My 1LE cosmetic upgrades - ZL1 Diffuser, Rockers, Grill, and Front Tire Air Spoilers

[Nick S]

Since my last thread with pics of my grill got moved to the cosmetic section I posted all my pics in that sub-forum. But I thought I would make a post in this sub-forum for my fellow 1LE'ers with a link to the pics. I know these mods have been done countless times but I still really like how it turned out.

Yet to be done is a ZL1 spoiler conversion. I have all the parts (ZL1 trunk lid and ZL1 spoiler) just need to get the trunk lid and spoiler painted.

Here's the link!

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=345718

[1bad1le]

Awesome

[lbls1]

Nice work. Personally I would leave off the zl1 spoiler, as the 1le pieces translate the model's apearance better. Too much of a change will look like cloning, and the 1le's character is strong enough to stand on its own.

[Nick S]

Originally Posted by lbls1

Nice work. Personally I would leave off the zl1 spoiler, as the 1le pieces translate the model's apearance better. Too much of a change will look like cloning, and the 1le's character is strong enough to stand on its own.

Thanks!

I have thought about this same thing. Looking at it I've been trying to decide if the ZL1 spoiler will be "too much" in terms of size and being black. The 1LE spoiler does look nice with the way the car sits now. I guess the good thing is since I would be putting an entirely new trunk lid with the ZL1 spoiler on the car it would be easy to switch it back if I like the 1LE spoiler look better. I hear you on the cloning part and that's a big reason why I do not plan on doing a ZL1 front end conversion. If anything I've considered doing a 2014 1LE Front end conversion. Then it would be pretty hard to interpret it as a clone of a ZL1 since they did not change the front end of the ZL1 for 2014.

[BATMOB1LE]

Looks awesome! Where did you get the ZL1 diffuser? How much did u grab it for?
I'm I the same boat of not wanting my car to look like a ZL1 clone but the rear doesn't flow with the ZL1 rockers I have!

[Nick S]

Originally Posted by Davie Dynamite

Looks awesome! Where did you get the ZL1 diffuser? How much did u grab it for?
I'm I the same boat of not wanting my car to look like a ZL1 clone but the rear doesn't flow with the ZL1 rockers I have!

I got the diffuser from SinisSick here on C5. I got all the parts from him (he has bought it for his car I think and then changed his mind) for $450 shipped. Only part I didn't get was a new Absorber but because my car is a 2013 my absorber was already able to accept the new brackets required to mount the ZL1 diffuser with.

I feel the ZL1 rear diffuser is a must have if you have the rockers. Otherwise it just looks like something is missing at the rear and the lines don't flow as well.

[lbls1]

^I agree. The rockers look good, but you almost have to get the rear diffuser and skirt to have a complete look.

The car looks better when you stay as close to its theme as it can be.

[BATMOB1LE]

Originally Posted by Nick S

I got the diffuser from SinisSick here on C5. I got all the parts from him (he has bought it for his car I think and then changed his mind) for $450 shipped. Only part I didn't get was a new Absorber but because my car is a 2013 my absorber was already able to accept the new brackets required to mount the ZL1 diffuser with.

I feel the ZL1 rear diffuser is a must have if you have the rockers. Otherwise it just looks like something is missing at the rear and the lines don't flow as well.

How was the install? I heard there is cutting involved? It's not a straight bolt on?

[Nick S]

Originally Posted by Davie Dynamite

How was the install? I heard there is cutting involved? It's not a straight bolt on?

You are correct. There is cutting involved. You have to drill 3 holes on each side of the rear bumper cover and then you'll need to cut about 6 or 7 rectangular slits into the bumper if you want to install it the way the factory designed it to be installed.

Other people have chosen to cut the tabs off that would normally be inserted into the rectangular slits and then use 3M body molding tape to fasten the side legs of the diffuser to your bumper.

Gen5DIY sells a template you can use to locate all the holes and slits. If you are someone that doesn't like to put any holes in your car then this install may not be for you. You will also need to take the entire rear bumper cover off if you want to be able to do a good job with the install. That may not be something everyone is comfortable with either. Really the worst part was making the cuts (time consuming and also a little nerve racking) and then putting the bumper cover back onto the car. Getting it to snap back on all the way around was much harder than taking it off was!

Overall I'm glad I did it. I learned a lot and I'm much more comfortable taking my car apart like that now. Some people are not though.

[ST1LE]

Looks amazing Nick!! Did you recently polish and/or wax that thing? Really looks nice!!!

I also did this install and as Nick did, I chose to install by cutting the bumper. After looking at the diffuser I couldn't see how using 3M would be good enough. Was also nerve racking to cut the bumper, to say the least! I think it would have been WAY easier to remove the bumper, but I chose not to and was fine. Well worth the stress, money, and time; I love the look!

[Nick S]

Originally Posted by ST1LE

Looks amazing Nick!! Did you recently polish and/or wax that thing? Really looks nice!!!

Thanks! Well I have been storing it since october and befor I store it I always give it a good cleaning.

[BATMOB1LE]

Hm, definitely way too much for me to take on. Hopefully SPI in Oakville can help me out this spring!

Either way, Nick and St1le, ur cars look solid! Well done!

[OzzySS]

i've really wanted the rockers for a long time now, but been holding off until i want to buy and do the diffuser too since i want the nice lines along the bottom too.
once you've taken things off the car and started putting holes in it (i've put a pretty good number in mine already for things), it really starts to feel like no big deal, lol...

oh, and of course - good looking cars

[Nick S]

Originally Posted by OzzySS

once you've taken things off the car and started putting holes in it (i've put a pretty good number in mine already for things), it really starts to feel like no big deal, lol...

oh, and of course - good looking cars

Yeah I agree. The most difficult hole/cut is the first one. I think I put the drill to the bumper cover like 3 times and asked myself if I was sure. My brother was there helping me and he said oh just do it. You have to if you want to install this diffuser. So I took a deep breath, pulled the trigger on the drill and wham...hole number 1 was in the bumper. After that it's like ok I'm committed let's keep going now! And it does get easier after the first one!