[autocross]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

I believe it has to do with more weight on the front of the car than the V6 has and I'm also certain it has a stiffer suspension than a 1LT / 2LT model.

It's kind of weird how this works... But my 1LT loved accellerating and staying in higher RPMs and at times I could find myself doing 80 / 90 without even realizing it. It isn't slow. It's able to keep up with my 99 Z28 LS1 V8 and has at times made me question if it could beat it or not. I'd say on a bad day for the LS1 it probably can. My 2SS is alot more controlled and collected. Everything that happens in it is because it's precisely what you meant to do...but it has practically unending power in reserve.

We have a private drive at work that is pretty much never used and has those speed reducer divided islands every few thousand feet. Well.. My V6 could whip around them without ever slowing down at 45 - 50 MPH... I'd have to be a bit more careful with the SS. So basically the V6 is nimble and super easy to manuever.. The SS is solid and confident and precise.

You should go and test drive both. Start with a I4 then V6 and finally an SS... You'll feel what I mean pretty quick.



I wanted to note that the 2SS he traded from is a 2015 5th Gen SS and not a 2016+ 6th Gen SS... However that asside there should be no reason he can't drive either vehicle in the cold. The LS3/L99 and LT1 love the cold. What he may be inferring is snow and ice...which probably wouldn't be fun in these cars...but still "doable" ..but it's not something I'd treat this car to. I'd buy a beater for that.

The V6 is a refined car. It was not intended to be a competition vehicle but more so a quick commuter vehicle. It drives like a Caddillac and can put you to sleep at 90 MPH. It isn't slow...it's just smooth and quick. It drives sporty in the sense that it has 8 gears and can be fairly aggressive in the fact that it likes to rev, but not like a Honda.. It also has a small final drive so it's not going g to like...put you in the back seat but it can surprise you.

As for the fuel... It's debatable. Some people are stating they have seen 30 and 35 MPG out of the SS. The best I have pumped out of mine is 23 but I haven't had any long highway trips yet and Atlanta traffic is hell.

For the V6 ... You won't notice a power difference between regular and premium. I've tried several times and it feels the same. You MAY feel it if you're in a hot region with tons of humidity and have the A/C on max all day... But in normal circumstances, it's a big waste of money to put premium in it.

Also be aware the I4 requires premium, just like the SS.

Your high speed runs around the islands are EXACTLY my driving style. I like doing a pull from time to time, but it’s mainly the exhaust and RPMs which get me excited. For example, my first car was a 1999 4Runner (still have it). I threw a TRD exhaust on there right away. Then, as time went on, removed the resonator, and then the TRD muffler. Now it’s running a flowmaster. Point being, the sucker isn’t fast, but I still have a ball running that V6 up to redline just for the sound and vibrations. It is supercharged now, but I’m sure the power isn’t even close to the V6 in the camaro! Especially since I don’t have VVT, and my compression isn’t even close.

Originally Posted by cooper1965

Yes, I am running the I4. I chose it because I can make 400WP safely and inexpensively on stock internals. The 50/50 weight distribution was just a bonus of the I4. In stock form, it doesn't sound bad. If you opt for BOSE audio, it actually sounds decent (inside the car). GM pumps fake engine noises through the speakers to cancel out sounds, and add other sounds. It does a surprisingly good job. Once you put a downpipe on is when it (in my opinion) sounds bad,.. (I will combat that with a long straight through resonator) It pretty much sounds like every other ecotec engine ever made, cavalier, cobalt, ect..with exhaust..Not high-pitched, more like tractor doing work. Turbo sounds can be heard, and are amplified by intake upgrades.

OH! The tractor noise? I know exactly what your talking about. My friend tried sticking a single cell muffler on his turbo 4 and we all called it a tractor. At high RPMs it would release these violent farts. Sounded kind of cool, but it was okay because his car was tiny. Is yours kind of like this?

Originally Posted by mdhopt36

My take, the V6 I had, a 1LT felt very quick and nimble. We have several places on my highway where you can 'open it up" some and it seemed to me to really start cooking at 80mph. Felt light, loud with the run-flats, a go-kart with a Rotax screwed to the back. Amazing seeing that it's an "out of the box" car. I feel like others; gonna cost to get significant HP gains from this engine. Mileage with premium was 27 mixed, and 37 at a pokey pace of 45mph---simply outstanding. I verified that with fill-ups, and calculator diddling. SS- at present, w. 900miles on it, is getting 21.3 mixed so far.
Bang for the buck, @ $26k new, all in with a few options was a steal, imo.
*********
-BUT-... as another dude said, if you want to stay satisfied with the 6, don't hop into an SS. Plain stupid if you want to minimize the wallet trauma.
Seems much more restrained, not nearly the road noise, not quite the 'go-kart" syndrome, but oh, MAN, that abundance of torque is amazing! Has that "put you in the back of the seat' ability, which could be troubling in autox???
*** A curious note, not sure why, but the SS is easier for us old farts to get in/out of.
My use, is cruising, summer trips, and daily driver. Sorta doesn't fit in with AX.
But if the latter is your thing, I believe a V6 slinging around fast and quick would be your ticket.
Premo vs reg gas at the pumps, I found out long time ago--- money wise, it's about a wash, but I ALWAYS got better mileage with the better "proof" stuff. Premo with no alcohol wasn't any better than E10. (but it lasts and stores better in lawnmowers and outboards)
Whatever you get, I think you should concentrate on ENJOYING it. That's where the real fun is.
Oh, the 6 sounds sorta like a Maserati, or such ilk when you mash the right pedal. The 8 sounds like American Muscle!!!

Woahhhh! Maserati sound? That must sound incredible. It’s probably just me, but I’ve always preferred the exotic V6 sound because in my own opinion - the V8 exhaust note seems kind of generic to me. I don’t really know why, but I hear it so much.
By the way, why so much more tire noise on the V6 version? I think having a car feel like a go cart would be more satisfying for me than a car with endless power because, in my area, I am unable to use half that much power. No long straight roads here. Also, autocross I’d imagine that much torque would just rip the back loose. The top speed on the local course is probably under 40...

Originally Posted by iarepeyton

Premium gas definitely gives the V6 a torquier midrange. It is nice that we can choose any gas we want, but the engine undoubtedly likes premium better. I can't imagine how retarded the timing is on 87 octane with our 11.5:1 compression ratio...
As for smoothness, I had a friend tell me it was smoother than her mom's BMW. The engine is tame for your boring commuting but is very happy to get wild/rough when you want it to.
Yes I wish it had more power and plan on going the FI route sometime down the road. That isn't to say the engine lacks it, I just want more lol. Even more desirable, at least for me, is an LSD. I'm not sure what is preferable in autocross, but the open diff is a pain if you want to turn hard and also accelerate.
As for the chassis, it is extremely well balanced and happy to work with you in all situations. When I say it's balanced, I mean that at the same point the car starts to understeer, it oversteers. It makes for a very controllable and predictable car. You can beat the hell out of it and it plays right along.

So when you rev it out the engine becomes wild and rough?! If so, that is exactly what I’m looking for. And thanks for mentioning the timing and compression. I couldn’t believe it runs on regular with such a high compression ratio. Does premium make a big difference? My supercharged 4Runner won’t even take regular and it only has 6 PSI boost with an 8.5:1 compression... I’d imagine the camaro engine would go full retard mode with 87 octane...

Originally Posted by JT58

I had a 2011 2 SS. It was a great car, I loved the sound with the Flowmasters.It was also a very heavy car and did not seem to handle as well as my 2017 2LT V6.The best gas mileage I could get in the 2SS was 19 MPG. That was driving it with the lightest foot I could on all back roads, revving it to only 2.5K RPM.And it used premium gas.I took a new job with a very long commute and I get 31 MPG with my 2LT V6 and it runs on regular gas.So the gas cost is ½ of the SS I had.Not it’s not the fastest car out there but l love the looks of the car inside and out.So I only really miss the sound of the throaty V8 on the SS but not much else.But I have to admit if not for the gas mileage and I had a butt ton of money I would opt for an SS.

I’d imagine your new your new V6 would sound incredible with a flowmaster on it! I’m using a 2 cell, flowmaster 30 on my car and it isn’t obnoxious. You might not miss the V8’s soundif your car sounded like a masarati or something!!! Everyone knows and loves the V8 rumble, but that exotic V6 sound could turn heads, no??

[majik755]

I love my V6 LT2, plenty of power and great handling. I did add the Chevy performance CAI and performance exhaust, with the custom performance tune from GM, so with those additions I did get a bit more power and responsiveness, and my warranty remains intact. It's a little deeper/louder due to the Borla contracted exhaust Chevy performance uses, according to the gys at Borla I talked to, it was designed to fall between their Touring and "S" exhaust in sound. I still miss the sound of the V8, but my neighbors probably prefer it and I can still be happy with a growl or two

[enzia35]

I already had 2 v6's. It was time for the v8. No regrets.

[redcoats1976]

i drove a friends 2014 SS today and compared it to my 2015 RS.no matter which one you get there should be no dissapointments.

[iarepeyton]

Gonna answer the questions addressed to me:
The torque curve is extremely flat so around 2500RPM you have full torque and it's very noticeable.
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/y...psme8wmtzl.jpg
I'm not really sure what you're going to consider "wild" lol, thats rather arbitrary. You definitely need to find a dealership that lets you test drive...
Here is my dashcam video from leaving LS Fest so you can hear it and sorta see the pull (had t/c on so i didn't spin the tires with a cop right there and had a friend in the car):
https://youtu.be/vDD7oFDdVfY

Premium gas does not make a "big" difference. Most people would not be able to distinguish it tbh, but I put about 13,500 miles on it running only 87 octane and then switched to premium 93 octane. Once you're used to it being one way you notice the small difference. It just feels healthier to me, but that could be placebo. I have no doubt that there is a minor increase in torque.

[FLTRCamaro]

Originally Posted by redcoats1976

i drove a friends 2014 SS today and compared it to my 2015 RS.no matter which one you get there should be no dissapointments.

I agree...having owned a 5th gen v6, 6th gen v6 and now a 6th gen 2ss I can say that they were all great/fun cars to drive with plenty of power , but the sound and rumble of an American V8 is what i really wanted so for me the added expense of a 2ss upgrade was worth every penny,plus the extra HP and torque puts a big smile on my face when I downshift and drop the hammer
Wish i could have kept my 2013 as well..kinda miss that retro feel but Im Very happy with my 6th gen SS

[mdhopt36]

Biggest thing I have noted with premo gas, the vehicle shifts sooner, and gets better mileage.
Money wise, it's a wash.
I like the way it runs on good stuff.
If you spring for an SS, I wouldn't think you'd scrimp on gas.

[cellsafemode]

the difference in fuel costs between regular and premium is 20 cents where i live currently and wasn't that much different across the entire country in the Northeast.

So 3.40 to what, maybe 5 bucks for a 17 gal fillup. You're doing something wrong if that's a big deal to you.

I always assume the fuel is going to be contaminated with water and/or the fuel company is going to try and cheap out and dilute or purchase from a bargain distributor for their regular grade... So i've always purchased premium ...that way if they're diluting the premium, at worst it'll be around regular grade. But if they're being shady with the regular grade, you'll be in pretty bad shape.

Not as much of a problem where i currently live as there aren't any real independent gas stations ...but back in the north east.... shady fuel was/is a problem.

[beflat10r]

Originally Posted by autocross

What you said really interests me. You said the 4 and 6 are kind of loose compared to the V8. Do you believe this is because the V8 gives it more heft? That would explain the more planted feel. Would you go to the extent of saying the lesser powered models are more playful while the V8 is more of a speed machine?

So, just to clarify, you’re running a I4? You chose this because of the weight distribution, and you’re able to make better numbers than the V6? How ‘bad’ does it sound. Is it like a japanese tuner car which is very high pitched? Or is it like a civic? Any turbo noise coming from that beefy turbo?

You can’t drive the 2SS in the cold? Is it related to the tires? I heard the V8 consumes a lot of oil too? How’s the V6 feel when driving. Is it a rough and sporty engine with some character, or smooth and kind of tame? Do you ever wish you had more power? Have you noticed any difference running premium vs regular in that engine? Sounds like they’re squeezing power out of the engine so I’d imagine it would respond better to a higher octane?

Sorry for the questions! Trying to really get my fill of information before I check out more biased information on the specific engine forums!!!

It had performance tires that are not safe in cold temperatures. Believe me I ignored the warnings to not drive them in cold temps and the warnings were correct.
It didn't consume oil although I bought it at 5800 miles and sold it at 12400 miles and only one oil change while I owned it. I like the V6. Fun. Fast. Doesn't have the SS sound or torque though. That all was fun but I don't race or go to the track and admired the gen6 and decided to go with the V6 with the increased horsepower and all the creature comfort options. Anyway all the compliments about both Camaros came while they are parked.
I've only put regular gas in it. Runs great and last 50 mile average was 22 mpg and best was 29 mpg.

[autocross]

Originally Posted by majik755

I love my V6 LT2, plenty of power and great handling. I did add the Chevy performance CAI and performance exhaust, with the custom performance tune from GM, so with those additions I did get a bit more power and responsiveness, and my warranty remains intact. It's a little deeper/louder due to the Borla contracted exhaust Chevy performance uses, according to the gys at Borla I talked to, it was designed to fall between their Touring and "S" exhaust in sound. I still miss the sound of the V8, but my neighbors probably prefer it and I can still be happy with a growl or two

Where did you find these parts? Did the CAI give a little more induction noise?

Originally Posted by iarepeyton

Gonna answer the questions addressed to me:
The torque curve is extremely flat so around 2500RPM you have full torque and it's very noticeable.
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/y...psme8wmtzl.jpg
I'm not really sure what you're going to consider "wild" lol, thats rather arbitrary. You definitely need to find a dealership that lets you test drive...
Here is my dashcam video from leaving LS Fest so you can hear it and sorta see the pull (had t/c on so i didn't spin the tires with a cop right there and had a friend in the car):
https://youtu.be/vDD7oFDdVfY

Premium gas does not make a "big" difference. Most people would not be able to distinguish it tbh, but I put about 13,500 miles on it running only 87 octane and then switched to premium 93 octane. Once you're used to it being one way you notice the small difference. It just feels healthier to me, but that could be placebo. I have no doubt that there is a minor increase in torque.

Your car sounds great! Does it spin tires easily with that much power? I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s running healthier because most engines change timing for gas nowadays. My friends mercedes was a different car when we tested race gas in it. Hilarious!!!

Originally Posted by cellsafemode

the difference in fuel costs between regular and premium is 20 cents where i live currently and wasn't that much different across the entire country in the Northeast.

So 3.40 to what, maybe 5 bucks for a 17 gal fillup. You're doing something wrong if that's a big deal to you.

I always assume the fuel is going to be contaminated with water and/or the fuel company is going to try and cheap out and dilute or purchase from a bargain distributor for their regular grade... So i've always purchased premium ...that way if they're diluting the premium, at worst it'll be around regular grade. But if they're being shady with the regular grade, you'll be in pretty bad shape.

Not as much of a problem where i currently live as there aren't any real independent gas stations ...but back in the north east.... shady fuel was/is a problem.

Yes. I lost an injector in my V6 due to issues with gas contamination. I only fill up at 76 and Chevron, so I was very surprised. If i get a bad set of fuel my car will actually knock. Very annoying. That’s why I’m not a huge fan of going FI on a N/A car. There’s a lot of side effects

Wish there was a turbo kit because the design of this engine was optimized for turbos, or only if chevy could include them stock 😭

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by cellsafemode

the difference in fuel costs between regular and premium is 20 cents where i live currently and wasn't that much different across the entire country in the Northeast.

So 3.40 to what, maybe 5 bucks for a 17 gal fillup. You're doing something wrong if that's a big deal to you.

I always assume the fuel is going to be contaminated with water and/or the fuel company is going to try and cheap out and dilute or purchase from a bargain distributor for their regular grade... So i've always purchased premium ...that way if they're diluting the premium, at worst it'll be around regular grade. But if they're being shady with the regular grade, you'll be in pretty bad shape.

Not as much of a problem where i currently live as there aren't any real independent gas stations ...but back in the north east.... shady fuel was/is a problem.

I've never had an issue with regular in mine. Premium made no difference in how it ran either. The only thing that is recommended is using Top Tier fuel. In my 5th Gen I could feel the difference, in my 6th Gen V6 it did absolutely nothing.

This was done on regular fuel doing speeds as high as 85 MPH:


So the idea that premium is going to net you better fuel mileage in a car that wasn't primarily designed to use it is bogus.

The difference between regular and premium in Georgia is about $0.75 per gallon as well and the performance difference are so minute its just not worth it.

Whats worth it is getting an E-85 tune...that will really get you going.

[gringo]

Originally Posted by custommx3

I had a V6 for many years, loved the car. It was a '14 RS. I recently upgraded to a '17 2SS and I'll admit, the V8 is a totally different experience. If you have a v6, you have no idea what your missing. Not hating on the v6, but in my opinion it was an upgrade I should have done a long time ago.

I'm sure that's what a lot of Porsche 911 and Ferrari guys say too. "You have no idea what you're missing". lol!

I'm still trying to figure out the "V8" guys. The reason why a lot of us have the V6 or I4 is because they are LESS EXPENSIVE overall than the V8. Yes, they are cheaper, option for option, and get better MPG. Uh oh, I can already hear the mythical 30+mpg V8 guys rattling their sabres now. lol!

Now, before you write a paragraph on how you can option up the V6 past the cost of a needle in the haystack invoice only never going to find one on the lot 1SS, this was not the case with me. The base 1SS V8 cars were at least $10k to $12k more than the V6.

So, I chose the V6 because it fit within my budget at the time. Since I like my car and don't plan on selling it anytime soon, I plan to do a few mods when time and budget allows. However, right now being stock, I have no regrets about performance. I have no problem keeping up with traffic and the occasional foot stomp on the accelerator to get past slower vehicles.

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by gringo

I'm sure that's what a lot of Porsche 911 and Ferrari guys say too. "You have no idea what you're missing". lol!

I'm still trying to figure out the "V8" guys. The reason why a lot of us have the V6 or I4 is because they are LESS EXPENSIVE overall than the V8. Yes, they are cheaper, option for option, and get better MPG. Uh oh, I can already hear the mythical 30+mpg V8 guys rattling their sabres now. lol!

Now, before you write a paragraph on how you can option up the V6 past the cost of a needle in the haystack invoice only never going to find one on the lot 1SS, this was not the case with me. The base 1SS V8 cars were at least $10k to $12k more than the V6.

So, I chose the V6 because it fit within my budget at the time. Since I like my car and don't plan on selling it anytime soon, I plan to do a few mods when time and budget allows. However, right now being stock, I have no regrets about performance. I have no problem keeping up with traffic and the occasional foot stomp on the accelerator to get past slower vehicles.

You are very wrong about the bolded...you can EASILY find a 1SS without even trying cheaper than a 2LT or 1LE V6.

I not to long ago as well posted several ads with fully optioned 2SS's with less than 5k miles on the odometer in the price range of $34 - $37k which is about the ball park of a non convertible 2LT V6.

And I also just recently bought my new 2017 2SS with 343 test drive miles on the odometer for 36k... And with the 2019's coming out its only going to get easier.

But I won't dog on the V6, It is a very powerful machine out the box...but it is true when they say that the SS is altogether a night and day difference infact its unreal. Doesnt mean the V6 is under powered...but the SS is a different animal altogether. You'll understand it when you drive one..almost instantly..

For commuting, the V6 is a better car, but for outright performance the SS is plainly a beast.

[autocross]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

I've never had an issue with regular in mine. Premium made no difference in how it ran either. The only thing that is recommended is using Top Tier fuel. In my 5th Gen I could feel the difference, in my 6th Gen V6 it did absolutely nothing.

This was done on regular fuel doing speeds as high as 85 MPH:


So the idea that premium is going to net you better fuel mileage in a car that wasn't primarily designed to use it is bogus.

The difference between regular and premium in Georgia is about $0.75 per gallon as well and the performance difference are so minute its just not worth it.

Whats worth it is getting an E-85 tune...that will really get you going.

Holy smokes! That’s some incredible fuel economy!!! I’m very impressed! No E85 around me but i’ve heard good things about it.

Originally Posted by gringo

I'm sure that's what a lot of Porsche 911 and Ferrari guys say too. "You have no idea what you're missing". lol!

I'm still trying to figure out the "V8" guys. The reason why a lot of us have the V6 or I4 is because they are LESS EXPENSIVE overall than the V8. Yes, they are cheaper, option for option, and get better MPG. Uh oh, I can already hear the mythical 30+mpg V8 guys rattling their sabres now. lol!

Now, before you write a paragraph on how you can option up the V6 past the cost of a needle in the haystack invoice only never going to find one on the lot 1SS, this was not the case with me. The base 1SS V8 cars were at least $10k to $12k more than the V6.

So, I chose the V6 because it fit within my budget at the time. Since I like my car and don't plan on selling it anytime soon, I plan to do a few mods when time and budget allows. However, right now being stock, I have no regrets about performance. I have no problem keeping up with traffic and the occasional foot stomp on the accelerator to get past slower vehicles.

In my opinion, a V6 can be better than a V8. The Supra, GTR, NSX, M3, M2, Infinity etc all use 6 cylinders. This was because you could get good power, and save on weight. Now, I know what you’re thinking. The camaro is N/A, and most of the ones I listed have a turbo. Well, technology has given us a N/A 6 which makes similar power to the old turbo 6! To me, It seems like the V8 is more for a kick in the but and a hell of a fun time. On a large track the extra power will totally help, but on any technical courses you’re gonna he held back by the heavy snout.

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

You are very wrong about the bolded...you can EASILY find a 1SS without even trying cheaper than a 2LT or 1LE V6.

I not to long ago as well posted several ads with fully optioned 2SS's with less than 5k miles on the odometer in the price range of $34 - $37k which is about the ball park of a non convertible 2LT V6.

And I also just recently bought my new 2017 2SS with 343 test drive miles on the odometer for 36k... And with the 2019's coming out its only going to get easier.

But I won't dog on the V6, It is a very powerful machine out the box...but it is true when they say that the SS is altogether a night and day difference infact its unreal. Doesnt mean the V6 is under powered...but the SS is a different animal altogether. You'll understand it when you drive one..almost instantly..

For commuting, the V6 is a better car, but for outright performance the SS is plainly a beast.

A wise man once told me “It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow”. Being able to row gears and really rev out that engine is fun in my opinion. I’d go nuts having so much power and not being able to run through my gears. That is just my opinion though, i’m sure id hace a huge smile revving that big V8!