2012 ZL1 supercharger coolant - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Marty12zl1 · 04-12-2025, 08:49 AM

Hi All :
I was lucky enough to recently purchase a 2012 ZL1 with 29 miles ( basically new).I was going to do some preventative maintenance on it including oil/filter and coolant . I then realized that the supercharger also has coolant . I looked for quite a while but did not see any DIY videos on the subject . I did see where people added an additional reservoir kit or stated that the car should be brought to the dealership for service.
I plan on using the car very little . A 15 mins easy drive three times per year spring/summer and fall. Wondering what peoples recommendation would be on what to do about the supercharger coolant .
Thanks you
Marty

ZMEnow · 04-12-2025, 10:16 AM

The SC has dexcool in it just like the engine so it needs to be taken out every 5 years or it begins to congill. Bleeding without a reservoir is tricky as any air in the system will cause the pump to shutdown. You can negative pressure fill, or install a reservoir. If you want to stay stock head over to JRE, and purchase the pop bottle burpee as it looks stupid but works.

Risingson05 · 04-12-2025, 11:41 AM

I just run distilled water and water wetter

ZMEnow · 04-12-2025, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risingson05

I just run distilled water and water wetter

So do I but then I have to drain it for winter and add antifreeze as I haven’t started my since October, maybe next week.

Annatar · 04-26-2025, 03:30 AM

Everything ZMEnow told you is correct; additionally, "Dexcool" contains a rust inhibitor and that's why it must be changed every five years. This goes for both engine and the supercharger.

Do not use anything else, as internal corrosion will result. If you don't use pre-mixed "Dexcool", use distilled water to dilute the "Dexcool" concentrate.

Bleeding the system is a tricky affair, but if you really want to do it yourself, here is how:

hypoxic · 08-10-2025, 05:41 PM

Did you ever get an answer? I'm the original owner of a 2012 and I recently changed the super charger coolant. It can be done at home and it will save you a bunch of money! It does take a couple of hours. Let me know if you need some help.

04-12-2025, 08:49 AM	#1
Marty12zl1 Drives: Chevy camaro zl1 Join Date: Apr 2025 Location: Miller place ny Posts: 1	2012 ZL1 supercharger coolant Hi All : I was lucky enough to recently purchase a 2012 ZL1 with 29 miles ( basically new).I was going to do some preventative maintenance on it including oil/filter and coolant . I then realized that the supercharger also has coolant . I looked for quite a while but did not see any DIY videos on the subject . I did see where people added an additional reservoir kit or stated that the car should be brought to the dealership for service. I plan on using the car very little . A 15 mins easy drive three times per year spring/summer and fall. Wondering what peoples recommendation would be on what to do about the supercharger coolant . Thanks you Marty

04-12-2025, 11:41 AM	#3
Risingson05 Drives: 2015 zl1 m6 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Alaska Posts: 727	I just run distilled water and water wetter __________________ 791whp 699 ft lbs torque on E30 - ported sc /heads by boost mode racing - PAT G cam /Tune PB:10.5@135

04-12-2025, 10:16 AM	#2
ZMEnow Drives: ZL1, 2013, tri-coat-red, manual Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,665	The SC has dexcool in it just like the engine so it needs to be taken out every 5 years or it begins to congill. Bleeding without a reservoir is tricky as any air in the system will cause the pump to shutdown. You can negative pressure fill, or install a reservoir. If you want to stay stock head over to JRE, and purchase the pop bottle burpee as it looks stupid but works.

08-10-2025, 05:41 PM	#6
hypoxic Drives: '12 ZL1 CRT Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 42	Did you ever get an answer? I'm the original owner of a 2012 and I recently changed the super charger coolant. It can be done at home and it will save you a bunch of money! It does take a couple of hours. Let me know if you need some help.