Reliability vs power... - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Fishinfirefighter · 08-08-2016, 04:19 AM

What kind of power can we get from the zl1 without sacrificing reliability?. And when I say that I mean RELIABLE for a few years with just regular maintenance while beating on the car during drag season twice a month. I have a tendency to go full out on my hobbies and I usually end up taking it too far. I had a sandrail that I modded so much that I was lucky to make a few sand drag passes before I'd need to do a ton of work to get ready for next trip and I absolutely do not want that kind of a headache and money pit again. Been there, don't plan on going back.

I'm only on my first round of mods but Im about to order a cam and have some port/polish work done but id like to know if that's going to lead to valves and lifters being a consumable item. Eyeing the BTR3?

Can'tHave2MuchHP · 08-08-2016, 10:10 AM

Most reliable: stock
Next most reliable: bolt ons
Next most: Bolt ons with conservative pullies (sub 14 psi)
Next most: all of the above with cam

While I love the sound of a cam, I save that for my old cars, as I want to get in and turn the key and go for miles and miles in my modern cars. Resale value takes a shit as well as does reliability for the really long term. Rebuilds inbound. That said, the LSA is one of the toughest platforms going, just enjoy it however you want. Sorry if this doesn't help.

revo1059 · 08-08-2016, 01:33 PM

I think there are exceptions to the cam part. using an LS9 cam will increase power and since it's a stock GM part (for the ZR1) its' built with reliability in mind (that's why it dosn't generate as much power as a BTR stage 3 cam).

You can go with all of the above and still have a very reliable car. I'd say you could go with the following and have great long term reliability

2.55 upper
10% lower
headers
LS9 cam (I think there are valves and springs specific to that cam as well)
Tune (from a quality shop, this is probably the most important part. A bad tune can destroy a car).

Sakudog · 08-08-2016, 02:24 PM

My car is slightly more complex than most ZL1s but totally reliable.

dreyesforeal · 08-08-2016, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sakudog

My car is slightly more complex than most ZL1s but totally reliable.

yo your zl1 twin turbo'd ?? I aint mad at ya

AMMUSCLE · 08-08-2016, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreyesforeal

yo your zl1 twin turbo'd ?? I aint mad at ya

white1LE · 08-09-2016, 07:14 AM

I'm good here also. Stock everything drivetrain wise from flexplate back, although I did upgrade that. 1/4 mile this weekend so we'll see! lol. 5000 miles with this HP so far and it's still perfect. Knock on wood!!!!!!

2NASSTY · 08-09-2016, 07:44 AM

I hate to use the word bullet proof with performance cars. But our powertrain and drivetrain are very strong. Cadillac over engineered the 2nd gen CTSV and we benefited from it. I've made over 100 passes in 650 rwhp CTSV and probably over 50 passes in this 740 rwhp ZL1.

Have not broken one component not do to driver error. The CTSV Guys are now pushing 800-900 rwhp regularily. Auto transmission seems to be the weak link at that power level. Your tuner and enough fuel is also critical at these power levels

Sakudog · 08-09-2016, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreyesforeal

yo your zl1 twin turbo'd ?? I aint mad at ya

yes, no ZL1 guy has been mad at me yet.

Can'tHave2MuchHP · 08-09-2016, 01:13 PM

Damn ^^^

dreyesforeal · 08-09-2016, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMMUSCLE

whats funny tho

dreyesforeal · 08-09-2016, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sakudog

yes, no ZL1 guy has been mad at me yet.

They better not. I respect it and being different is the sh*t

jrhagen · 08-09-2016, 06:17 PM

I beat on mine at the track all the time and the worst I have done is shred the accessory belt. I carry an extra now. 650+ hp with m6.

Nor Cal ZL1 · 08-09-2016, 06:49 PM

A cam install done right with the best components is no real worry. Many Btr3 cams have surpassed the 100000 mile mark. The cars single biggest enemy is under fueling followed by improper installs and subpar parts.

Since your in Texas your best point of contact is ADM.
He is one of the best.

http://www.admperformance.org/index.php/zl1-store

08-08-2016, 04:19 AM	#1
Fishinfirefighter Drives: Zl1 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ftw Texas Posts: 204	Reliability vs power... What kind of power can we get from the zl1 without sacrificing reliability?. And when I say that I mean RELIABLE for a few years with just regular maintenance while beating on the car during drag season twice a month. I have a tendency to go full out on my hobbies and I usually end up taking it too far. I had a sandrail that I modded so much that I was lucky to make a few sand drag passes before I'd need to do a ton of work to get ready for next trip and I absolutely do not want that kind of a headache and money pit again. Been there, don't plan on going back. I'm only on my first round of mods but Im about to order a cam and have some port/polish work done but id like to know if that's going to lead to valves and lifters being a consumable item. Eyeing the BTR3?

08-08-2016, 02:24 PM	#4
Sakudog Drives: 2019 ZL1 1LE A10 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: The ATX Posts: 966	My car is slightly more complex than most ZL1s but totally reliable. __________________ Ryker #29 2019 ZL1 1LE A10 2015 Z/28 #809

08-09-2016, 07:14 AM	#7
white1LE Drives: 2013 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Dubuque, IA Posts: 880	I'm good here also. Stock everything drivetrain wise from flexplate back, although I did upgrade that. 1/4 mile this weekend so we'll see! lol. 5000 miles with this HP so far and it's still perfect. Knock on wood!!!!!! __________________ 13 ZL1 A6 LSX 427 with AGP Twin Turbos, E85 and Flex Fuel. Built and tuned by ADM Performance 1000rwhp

08-09-2016, 07:44 AM	#8
2NASSTY Drives: 2014 M6 ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tarpon Springs, Fl Posts: 772	I hate to use the word bullet proof with performance cars. But our powertrain and drivetrain are very strong. Cadillac over engineered the 2nd gen CTSV and we benefited from it. I've made over 100 passes in 650 rwhp CTSV and probably over 50 passes in this 740 rwhp ZL1. Have not broken one component not do to driver error. The CTSV Guys are now pushing 800-900 rwhp regularily. Auto transmission seems to be the weak link at that power level. Your tuner and enough fuel is also critical at these power levels __________________ 15' Ashen Gray Metallic Z/28 14' Crystal Red Tintcoat ZL1 6M, 9.62 at 150.75 MPH 12' Opulent Blue Metallic CTS-V Sedan, 10.690 at 129.60 MPH - SOLD 06' LeMans Blue Metallic Z06, 11.726 at 127.80 MPH Motor - SOLD. 96' Impala SS LTx, 11.397 at 118.10 MPH Motor, 1st stage 10.526 at 127.46 MPH

08-08-2016, 10:10 AM	#2
Can'tHave2MuchHP Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,696	Most reliable: stock Next most reliable: bolt ons Next most: Bolt ons with conservative pullies (sub 14 psi) Next most: all of the above with cam While I love the sound of a cam, I save that for my old cars, as I want to get in and turn the key and go for miles and miles in my modern cars. Resale value takes a shit as well as does reliability for the really long term. Rebuilds inbound. That said, the LSA is one of the toughest platforms going, just enjoy it however you want. Sorry if this doesn't help.

08-08-2016, 01:33 PM	#3
revo1059 Drives: Black 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Buffalo Grove Posts: 433	I think there are exceptions to the cam part. using an LS9 cam will increase power and since it's a stock GM part (for the ZR1) its' built with reliability in mind (that's why it dosn't generate as much power as a BTR stage 3 cam). You can go with all of the above and still have a very reliable car. I'd say you could go with the following and have great long term reliability 2.55 upper 10% lower headers LS9 cam (I think there are valves and springs specific to that cam as well) Tune (from a quality shop, this is probably the most important part. A bad tune can destroy a car).

08-09-2016, 01:13 PM	#10
Can'tHave2MuchHP Drives: Fast Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,696	Damn ^^^

08-09-2016, 06:17 PM	#13
jrhagen Banned Drives: Camaro Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: USA Posts: 2,701	I beat on mine at the track all the time and the worst I have done is shred the accessory belt. I carry an extra now. 650+ hp with m6.

08-09-2016, 06:49 PM	#14
Nor Cal ZL1 Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 1,825	A cam install done right with the best components is no real worry. Many Btr3 cams have surpassed the 100000 mile mark. The cars single biggest enemy is under fueling followed by improper installs and subpar parts. Since your in Texas your best point of contact is ADM. He is one of the best. http://www.admperformance.org/index.php/zl1-store