 HP, it would be embarrassing for the ZL1 to have less IMHO. Just a thought.

[Shurenuff]

Originally Posted by Revo1

Up they're sleeve you mean?

Originally Posted by LostInMoscow

their?

BTW, if Callaway can get 572 HP, it would be embarrassing for the ZL1 to have less IMHO. Just a thought.

[DevilKnightFalcon]

Originally Posted by LostInMoscow

their?

BTW, if Callaway can get 572 HP, it would be embarrassing for the ZL1 to have less IMHO. Just a thought.

Uh except that the Callaway base package is $18k on top of the price of your SS (which if you have a 2SS/RS you are talking around $38k - $40k) so for the base level Callaway you are talking like $58k before you start adding any of Callaways options. If you get their preferred package then you are looking at adding a whopping $42k on top of the price of your SS and you still aren't getting any sort of upgraded suspension whatsoever. So regardless if the ZL1 is 550 or 575hp it is still a much better deal.

[OldJedi]

Fbodfather says "they have NOT spilled all the beans about the ZL1 yet!". Considering everything that is already in this car, that is an awesome statement. I do not think he would be saying that about cosmetic changes like a different grill or lights. With all of the performance and handling this car already has on tap, what else could they have up their sleeves?

[thePill]

If you think about it, there are alot of little guys like SLP, Henny, Callaway and LF that are gonna lose business and look like crooks after this thing comes out. Don't know if GM is gonna make many friends undercutting the aftermarket.

Anyway, I predict torque will stay at 551, HP could go higher than the 556.

[hairtrigger]

Originally Posted by thePill

If you think about it, there are alot of little guys like SLP, Henny, Callaway and LF that are gonna lose business and look like crooks after this thing comes out. Don't know if GM is gonna make many friends undercutting the aftermarket.

Anyway, I predict torque will stay at 551, HP could go higher than the 556.

Good point, but you have to reverse and turn that upside down.


GM made that product, they did not. What would the aftermarket make money on without the product from GM? The little guys remain the little guys.

[djsnoflake]

I hope GM has the Jay Leno concept fog lights up their sleeve. MMmmmm LED Audi styling cues...