Complex ZL1 questions

Visibilities · 11-05-2017, 03:49 AM

Hey guys. I'm definitely investing in a 2018 ZL1 within the next few months. I had a couple of questions regarding the structural integrity of the car if anyone knew.

Some of you will laugh, but I'm seriously looking forward to swapping blowers and throwing an F1X in it and shooting for around 1200whp after everything's built. These cars are new, does anyone know how strong the body is and if I'd need a roll cage for this kind of power? I know everyone says to get a cage way beyond this point, but it would be more of a daily driver and I wouldn't really want that mess. Also, the one I'm looking at has a sunroof. Would a sunroof shatter due to the body flex? Would there even be any? I currently own a 650whp 5th gen SS and have no sunroof issues at 50k.

The last question is, do the 6th gens have less headroom with the sunroof? I know the 5th gens do. I know these questions are vague but I can't seem to find any data or resources that go this deep into the car. Thanks - Vis

LiqTenExp · 11-05-2017, 06:27 AM

I couldn't fit w/sunroof, too tall (6'2"). I actually was going to go Z06 but I could just fit in it (not at all in stingray) but I couldn't fit with a helmet. ZL1 w/o sunroof I can wear a helmet (seat all the way down).

Biscuit.fr · 11-05-2017, 08:15 AM

I know some guys got issues with rear axle bolts
BTS to switch from short to longer...
With 1200, may be you have to think also stronger!

JamesNoBrakes · 11-05-2017, 09:14 AM

5'11" and I have no headroom issues with sunroof from what I've tried in the C6. Seems about the same as my C5 though. If you set your seat back and low, shouldn't be a big issue, but I'd want to try it with a helmet in your case to be sure it would be ok. Every time I go to drive a car, rental, fleet, or otherwise, that's not my own, the seat is always jacked up as far as it will go. I don't understand this.

Infern0 · 11-05-2017, 09:24 AM

Is this a troll?

*Mr. Wyndham* · 11-05-2017, 10:23 AM

The car is one of the stiffest unibody's GM has built to date. The CTS and gen 5 Camaro previously held that title. That said - I don't really know how to answer your question without suggesting you find someone else who has done something similar to either a Gen 6 or Gen 5 car...see what they're issues (or not) were. Good luck, and can't wait to see the build!

Visibilities · 11-05-2017, 07:59 PM

No I'm not a troll lol. The axles and half shafts will be replaced. So will the rear diff if need be. I'm only 5'10 on a good day. I'm just worried that the torque going through the frame will shatter the sunroof. The reason being is there is a black 2018 zl1 for sale at the dealership in my small ass town for a reasonable price. It has a sunroof. I'm debating on it or driving elsewhere for one without a sunroof. Thanks for the input Mr.Wyndham - Vis

CountryTom · 11-05-2017, 10:14 PM

I’m 6’3”. Sunroof steals 2-3” headroom. With a helmet, just not a viable option. I don’t have a sunroof and still barely clear with my helmet on. There are a few threads that dive deeper into the headroom issue though.

MoreSpeed · 11-06-2017, 11:21 PM

Take your helmet to the dealer and ask to sit in the car. I did. With my seating position, I could not fit at 5' 11" in the Gen6.

No idea about the 1200 HP. That's about the HP of my last three cars together. Are you setting your car up to be a hypermiler?

Gunkk · 11-07-2017, 05:20 AM

At 1200 HP wouldn't you already be swapping out every upgrade the ZL1 offers over the 2SS?

11-05-2017, 03:49 AM	#1
Visibilities Drives: 2014 SS - Sleeved 427/Procharged Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 109	Complex ZL1 questions Hey guys. I'm definitely investing in a 2018 ZL1 within the next few months. I had a couple of questions regarding the structural integrity of the car if anyone knew. Some of you will laugh, but I'm seriously looking forward to swapping blowers and throwing an F1X in it and shooting for around 1200whp after everything's built. These cars are new, does anyone know how strong the body is and if I'd need a roll cage for this kind of power? I know everyone says to get a cage way beyond this point, but it would be more of a daily driver and I wouldn't really want that mess. Also, the one I'm looking at has a sunroof. Would a sunroof shatter due to the body flex? Would there even be any? I currently own a 650whp 5th gen SS and have no sunroof issues at 50k. The last question is, do the 6th gens have less headroom with the sunroof? I know the 5th gens do. I know these questions are vague but I can't seem to find any data or resources that go this deep into the car. Thanks - Vis

11-05-2017, 06:27 AM	#2
LiqTenExp Drives: 2017 ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: NJ Posts: 926	I couldn't fit w/sunroof, too tall (6'2"). I actually was going to go Z06 but I could just fit in it (not at all in stingray) but I couldn't fit with a helmet. ZL1 w/o sunroof I can wear a helmet (seat all the way down). __________________ 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe M6 (847whp Dynojet on 93)

11-05-2017, 09:24 AM	#5
Infern0 Bring It Drives: In Between Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,929 View My Garage	Is this a troll? __________________ 2017 Camaro ZL1 M6 - Everything but the sunroof - Sold 2010 Camaro SS - 650RWHP Daily Driver - Traded

11-05-2017, 10:23 AM	#6
Mr. Wyndham I used to be Dragoneye... Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 31,873 View My Garage	The car is one of the stiffest unibody's GM has built to date. The CTS and gen 5 Camaro previously held that title. That said - I don't really know how to answer your question without suggesting you find someone else who has done something similar to either a Gen 6 or Gen 5 car...see what they're issues (or not) were. Good luck, and can't wait to see the build! __________________ *"Keep the faith."* - Fbodfather

11-06-2017, 11:21 PM	#9
MoreSpeed Drives: 2017 Hyper Blue A10 ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: New England Posts: 716	Take your helmet to the dealer and ask to sit in the car. I did. With my seating position, I could not fit at 5' 11" in the Gen6. No idea about the 1200 HP. That's about the HP of my last three cars together. Are you setting your car up to be a hypermiler? __________________ - Life is a highway... I want to ride it all night long... Sold 2010 997 GT3, 2016 WRX, 2006 997 C2S, 2003 996 C4S, 2001 Boxster S, 1997 E420 AMG etc..

11-05-2017, 08:15 AM	#3
Biscuit.fr Drives: Red hot ZL1 A10 2017 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: MS Back to France (29) Posts: 804	I know some guys got issues with rear axle bolts BTS to switch from short to longer... With 1200, may be you have to think also stronger!

11-05-2017, 09:14 AM	#4
JamesNoBrakes Drives: 2SS 1LE Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: AK Posts: 2,377	5'11" and I have no headroom issues with sunroof from what I've tried in the C6. Seems about the same as my C5 though. If you set your seat back and low, shouldn't be a big issue, but I'd want to try it with a helmet in your case to be sure it would be ok. Every time I go to drive a car, rental, fleet, or otherwise, that's not my own, the seat is always jacked up as far as it will go. I don't understand this.

11-05-2017, 07:59 PM	#7
Visibilities Drives: 2014 SS - Sleeved 427/Procharged Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 109	No I'm not a troll lol. The axles and half shafts will be replaced. So will the rear diff if need be. I'm only 5'10 on a good day. I'm just worried that the torque going through the frame will shatter the sunroof. The reason being is there is a black 2018 zl1 for sale at the dealership in my small ass town for a reasonable price. It has a sunroof. I'm debating on it or driving elsewhere for one without a sunroof. Thanks for the input Mr.Wyndham - Vis

11-05-2017, 10:14 PM	#8
CountryTom Drives: 2017 ZL1 - Nightfall Gray Metallic Join Date: May 2017 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 30	I’m 6’3”. Sunroof steals 2-3” headroom. With a helmet, just not a viable option. I don’t have a sunroof and still barely clear with my helmet on. There are a few threads that dive deeper into the headroom issue though.

11-07-2017, 05:20 AM	#10
Gunkk Thank you Al Oppenheiser! Drives: Red Hot A10 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 5,179 View My Garage	At 1200 HP wouldn't you already be swapping out every upgrade the ZL1 offers over the 2SS?

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