LT1 vs 1LE
 

Hello everyone I am looking at A LT1 Camaro and I have some questions regarding track use; specifically comparing the cooling system engine, transmission, differential and rear brakes on the SS 1LE.

I know the 1LE car is a good deal for all the equipment included and the track warranty. I built the two cars online and there is a $3500.00 difference. The LT1
has the six piston Brembos, SG3 suspension, SCG strut tower brace (I don't know if it has one standard).

I personally like the LT1 car better. I like a lower optioned car. I have never tracked a car but I have been looking at some local groups and I'm interested in
checking it out.

How will these two cars do on a track day with the same wheels and tires? Are
the rear brakes a problem? How limiting is the overheating on the driveline?

The 1LE is vastly superior out of the gate. Sure, you can upgrade an LT1 that already has the big brakes with wheels, tires, aero and seats, but you can't realistically add the electronic rear diff, performance traction modes or even the missing coolers, plus you'll be eating the initial price difference and then some. These things are much more expensive to add after purchase.

The strut tower brace is essentially dead weight, not sure about that SG3 suspension, but the 1LE has magnetic ride control that also cannot be retrofitted into the LT1.

Thanks good to know on the strut tower brace. As to the suspension chevy calls it a "lowering suspension upgrade system" and a "sway bar suspension upgrade system".

If you just want to go out on the track for a good time with some fellow car buddies and get better with car control, there's nothing wrong with the LT1.

Sure thing :happy0180: Just so you know it isn't a cocky SS owner talking out of his rear end, here's Camaro chief engineer Al Oppenheiser's response to a similar question about the strut tower brace: https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showp...70&postcount=1

Also, don't get me wrong about the LT1, it is not bad at all, I just wouldn't want you to arrest your own personal driving development by not spending $3.5k upfront on a vastly superior 1LE whose features you will soon start craving if you plan to regularly track your Camaro. I have nothing but the wider 1LE wheels and tires plus the BMR rear cradle lockout kit, and those already made a very big difference even on the street.

For $3,500 difference?

I imagine we are talking a 1SS 1LE?

For that little amount in cost if my intent was to track it more than once or twice I would get the 1LE.

Like others have said, for the $3500 difference, the 1SS 1LE is a no brainier...

1LE it and be happy with the added parts that are factory installed

So I’m gonna give my .02 cents based off a 5th Gen.
1. Not a seat of the pants feel.
2. Said the same thing about the 5th Gen not really needed
3. From what I’ve read an what Pete from JPSS said it was more of a harmonics dampener
thing.
4. So with all that being said the link of what Al said and the other input you’d be money
ahead to go ahead an get the 1LE package because 3500 bucks won’t buy all the parts
plus installation an the other parts you won’t be able to retrofit like the diff.

Another consideration is the 1LE will likely hold its value better, and probably at least make up that $3500 difference on the other end.

That article was very helpful and it helps me answer some other people's questions when they look under my hood and don't see the strut tower bar.

And remember, Chevy has a track warranty on the 1LE Camaros. It doesn't apply to the LT1 trim, however, due to the lack of coolers and other factors.

Just to add my 2 cents- I'd rather have and not need than need(want) and not have.

Even better- I'd rather be caught with than without!:cool:

I have been lurking for a while trying to decide which way to go. It is hard to argue with the 1LE and the difference in the resale value and extra equipment. I had read some complaining about the tires in wet conditions and I am a little concerned my wife may use the splitter as a shovel :confused0068:.

What got me interested in the comparison between the two was a ask al question response I found where a 1LE was compared to a 1SS with the lowering kit and the handling kit and 1LE wheel and tire combo. The 1LE turned a 2:00 track time and the SS did a 2:02 I was a little surprised they were so close.

I also read a comparison between a SS 1LE and a GT PP2 by Road and Track where they overheated the uncooled rear diff on the Mustang in two laps so I understand the value of having it if you need it. The thread on the shock tower cross brace was impressive especially with me coming from a floppy fox body mustang where the bracing needed bracing. Thanks for the responses!

Well the tires are basically a street legal race tire with enough tread to satisfy DOT.