Need input on buying ZL1 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

dbvettez06 · 09-27-2019, 12:25 PM

I have sold my 01 750/740 supercharged forged stroked et Z06.
I want to gather a lot of data before purchasing a used ZL1 as a new one is out of question. Are the any years to avoid?
Also desire the 10 Auto. Yah tired of shifting.
Also looking for a chart that shows the engine specs for each year. Yanks for your input.

DRKS1D3 · 09-27-2019, 01:20 PM

If you want the 10 speed auto, you're going to have to get a '17 or newer. The '12-'15 ZL1's had a 6 speed auto.

The '12-'15 models had the LSA rated at 580/556. The '17 and newer have the LT4 rated at 650/650. There is no "bad" year, although MyLink wasn't available until '13.

Shodown · 09-27-2019, 09:24 PM

If you are looking at '12 or '13 models then see if the blower has been repaired per the GM recall.

dbvettez06 · 09-27-2019, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRKS1D3

If you want the 10 speed auto, you're going to have to get a '17 or newer. The '12-'15 ZL1's had a 6 speed auto.

The '12-'15 models had the LSA rated at 580/556. The '17 and newer have the LT4 rated at 650/650. There is no "bad" year, although MyLink wasn't available until '13.

Is there much difference in acceleration between the 6 speed and 10 speed. Seems like there would be....

JB'sZL1 · 09-28-2019, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbvettez06

Is there much difference in acceleration between the 6 speed and 10 speed. Seems like there would be....

Fully stock the LT4 runs low 11's and the LSA high 11's.

Brutale arancia · 09-28-2019, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbvettez06

Is there much difference in acceleration between the 6 speed and 10 speed. Seems like there would be....

If I wanted the A10 because of its great reputation, I wouldn't expect to be satisfied with the 6 speed.

silversleeper · 09-28-2019, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbvettez06

I have sold my 01 750/740 supercharged forged stroked et Z06.
I want to gather a lot of data before purchasing a used ZL1 as a new one is out of question. Are the any years to avoid?
Also desire the 10 Auto. Yah tired of shifting.
Also looking for a chart that shows the engine specs for each year. Yanks for your input.

Avoid all Camaros. They won't feel like your 750rwhp much lighter Corvette.
So many have done that then their next post is "..the ZL1 doesn't feel as fast as I expected and slower than my previous car...".

SquawkVFR · 09-28-2019, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silversleeper

Avoid all Camaros. They won't feel like your 750rwhp much lighter Corvette.
So many have done that then their next post is "..the ZL1 doesn't feel as fast as I expected and slower than my previous car...".

This post almost cost me an account deactivation lifetime ban.

silversleeper · 09-28-2019, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SquawkVFR

This post almost cost me an account deactivation lifetime ban.

Just posting the facts. Been at least half dozen such unhappy purchases and posts in the last couple years. A few bolt ons won't bring it to the same level either.
Note I didn't say I don't completely enjoy a ZL1, I try to focus on the OP's question and what he/she is likely to expect and want in my replies.

If the OP gave us more info e.g. I'm gettting up in age and want a back seat and don't want or need the faster car anymore, that would change the reply.

Juiced1 · 09-28-2019, 01:17 PM

If you have the money for the 6gen ZL1 go for it. The 10 speed is amazing and the LT4 pulls like a train. That being said I think the LSA is the best platform to mod. It's so easy to make power with an LSA.

*mlee* · 09-28-2019, 01:38 PM

Let me know if you want this thread moved to Camaro 6.com

ABM Camaro · 09-29-2019, 02:41 PM

The 2012-2015 ZL1 is a fun camaro. I drove a 2017 ZL1 A10 and it didnt impress me like the 2017 Z06 did. The newer ZL1 does have a much better interior with extra ponies, but if your looking for a fun car, the 2013-2015 ZL1 supports good safe modifications and a fun car to drive.

It just depends what you want to do with the car. For a used 2012-2015 ZL1 around $30-40K, its a great buy.

DRKS1D3 · 09-30-2019, 06:33 AM

If you don't have the funds to purchase what you want, do not settle for something less. Also, living on credit is a fool's game. To each their own.

Good luck with your decision!

lbls1 · 09-30-2019, 08:14 AM

All of them are good. Your best bet is to find one with low miles.

09-27-2019, 12:25 PM	#1
dbvettez06 Drives: 2001 corvette Z06. 2018 ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: western colorado Posts: 90	Need input on buying ZL1 I have sold my 01 750/740 supercharged forged stroked et Z06. I want to gather a lot of data before purchasing a used ZL1 as a new one is out of question. Are the any years to avoid? Also desire the 10 Auto. Yah tired of shifting. Also looking for a chart that shows the engine specs for each year. Yanks for your input.

09-27-2019, 01:20 PM	#2
DRKS1D3 Drives: '17 Corvette Grand Sport M7 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,748	If you want the 10 speed auto, you're going to have to get a '17 or newer. The '12-'15 ZL1's had a 6 speed auto. The '12-'15 models had the LSA rated at 580/556. The '17 and newer have the LT4 rated at 650/650. There is no "bad" year, although MyLink wasn't available until '13. __________________ MY RIDE: 2017 CORVETTE GRAND SPORT--TRIPLE BLACK, 7 SPEED MANUAL, VARARAM TCR-7 INTAKE, BORLA CATLESS X-PIPE, CARBON FIBER STAGE 2 AERO, MGW SHORT-THROW SHIFTER SOLD2011 TRIPLE BLACK SS CONVERTIBLE--6 SPEED MANUAL, MANY MODS, 455 RWHP/435 RWTQ DAD'S RIDE: 2012 ZL1 #1866--BLACK, 6 SPEED MANUAL, EXPOSED CF HOOD, POLISHED WHEELS, SUNROOF, ROTO-FAB INTAKE "Silly Americans, taking from the rich and giving to the poor only works in fairy tales. Success is earned here!".

09-28-2019, 01:38 PM	#11
mlee CamaroFans.com Drives: ZLE & ZR2 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 37,490 View My Garage	Let me know if you want this thread moved to Camaro 6.com __________________

09-29-2019, 02:41 PM	#12
ABM Camaro Drives: 2013 ZL1 A6 Camaro Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 171	The 2012-2015 ZL1 is a fun camaro. I drove a 2017 ZL1 A10 and it didnt impress me like the 2017 Z06 did. The newer ZL1 does have a much better interior with extra ponies, but if your looking for a fun car, the 2013-2015 ZL1 supports good safe modifications and a fun car to drive. It just depends what you want to do with the car. For a used 2012-2015 ZL1 around $30-40K, its a great buy. __________________ 2013 ZL1 Camaro A6. ARH Headers, K&N intake, Tuned by Tampa Tuning 2014 V6 Camaro bolt ons and E85 Tuned by Tampa Tuning

09-30-2019, 06:33 AM	#13
DRKS1D3 Drives: '17 Corvette Grand Sport M7 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,748	If you don't have the funds to purchase what you want, do not settle for something less. Also, living on credit is a fool's game. To each their own. Good luck with your decision! __________________ MY RIDE: 2017 CORVETTE GRAND SPORT--TRIPLE BLACK, 7 SPEED MANUAL, VARARAM TCR-7 INTAKE, BORLA CATLESS X-PIPE, CARBON FIBER STAGE 2 AERO, MGW SHORT-THROW SHIFTER SOLD2011 TRIPLE BLACK SS CONVERTIBLE--6 SPEED MANUAL, MANY MODS, 455 RWHP/435 RWTQ DAD'S RIDE: 2012 ZL1 #1866--BLACK, 6 SPEED MANUAL, EXPOSED CF HOOD, POLISHED WHEELS, SUNROOF, ROTO-FAB INTAKE "Silly Americans, taking from the rich and giving to the poor only works in fairy tales. Success is earned here!".

09-27-2019, 09:24 PM	#3
Shodown Drives: 2014 ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 314	If you are looking at '12 or '13 models then see if the blower has been repaired per the GM recall.

09-28-2019, 01:17 PM	#10
Juiced1 Account Suspended Drives: 2012 2SS CAMARO 45th Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: St. Charles, IL Posts: 18,663	If you have the money for the 6gen ZL1 go for it. The 10 speed is amazing and the LT4 pulls like a train. That being said I think the LSA is the best platform to mod. It's so easy to make power with an LSA.

09-30-2019, 08:14 AM	#14
lbls1 Drives: 2002 Camaro SS SOM; 2015 Malibu LTZ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 4,021	All of them are good. Your best bet is to find one with low miles. __________________ '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*