ZL1 Constructive* Criticism Thread

[rmpackers]

I don't care for the fascia it looks like a cross between a Mustang and Clark's Family Truckster. Though to each his own, I won't be needing 550hp to drive the 5 miles round trip to work and back everyday.

[motorhead]

Originally Posted by rmpackers

I don't care for the fascia it looks like a cross between a Mustang and Clark's Family Truckster. Though to each his own, I won't be needing 550hp to drive the 5 miles round trip to work and back everyday.

That sounds like something a V-6 Guy would say. Just kidding

[Shurenuff]

Originally Posted by tsnow

1. leno grille (different look than other trim levels)

2. leno fogs (much better/cleaner looking design)

other than those two, GM you hit it out of the park!

I agree 100% tsnow, those are my only two issues with the exterior design. The dual fogs are growing on me slightly but the Leno vertical LED setup is way nicer IMO. The LED's would really set this care off and the dual fogs just look odd to me. I'm also kind of surprised they used the standard grille and not the Leno/T3 grille which i also like better. These two features look killer on the Leno Camaro IMO and it's a shame they weren't included.



I also hoped they'd lower the stance a little more, especially with the mag ride suspension likely making it difficult to lower without screwing up this very well designed system. I hate wheel well gap and was hoping for a ride height more like these spy shots:




I guess my criticism pertains mainly to exterior cosmetic features, everything else I'm very satisfied with (including the performance and even the suede, lol)

Edit: And I also forgot the ZL1 badging... there's way too much IMO. But I sway more towards clean looks with limited badging, decals, etc, and it's not really that big of a deal to modify. I'll be debadging the hood for sure as that's overkill IMO. I'm sure some love it though.

[Milk 1027]

I agree with everyone on the front fascia.
The DRL/fog combo ooks a bit awkward. I like the "ports" it jut needs to be set up differently, hopefully having the DRLs' as fogs.
I'm also not a huge fan of the hood, but it's definately not a deal breaker. Something like the TF2 hood, a nice looking scoop, but with extractors (lke the RKsports one).
That's all I have to "complain" about, if you can even call it that.

[MG]

Originally Posted by Shurenuff

I agree 100% tsnow, those are my only two issues with the exterior design. The dual fogs are growing on me slightly but the Leno vertical LED setup is way nicer IMO. The LED's would really set this care off and the dual fogs just look odd to me. I'm also kind of surprised they used the standard grille and not the Leno/T3 grille which i also like better. These two features look killer on the Leno Camaro IMO and it's a shame they weren't included.



I also hoped they'd lower the stance a little more, especially with the mag ride suspension likely making it difficult to lower without screwing up this very well designed system. I hate wheel well gap and was hoping for a ride height more like these spy shots:




I guess my criticism pertains mainly to exterior cosmetic features, everything else I'm very satisfied with (including the performance and even the suede, lol)

Edit: And I also forgot the ZL1 badging... there's way too much IMO. But I sway more towards clean looks with limited badging, decals, etc, and it's not really that big of a deal to modify. I'll be debadging the hood for sure as that's overkill IMO. I'm sure some love it though.

You make very good points, sir.

In my mind I would actually like best a hood scoop with heat extractors to the side like the Leno hood. The hood scoop can actually be seen and apprectiated from the front of the car. With these vents they have in the center it would seem that there is an odd bulge in the hood as it is approaching until you get closer and figure out what's really there. Still, I did'nt wanna mention that until I get the chance to see the car in person.

Notice, also, the Leno car has brake ducts in the rear rather than fake gills, something I thought would definately not make it to this car.

Ride stance is also imoprtant very important I'm not sure if this suspension can be modified aftermarket.

And the Leno brakes I like better too. Sharp looking car.

[obzidian]

I would say that my only really "problems/negatives" with the car right now are:

1. Weight. We all have read the rumors of the new alpha platform being used for the 6th gen. As it sits, the SS is heavier than the GT500 with the new aluminum 5.4L and that is without any of the extras added on such as the blower+components, mag. ride, body work, etc. The car needs to go on a diet.

2. Hypereutetic Pistons. This is a HUGE no-no in my book. The GT500's 5.4L has been fully forged since DAY 1 and will easily handle 700rwhp+. We all know that the hyper-pistons are brittle and will just come apart. I think that a fully forged piston solution is necessary for GM to compete with the 5.4L motor as the aftermarket is 2-3 steps ahead of the LSA/LS9. (talking about the LS9, use those pistons.... they get the job done!)

3. AFTERMARKET, AFTERMARKET, AFTERMARKET.

I would say the biggest turnoff right now with GM is the lack of an MAJOR "really cool" performance packages for their cars AND the no-tolerance attitude when it comes to modifications. I understand the need to protect themselves but instead of frowning upon any kind of modifications... really offer serious performance upgrades that will keep us happy and the warranty happy. Big blowers with approved tunes, intakes, intercoolers, etc.

These are all things that EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO BUYS THESE CARS will look into and will have to if they want to compete with the GT500. (Look at the FRPP catalog... yeup! 750hp+ 3.4L WHIPPLES with a warranty!) If this is the time for us, the public, to "see" a new GM then be BOLD and let em' hang.

Let the engineers run things for a while. Give them the chance to produce performance packages that will make every GT500 in the area leak oil out of fear. Seriously, the engineers are the guys that propose all the "cool" things that ACTUALLY SELL CARS so give them the freedom to really make a statement with the ZL1.

This is not the time to go soft. Start fresh with this car and get to work. No more "special edition" DECAL CARS. Get nasty! Ford plans to produce a twin turbo 1000hp GT500!!! Seriously, go after that with a performance catalog that will make Carol Shelby rethink the "Ford thing".




uh, that's about it.

[Milk 1027]

Originally Posted by obzidian

2. Hypereutetic Pistons. This is a HUGE no-no in my book. The GT500's 5.4L has been fully forged since DAY 1 and will easily handle 700rwhp+.
So will the LSA. Where have you been? Check out what V owners are doing with their cars. 700 is easily achiveable


We all know that the hyper-pistons are brittle and will just come apart.
We do? Show me evidence. As far as I know the pistons can handle well over 700hp.

I think that a fully forged piston solution is necessary for GM to compete with the 5.4L motor as the aftermarket is 2-3 steps ahead of the LSA/LS9. (talking about the LS9, use those pistons.... they get the job done!)

There is no need for forged pistons unless you plan to go over 800. The average buyer will not even modify their car.
Why even spend the extra money recertifying a new engine for a select few? (Yes changing pistons will have to go through certification).

[macwest]

Any way to get the tach to read were mph is for digital readout? The tach is tough to see when driving on the 2010 it is blocked by the steering wheel. Is tach availible on HUD? if not this would make for a nice option.

Gauge placement leaves something to be desired. GM did it best with the redline ION top middle easy to read as you looked out the window.

[sspaul]

Originally Posted by obzidian

I would say that my only really "problems/negatives" with the car right now are:

1. Weight. We all have read the rumors of the new alpha platform being used for the 6th gen. As it sits, the SS is heavier than the GT500 with the new aluminum 5.4L and that is without any of the extras added on such as the blower+components, mag. ride, body work, etc. The car needs to go on a diet.

2. Hypereutetic Pistons. This is a HUGE no-no in my book. The GT500's 5.4L has been fully forged since DAY 1 and will easily handle 700rwhp+. We all know that the hyper-pistons are brittle and will just come apart. I think that a fully forged piston solution is necessary for GM to compete with the 5.4L motor as the aftermarket is 2-3 steps ahead of the LSA/LS9. (talking about the LS9, use those pistons.... they get the job done!)

3. AFTERMARKET, AFTERMARKET, AFTERMARKET.

I would say the biggest turnoff right now with GM is the lack of an MAJOR "really cool" performance packages for their cars AND the no-tolerance attitude when it comes to modifications. I understand the need to protect themselves but instead of frowning upon any kind of modifications... really offer serious performance upgrades that will keep us happy and the warranty happy. Big blowers with approved tunes, intakes, intercoolers, etc.

These are all things that EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO BUYS THESE CARS will look into and will have to if they want to compete with the GT500. (Look at the FRPP catalog... yeup! 750hp+ 3.4L WHIPPLES with a warranty!) If this is the time for us, the public, to "see" a new GM then be BOLD and let em' hang.

Let the engineers run things for a while. Give them the chance to produce performance packages that will make every GT500 in the area leak oil out of fear. Seriously, the engineers are the guys that propose all the "cool" things that ACTUALLY SELL CARS so give them the freedom to really make a statement with the ZL1.

This is not the time to go soft. Start fresh with this car and get to work. No more "special edition" DECAL CARS. Get nasty! Ford plans to produce a twin turbo 1000hp GT500!!! Seriously, go after that with a performance catalog that will make Carol Shelby rethink the "Ford thing".




uh, that's about it.

it would be nice to see them team up with people like lingenfelter, jannetty, lmr, etc. to build the baddest most powerful camaro to be offered to the public

[WadeWilson]

Performance wise I think GM has done a hell of a job with the ZL1.

As far as aesthetics go I would have preferred to see a front fascia and hood more in line with the Leno Camaro. The wheels are OK, but I like the SSX wheels much better. I also think it should be dropped an 1". I think it's riding too high. Thankfully the suede is an option so that is a non issue now, but I definitely would swap out the steering wheel.

[blufin]

I think the top and bottom grills should match. At the very least, they could use the heritage grill and have it look more uniform.
I also agree that the multiple fog/DRL looks too busy. I owned an 02 WS6 that had the orange running/parking lights for the DRL's and it looked awesome.
Overall, I'm very impressed with the car and cannot find a good reason not to purchase one. These minor issues that people don't like can be easily fixed with the aftermarket.

[sspaul]

Originally Posted by Shardik2SS

Performance wise I think GM has done a hell of a job with the ZL1.

i think they could have done better on the performance side.

[WadeWilson]

Originally Posted by sspaul

i think they could have done better on the performance side.

The only thing I think they should have done was to go with the TVS2300 rather than the 1900 but that's just me being picky.

[blufin]

Originally Posted by sspaul

i think they could have done better on the performance side.

uuummmmm.... We don't know anything about the performance yet. In your opinion, what could have made it better?