Anyone used a ZL1 or 1LE for a hillclimb event?

[Iron Oak]

As stated I'm looking for some feedback on the ZL1 or 1LE as a hillclimb car. I was originally leaning towards a 1LE as I plan on doing track days and some autocrossing as well as Hillclimbs. I thought the forced induction of the ZL1 might be advantageous on the Hillclimbs. Plus slightly easier to get more power out of in the future.

Any feedback on track use with either car, especially if you have driven both would be greatly appreciated.

The extra weight of the ZL1 is a big deterrent.

[Iron Oak]

Anyone?

[KaBoom1701]

hillclimb event?

[Z Beast]

Originally Posted by KaBoom1701

hillclimb event?

https://www.virginiacityhillclimb.com/?page_id=2

[Z Beast]

Originally Posted by Iron Oak

As stated I'm looking for some feedback on the ZL1 or 1LE as a hillclimb car. I was originally leaning towards a 1LE as I plan on doing track days and some autocrossing as well as Hillclimbs. I thought the forced induction of the ZL1 might be advantageous on the Hillclimbs. Plus slightly easier to get more power out of in the future.

Any feedback on track use with either car, especially if you have driven both would be greatly appreciated.

The extra weight of the ZL1 is a big deterrent.

I think forced induction would be the way to go, the cam is
What's going to make you or break you your going to want one with a smooth torque curve...so you don't fly off a curve.

[LBreezie]

Judging by the track layout, you are definitely going to need the zl1. If you can get your hands on the z/28 then that would be better.

[Iron Oak]

Here is a link to the hillclimbs I will mostly be going to. Located in Vermont and New Hampshire for the most part.

http://www.hillclimb.org/events/event_ascutney.html

The operating costs of a Z/28 are not ideal for me. Not to mention the upfront costs.

Primarily, I will be using this on a road course. Occasionally a autocross and I would like to do at least 2-3 hillclimbs a year.

I really like the 1LE, its lighter, less expensive and I can get decent power gains with simple bolt ons and a cam. Not to mention the outright excellent handling it exhibits.

BUT

Like stated, the ZL1, with its supercharger, would make up for any power loss I would lose on a hillclimb due to elevation changes and would still be fun on a road course. I just wonder how much weight I can shave from it. And who has the better turn in for corners?

[cornerspeed92]

As i watched a couple of the videos, my thought was my 1LE would do just fine

[Iron Oak]

Originally Posted by cornerspeed92

As i watched a couple of the videos, my thought was my 1LE would do just fine

👍👍

I really do like the thought of the 1LE. I figure if I can get 500-525rwhp that should be more than sufficient. Due to it being less weight

[SPCBA]

Originally Posted by Iron Oak

👍👍

I really do like the thought of the 1LE. I figure if I can get 500-525rwhp that should be more than sufficient. Due to it being less weight

To your original question. Yes.
1LE with that power level so easily obtainable.

[X25]

FYI, you'll lose power with elevation on both supercharged and NA cars, and the amount of loss will actually be more with the supercharger (since you're compressing less dense air and the rate of air mass loss is obviously multiplied by the rate of compression).

What you want is a turbocharged car. Such a car would detect the loss of boost, and would respond by increasing waste gate duty cycles, thereby overworking the turbocharger(s). A supercharger would always work the same amount, dictated by the belt setup.

[Shark72]

Originally Posted by X25

FYI, you'll lose power with elevation on both supercharged and NA cars, and the amount of loss will actually be more with the supercharger (since you're compressing less dense air and the rate of air mass loss is obviously multiplied by the rate of compression).

What you want is a turbocharged car. Such a car would detect the loss of boost, and would respond by increasing waste gate duty cycles, thereby overworking the turbocharger(s). A supercharger would always work the same amount, dictated by the belt setup.

I disagree respectfully.....
The supercharged motor Will produce more air at altitude than a NA intake system.

[Iron Oak]

Originally Posted by Shark72

I disagree respectfully.....
The supercharged motor Will produce more air at altitude than a NA intake system.

I agree. Forced induction is forced induction. Whether it's the expansion of exhaust gases with a turbo or belt driven with a supercharger. They both do the same thing, compress ambient air to be more effiencient and cram more air into the intake than a naturally aspirated engine.

[FASTDIESEL]

Originally Posted by Iron Oak

I agree.

Most certainly. The increased PSI in the intake will compensate for the lack of O2 at higher altitudes.

But, yes, a turbocharger would be even better, but that was not the OP's question.