Quote:
Originally Posted by Can'tHave2MuchHP
Also to add on...
I say this not because I'm a ZL1 owner but just as a GM fanatic in general...The mentality that somehow a few track events a year means you should get the ZLE is pretty misplaced. The ZL1 is a fantastic track package and will handle everything the ZLE can with ease. The ZLE adds some capability with the suspension, tires, a little less weight, etc. but you also have to be able to unlock that capability with your driving skills.
For me, it makes much more sense to have the ZL1. It's faster, by a considerable degree, in a straight line, at highway rolls, and at the drag strip due to suspension and aero. The suspension is more forgiving for average roads and normal use. But it can still turn it on and handle most tracks within a second of the ZLE. I like the all business aesthetic of the ZLE with the aero pieces, matte components etc. but I really like the cleaner look of the ZL1.
No need for a bunch of ZLE owners to jump on me. Yes, your car IS faster on a circuit in the hands of a good driver. But it is not stated enough in the ZL1 vs. ZLE discussion how capable the ZL1 actually is. It's 9/10ths of the ZLE on the track with superior street/straight line characteristics. Do you want that 1/10th of track performance? It's a tradeoff.
Just my $.02.
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Had there been a manual regular ZL1 in the area, my choice would’ve been tougher. I wouldn’t of minded traveling to buy a car, but if I don’t have to to find what I want is obviously nice though.
In the end it came down to what I wanted out of a car. I loved the mag ride on my previous GT350. But, I really loved it when I lowered it and added stiffer bushings plus some other suspension mods. I’ve always been a handling guy over outright top speed and acceleration one. So I couldn’t pass up one of the most unique suspension setups from the factory that still came in a manual. Also I like the wider ZLE 19s over the regular 20s in both style and function.
Again, all that being said, I’m sure I would’ve been very happy with a manual regular ZL1.
OP, think hard what is most important to you in a car. I’m one of the crazy ones that doesn’t think the ZLE ride is that bad most of the time. But, it is busy/always doing something. And if you do get unlucky enough to find a really bad road it can be a bucking bronco. The only thing that bothers me is when I hit a deep manhole cover and the short travel shocks runs out of room really quick. I know it doesn’t really hurt anything, but the sound is awful and the feeling in the arse isn’t great either.
Good luck, either way you’ll happy is my guess.
Edit: I to like the overall cleaner look of the regular ZL1 for the most part. I like the front end of the ZLE with no fog lights/wider scoops etc. But, I like the lower wing of the regular ZL1. So much so, I’m thinking about buying one and swapping them out for DD/looks. Then saving the ZLE wing for track days. Just trying to research how much of a pain in the ass it is to swap them.