What to look for in a ZL1 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Wannaz2 · 07-12-2015, 03:38 PM

Is there anything specific to look for when buying a used ZL1. I like the 12s and 13s because of the tail lights. Any certain trouble areas, or recalls to be on the lookout for. Any information is appreciated, looking forward to being a member of this forum.

MrUnsubtleNinja · 07-12-2015, 07:18 PM

13's come with a MyLink touchscreen instead of the Monochrome Radio from previous years. It was an isolated issue but there were a couple of people that had their EPS (Electronic Power Steering) Fail because the 12 ZL1 Steering Harness was routed in a way that it would rub up against a sharp metal bracket.

By the 13 Model Year most of the bugs with the Camaro platform were sorted out and you don't have to worry about most build issues with the 13's!

Paint is an issue but that's nothing that clear bra can't fix in a few areas to be honest.

Look forward to seeing what you pickup!

2013ZL1FUN · 07-12-2015, 07:27 PM

Make sure you get a 13 convertible that was built after Aug. of 2012 to avoid the top issues mentioned here on the forum.

Wannaz2 · 07-12-2015, 10:00 PM

I will be looking for hard top, six speed guess I should have added that info to original post. I was more curious about supercharger stuff, and any signs of abuse, repair, paint worth etc, etc. thanks guys for the input!

ZL W0N · 07-12-2015, 10:24 PM

A few things that can happen:

1. Supercharger "rattle." The isolator from the factory is crap and can eventually start to rattle. This is a warranty fix and there is a recall for it. The dealership will install a new solid isolator that will take care of the issue I believe.

2. Rear differential noise. There are 2 sounds many owners have heard, including myself. 1) Howling sound while decelerating. This is gear lash and can sometimes be solved by changing the fluid. 2) Grinding noise while making sharp turns at slow speeds. This is also warranty work and there is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) about it that all the dealerships have access to. A TSB just tells the technician how to perform the task. The grinding noise takes a lot more time to fix. Some have gotten rid of it by changing the fluid and doing figure 8's, others have had their entire rear differential replaced. You have to understand that the rear end is very very beefy and is meant to take abuse, but it does matter how it was broken in by the first owner.

Make sure the first owner went through the break-in period correctly, or you may encounter problems down the line. I would definitely suggest a 2013 if it's the tail lights you like. That year has the touch screen MyLink infotainment system.

Oh, and check the tire tread. They're not cheap to replace =]

Wannaz2 · 07-12-2015, 10:48 PM

If it's from a dealer what are the chances of getting the previous owners info to contact them about the car? Maybe to get a feel on any issues, concerns, or how the car has been treated? Can, or will a dealer give out that info?

ZL W0N · 07-12-2015, 11:06 PM

I don't think so. However, you could tell the dealer to give them your number and maybe they'll be nice enough to call.

*mlee* · 07-12-2015, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wannaz2

If it's from a dealer what are the chances of getting the previous owners info to contact them about the car? Maybe to get a feel on any issues, concerns, or how the car has been treated? Can, or will a dealer give out that info?

Slow turn's forward and back and you'll hear the rear end.

The isolator rattle is easy to detect as well, especially with the hood open and this is a complete Super Charger change out. Both are an easy fix.

2012's have a CD player if you still have those and may also have a flat black Carbon Fiber Insert which you don't see in other year models.

hognutz · 07-13-2015, 11:37 AM

in my mind you should try to find a 13 the radio is bit nicer but if you absolutely don't care then it is a wash. 13 also has NAV availability but with Bluetooth and smart phone apps factory nav is way overrated IMO. I would much rather use a phone app with real time traffic and police location info.

12's could be bought with a flat black insert as opposed to an ashen gray insert if you get a car with painted insert. I personally think the exposed carbon is the nicer look but that is opinion.

the main issue discussed on this car is the supercharger isolator or the front bearing running dry. there seems to be a fair amount of people that have had that issue. the dealer does not service the supercharger they only replace. Both issues can be fixed if you are willing to fix them on the supercharger though. you can add a coupler as opposed to the isolator and some have successfully lubed the bearing.

rear diff chatter due to low modifier is another but easy to fix so in my mind when people complain about it they really just don't understand the problem it can be fixed in 30min in your driveway.

intermittent electric steering issues have been mentioned (usually a ground issue) due to service or corrosion. usually not a big deal if understand what to look for. dielectric grease in the contacts make sure the batt conn, power con under the hood, ground connection under the hood all have good contact.

I have only had the diff chatter and I just serviced the rear diff with OEM fluid and all is well. I did not even bother with the dealer just did it myself.

most of the cases anymore that I see where people get frustrated or have issues with newer cars stems from bad dealer service so be aware of that going in. A simple fix can be a 4 trip nightmare ordeal due to substandard service. people want warranty but sometimes warranty work is the sloppiest work money can't buy.

Gizmo · 07-13-2015, 12:38 PM

You should look for my immaculate 2014 on Autotrader, or better yet send me a PM on here and I'll get you my contact information. You won't find a cleaner ZL1

MrUnsubtleNinja · 07-13-2015, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmo

You should look for my immaculate 2014 on Autotrader, or better yet send me a PM on here and I'll get you my contact information. You won't find a cleaner ZL1

He want's a 12 or 13 because of the taillights...

Z/28Dan · 07-13-2015, 06:01 PM

My recommendation is to look for your 12 or 13 ZL1 on THIS site. Camaro5 is where the best deals are made on Camaros. Here, unlike a dealer, you will likely get all ownership history back to day 1, and you'll have a car that's been well maintained by an enthusiast.

Good luck in your search. The ZL1 is a very special car. Not everyone will get to own one of these...but they'll want to!

Gizmo · 07-14-2015, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrUnsubtleNinja

He want's a 12 or 13 because of the taillights...

I saw that. It's worth it to a lot of people to have a car that's a year or two newer and has the updated coupler.

KaBoom1701 · 07-14-2015, 11:14 AM

13' are the best year to get for the ZL1...but I'm a bit bias....

07-12-2015, 03:38 PM	#1
Wannaz2 Drives: None Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Ohio Posts: 28	What to look for in a ZL1 Is there anything specific to look for when buying a used ZL1. I like the 12s and 13s because of the tail lights. Any certain trouble areas, or recalls to be on the lookout for. Any information is appreciated, looking forward to being a member of this forum.

07-12-2015, 07:27 PM	#3
2013ZL1FUN Drives: 2013 ZL1 Convertible A6 BRM Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Dayton Ohio Area Posts: 503	Make sure you get a 13 convertible that was built after Aug. of 2012 to avoid the top issues mentioned here on the forum. __________________ 2013 ZL1 CONVERTIBLE BRM A6 OHIO

07-12-2015, 10:24 PM	#5
ZL W0N GuitarmageddonZL1 Drives: ‘13 ZL1, ‘17 TT ZL1, ‘17 Silverado Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 432	A few things that can happen: 1. Supercharger "rattle." The isolator from the factory is crap and can eventually start to rattle. This is a warranty fix and there is a recall for it. The dealership will install a new solid isolator that will take care of the issue I believe. 2. Rear differential noise. There are 2 sounds many owners have heard, including myself. 1) Howling sound while decelerating. This is gear lash and can sometimes be solved by changing the fluid. 2) Grinding noise while making sharp turns at slow speeds. This is also warranty work and there is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) about it that all the dealerships have access to. A TSB just tells the technician how to perform the task. The grinding noise takes a lot more time to fix. Some have gotten rid of it by changing the fluid and doing figure 8's, others have had their entire rear differential replaced. You have to understand that the rear end is very very beefy and is meant to take abuse, but it does matter how it was broken in by the first owner. Make sure the first owner went through the break-in period correctly, or you may encounter problems down the line. I would definitely suggest a 2013 if it's the tail lights you like. That year has the touch screen MyLink infotainment system. Oh, and check the tire tread. They're not cheap to replace =] __________________

07-12-2015, 11:06 PM	#7
ZL W0N GuitarmageddonZL1 Drives: ‘13 ZL1, ‘17 TT ZL1, ‘17 Silverado Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 432	I don't think so. However, you could tell the dealer to give them your number and maybe they'll be nice enough to call. __________________

07-13-2015, 11:37 AM	#9
hognutz Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: tangent or Posts: 2,985	in my mind you should try to find a 13 the radio is bit nicer but if you absolutely don't care then it is a wash. 13 also has NAV availability but with Bluetooth and smart phone apps factory nav is way overrated IMO. I would much rather use a phone app with real time traffic and police location info. 12's could be bought with a flat black insert as opposed to an ashen gray insert if you get a car with painted insert. I personally think the exposed carbon is the nicer look but that is opinion. the main issue discussed on this car is the supercharger isolator or the front bearing running dry. there seems to be a fair amount of people that have had that issue. the dealer does not service the supercharger they only replace. Both issues can be fixed if you are willing to fix them on the supercharger though. you can add a coupler as opposed to the isolator and some have successfully lubed the bearing. rear diff chatter due to low modifier is another but easy to fix so in my mind when people complain about it they really just don't understand the problem it can be fixed in 30min in your driveway. intermittent electric steering issues have been mentioned (usually a ground issue) due to service or corrosion. usually not a big deal if understand what to look for. dielectric grease in the contacts make sure the batt conn, power con under the hood, ground connection under the hood all have good contact. I have only had the diff chatter and I just serviced the rear diff with OEM fluid and all is well. I did not even bother with the dealer just did it myself. most of the cases anymore that I see where people get frustrated or have issues with newer cars stems from bad dealer service so be aware of that going in. A simple fix can be a 4 trip nightmare ordeal due to substandard service. people want warranty but sometimes warranty work is the sloppiest work money can't buy. __________________ 2016 2SS 2020 super duty on 37's

07-12-2015, 07:18 PM	#2
MrUnsubtleNinja Drives: N/A Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: NORTH AMERICA Posts: 42	13's come with a MyLink touchscreen instead of the Monochrome Radio from previous years. It was an isolated issue but there were a couple of people that had their EPS (Electronic Power Steering) Fail because the 12 ZL1 Steering Harness was routed in a way that it would rub up against a sharp metal bracket. By the 13 Model Year most of the bugs with the Camaro platform were sorted out and you don't have to worry about most build issues with the 13's! Paint is an issue but that's nothing that clear bra can't fix in a few areas to be honest. Look forward to seeing what you pickup!

07-12-2015, 10:00 PM	#4
Wannaz2 Drives: None Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Ohio Posts: 28	I will be looking for hard top, six speed guess I should have added that info to original post. I was more curious about supercharger stuff, and any signs of abuse, repair, paint worth etc, etc. thanks guys for the input!

07-12-2015, 10:48 PM	#6
Wannaz2 Drives: None Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Ohio Posts: 28	If it's from a dealer what are the chances of getting the previous owners info to contact them about the car? Maybe to get a feel on any issues, concerns, or how the car has been treated? Can, or will a dealer give out that info?

07-13-2015, 12:38 PM	#10
Gizmo Drives: ZL1 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Kansas Posts: 109	You should look for my immaculate 2014 on Autotrader, or better yet send me a PM on here and I'll get you my contact information. You won't find a cleaner ZL1 __________________ 2014 BRM ZL1 #229 Rotofab, VMax, Moroso, MGW I used to be schizophrenic, but we're okay now.

07-13-2015, 06:01 PM	#12
Z/28Dan Drives: 2023 1SS 1LE Vivid Orange Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 2,680 View My Garage	My recommendation is to look for your 12 or 13 ZL1 on THIS site. Camaro5 is where the best deals are made on Camaros. Here, unlike a dealer, you will likely get all ownership history back to day 1, and you'll have a car that's been well maintained by an enthusiast. Good luck in your search. The ZL1 is a very special car. Not everyone will get to own one of these...but they'll want to! __________________ There are only so many days in your lifetime. So get out and drive your Camaro... Dan

07-14-2015, 11:14 AM	#14
KaBoom1701 KaBoom1701 Drives: 13' ZL1 Red M6 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: I.E. SoCal (Yucaipa) Posts: 8,631	13' are the best year to get for the ZL1...but I'm a bit bias.... __________________ Mods: Roto-Fab Intake, WW Res. kit & Big Gulp Air Scoop, Elite Catch Can, ATI Super Damper & 18% OD Pulley, LF Idler pulley bracket, Metco CC breather, ID850 Injectors, Stainless Power Headers w/ ceramic coating, TR71X Spark Plugs, JMS Fuel Pump Booster, Bo White TB, Tuned by Ted @ Jannetty Racing, Ron Davis HX, D3 Reservoir, Pfadt 1" Springs, Moreno Camber Plates, ZL1 Addons Splitter guard washers, Tow Hook kit & rock guards, Hurst Shifter Billet Plus 6 Speed Short Shifter, ZL1 DRL lighting harness, ZL1 Recaro Seats.