1LE vs ZL1

[v6sonoma]

If they were to tweak the 1LE concept a bit by say swapping the LS3 with say the LS7 Do you think you would choose that over the ZL1?

[OldJedi]

The 1LE package is very good but GM built the ZL1 exactly like I would have if I could have pulled the the parts off of the shelf myself. This is my car. There may be some that have more HP and are faster but the ZL1 will have everything that I want from my Camaro.

[IOMZL1]

If it were cheaper I would consider it. It would depend on how much HP the car had, what the weight was, and how it performed as compared to the ZL1.

If it were close in performance – as the Boss 302 LS is to the GT500, but $10,000 cheaper I’d certainly be tempted.

[GoldenBear]

I want a factory high performance convertible, and since I doubt that the 1LE will be available as a convertible, it's definitely the ZL1 convertible for me.

[v6sonoma]

I would think if they did something like this it would have the same 505hp as the Z06 or perhaps a little less like 500hp. The only weight difference I could see happening would be the few pounds the supercharger and intercooler from the LSA that would be lost.

[radz28]

Originally Posted by OldJedi

The 1LE package is very good but GM built the ZL1 exactly like I would have if I could have pulled the the parts off of the shelf myself. This is my car. There may be some that have more HP and are faster but the ZL1 will have everything that I want from my Camaro.

I've wanted and been pushing for an FI 5th Gen from the beginning. There's really not much I'd want to change (as much as I could expect from the factory anyways). A little more power and maybe a little wider tires and few other relatively minor things will be all I need. It will be a lot easier to make it by the Smog Nazis, too

[hognutz]

I like the ls7 power plant. I was skeptical till I bought a Z06 but I have to say it is awesome. I like a higher reving N/A feel. That being said the camaro is heavy and it might be slower.

if you look at the Z06 Z07 vs the ZR1 all the extra power does not transate into night and day lap times but if you can drive it will win a drag race. honestly though with DR on I would race any ZR1 to the end of the quarter mile. If you can hook the ls7 it is fast but after 120 or so HP and touque win.

the engines cost about the same though so the car would most likely be equal in cost and at that point I would buy which ever was faster which I think would be the LSA. the ls7 car would be lighter though I just don't think enough ligher to make up the 75hp.

[htron50]

I got my XM with Rush Radio, I got all the other cruisin charisma I could ever want.
Now,,,,,,,,,,,,,, L E T S R O L L !!

[LOWDOWN]

At this moment, 27 votes with 7 thoughtful reasons...and I'll add an 8th:

Results May Vary...especially if posted in the Z/28 Section...

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170890...which currently stands at 48-14 (77+%!) in favor of an LS7'd ZEE, before the score gets tilted...

[SS 376]

Swapping in a handbuilt LS7 is quite a tweak. It's like saying your wife getting a boob job is just a tweak to her torso...

[LOWDOWN]

How so? LS7 (with a wet-sump conversion that GMPP sells) = LS3 in physical size and weight. Add the ZL1 diff/trannie/brakes/wheels/tires to a 1SS with dual non-power cloth seats ala Camaro LS, some upgrades to the FE4 (without the costs and weight and complexities of MR), and then go rustle some formerly-BOSS hosses... All that for BOSS LS dough...well under $50Gs.

['StangBlaster5000]

I have been always been a fan of the LS7, if the Camaro came out with a model that had one, that model would instantly go to the top of my Camaro's to buy list.

[Shurenuff]

The LS7 is an awesome engine no doubt, but it was designed for the much lighter Z06. IMO, the heavyweight Camaro really benefits from the torque monster LSA (not that an LS7 wouldn't work well). I'd stick with the ZL1.

['StangBlaster5000]

Originally Posted by Shurenuff

The LS7 is an awesome engine no doubt, but it was designed for the much lighter Z06. IMO, the heavyweight Camaro really benefits from the torque monster LSA (not that an LS7 wouldn't work well). I'd stick with the ZL1.

Maybe I should rephrase what I mean. There really is no comparison, between 556ft/lbs vs 470 ft/lbs, especially for a heaver car. But the LS7 has not changed since '06. If they had an UPDATED LS7 making 550+ THEN I would rather have an NA 427 over a supercharged 6.2. But the way things are right now, yes the LSA would be the better choice. Actually RIGHT NOW the LSA would be the better choice for the Zo6 too! I have no idea why they have not put any work into the LS7 in the last SEVEN YEARS!