1le/SS vs z28 daily driving ride question…

[Level300]

Hi guys.
I have a question for all of those that have driven a regular Camaro SS or 1le and have puts some miles on a z28.

I understand that the z28 has a far stiffer suspension than the 1le and SS.
im interested in learning about its regular road, regular use manners.

Can you describe the difference in terms of normal road driving (e.g. going over potholes, curbs, recessed manhole covers etc.). How does it sound (e.g.thud, bang, kidney jolting, etc).

Also, let me know if you have installed solid sub frame bushings. Thanks!

[Goebel734]

How a vehicle rides is purely objective. One guys "nice ride" is another mans "OMG, I can't stand it!". That being said, you most certainly could drive a Z/28 everyday, but I would wager you would be replacing the front splitter monthly. The suspension is quite firm, but if in proper condition, there is no "crash" or "thud"... would really depend on the hole, I would say. I personally do not daily mine. I would rather drive my Focus ST.

[void_kp]

I understand that the z28 has a far stiffer suspension than the 1le and SS.
im interested in learning about its regular road, regular use manners.

Can you describe the difference in terms of normal road driving (e.g. going over potholes, curbs, recessed manhole covers etc.). How does it sound (e.g.thud, bang, kidney jolting, etc).

The SS1LE (6th gen at least) has [edit]magnetic ride[/edit] adjustable dampers. it's day and night difference compared to Z/28. The Z/28 is WAY more stiff and WAY less suitable for public roads. SS1LE suspensions are tuned for decent sport car that can also be used on track. Z/28 suspensions are tuned for track usage.
You can use the z/28 on the road but: 1/ cabin noise is harsh (no sound deadening on z/28), 2/ the insane torque at all rpm requires more attention if you are in wet or icy conditions, 3/ it's so stiff that every single road asperity (even half an inch or less) can be felt by your steering wheel and your spine. If your state roads are like Washington's ones, you will find yourself doing zigzag to avoid potholes as they might be too much to handle.

Basically your question is about comparing a road car (ss1le) with a race car (z/28). You can drive the z/28 on roads (most of us do) but it won't be pleasant if it's your daily or some regular commute car.

[void_kp]

if you don't trust my word for it, look at king mezger video, around 14:30

[highrevving]

It's very stiff over bumps and have to slow down. So you do have to be on your toes to always judge the pavement conditions and be ready. The car rebounds quickly though.

I daily mine here in SoCAL OC area and see bunch of GT3s and GT350s and Ms in my parking structure at the office. It can be done and like others said, it's subjective and all relative.

I know what I'm getting into. No surprises.

[1970judge]

All subjective. Driven mine all over this country, sometimes 12-20 hours at a time. Im fine.

[Level300]

Originally Posted by void_kp

The SS1LE (6th gen at least) has multimatic adjustable dampers. it's day and night difference compared to Z/28. The Z/28 is WAY more stiff and WAY less suitable for public roads. SS1LE suspensions are tuned for decent sport car that can also be used on track. Z/28 suspensions are tuned for track usage.
You can use the z/28 on the road but: 1/ cabin noise is harsh (no sound deadening on z/28), 2/ the insane torque at all rpm requires more attention if you are in wet or icy conditions, 3/ it's so stiff that every single road asperity (even half an inch or less) can be felt by your steering wheel and your spine. If your state roads are like Washington's ones, you will find yourself doing zigzag to avoid potholes as they might be too much to handle.

Basically your question is about comparing a road car (ss1le) with a race car (z/28). You can drive the z/28 on roads (most of us do) but it won't be pleasant if it's your daily or some regular commute car.

I thought that the zl1/1le got the multimatic and the 1le got the magnetic ride suspension?

[void_kp]

apologies, I swapped the two, I meant the magnetic ride on the 1le. I'll fix my text , thanks for catching this

[Level300]

Thanks fellas. All very helpful. And for the record, you are some very fortunate people. I’d love to own one just to see how the dry sump motor works and to hear the 427. What an amazing car.thanks again.

[FASTFATBOY]

I wouldn't want to daily a Z28, valve drop fears, crazy expensive brakes, expensive oil changes, expensive shocks to wear out etc.

If someone hits it some new body parts may not be available.

I just went from a 5th gen ZL1 to a 5th Gen SS 1LE due to the ZL1's list of unavailable parts is growing(magneride shocks being #1) ZL1 brakes being $1500 just for OEM parts, A/C compressor is hard to find and wil lsoon be unavailable.

The Z28 stock makes about 440 to the wheels, you can make that power with the LS3 with all the bolt on's and a tune.

The 5th gen 1LE has cheaper brakes, no magneride shocks and the rest is regular SS Camaro.

The 5th gen 1LE rides as good or a tad better than the 5th gen ZL1.

[young51]

While not exactly your scenario, we've got both a 15' z/28 and 21' LT1 Camaro. Admittingly the LT1 doesn't have the same suspension as the SS but they drive like they came from 2 different companies. I know alot has to do with Gen 5 vs Gen6 but the ride is worlds apart. As others have said the z/28 is stiff, I'm talking hit your head on the ceiling stiff if you're not careful, Perfect roads are just that, perfect. Any thing else can be a challenge and you really need to pay attention. The LT1 drives like a Cadillac compared to it. On the straights the 6.2/10 speed auto is very quick but in the corners it's a different game altogether, blame the 245 runflats!

[Z28000]

Driving z28 daily just means life is good

[highrevving]

Originally Posted by Z28000

Driving z28 daily just means life is good

I concur! Smiles for miles. Not worrying about the next guy.....

[Z28000]

Yes sir