2010 Supercharged Camaro vs. ZL1

[Lucas Camaro]

I have had my Camaro for almost 3 years now. I finally decided that I need more power- which leaves me with the question... do I supercharge my 2010 SS or do I opt for the ZL1? I would really appreciate your feedback as I have been stressing over this decision for weeks now.

For the supercharger, I am referring to the Whipple. Also planning to add a Cold Air Inductions CAI as well as a new suspension. Possibly headers too. Already have Magnaflow competition series axleback.

With all these upgrades how do you think my numbers will compare with the ZL1?? Quarter mile? Handling? etc.

Thank you for your expertise...it is much needed!!

[CamaroKid300]

Handling will not be up to par. If you can grip up, the you might be able to take it in the 1/4.

But, it won't be a ZL1.

If you can afford it, I say for for a ZL1....

[HufferSS]

The ZL1 groupies are going to hate me but for 20k dollars you could build your 2010 into 3x the car the ZL1 is....it will be faster in the 1/4 and handle better around the track. It won't be a ZL1 but then again you won't care about running up the miles or the depreciation.

[black.]

Originally Posted by HufferSS

The ZL1 groupies are going to hate me but for 20k dollars you could build your 2010 into 3x the car the ZL1 is....it will be faster in the 1/4 and handle better around the track. It won't be a ZL1 but then again you won't care about running up the miles or the depreciation.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by Lucas Camaro

I have had my Camaro for almost 3 years now. I finally decided that I need more power- which leaves me with the question... do I supercharge my 2010 SS or do I opt for the ZL1? I would really appreciate your feedback as I have been stressing over this decision for weeks now.

For the supercharger, I am referring to the Whipple. Also planning to add a Cold Air Inductions CAI as well as a new suspension. Possibly headers too. Already have Magnaflow competition series axleback.

With all these upgrades how do you think my numbers will compare with the ZL1?? Quarter mile? Handling? etc.

Thank you for your expertise...it is much needed!!

You need to first decide WHAT you're going to be doing with your car.

Will you drag-race it often? Is that what makes you tick?

Do you like to road-race?

Will it sit in your garage for 90% of its life, beautifying your home?


I'd be happy to offer my thoughts, for whatever they're worth - after I know how you use your car.

Originally Posted by HufferSS

The ZL1 groupies are going to hate me but for 20k dollars you could build your 2010 into 3x the car the ZL1 is....it will be faster in the 1/4 and handle better around the track. It won't be a ZL1 but then again you won't care about running up the miles or the depreciation.

No you can't... That doesn't take anything away from modifying a car, though. If circumstances were a bit different - I'd be doing that very thing and loving every minute of it.

[Lucas Camaro]

Thank you for all the input so far!

In response to Dragoneye, it will be used for road races/ driving pleasure etc and Maybe the occasional trip to the drag

[n2oSS]

i did some math in a thread a while back and really its cheaper to mod your camaro if your looking for straight line performance.

Now if you go for handling as well that will up the cost a little more but i would bet you would still be cheaper.

My biggest reason for not wanting to trade in for a zl1 is the motor still is not built to handle alot of boost. Oil squirters is the duct tape around a leak type solution, sure it works till you pump up the pressure then its no better then the gum you tried first.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by Lucas Camaro

Thank you for all the input so far!

In response to Dragoneye, it will be used for road races/ driving pleasure etc and Maybe the occasional trip to the drag

I think you could go either way, then. I suggest you choose the route that's most economical for you. The ZL1 offers that "full-package" that's hard duplicate. Looks, performance, warranty. It's all there. But few will ever use it all - and it's a waste for those looking to put up awesome numbers at a drag strip only.

Magnetic Ride and PTM (racing traction software) are simply a treat with regards to road-racing. Steering, roll, handling bias, and traction have all been significantly upgraded on the ZL1. You'd need a full suspension upgrade, including bushings, and various links, to meet the feel and performance - but you could do it. Don't forget the 6-piston brakes, extremely strong drive line, wide wheels and tires, or cooling systems, yet, either....

Engine...580 crank hp with a full 100,000 mile warranty and very responsive to mods. Need I say more?

And the looks are self-explanatory, too.

You could achieve much of this through the after-market. It'll be expensive, though - and do you want to tinker with your car that much? That's a choice only you can make.

First, I'd figure out how much equity you've got in your car, and how much more $$$ it will take to trade into a ZL1...they're only going to get more expensive as this generation goes on. Then price out all the upgrades it'd take to meet your needs for a comfortable road-racer with some kick, and compare.

This is only my opinion on the matter - as you asked for. I'm looking forward to hearing what you decide to do!

[Lucas Camaro]

Thank you, That's definitely something to consider. That was a pretty exceptional analogy. And I trust your math- I was hoping it would be cheaper

[Lucas Camaro]

Dragoneye,

Wow! Thanks for this perspective. I keep teeter-tottering between my options. I feel like I can get close to the package the ZL1 offers, but it might not be as perfected as I would hope. I will take a look at the numbers and weigh out between cost and benefit. Another issue of mine is my attachment to my car- it's my first. Sounds pretty cheesy but I always thought I would keep it. I will definitely let you know what I decide to do!!

[NicKey]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

I think you could go either way, then. I suggest you choose the route that's most economical for you. The ZL1 offers that "full-package" that's hard duplicate. Looks, performance, warranty. It's all there. But few will ever use it all - and it's a waste for those looking to put up awesome numbers at a drag strip only.

Magnetic Ride and PTM (racing traction software) are simply a treat with regards to road-racing. Steering, roll, handling bias, and traction have all been significantly upgraded on the ZL1. You'd need a full suspension upgrade, including bushings, and various links, to meet the feel and performance - but you could do it. Don't forget the 6-piston brakes, extremely strong drive line, wide wheels and tires, or cooling systems, yet, either....

Engine...580 crank hp with a full 100,000 mile warranty and very responsive to mods. Need I say more?

And the looks are self-explanatory, too.

You could achieve much of this through the after-market. It'll be expensive, though - and do you want to tinker with your car that much? That's a choice only you can make.

First, I'd figure out how much equity you've got in your car, and how much more $$$ it will take to trade into a ZL1...they're only going to get more expensive as this generation goes on. Then price out all the upgrades it'd take to meet your needs for a comfortable road-racer with some kick, and compare.

This is only my opinion on the matter - as you asked for. I'm looking forward to hearing what you decide to do!

This is a very level headed approach to looking at the performance aspect of a modified Camaro vs a ZL1, however the LS3 will support much more than 580 safe and reliable fwhp. Just bolting on one of the popular Superchargers will come lose to meeting or even exceeding the the stock power level of the ZL1.

[HufferSS]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

No you can't... That doesn't take anything away from modifying a car, though. If circumstances were a bit different - I'd be doing that very thing and loving every minute of it.

Yes you can. For 20k dollars I built a car that runs mid 10s in the 1/4 and with a few different choices (same price) in suspension parts would stay with the ZL1 around the track.

Easily.

[rjdapilmoto]

^^^^^^^
Hmmmmm.....Looks like maybe we might see some grudge races at C5FestIII!

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by Lucas Camaro

Dragoneye,

Wow! Thanks for this perspective. I keep teeter-tottering between my options. I feel like I can get close to the package the ZL1 offers, but it might not be as perfected as I would hope. I will take a look at the numbers and weigh out between cost and benefit. Another issue of mine is my attachment to my car- it's my first. Sounds pretty cheesy but I always thought I would keep it. I will definitely let you know what I decide to do!!

I would try and keep it..."It's a mystical bond, between man and machine". I'm certainly planning to keep the Z for a GREAT long time....

Originally Posted by Nickey Chicago

This is a very level headed approach to looking at the performance aspect of a modified Camaro vs a ZL1, however the LS3 will support much more than 580 safe and reliable fwhp. Just bolting on one of the popular Superchargers will come lose to meeting or even exceeding the the stock power level of the ZL1.

Agreed!

I was only listing some features of the ZL1. All were not necessarily advantages stock versus the aftermarket. I felt 580 vs 620 or whathaveyou was comparable....and nothing a nice pulley or headers couldn't fix.

Originally Posted by HufferSS

Yes you can. For 20k dollars I built a car that runs mid 10s in the 1/4 and with a few different choices (same price) in suspension parts would stay with the ZL1 around the track.

Easily.

Maybe. But after I made my statement, I tried...spec for spec to mimic the ZL1. From tires, wheels, and exterior aero bits...to the clutch, driveshaft, diff, half-shafts, suspension, brakes, engine, and exhaust.

It came to about 72,000 total, including a 2SS/RS. I assure you - I was being as frugal as possible. But that was....EVERYTHING.

If a person only wants to build a car for Drag Racing, or even a Drag Racer with some excellence in the corners, you can absolutely come in under the ceiling of the ZL1. But you can't build something that is truly equivalent or better for less. And you certainly can't do it with a warranty. If you could - Chevy would have failed.

Originally Posted by rjdapilmoto

^^^^^^^
Hmmmmm.....Looks like maybe we might see some grudge races at C5FestIII!

Maybe - but I'm no expert driver.

And I didn't mean for this to become a "ZL1 versus all of the aftermarket" thread. I apologize! I don't believe that to be an issue in the least. However, I did want to try and lay as many options on the table for the OP as possible.

You have to admit - today is a GREAT day to be a Camaro enthusiast. There is just SO much out there. Both from the factory and the aftermarket!