[Annihilate]

Hey there,

I was recently at my dealership, and I have an order in for a 2SS, however, he got an allocation for a ZL1 and there aren't any customers looking to order one from this particular dealership.

I may have the option to switch to the ZL1 and have a guaranteed allocation.

Besides the obvious extra 15k or so I'd be spending, I am curious as to downsides of owning a ZL1.

I am going from an 88 IROC, so 220HP to around 650. Would want a manual.

As far as a spring-fall car how reasonable is this vehicle? What if I wanted to take it across the country?

I'm sure most here would encourage the upgrade from 2SS to ZL1, and I am tempted, if not only to guarantee my allocation.

Any input?

[CalgaryZL1]

I would jump on it, as far as fall goes with the cooler weather if you’re talking about driving it the tires are very slippery when they’re not warm But if you drive it in ice and snow mode until you get used to the power you should be good

[XXX ZL1]

Jump on it. They won’t build many ZL1’s for 24 so if you have a clear shot at one I would do it.

[h1nch]

Originally Posted by Annihilate

Hey there,

I was recently at my dealership, and I have an order in for a 2SS, however, he got an allocation for a ZL1 and there aren't any customers looking to order one from this particular dealership.

I may have the option to switch to the ZL1 and have a guaranteed allocation.

Besides the obvious extra 15k or so I'd be spending, I am curious as to downsides of owning a ZL1.

I am going from an 88 IROC, so 220HP to around 650. Would want a manual.

As far as a spring-fall car how reasonable is this vehicle? What if I wanted to take it across the country?

I'm sure most here would encourage the upgrade from 2SS to ZL1, and I am tempted, if not only to guarantee my allocation.

Any input?

My experience is based on 9 whole days of ownership so take it with a grain of salt, but I would say if you can afford it, do it. I just drove my ZL1 cross country and I was pleasantly surprised with how comfortable the drive was given the type of car and the level of performance. 650hp is way more power than I need but IMO the car does not feel overly intimidating. I have not yet dared to disable TC and likely won't for some time, but cruising in tour mode is very comfortable and not intimidating at all. I do not live in a cold climate so I cannot comment on how livable the car would be in the winter compared to a 2SS.

The seats in particular surprised me with how comfortable they were over the course of 8 and 10 hour driving stints.

Not sure what other downsides there are besides the price. Worse gas mileage perhaps? More attention from other car people. Also your styling preferences. I personally think the ZL1 is the absolute best looking Camaro exterior there is, but that's entirely subjective.

[302crossram]

get the Z !!!!!!

[GearheadSS]

No downside. Just do it.

[50MileSmile]

Originally Posted by GearheadSS

No downside. Just do it.

Spoken like a true gentleman from the South!

OP, if you live where the temperatures regularly fall before 40 degrees and the car has summer tires, the tire compounds will lose flexibility and you’ll lose traction. Below 20 degrees, the tread and sidewalls can develop surface cracks. Both Chevrolet and the manufacturers of summer tires recommend you switch to winter tires and store your summer tires indoors. Ford doesn’t even deliver Mustangs to dealers Up North during the coldest winter months because of the summer tire issue.

Also, some ZL1 owners have reported that their cars that see little or no track time are uncomfortably harsh for a daily driver or all-day cruising. Have you asked any questions at the Camaro6 ZL1 Forum? There are a bunch of really experienced and smart owners over there.

So, to answer your question, my heart says go for the ZL1 because it’s the top dog Camaro - after you honestly make sure your bank account, local weather and butt dyno tell you to do it. Good luck!

[MakCamaro]

No downsides. It's the ultimate driving experience. I switched from a 2SS (that I absolutely adored) 2 years ago and I can tell you that the ZL1 is the best car I have ever driven. Go for it with no second thoughts!

[302crossram]

don't be like me "I should've got the Z."


JUST DO IT

[Annihilate]

This is tough lol. I've got about 7 hours... If it's still available. We shall see what fate brings. A bit intimidated by the power...

[Annihilate]

Fate has decided. He got an allocation for a 2SS, and I told myself if it was available I'd go through with my original order.

It was a fun thought to toy with for a little while.

Hopefully someone here gets that allocation for the ZL1!

[arpad_m]

You'll love the 2SS, it's powerful and has all the bells and whistles. Then, once you're ready, you can start modding... the sky is the limit.

[NashZL1]

The power in the ZL1 is phenomenal, but you control it with your right foot. It's a car, like any other, but there is a huge respect factor in knowing what it and you are capable of.

I love mine, and see the others I own in my signature. Of the "fun" cars, the ZL1 hands down beats my Corvette, GT500, old Z car and the Mercedes. Best bang for the $ out there IMO, rides good enough, is comfortable even with the Recaro seats (in my case), is solid as a rock, and handles incredibly on the road and track.

My only complaint, and I realize the cost factor that would be involved, is the interior material quality, but again, it's $70k, not more. Find another car with 650 hp for that new.

Having said that, based on my Corvette Grand Sport with 465 hp, the SS is still a great option at a much lower cost, and is still more power than you really "need".

Can't go wrong either way. The Alpha platform is just too good!

[MakCamaro]

Originally Posted by Annihilate

Fate has decided. He got an allocation for a 2SS, and I told myself if it was available I'd go through with my original order.

It was a fun thought to toy with for a little while.

Hopefully someone here gets that allocation for the ZL1!

Enjoy it! That was my previous Camaro and it's an amazing car!