With this much power - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

sengli · 09-01-2015, 09:05 AM

Currently have a 1LE with a 6 peed manual trans. Seriously thinking about getting a 2015 ZL1 while there are some left. My question is with this much added power, is a manual or automatic trans the best way to go? I realize this is a personal preference, but with a manual trans in my current car I can throttle it pretty hard... without breaking the rear tires loose

And are there any known issue's with the 15's? I have read on here that some supercharger bearing gotcha's. Have those been solved?

camarolover2 · 09-01-2015, 09:28 AM

I have a 2013 zl1 and my personal opinion is standard is a lot more fun. I road race and its more challenging. the auto would be easier if you are going to daily drive. the problem with the zl1 is not traction but tires. the goodyears are not very good. if you want to stick , get toyo proxy r888 315 in back and 285 in front. you will plant the rear and no wheel spin. I have modified my car and have 740 hp at rear and don't spin them when the tires are hot at wot. I was at eagles canyon raceway this last weekend and car and tires worked to perfection. good luck

camarolover2 · 09-01-2015, 09:36 AM

don't know if the supercharger issue has been completely addressed but if your ever rattles just take it to your dealer and they will replace it under warranty

mrvenicess · 09-01-2015, 09:38 AM

I went from a 6 speed SS to an auto ZL1 for two reasons, one I daily drive my car and got tired of shifting in traffic, and two, the main reason, was that I got into drag racing it and the auto is quicker. My car is modded and on my street tires, Mich PSS's, it doesn't hook on the street, but I'm guessing a 6 speed manual wouldn't hook either.

ZO6 Bryan · 09-01-2015, 10:09 AM

The supercharger problems have been solved in the 2015's. Don't let it worry you.
And the M6 car is more fun.

camarolover2 · 09-01-2015, 10:40 AM

my toyos really do hook on the street amazingly, probably some slippage but not enough to cause traction control to come on. I run in 4th setting while road racing and very seldom feel the loss of power on wot

KaBoom1701 · 09-01-2015, 10:59 AM

DD = Auto
Weekend Warrior or track car = M6
Drag racecar = Auto

Cabinetman · 09-01-2015, 11:12 AM

I went with the manual on my '15 because I enjoy driving a manual and I have another vehicle for DD duties. If I was going to DD the Z I would have gotten the auto, but my commute is over 30 miles each way.

The only somewhat common issue that my '15 has is gear whine. I get the whine when I take all load off the gears between 40 and 50 mph. I also just noticed a higher pitch whine under power between 60 and 70 mph. I'm going to take the car in soon and hopefully get the rear diff replaced.

Sven59 · 09-01-2015, 11:40 AM

Had the same issue, backlash was off, replaced ring and pinion. Issue resolved.

Balasarius · 09-01-2015, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sengli

Currently have a 1LE with a 6 peed manual trans. Seriously thinking about getting a 2015 ZL1 while there are some left. My question is with this much added power, is a manual or automatic trans the best way to go? I realize this is a personal preference, but with a manual trans in my current car I can throttle it pretty hard... without breaking the rear tires loose

And are there any known issue's with the 15's? I have read on here that some supercharger bearing gotcha's. Have those been solved?

The traction control in the ZL1 will prevent you from smoking the tires or losing control on the straight-away. The ZL1 has 5 modes of traction control / PTM. There are plenty of stories of people who turned everything off and ended up sideways.

The 2015 ZL1s are solid. No issues.

winterboy8 · 09-01-2015, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cabinetman

I went with the manual on my '15 because I enjoy driving a manual and I have another vehicle for DD duties. If I was going to DD the Z I would have gotten the auto, but my commute is over 30 miles each way.

The only somewhat common issue that my '15 has is gear whine. I get the whine when I take all load off the gears between 40 and 50 mph. I also just noticed a higher pitch whine under power between 60 and 70 mph. I'm going to take the car in soon and hopefully get the rear diff replaced.

I had same exact problem from the get-go. Took in for 1500 mi checkup, expressed my concern, tech checked it out and ordered new rear diff. Had to wait a week but so far, 200 mi later, no noise. Good luck.

hognutz · 09-01-2015, 05:07 PM

it is hard to get true unbiased opinion.

Facts
1. auto's are quicker in the quarter mile

now that being said the gearing is different as well which may be some of the equation but I think it is easier to put the power down in one.

Fact if buying new
1. the auto costs about $2600 more due to the extra GG tax and the option.

I have seen no concrete data that tells me which is faster on the road course my $$ given equal drivers is probably a tick better in the manual but I can also see the case where if the driver where kind of novice it could be a wash. I equate driving a manual to how good a fighter a person thinks they are. most people think they are really good at both and most people are a complete novice at both ha ha.

I personally like the manual in the 6 speed variants but that is my bias in just likening to be involved in the driving experience more not that I am some expert I just find shifting fun. I did have a hard time really getting launches that I liked on the factory goodyears. Seemed like the line between bog and tire fry was very fine in this car. For drag racing the auto is a better choice IMO. the PTM modes are too intrusive and will just slow the car down. only people who are not running for time will think they work good.

15's should have no issues I am aware of other than the fact that any car can have an issue. they have a solid couple in the blower not the spring isolator.

HDRDTD · 09-01-2015, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Balasarius

The traction control in the ZL1 will prevent you from smoking the tires or losing control on the straight-away. The ZL1 has 5 modes of traction control / PTM. There are plenty of stories of people who turned everything off and ended up sideways.

The 2015 ZL1s are solid. No issues.

Note: The coupes have 5 PTM modes, the convertible does not. Just one of the differences between the coupe and the convertible.

Shark72 · 09-01-2015, 07:33 PM

Get the manual for fun or the auto for DD.
The ZL1 is a beast, you will love it!
I did the same upgrade 1LE to a ZL1, would love to own both but the ZL1 is a keeper.
Good Luck, post pics when you make the move.

09-01-2015, 09:05 AM	#1
sengli Drives: 2015commemorative vert 2SS Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: northern Indiana Posts: 949	With this much power Currently have a 1LE with a 6 peed manual trans. Seriously thinking about getting a 2015 ZL1 while there are some left. My question is with this much added power, is a manual or automatic trans the best way to go? I realize this is a personal preference, but with a manual trans in my current car I can throttle it pretty hard... without breaking the rear tires loose And are there any known issue's with the 15's? I have read on here that some supercharger bearing gotcha's. Have those been solved? __________________ 2018 ZL1 Bright Yellow, A10, PDR, sunroof, carbon hood, and dash- sold 2020 2SS A10 sunroof..shock and steel special-traded 2015 commemorative vert 2ss

09-01-2015, 09:28 AM	#2
camarolover2 Drives: 2013 zl1 1969 matching z 28 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: oklahoma Posts: 77	traction I have a 2013 zl1 and my personal opinion is standard is a lot more fun. I road race and its more challenging. the auto would be easier if you are going to daily drive. the problem with the zl1 is not traction but tires. the goodyears are not very good. if you want to stick , get toyo proxy r888 315 in back and 285 in front. you will plant the rear and no wheel spin. I have modified my car and have 740 hp at rear and don't spin them when the tires are hot at wot. I was at eagles canyon raceway this last weekend and car and tires worked to perfection. good luck

09-01-2015, 10:09 AM	#5
ZO6 Bryan Drives: 02 Z06, 95 Trans Am, 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southeast Posts: 1,838 View My Garage	The supercharger problems have been solved in the 2015's. Don't let it worry you. And the M6 car is more fun. __________________ Bryan 2018 ZL1 M6

09-01-2015, 10:59 AM	#7
KaBoom1701 KaBoom1701 Drives: 13' ZL1 Red M6 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: I.E. SoCal (Yucaipa) Posts: 8,631	DD = Auto Weekend Warrior or track car = M6 Drag racecar = Auto __________________ Mods: Roto-Fab Intake, WW Res. kit & Big Gulp Air Scoop, Elite Catch Can, ATI Super Damper & 18% OD Pulley, LF Idler pulley bracket, Metco CC breather, ID850 Injectors, Stainless Power Headers w/ ceramic coating, TR71X Spark Plugs, JMS Fuel Pump Booster, Bo White TB, Tuned by Ted @ Jannetty Racing, Ron Davis HX, D3 Reservoir, Pfadt 1" Springs, Moreno Camber Plates, ZL1 Addons Splitter guard washers, Tow Hook kit & rock guards, Hurst Shifter Billet Plus 6 Speed Short Shifter, ZL1 DRL lighting harness, ZL1 Recaro Seats.

09-01-2015, 11:40 AM	#9
Sven59 HAMMER PILOT Drives: 13 ZL1#182, 85 CJ7, 16 Silverado Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 4,387	Had the same issue, backlash was off, replaced ring and pinion. Issue resolved. __________________ "DO YOU WANT ME TO PUT THE HAMMER DOWN?"

09-01-2015, 09:36 AM	#3
camarolover2 Drives: 2013 zl1 1969 matching z 28 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: oklahoma Posts: 77	don't know if the supercharger issue has been completely addressed but if your ever rattles just take it to your dealer and they will replace it under warranty

09-01-2015, 09:38 AM	#4
mrvenicess Drives: 2013 CRT ZL1 auto Join Date: May 2010 Location: Venice Fl Posts: 1,443 View My Garage	I went from a 6 speed SS to an auto ZL1 for two reasons, one I daily drive my car and got tired of shifting in traffic, and two, the main reason, was that I got into drag racing it and the auto is quicker. My car is modded and on my street tires, Mich PSS's, it doesn't hook on the street, but I'm guessing a 6 speed manual wouldn't hook either.

09-01-2015, 10:40 AM	#6
camarolover2 Drives: 2013 zl1 1969 matching z 28 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: oklahoma Posts: 77	my toyos really do hook on the street amazingly, probably some slippage but not enough to cause traction control to come on. I run in 4th setting while road racing and very seldom feel the loss of power on wot

09-01-2015, 11:12 AM	#8
Cabinetman Drives: 2015 ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 50	I went with the manual on my '15 because I enjoy driving a manual and I have another vehicle for DD duties. If I was going to DD the Z I would have gotten the auto, but my commute is over 30 miles each way. The only somewhat common issue that my '15 has is gear whine. I get the whine when I take all load off the gears between 40 and 50 mph. I also just noticed a higher pitch whine under power between 60 and 70 mph. I'm going to take the car in soon and hopefully get the rear diff replaced.

09-01-2015, 05:07 PM	#12
hognutz Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: tangent or Posts: 2,985	it is hard to get true unbiased opinion. Facts 1. auto's are quicker in the quarter mile now that being said the gearing is different as well which may be some of the equation but I think it is easier to put the power down in one. Fact if buying new 1. the auto costs about $2600 more due to the extra GG tax and the option. I have seen no concrete data that tells me which is faster on the road course my $$ given equal drivers is probably a tick better in the manual but I can also see the case where if the driver where kind of novice it could be a wash. I equate driving a manual to how good a fighter a person thinks they are. most people think they are really good at both and most people are a complete novice at both ha ha. I personally like the manual in the 6 speed variants but that is my bias in just likening to be involved in the driving experience more not that I am some expert I just find shifting fun. I did have a hard time really getting launches that I liked on the factory goodyears. Seemed like the line between bog and tire fry was very fine in this car. For drag racing the auto is a better choice IMO. the PTM modes are too intrusive and will just slow the car down. only people who are not running for time will think they work good. 15's should have no issues I am aware of other than the fact that any car can have an issue. they have a solid couple in the blower not the spring isolator. __________________ 2016 2SS 2020 super duty on 37's

09-01-2015, 07:33 PM	#14
Shark72 Drives: '16 Z06/Z07, '15 Z/28,1972 Stingray Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Drivers Seat Posts: 846	Get the manual for fun or the auto for DD. The ZL1 is a beast, you will love it! I did the same upgrade 1LE to a ZL1, would love to own both but the ZL1 is a keeper. Good Luck, post pics when you make the move. __________________ 2015 Z/28 #642 Black Bad Ass