Took the car for the last wash at the historic Panzer tank facility for the last time - place is getting refurbished. Unfortunately, it is a 2 month move so the 'auto hobby shop' will be closed for 2 months. Hopefully only a simple oil change will be required in that time - certainly the benefit of a new car.
Did a quick trip to the states for business...visited a dealer to sample a possible upgrade...ZL1 1LE - impressive!
Obviously the handling was a notch better (firm!), but the motor was something else! Got me thinking on the possibilities!
Unfortunately, the dive planes, splitter, and possibly the tire stick out would be cause for concern with German legal. Officially, the car can't be imported by Europeans - Americans are under slightly different rules.
and
I could remove the dive planes/splitter for inspection and even install a set of take off wheel/tires from Craigslist... I'd have to sell my current 1LE as well - some challenges for an exchange with local nationals. Germany tariffs our cars 30%...
Nonetheless, I digress...nearly headed to the Ring on Mother's Day...poor form though. Instead did a 4 hour round trip to otherside of the Country - 22mpg at ~100 mph cruise - acceptable!
The Bavarian part of the country is challenging for level ground and the requirement IMO for a legitimate top speed check. Locally, the Autobahns are restricted (~120 kph / 77 mph) due to traffic. Must drive quite a bit and even then seems still not a dead flat roadway. Anyhow, indicated mph seems very close to Chevy's claim of 175 mph.
Have had several runs of a 175 and two coming off a hill (179) to 'flat' ground with it hovering between 176 and 177. RPM is solid 6000. Temps are 40 with calm wind and tires at 35 psi cold (1500 miles old). Oil temps rise to 275 and trans hits 200 degrees.
Pretty impressive! I did see a ZL1 video (6 spd/non-1LE) and it hit the limiter at 175...nothing left (due to gearing) so there again, the standard SS hits above its mark!
And yes all this was done completely legally! :-)