Converting SS to ZL1

[raptor5244]

Originally Posted by GONIF

Any chance of converting my old lady to Kate Upton ?

[Josh.Duncan]

Originally Posted by Zshis

I was looking at purchasing a used gen 5 SS Camaro and converting it to the LS1 motor. My question is how expensive could this get? and what other parts would i have to replace in the SS like rear end, transmission and so on. Would it just be cheaper just to buy the ZL1?

If I were you I would save the headache and money and just get the ZL1.

[raptor5244]

Originally Posted by Zshis

I was looking at purchasing a used gen 5 SS Camaro and converting it to the LS1 motor. My question is how expensive could this get? and what other parts would i have to replace in the SS like rear end, transmission and so on. Would it just be cheaper just to buy the ZL1?

At first it sounds like a good idea or start with a lower cost car and then slowly mod it up as your budget allows but it usually costs your more in the long run. Since the car will be modded you will have no warranty and resale value will be impacted. Also, unless you can do all the work yourself there is a lot of labor and tuning, etc. to pay for as well.

You are better off saving up for a bigger down payment so you can afford the payments on a ZL1 or look for a used one. Also, ask yourself how you really plan to use the car. No doubt, a 600hp camaro will be loads of fun but if it is a street car a standard SS should provide plenty of excitement as well. With all this power, unless you drag or track these cars there is just no where for them to stretch their legs.

[ytown87]

Originally Posted by Paladinjc

This is what I never understood. Why buy an SS, RS, etc and convert it, or add a Supercharger for example?

I can understand the point I can't afford a ZL1 so I got an SS and that answer I respect. However the amount you will spend in aftermarket parts converting/upgrading your car will total what a ZL1 would cost, maybe even more. Why not save your money for a few more years and get the car you really want?

I am asking this honestly, not looking to start anything.

Things like this have been in practice since man invented racing and got the speed bug. Most can't afford the 50-60k tag of the ZL1 but can get a used SS in the 20's either cash or a manageable monthly payment. Then budget it out to mod to how they want the car to be.

I personally wouldn't turn my SS into a ZL1 because of costs but would do many other things if I could to compete against one...suspension, twin turbo or s/c, drive train etc.

Asking why mod a car into a faster one when there is another car in the same line up for more that is faster is almost...idk car guy soul less. Not intended to offend. As long as cars exist there will be enthusiasts to mod them and spend money to make them faster. Heck, how many ZL1 driver have dumped enough money into their Camaro that could've bought a GTR or used Gallardo or new Z06?....the list goes on

[Josh.Duncan]

Originally Posted by ytown87

Things like this have been in practice since man invented racing and got the speed bug. Most can't afford the 50-60k tag of the ZL1 but can get a used SS in the 20's either cash or a manageable monthly payment. Then budget it out to mod to how they want the car to be.

I personally wouldn't turn my SS into a ZL1 because of costs but would do many other things if I could to compete against one...suspension, twin turbo or s/c, drive train etc.

Asking why mod a car into a faster one when there is another car in the same line up for more that is faster is almost...idk car guy soul less. Not intended to offend. As long as cars exist there will be enthusiasts to mod them and spend money to make them faster. Heck, how many ZL1 driver have dumped enough money into their Camaro that could've bought a GTR or used Gallardo or new Z06?....the list goes on

Don't even get me started on thr GTR...about the only Nissan I drool over! You make great points though!

[Fraxum]

Originally Posted by Paladinjc

This is what I never understood. Why buy an SS, RS, etc and convert it, or add a Supercharger for example?

I can understand the point I can't afford a ZL1 so I got an SS and that answer I respect. However the amount you will spend in aftermarket parts converting/upgrading your car will total what a ZL1 would cost, maybe even more. Why not save your money for a few more years and get the car you really want?

I am asking this honestly, not looking to start anything.

I can tell you why someone would build their own car, it is more fun to some of us than just plunking down the cash and driving away in a stock car. It is not as sensible of course.

A stock ZL1 could not touch my TT 1LE on a road course or at the drag strip only running 6 pounds of boost. And I have about $8-10K less in my 1LE than it would cost me for a ZL1. I would like Mag Ride, but that is one less thing to go wrong with my 1LE. And the ride is actually pretty good except on really bumpy roads.

And the TT setup is just a bolton. I can take if off and sell it if I want to get a different car.

The ZL1 while very sweet and a great all around performance car, suffers quite a bit more than my 1LE from heat soak. My car is no worse off than than a stock LS3 for heat soak and supposedly has even lower IATs than a stock LS3. So my car would run fast longer than a ZL1 on a road course.

And my gas milage is just about the same as a stock LS3. I drove from NJ to Florida and back and recorded a 24.6 mpg average including quite a bit of stop and go driving and a lot of 70+ MPH. And this number included one Test & Tune night at Atco.

In the staging lanes my car has rock star status where many people from the stands come by and want to see the huffing and puffing Camaro.

But I do like the ZL1s, but as for me I wanted something different.

[kevinw]

i agree with raptor. i thiink all these high horsepower cars are a waste, unless you plan to track or race it. so, if your car has 350 hp, or 400, or 426, or 450, so what? we all go 70 to 80 mph down the hwy, no matter what. its just seems like overkill and a waste of money (at least to me) for just a street car. and to just say " i have 600 or 650 hp) , so what again. is just alot of money. but to each his own. the ZL1 is a great car , no doubt, but seems a standard SS would be fine for street use only.

[CamaroCracka]

Originally Posted by GONIF

Any chance of converting my old lady to Kate Upton ?

I split the cost of fresh boobs with my old lady and I have to say I get a lot more enjoyment out of that mod than anything I have ever put on a vehicle.

Originally Posted by Fraxum

And my gas milage is just about the same as a stock LS3. I drove from NJ to Florida and back and recorded a 24.6 mpg average including quite a bit of stop and go driving and a lot of 70+ MPH. And this number included one Test & Tune night at Atco.

Wow! I don't think I could get that out of the V6.

On why does anyone need more than an SS, many people ask the same question on why an SS. Why not the V6. Surely 300hp is enough on the street. Why not a Prius? Ever wanted to pass a Ferrari on the right? With 700HP, you can.