I need honest opinions... Whats more important to you in a car? - Page 4 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Blueclyde · 09-14-2014, 09:02 PM

If you're just looking for "wow factor" for the street get the Hellcat. Sounds like you're already leaning that way.

If you're plan on drag racing and don't want to modify your car, get the Hellcat.

If you're planning on new road course track days get the ZL1. It's an unbelievable track car for the money and it has a track warranty.

slow one · 09-14-2014, 09:48 PM

I have decided to get the ZL1. Overall, price is the largest factor to me due to owning my wife's mid-30k Jeep Grand Cherokee and my low-40k Silverado and I'm not parting with either one.

But, over the last couple days, my mood has gone to way up to way down. my wife said I could get the ZL1 now vice waiting for a bit. I can afford it just fine now, but in a year a couple things change.

I could get my promotion(will happen in the next year or two) and I will be moving (hopefully back to Charleston, SC) in a year. So without the promotion, when I move, my income/spending will change significantly. I will be spending about $500 a month more on living expenses, which equals my car note, lol. So im going to wait until I at least get settled in a year or get my promotion.

But man, Ive been looking for a ZL1 hard for the last few days and found a few, but I gotta wait. I WANT one so freakin bad. Ill just start saving up a bit for a few mods I wanna do when I get it. Thanks guys.

Skylane765 · 09-14-2014, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vick415

After I am done with my zl1 mods it will far outperform a Mopar.
Hellcat sounds great however falls way short in looks and improved suspension. I would take that extra money and put it in a slight used 2014 zl1 where I know its built solid.
Ford,...well who cares.

True, I think the Hellcat does not look as good as a ZL1. The Hellcat is very heavy. I have a ZL1 Z28 and a hellcat on order.

buffalobill · 09-14-2014, 10:44 PM

Am I the only one that wonders why anyone would buy a ZL1 if all you wanted to do is drag race? It is so much more than that . I admit I'll never take my car to any kind of track but in every day driving , sometimes spirited , I really appreciate the handling and comfort of this car .

FINALLYSATISFIED · 09-15-2014, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessrayo

I don't think you will be satisfied with a Hellcat....

I'm more satisfied with my 300 SRT8 than I was with my ZL1. Even my '02 Z06 has more fun value. For the price of the ZL1, the car is very underwhelming. Judging by your upgrades to your ZL1 you weren't satisfied either. Very hard pressed not to consider a factory warrantied car with 707hp whether it's the Challenger or Charger.

Need4speed_motorsports · 09-15-2014, 08:14 PM

I would do the hellcat 100%

slow one · 09-15-2014, 08:26 PM

do most of you daily drive your zl1 or is it just a weekend fun car? I will be buying it as my third expensive vehicle and money plays a large role in the choice. I cant believe they are actually selling the Hellcats for upwards of 75K. That is ridiculous.

With that said, what are some easy mods I can do to the zl1 when I get it to raise the hp and run low 12s/high 11s consistently? I don't want it to ruin the reliability either as I intend to keep the car for a long, long time.

jessrayo · 09-15-2014, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FINALLYSATISFIED

I'm more satisfied with my 300 SRT8 than I was with my ZL1. Even my '02 Z06 has more fun value. For the price of the ZL1, the car is very underwhelming. Judging by your upgrades to your ZL1 you weren't satisfied either. Very hard pressed not to consider a factory warrantied car with 707hp whether it's the Challenger or Charger.

I have said it before, when I first bought my ZL1 it felt slow. When I looked at the lap times it was the fastest car I had owned but it sure didn't feel that way. I gave it a few mods just to make it a little faster. I bought the car knowing I was going to mod it and I still say you can't buy a better overall car to mod. The chassis and suspension are unmatched and thanks to companies like Lingenfelter, ADM, AGP, Hendrix, and many others, it is very easy to make these cars go very fast at every racing venue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow one

do most of you daily drive your zl1 or is it just a weekend fun car? I will be buying it as my third expensive vehicle and money plays a large role in the choice. I cant believe they are actually selling the Hellcats for upwards of 75K. That is ridiculous.

With that said, what are some easy mods I can do to the zl1 when I get it to raise the hp and run low 12s/high 11s consistently? I don't want it to ruin the reliability either as I intend to keep the car for a long, long time.

I daily drive a Chevy Cruze.... My ZL1 is just my toy....and it is a very fun toy.
Drag radials, cold air intake, intercooler reservoir, pulley upgrade, injector upgrade, tune. That will get you well into the 11's easy.

Todd in Vancouver · 09-15-2014, 11:26 PM

I may be a bit of the odd one with a ZL1 but I use mine as a Daily Driver and for work. I've even got snow tires on extra rims as I use mine all year and drive it a lot. My cars are only on service for three years and I trade them in so mine gets used for everything, including getting groceries and taking my dog out with me. I did also look at all three, but it was an SRT8 as HellCat wasn't out. What ended up making my mind up was the fact that the ZL1 will do it ALL well. When you look at handling, comfort, drivability, performance there is only one winner, ZL1.

The GT500 & HellCat guys don't like to discuss that the ZL supercharger is only at 7psi while the other two at right around 14psi and come with a CAI from the factory. If you really want to compare then crank the ZL up to 14psi and install a CAI and then add a tune and headers and your there and competitive with any other car. I really didn't like the Mustang, I found the handling poor and the ride simply awful. But that's me and obviously what I like was the ZL hence I'm on a Camaro forum.

ex-SS-ve · 09-16-2014, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd in Vancouver

I may be a bit of the odd one with a ZL1 but I use mine as a Daily Driver and for work. I've even got snow tires on extra rims as I use mine all year and drive it a lot. My cars are only on service for three years and I trade them in so mine gets used for everything, including getting groceries and taking my dog out with me. I did also look at all three, but it was an SRT8 as HellCat wasn't out. What ended up making my mind up was the fact that the ZL1 will do it ALL well. When you look at handling, comfort, drivability, performance there is only one winner, ZL1.

The GT500 & HellCat guys don't like to discuss that the ZL supercharger is only at 7psi while the other two at right around 14psi and come with a CAI from the factory. If you really want to compare then crank the ZL up to 14psi and install a CAI and then add a tune and headers and your there and competitive with any other car. I really didn't like the Mustang, I found the handling poor and the ride simply awful. But that's me and obviously what I like was the ZL hence I'm on a Camaro forum.

Not to mention that the gt500 has a 2.3 liter supercharger and the hellcat with its 2.4 liter . The unit on the zl1 should have been a 2.3.

Fraxum · 09-16-2014, 01:04 PM

As an outside observer I think the ZL1 is the best choice. I am not a fan boy. It has the best chassis, handling, and suspension of all three. And Mag ride. However, all three cars suffer from too much heat soak to last long on a road track. It has the lowest HP, but there are many fixes for that. But even stock, the ZL1 is really fast. It is without a doubt the best all around GT (Gran Turismo) you can buy for the money.

If you take all three to the drag strip, they all can be soundly embarrassed by a number of cars in the test and tune lanes, even modified. How about a stock looking Nissan GT/R, except wheels and tires, that runs 8.5s? A stock looking Fox body Mustang running low 10s. There will always be someone faster.

Also know all three have had their turns at being hot stuff. It won't be long before the Hellcats are yesterday's news. Cool name though.

I would get a ZL1 for the best long term satisfaction. And it will be the best deal.

Interesting, the ZL1 is 400 pounds less:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...r_srt_hellcat/

lbls1 · 09-16-2014, 01:18 PM

I choose my keeper cars solely on how they strike me. Its more than liking a car for me. When I make the plunge for a car I have to love what I'm buying; Otherwise its a wasted effort and expense just to buy a car to be with the "in" crowd.

I don't necessarily buy the fastest or the most powerful car on the market, but the cars I desire have to excel in their chosen genre. I've been lucky for my last three new car purchases, in that my cars have endured and demonstrated that they have "staying power".

Jus Dreamin · 09-16-2014, 02:11 PM

The current Road and Track has a good article that is a head to head comparison of the ZL1 to the Hellcat. It is a well balanced article and gives the attributes and limitations of both cars. It is probably worth your while to read.
IMO the ZL1 is the most balanced (power, handling, braking) of the three. I really like Mopars and think they have done a great job on the Hellcat. It has the largest WOW factor. Based on the experience of a friend who has one, the GT 500 is not well balanced and it is difficult to utilize the power.
Another thing to consider is price and timing. There is always a faster car with more WOW around the corner. You will want to consider if the cost of having the current hot model is worth it to you.

Kelly@PCMofNC · 09-16-2014, 02:39 PM

ZL1 is a serious bang for the buck...especially with a few mods. Used ZL1 + our stage 3 performance package = 750 REAR wheel horsepower and still cheaper than the hellcat.

IMO best styling as well.

09-15-2014, 11:26 PM	#51
Todd in Vancouver Drives: 2014 ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,538 View My Garage	I may be a bit of the odd one with a ZL1 but I use mine as a Daily Driver and for work. I've even got snow tires on extra rims as I use mine all year and drive it a lot. My cars are only on service for three years and I trade them in so mine gets used for everything, including getting groceries and taking my dog out with me. I did also look at all three, but it was an SRT8 as HellCat wasn't out. What ended up making my mind up was the fact that the ZL1 will do it ALL well. When you look at handling, comfort, drivability, performance there is only one winner, ZL1. The GT500 & HellCat guys don't like to discuss that the ZL supercharger is only at 7psi while the other two at right around 14psi and come with a CAI from the factory. If you really want to compare then crank the ZL up to 14psi and install a CAI and then add a tune and headers and your there and competitive with any other car. I really didn't like the Mustang, I found the handling poor and the ride simply awful. But that's me and obviously what I like was the ZL hence I'm on a Camaro forum. __________________ Todd in Vancouver '14 ZL1 Camaro '67 Camaro SS Pro-tour in process How hard can it be... Check out my other build http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/9...ject-Obsession

09-16-2014, 01:04 PM	#53
Fraxum Drives: a M6 LT1 ordered From Becky!!! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 7,520	As an outside observer I think the ZL1 is the best choice. I am not a fan boy. It has the best chassis, handling, and suspension of all three. And Mag ride. However, all three cars suffer from too much heat soak to last long on a road track. It has the lowest HP, but there are many fixes for that. But even stock, the ZL1 is really fast. It is without a doubt the best all around GT (Gran Turismo) you can buy for the money. If you take all three to the drag strip, they all can be soundly embarrassed by a number of cars in the test and tune lanes, even modified. How about a stock looking Nissan GT/R, except wheels and tires, that runs 8.5s? A stock looking Fox body Mustang running low 10s. There will always be someone faster. Also know all three have had their turns at being hot stuff. It won't be long before the Hellcats are yesterday's news. Cool name though. I would get a ZL1 for the best long term satisfaction. And it will be the best deal. Interesting, the ZL1 is 400 pounds less: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...r_srt_hellcat/ __________________ "Democracy Dies in Darkness" My LT1 Keeper ..... ..... My Car Blog CarPlayList, a free App to build USB and Android Music drives. Last edited by Fraxum; 09-16-2014 at 01:17 PM.

09-16-2014, 01:18 PM	#54
lbls1 Drives: 2002 Camaro SS SOM; 2015 Malibu LTZ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 4,071	I choose my keeper cars solely on how they strike me. Its more than liking a car for me. When I make the plunge for a car I have to love what I'm buying; Otherwise its a wasted effort and expense just to buy a car to be with the "in" crowd. I don't necessarily buy the fastest or the most powerful car on the market, but the cars I desire have to excel in their chosen genre. I've been lucky for my last three new car purchases, in that my cars have endured and demonstrated that they have "staying power". __________________ '02 CAMARO SS SOM; 5.7L LS1/FLS6B '08 TBSS AWD Black Granite Metallic '15 Malibu LTZ 2LZ Turbo *'14 CAMARO ZL1 Blue Ray Metallic* '25 Silverado 1500 High Country 6.2L Last edited by lbls1; 09-16-2014 at 09:26 PM.

09-14-2014, 09:02 PM	#43
Blueclyde Drives: 2023 ZLE Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Detroit Posts: 1,717	If you're just looking for "wow factor" for the street get the Hellcat. Sounds like you're already leaning that way. If you're plan on drag racing and don't want to modify your car, get the Hellcat. If you're planning on new road course track days get the ZL1. It's an unbelievable track car for the money and it has a track warranty.

09-14-2014, 09:48 PM	#44
slow one Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Kingsland, GA Posts: 92	I have decided to get the ZL1. Overall, price is the largest factor to me due to owning my wife's mid-30k Jeep Grand Cherokee and my low-40k Silverado and I'm not parting with either one. But, over the last couple days, my mood has gone to way up to way down. my wife said I could get the ZL1 now vice waiting for a bit. I can afford it just fine now, but in a year a couple things change. I could get my promotion(will happen in the next year or two) and I will be moving (hopefully back to Charleston, SC) in a year. So without the promotion, when I move, my income/spending will change significantly. I will be spending about $500 a month more on living expenses, which equals my car note, lol. So im going to wait until I at least get settled in a year or get my promotion. But man, Ive been looking for a ZL1 hard for the last few days and found a few, but I gotta wait. I WANT one so freakin bad. Ill just start saving up a bit for a few mods I wanna do when I get it. Thanks guys.

09-14-2014, 10:44 PM	#46
buffalobill Drives: 2014 zl1 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: sedona az Posts: 58	Am I the only one that wonders why anyone would buy a ZL1 if all you wanted to do is drag race? It is so much more than that . I admit I'll never take my car to any kind of track but in every day driving , sometimes spirited , I really appreciate the handling and comfort of this car .

09-15-2014, 08:14 PM	#48
Need4speed_motorsports Drives: 2016 Camaro SS Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Glendale, CA Posts: 4,656 View My Garage	I would do the hellcat 100%

09-15-2014, 08:26 PM	#49
slow one Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Kingsland, GA Posts: 92	do most of you daily drive your zl1 or is it just a weekend fun car? I will be buying it as my third expensive vehicle and money plays a large role in the choice. I cant believe they are actually selling the Hellcats for upwards of 75K. That is ridiculous. With that said, what are some easy mods I can do to the zl1 when I get it to raise the hp and run low 12s/high 11s consistently? I don't want it to ruin the reliability either as I intend to keep the car for a long, long time.

09-16-2014, 02:11 PM	#55
Jus Dreamin Drives: 2013 ZL1 Convertible M6 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Conejo Valley, CA Posts: 110	The current Road and Track has a good article that is a head to head comparison of the ZL1 to the Hellcat. It is a well balanced article and gives the attributes and limitations of both cars. It is probably worth your while to read. IMO the ZL1 is the most balanced (power, handling, braking) of the three. I really like Mopars and think they have done a great job on the Hellcat. It has the largest WOW factor. Based on the experience of a friend who has one, the GT 500 is not well balanced and it is difficult to utilize the power. Another thing to consider is price and timing. There is always a faster car with more WOW around the corner. You will want to consider if the cost of having the current hot model is worth it to you.

09-16-2014, 02:39 PM	#56
Kelly@PCMofNC Drives: 2010 RS/SS Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 968	ZL1 is a serious bang for the buck...especially with a few mods. Used ZL1 + our stage 3 performance package = 750 REAR wheel horsepower and still cheaper than the hellcat. IMO best styling as well.