torn between the ZL1 or 1LE

[cal45]

Originally Posted by maddoggyusa

don't forget you'll most likely be paying OVER sticker for a year or more on the C7... meanwhile there are lots of unsold ZL1's and incentives to be had.

No he won't. Prices are already starting to drop below MSRP. Now the new C7 supercharged Z06 will be a different story.

[Jims Mongoose]

Originally Posted by Novie LE

If you want a track car get the 1le. If you want a highway/drag car get the gt500 .

GT500 is how I made my decision. In almost everyway the ZL1 is better than the GT500 except straight line acceleration. I knew if I bought a ZL1 I would have to modify it anyway, because I don't l like buying Camaro supercar only to have to lose to a gt500.

So that would void the warrantee anyway.

Enter the 1LE, I can modify it as i wish, probably still be under or near the $20000 difference in price and be able to race GT500's straight up. I also happen to love the 1LE looks, simpler, a little less bulky looking, to me.

However if you can get left over 2013 ZL1 for a real good price say 53000 to 55000 either slightly used or new, then take it.

Jim

[maddoggyusa]

you can always get the 1LE and spend the extra cash on a sportbike that runs low 10's, high 9's bone stock. all these cars are pretty slow in comparison

[christianchevell]

I am in a class of owners who wants to hand pick their own mods. Add a cam, headers a tune and CAI and you have about the same RWHP and torque as a zl1, now add 1000 h.p. axles and a 3.91 gear ratio along with upgraded trailing arms toe links and poly bushings and better sways and you out handle them both if you get a few other items and another $3000 to the $4000 for the other goodies and at about 47K for the investment you have a very personalized ss. Sure its not supercharged and with forced induction you have a slew of things to look at like bearing life, intercooler small, induction only a 1900cc not 2300 or 4000... and you have already high compression in a ss. And the aftermarket makes such awesome products you can pick and choose based on price and function to your own taste. Not that the 1le package is not a good package or the zl1 good either, but rather if you will think stock is good enough, or just can not live without the different looks of a zl1 or the summer only tires.....as what are you going to use the car for, mine is a daily driver and with 500 rwhp as my goal that's a lot and I will be happy and know its the bomb. As I will have the mods I desire and not go in excess and will know I have done all I want. I could wait buy a zl1, then upgrade the pulleys after time tune and header it and worry as I would want to cam it, then change this and that.... Affordability of repair is also a factor for me as I will depend on a car to be reliable daily.

[CamaroTom]

The 1LE is right there with the ZL1 in handling and braking.

If $20,000 is worth the bump in acceleration and being able to adjust the shocks then go for the ZL1.

[stratman2SSRS]

ZL1 for sure if you have the choice.
It's a way better investment in the long run.
Go BIG or go Home!!!

[newmoon]

If you want a 1LE look in the autos for sale section in this forum, I am not sure why but it seems there are an awful lot of these newly purchased cars for sale. If you search you can also find a low mileage used ZL1 for a little bit above what a new 1LE might cost. Set your budget then shop both new and used and see what is out there. Myself I'd choose a used low mileage ZL1, easy decision.

[StoutSnout]

Originally Posted by 130R

1LE all day long…

For ultimate road-handling, the last thing you want to do is add weight, let alone, 100+ pounds up high, and up front.

Throw a cam, some LT's, and a good tune and put ~500 to the wheels for FAR less than the cost of the ZL1.

You'll have a car that's not only 300 pounds lighter, but has a lower CG, better weight distribution & better Power to Weight.

It's really a no-brainer...

Not sure why the 1LE would be considered the ultimate for road-handling, and the ZL1 wouldn't. At the VIR test, doesn't the ZL1 turn a faster lap, and have higher corner entry/exit speeds? Also, the ZL1 weight distribution is 51/49 versus 52/48 on the 1LE.

[gajagfan]

Originally Posted by StoutSnout

Not sure why the 1LE would be considered the ultimate for road-handling, and the ZL1 wouldn't. At the VIR test, doesn't the ZL1 turn a faster lap, and have higher corner entry/exit speeds? Also, the ZL1 weight distribution is 51/49 versus 52/48 on the 1LE.

I agree the ZL1 is the better handling car, the better braking car and the vehicle with more power. It is the Better Camaro overall when comparing it to the 1LE, but according to GM, you have the weight distribution wrong. The 1LE is 51/49 and the ZL1 is 52/48. I would imagine it is increased weight of the supercharger that cause it to weigh about 200 lbs more, and throws the distribution off by a percentage point.

[2012-1822]

Originally Posted by Shift_Rejected

I think every SS owner would get a ZL1 if possible...

Its the standard evolution, I had a V6 and traded to a V8, wish I got a 1LE but if I had a 1LE I would still want a ZL1.

This guy nailed it.


Besides, deep down inside don't you want to own the most powerful production Camaro ever produced?

[Fraxum]

I was (and maybe still am) thinking of upgrading my 1LE to a Z51 Stingray. It is really an awesome car that can be had for the same price as a ZL1. As good as the ZL1 is, it is not even close to a Z51, unless you have to have a back seat. So maybe you have already ruled that out.

But the 1LE is also great and although trailing slightly is in the running with the other two. So one option I am considering is adding a centrifugal supercharger to my 1LE. My car, even with FI, is 150-200+ pounds lighter than a ZL1, will perform at least as well as a ZL1 with FI, but without MR. Not a big deal to me. Then when I want to trade or sell my 1LE I can easily return it to stock and sell the bolton parts separately.

You might point out that I will lose my drive train warranty. Hohum, no big deal. The Camaro engines and drive train are super reliable and if you go for modest power upgrades and drive it with respect, it can keep going a very long time.

The centrifugal supercharger adds about 75 pounds, avoids the extra heat soak issues and also is easier on the drive train than SC types. More like a turbo. Food for thought. And if I get the SC, won't my friend with the Mustang 5.0 who keeps crushing me be surprised.

[2012-1822]

Originally Posted by Fraxum

As good as the ZL1 is, it is not even close to a Z51, unless you have to have a back seat. So maybe you have already ruled that out.

What you(and a lot of people) are discounting is that some people who can afford a Corvette actually want a Camaro. Like me. I really just wanted a Camaro. I had good fortunes and very easily could have paid cash for a ZR1, in fact the day I bought my car they had a brand new, very good looking Grand Sport, in black, on the lot starring at me. But I wanted a Camaro. Very happy with my choice.

[Fraxum]

Originally Posted by 2012-1822

What you(and a lot of people) are discounting is that some people who can afford a Corvette actually want a Camaro. Like me. I really just wanted a Camaro. I had good fortunes and very easily could have paid cash for a ZR1, in fact the day I bought my car they had a brand new, very good looking Grand Sport, in black, on the lot starring at me. But I wanted a Camaro. Very happy with my choice.

I did not discount that. Nice for you to be rich. Few of the rest of us are. Good thing you didn't buy that ZR1 though, their values are plummeting with the announcement of the new Z06. I can see where if someone needs the back seat or prefers the Camaro's look they might choose the ZL1. The ZL1 is a great GT.

You are comparing the C6 to the ZL1. I agree, I too might prefer the ZL1. However the C7 is a big leap ahead and they fixed all the Corvette problems (apparently)

So I wondered if the OP considered the Stingray. It is currently and arguably the best sports car on the planet with state of the art comfort and high performance technology. It also is very efficient and owners are seeing over 30 MPG on the highway. Younger buyers are looking for hi-tech and fuel efficiency. If they also want a fast car and can afford it, then the Corvette is the obvious choice. A base LT1 can be had for under $50K and is still a very well equipped, fast car. Hard to find though, LT1s are selling like hot cakes.

[cal45]

Originally Posted by 130R

.....Look at the Z/28. Did they put a supercharger on it? No. Did they remove a bunch of weight? Yes.
…

But they did put in a more powerful engine (LS7) than the LS3 in the SS/1LE's.