(Further) Mod the 1LE or buy Classing C3 Vette? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

CrystalRedTintcoat · 06-19-2019, 03:30 AM

Hi everyone ...

Been a super long time since I posted here and I’m coming back for more ... advice.

Still loving my 2013 1LE with about 44K miles. But I also turned 50 recently and have been thinking about getting a classic muscle car, a 70-72 C3 Stingray Corvette, small block. While I like the 69, it’s said to have odd and hard to find parts.

Here’s my questions. Should I:

(A) modify the 1LE further by adding the Chevy Performance heads and cam + the Z/28 cat-back 2.75” exhaust system that plugs into NPP, or
(B) get the classic Vette

I appreciate your inputs and advice!

—CRT

Bad@ssCamaro · 06-19-2019, 05:53 AM

You're comparing apples to oranges if you're talking about performance. Your present car will outshine the "old" 'vette, unless you want to experience what it's like to drive an old car

From my experience, driving an unmodified older vehicle can be quite the harrowing experience when pushing it to its limits compared to the confidence your 1LE gives you.

My opinion would be to go with performance upgrades in regards to handling if you decide to go with the 'vette. More power to the 1LE and adding solid cradle bushings, lowering springs will widen that permagrin.

J Rod · 06-19-2019, 08:22 AM

I would absolutely love to own a 1st gen Camaro or early 3rd gen Corvette someday, but the only way I could ever do it is if I transplanted a newer LS engine into one. I'm thinking that would make for a good retirement project in about 20 years, assuming I can still find one.

Matty Ice · 06-19-2019, 09:50 AM

Having owned a 70 Camaro, 71 Corvette, 13 1le and a 15 1le, I prefer the 15 1le. I think it is funny that the 2nd and 5th gen Camaros feel very similar. The gen 3 Vette comes with a lot of baggage/headaches; They are hot and loud, visibility is a little limited, repairs can be complex/expensive and constantly worrying about it getting damaged. On the other hand there is nothing like taking the T-tops off hitting the road and watching that big tach needle sweep up to redline, shift it, hear the tires chirp and watch it fall back down, then repeat. They also stop on a dime, crazy good brakes!

I couldn't give my 15 1le up for the Vette, I would have to have it in addition to the 1le. My advice is do the upgrades to the 1le, have some fun with those and then see what you want to do.

CrystalRedTintcoat · 06-19-2019, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty Ice

Having owned a 70 Camaro, 71 Corvette, 13 1le and a 15 1le, I prefer the 15 1le.

Can you say more about what you prefer on the 15'1LE over the 13'1LE?

joelster · 06-20-2019, 06:16 PM

Get the Corvette

Iron Lung Jimmy · 06-20-2019, 08:36 PM

Compared to your 1LE the C3 Corvette will be crude, rattly, ill-handling, slow, and uncomfortable. But, as long as it is just a weekend toy, way more fun.

Matty Ice · 06-21-2019, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrystalRedTintcoat

Can you say more about what you prefer on the 15'1LE over the 13'1LE?

1. Recaro's
2. Color DIC and better HUD
3. Front end refresh
4. Hood vent

IWANTA(ss) · 06-21-2019, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty Ice

1. Recaro's
2. Color DIC and better HUD
3. Front end refresh
4. Hood vent

I want to do the swap 2-4 on my 13 1le I’m way too big for the recaros and to the OP if possible can you swing both? Cause your going to love the cammed 1le and just have the vette for a Sunday cruiser.

LsxDoctor · 06-21-2019, 09:55 AM

C3 hands down! Personally, I see it as a better investment. Your 1LE will be worth more in the long run with less mods also. Getting the C3 is a win win!

CrystalRedTintcoat · 06-27-2019, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LsxDoctor

Your 1LE will be worth more in the long run with less mods also. Getting the C3 is a win win!

I was going for their "Dynamic Duo" ... Chevy Performance engineered heads and cam plus the Z/28 cat back.

LT1Zob · 06-27-2019, 04:40 PM

Having my heart still a bit broken since I sold my 13 1le 2 weeks ago, I’ll chime in. A vette is a vette, always will be. However, if you enthusiastically drive your 1LE, you will be sorely disappointed trading the 1LE for the “performance and handling” of the C3. I have a C7 z51, and can tell you that as much as I loved my 1le, it felt heavy and huge jumping into it after getting out of my vette. But I understand the C7 looks are not everyone’s cup of tea, and many prefer the classic vette look (in case you haven’t noticed, I'm trying to push you to look at a C7). As long as you understand that you’re giving up a lot in the performance and reliability department by trading the Camaro for a 50 yr old car, by all means, enjoy Sir. You only live once, get what puts the big grin back on your face.

CrystalRedTintcoat · 06-27-2019, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT1Zob

Having my heart still a bit broken since I sold my 13 1le 2 weeks ago, I’ll chime in. A vette is a vette, always will be. However, if you enthusiastically drive your 1LE, you will be sorely disappointed trading the 1LE for the “performance and handling” of the C3. I have a C7 z51, and can tell you that as much as I loved my 1le, it felt heavy and huge jumping into it after getting out of my vette. But I understand the C7 looks are not everyone’s cup of tea, and many prefer the classic vette look (in case you haven’t noticed, I'm trying to push you to look at a C7). As long as you understand that you’re giving up a lot in the performance and reliability department by trading the Camaro for a 50 yr old car, by all means, enjoy Sir. You only live once, get what puts the big grin back on your face.

Thanks. Is that production 0065 1LE or your Vette?

LT1Zob · 06-27-2019, 05:14 PM

That was my 1LE

View Poll Results: Which path should I take?
Further mod my 1LE adding Heads/Cam + Z/28 Cat-back exhaust	10	83.33%
Buy a Classic C3 (70-72) Vette w/small block engine	2	16.67%
Voters: 12. You may not vote on this poll

06-19-2019, 03:30 AM	#1
CrystalRedTintcoat Drives: 2013 2SS 1LE NPP GBE Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Bay Area, online, & in my 1LE Posts: 2,667 View My Garage	(Further) Mod the 1LE or buy Classing C3 Vette? Hi everyone ... Been a super long time since I posted here and I’m coming back for more ... advice. Still loving my 2013 1LE with about 44K miles. But I also turned 50 recently and have been thinking about getting a classic muscle car, a 70-72 C3 Stingray Corvette, small block. While I like the 69, it’s said to have odd and hard to find parts. Here’s my questions. Should I: (A) modify the 1LE further by adding the Chevy Performance heads and cam + the Z/28 cat-back 2.75” exhaust system that plugs into NPP, or (B) get the classic Vette I appreciate your inputs and advice! —CRT __________________ 2013 1LE NPP GBE Mods Track Days

06-19-2019, 05:53 AM	#2
Bad@ssCamaro BeckyD Rocks :-) Drives: 2015 1SS/1LE Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: CT Posts: 5,778 View My Garage	You're comparing apples to oranges if you're talking about performance. Your present car will outshine the "old" 'vette, unless you want to experience what it's like to drive an old car From my experience, driving an unmodified older vehicle can be quite the harrowing experience when pushing it to its limits compared to the confidence your 1LE gives you. My opinion would be to go with performance upgrades in regards to handling if you decide to go with the 'vette. More power to the 1LE and adding solid cradle bushings, lowering springs will widen that permagrin. __________________ 2015 CRT 1SS/1LE RS/Recaro's/NPP/Nav/Rear vision pkg./BA speaker upgrade. Stage 3 BMR cam, ARH 1 7/8 headers, CAI, BMR 1.25 drop springs, JPSS Billet Bushings, Peddars Cradle Bushings...460 whp...so far....SOLD, but not forgotten!

06-19-2019, 08:22 AM	#3
J Rod Drives: '14 BRM 1LE 2SS/RS Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Ft. Wayne, IN Posts: 801	I would absolutely love to own a 1st gen Camaro or early 3rd gen Corvette someday, but the only way I could ever do it is if I transplanted a newer LS engine into one. I'm thinking that would make for a good retirement project in about 20 years, assuming I can still find one. __________________ *592 HP/590 TQ* LSA Blower w/ 2.45 Griptec, Reinforced Brick, FIC 1000 injectors, JRE FPCM, LFP Dual Pass HX, ZL1 IC pump, RotoFab CAI, Bo White TB, Coated Stainless Power 1-7/8" LTs, NPP, NGK TR7IX, Mighty Mouse Wild CC, AEM X-Series WB, Aeroforce Interceptor, MGW Shifter, Z28 Grill, Gary's Custom ZL1 Rockers, Hero Tails, Tuned by IMC

06-20-2019, 06:16 PM	#6
joelster Drives: '94 Z28+ '15 Z/28 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Posts: 1,282	Get the Corvette __________________ 1973 Mach 1, 351C cruiser '15 Z/28 Red Hot, A/C 1980 Z28- resto-mod project 1979 Y84 Trans Am 1986 IROC-Z

06-19-2019, 09:50 AM	#4
Matty Ice Drives: 2015 SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 537	Having owned a 70 Camaro, 71 Corvette, 13 1le and a 15 1le, I prefer the 15 1le. I think it is funny that the 2nd and 5th gen Camaros feel very similar. The gen 3 Vette comes with a lot of baggage/headaches; They are hot and loud, visibility is a little limited, repairs can be complex/expensive and constantly worrying about it getting damaged. On the other hand there is nothing like taking the T-tops off hitting the road and watching that big tach needle sweep up to redline, shift it, hear the tires chirp and watch it fall back down, then repeat. They also stop on a dime, crazy good brakes! I couldn't give my 15 1le up for the Vette, I would have to have it in addition to the 1le. My advice is do the upgrades to the 1le, have some fun with those and then see what you want to do.

06-20-2019, 08:36 PM	#7
Iron Lung Jimmy Drives: Iron Lung, Jimmy Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,449	Compared to your 1LE the C3 Corvette will be crude, rattly, ill-handling, slow, and uncomfortable. But, as long as it is just a weekend toy, way more fun. Last edited by Iron Lung Jimmy; 06-20-2019 at 08:58 PM.

06-21-2019, 09:55 AM	#10
LsxDoctor 15 Year LS1Tech Member Drives: 2010 ss 391ci LS3 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 252	C3 hands down! Personally, I see it as a better investment. Your 1LE will be worth more in the long run with less mods also. Getting the C3 is a win win! __________________ GJDM

06-27-2019, 04:40 PM	#12
LT1Zob Drives: 23 LT1 / 19 Z06 / after 6 5th gens Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: MI Posts: 1,987 View My Garage	Having my heart still a bit broken since I sold my 13 1le 2 weeks ago, I’ll chime in. A vette is a vette, always will be. However, if you enthusiastically drive your 1LE, you will be sorely disappointed trading the 1LE for the “performance and handling” of the C3. I have a C7 z51, and can tell you that as much as I loved my 1le, it felt heavy and huge jumping into it after getting out of my vette. But I understand the C7 looks are not everyone’s cup of tea, and many prefer the classic vette look (in case you haven’t noticed, I'm trying to push you to look at a C7). As long as you understand that you’re giving up a lot in the performance and reliability department by trading the Camaro for a 50 yr old car, by all means, enjoy Sir. You only live once, get what puts the big grin back on your face. __________________ "Make yourself sheep and the wolves will eat you"

06-27-2019, 05:14 PM	#14
LT1Zob Drives: 23 LT1 / 19 Z06 / after 6 5th gens Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: MI Posts: 1,987 View My Garage	That was my 1LE __________________ "Make yourself sheep and the wolves will eat you"