[radz28]

There might be some technology in the drivetrain that might separate an SS from ZL1, from a performance standpoint, that I think could be argued, but if you're just looking for a missile (for example), some of those technologies could stand in the way, or be unnecessary for what you're trying to do. Bigger brakes (heavier, too); additional cooling (maybe unnecessary for highway rolls, and heavier); ELSD (some people criticize these aren't completely consistent and you have to modify your driving style to get the most out of it/keep it from intervening); pretty stout long block; you can make big power on the 1.7 (porting services) with a fuel system (which you'd end up doing anyways); etc. I think if you were thinking you were going to stay PD blower, ZL1 might be a good start, but if you were going centri' or turbo, you'd be, essentially, starting over with a good bit of that stuff anyways, so SS might have a leg up. Except for a few beefier ZL1 powertrain assemblies, I don't know that one would be missing out much staying with SS.

This is fun little situation you're in.